In addition to my Experience - Theaters

I want to share my experiences with improv and how it has shaped me, especially in building confidence and overcoming stage fright. Our improv troupe had our first performance last spring, and it was an incredible experience. Let me take you through it.

Last spring, our improv troupe finally got our chance to shine on stage with our very first performance. We decided to put on a show inspired by the popular TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" but with a twist to match our school spirit. Since our school mascot is a lion, we cleverly named our show "Whose Lion Is It Anyway?" It was a playful take on the original, and we were all excited to see how it would be received.

The weeks leading up to the performance were filled with intense rehearsals. Improv is all about spontaneity, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t practice. We worked on various games and exercises to sharpen our quick-thinking skills and improve our chemistry as a team. There was a lot of laughter, some trial and error, and a growing sense of camaraderie among us.

When the day of the performance arrived, the excitement and nerves were palpable. The auditorium was packed with students, teachers, and family members, all eager to see what we had in store. As I stood backstage with my fellow troupe members, I felt a mix of adrenaline and anxiety. It was time to put everything we’d practiced to the test.

As we stepped onto the stage, the applause and cheers from the audience gave us a huge boost. We kicked off the show with some classic improv games, and the audience was laughing and cheering along with us. The energy was incredible. One of my favorite moments was a game where we had to act out scenes based on audience suggestions. The unpredictability and creativity made it so much fun, both for us and for the audience.

Throughout the performance, I realized just how much I had grown since starting improv. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from theater and improv is confidence. It takes a lot of guts to step onto a stage and perform without a script. But the more I did it, the more I felt my confidence grow. I learned to trust myself and my instincts, to go with the flow, and to embrace the unexpected.

Another huge takeaway from my improv experience has been learning to overcome stage fright. Standing in front of an audience used to make me incredibly nervous. I’d worry about forgetting my lines, making a mistake, or being laughed at. But through improv, I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, sometimes the funniest and most memorable moments come from the unexpected. I learned to laugh at myself, to roll with the punches, and to keep going no matter what.

One thing that really helped was the support of my fellow troupe members. Improv is all about teamwork and trust. Knowing that we were all in it together, that we had each other’s backs, made a huge difference. We encouraged each other, shared tips, and celebrated each other’s successes. That sense of camaraderie and support was incredibly empowering.

Looking back on our first performance, I feel incredibly proud. We put on a great show, and the audience loved it. The laughs, the applause, the high-fives from my friends afterward—it was all worth it. But more than that, I’m proud of the personal growth I’ve experienced. I’ve gained confidence, learned to overcome my fears, and discovered a new passion for improv.

Now, as I continue with the improv troupe, I’m excited for what’s next. I plan to keep honing my skills, trying new things, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Improv has taught me so much, and I know there’s still so much more to learn.

Thank you for following along with my journey. Theater and improv have been a huge part of my life, and I’m excited to see where they take me next. Stay tuned for more updates, and until next time, keep reaching for the stars!