Yes... and

Improv class has been more difficult than I expected. I thought that the moment I understood the rules, all I'd have to do is practice and be okay at it.. at least good enough to crudely apply the rules to whatever scenes I have to put on. What I didn't anticipate was that some of the exercises have me act the opposite way of how I usually act. For example, one of the rules (or best practices, to use some business jargon) is to always agree with your scene partner so that the story can continue. It wouldn't be funny if one person said one thing and the next person just completely negated the first statement. While trying to practice this rule, I realized that I disagree with people more often than I thought I did. As a generally positive (at least from my own perspective) person, this realization has caused me to become more aware of how what I saw affects the options others have when replying.

Another noticeable change after just a couple of classes is the change in my desire to hold questions and information to myself. I'm typically one who spends a lot of time thinking of the perfect question or the right thing to say. While it seems like I've pretty much embodied the over-used piece of advice "look before you leap," such a personality doesn't always work in the fast-paced world of advertising. Being able to react more quickly to situations and to just throw out idea after idea is also an advantage. With a class like improv, I think I'll be able to learn to step out of my comfort zone and speak up more often.

Lastly, I'm feeling much more natural when in front of people. I've been performing on stage since I was little, but theater/acting/talking in front of people has always felt more intimate than dancing. And then coming up with lines right on the spot makes it almost seem as if I have an audience that's judging a conversation I'm trying to have with someone I don't know. Very intimidating.

Overall, it's been a very positive experience so far. I'm looking forward performing next month!