I know what you’re thinking, “not another internet article about Marcus Aurelius. We get it. Stoicism is important.”
Well, humor me for 5 minutes (and even shorter if you’re a fast reader), I think ol’ Marky Mark could teach us a few things about improv. He journaled…a lot. In fact, every morning he dedicated time to writing down his thoughts. And, all of us….even the handful of us who want to learn improv are better for it.
Take a second to search the internet, and you’ll find hundreds of Marcus quotes. How can they make our improv better? Improv is all about living-in-the-moment, spontinarey, and embracing those moments that go of the rails. How can a Roman Emperor, warrior, and stoic help us yes and, drink a space object cup of coffee, and heighten a scene?
Well…there’s more there’s more interconecdtness then you might imagine. He wrote about adaptability, open-mindedness, and the ability to embrace uncertainty….and we use all those skills onstage improvising. His wisdom and teachings continue to resonate with people from all walks of life.
Here are six quotes I think tie into improv!
Embrace the Present Moment:
Marcus Aurelius writes, 'Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.' ‘He emphasized the importance of dwelling/living in the present moment and accepting the circumstances as they unfold. Similarly, improv performers must be fully present on stage, listening attentively to their fellow performers and the audience. The ability to listen attentively to others and build upon ideas presented will result in more dynamic scene and dynamic scenes suck in the audience. We have their attention. They’re here with us. Let go of the past, and don’t worry about the future. Onstage, we have this moment with each other and the audience, and that’s where we can discover the fun.
Learn to Adapt:
Like me, maybe you heard the idea that ‘the object is the way.’ I hear it frequently in YouTube videos, but never knew where it came from. Well, I hope you’re sitting down…prepare yourself…. it’s another MA classic. Marucs writes, 'The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.' He recognized the significance of adaptability and urged individuals to embrace change, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth. In the realm of improvisation, unexpected changes are bound to occur—whether it be a fellow performer introducing a new element to the scene or a technical glitch interrupting a performance. I’ve been in shows where the lights just died. No more stage lights. What did we do? We adapted, we took that moment of surprise, and channeled it into our characters. You can do this too! By adopting a mindset of flexibility and adaptability, improvisers can transform potential setbacks into moments of brilliance…or even moments of “OK-ness” that can BECOME brilliance. Don’t think, “this has to be brilliant,” because that will freeze you. The idea of brilliance is just another filter that’ll slow you down Understand it CAN become brilliant if you give flow around the problem. You can leverage the challenges that arise as catalysts for innovation and creativity, ultimately enhancing the performance and inspiring awe in their audience. They see the problem too, and they loving watching your team Houdini out of that challenge.
Trust Yourself:
In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.". This mentality emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and trusting in one's own abilities. When it comes to improvisers, having unwavering confidence in your skills is crucial. Doubting oneself can hinder the creative process and limit potential on stage. Therefore, it's essential for improvisers to build trust in themselves and their fellow performers to create a supportive and collaborative environment that allows for creativity and risk-taking. This self-harmony enables improvisers to fully develop their strengths and contribute authentically to the overall artistic endeavor. But…what does that mean? You’er more likely to create an exceptional performance.
Embrace Failure and Learn from Mistakes:
In his meditations, Marcus Aurelius reflected, 'The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.' He acknowledged the inevitability of failure and advised individuals to learn from their mistakes. Through his introspection, he recognized that setbacks are an integral part of life and that they offer valuable opportunities for learning and self-improvement. For instance (and I promise this relates improv) In 161 AD, the Roman Empire faced a relentless onslaught from Germanic tribes. This military campaign, known as the Marcomannic Wars, challenged Marcus’ abilities as a strategist and exposed the weaknesses within the Roman forces. However, rather than succumbing to despair or wallowing in self-pity, Marcus Aurelius embraced the lessons hidden within his legion’s failures. He undertook the arduous task of reorganizing the Roman legions. He implemented rigorous training programs, focused on improving discipline, and emphasized the importance of adaptability in the face of new challenges. His failure spurred growth, but it only acknowledging the problem.
How many of us have walked offstage thinking, “that improv scene or game didn’t go well.” What do we follow up that thought with? I admit, sometimes our action is just thinking, “oh well. I hope it goes better nextime.” And, yeah, sometimes it will, but we could better guarantee success if we considered what didn’t work, and take steps to change. It can be hard, but to excel as a performer, we have to take a hard look at what doesn’t excel first. We can embrace failure without self-loathing, because it’s an inherent part of the creative process. We can develop resilience, a fearless approach, and an unwavering commitment to their craft.
Cultivate Mindfulness and Awareness:
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." Oh Marcus…just churning out those thought singles. He’s like the Taylor Swift of ideas. We control our minds, and that’s about all. How can this help an improviser? Use what you have…your ideas, emotions, and passion. To truly engage with the audience and create meaningful art, improvisers must turn inward and tap into their emotional intelligence. By staying mindful in the moment, improvisers can make confident and intentional choices, portraying characters authentically and captivating their audiences. So heed the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and harness the power of your mind to create unforgettable performances.
Collaboration and Unity:
Finally, collaboration is key in both philosophy and improvisation. Marcus Aurelius once wisely said, "what's bad for the hive is bad for the bee," recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. In the world of improv, cohesive scenes and narratives are created through active listening, support, and building upon each other's ideas. Improvisers thrive in an environment of shared ownership and collective creativity, just as Aurelius emphasized the value of cooperation and unity. The power of collaboration transcends individual limitations, leading to unique, and impactful performances that surpass any solo effort. Collaboration is the one way to rise above and create something truly unforgettable.
See! What did I tell you. Improv is better with Marcus quotes! Improv lessons are everywhere, even in a book on stoic philosophy. The principles of living in the present moment, embracing change, trusting one's abilities, learning from mistakes, cultivating mindfulness, and fostering collaboration all resonate with the art of improv.
If you’re interested in improv fundamentals, improv games, or longform improv scene work I’d love to talk with you! Join me for a drop-in improv class! I offer in-person and online sessions!
Have a great day!