michelle.in.space.

chrisreblogs:

Improv Rambling: Listening, Point of View, Specifics, Tangents and Liking Things

Above is a video from The Ellen Show that came up on my dashboard (thank you, brendanmc). Now, it might be weird to use a real person and how they converse as an example of perfect improv. But since one of the things we strive for is to be real, I am going to go for it.

Gladys from Austin, Texas, is 88. And she is amazing. While she has strong opinions, she is not making things into a confrontation (spiky plant, local news, etc). She gives specifics (cousin Jennie. the icicle on the roof, QVC, ladybug broach). And things that feel like tangents but are actually just building off what Ellen has said. And she has feelings about everything and expresses them, even if that feeling is a “whatever” (“Well, I’m sure that means something”). And the magic of honesty and simple contrasts (“Listen, I’ll be honest with you.I love Jesus but I drink a little.”)

I realize Gladys does all these things because she is a real person. She doesn’t have to make up with specifics because they are specifics in her real life. And there are a ton of nuance which is “easier” because that is just who she is. But in scenes, this is the sort of real people I hope I can play. 

This is the most incredible video I’ve seen in a while. Gladys forever.

chrisgriswold:

Satan, Cosmic Mercenary

From the 2012 show “The Gospel of Judas” the introductory credits for the character of Satan, Cosmic Mercenary.

Directed by Justin Lamb

Shot and Edited by Garrett Johnston

Featuring Chris Griswold, Jacqueline Sneyers

I’ve apparently lost some weight!

I love this intro sequence. I was in this show, and it was a real treat.

And my fav line in the video is still “saddest place in the world to cry… is in outer space!”