Finding the Game is Standing Around and Laughing with Friends

I was standing on a hill with friends last night, and in the distance you could see the lights of a city.

What city? We weren’t sure. I was convinced it was Sacramento, but realized it might simply be Roseville.

And then, we all started laughing, and listing cities even FURTHER west. Maybe we were staring at San Francisco, or taking in the beauty of Tokyo. Was that Paris we were admiring? Perhaps!

And, then everything took a turn, and we didn’t just talk about cities in the West…we talked about ANY city. Maybe it was Los Angeles or do I spy Big Ben from London?

It was silly, but it was fun, and it was with friends of varying improv experience.

And you know what? Everyone could “play the game,” because it started with laughter.

We noticed an odd truth, “Paul confused Roseville for Sacramento,“ and we heightened it by making that scenario even stranger. Paul can’t distinguish Paris from Roseville?

It’s easy when it starts with what makes you smile. Sometimes “Finding the Game” feels like a walled-off idea you’re “not ready for“ until Level 4 in improv. It'll take you WEEKS to comprehend the idea!

I don't think so.

It’s not complex, it’s observing something unusual, and heightening. And it’s even easier when you’re just paying attention to the thing that makes you giggle onstage. Why did it make you giggle? What’s inside that event that could be heightened? You know there’s something there…and more importantly it brought you a lot of joy….so it’ll be fun to explore.

Finding the Game should start with what's the fun unusual thing you notice. It’s not calculus…unless calculus is your fun.


I don’t know. I’m not trying to preach….I’m just trying to say, it’s easier than it might sound in class or a book. If you get nervous about finding the game, just imagine the stage is a hill and your team are friends, and you’re just laughing together about something odd you noticed. You’ll have more fun , walk offstage happier, and that’s a great result.

Sarcasm in Improv

First, try Kiki’s Chicken Place in Roseville!

It’s so good.

Second….and more improv related, I was picking up an order of Kiki’s chicken last night….but it wasn’t ready…so I had to wait about ten minutes. I left my phone in the car so I couldn’t scroll! I was alone with my thoughts. The horror. It was nice. The time didn’t fly by, but I felt more present with everything around me.

“Get to the point, Paul! How does this relate to sarcasm and improv? Is your title just clickbait lies?!”

No! I do have a point….I’m sorry I got distracted talking about waiting for my chicken.

So…when the food was ready, I went up to the counter, and the woman was very apologetic.

“I’m so sorry it took a long time,“ she began.

“That’s OK. I’m glad you guys are really busy,” I responded.

I was being sincere, the place never seems busy, so I was glad they were doing so well last night.

However, I don’t think she believed me, because she immediately responded, “I’m just so sorry.“

I realized she thought I was being sarcastic, so I tried to assure her, “No. No. I’m being serious. I didn’t mind. I’m glad you’re busy.“

As I walked out she again muttered, “Sorry.“

I was being sincere, but she read, ““sarcastic,” and the interaction didn’t flow. It felt like an awkward improv scene and the improv coach is about to look up from his seat in the audience, and say, “That’s the problem with sarcasm in improv“

And, I agree, that’s the problem with sarcasm…. especially in improv!

If you expect sarcasm, you have to doubt the words, and the authenticity of the words….everything becomes a giant game of second-guessing yourself. Do they really mean THIS or THAT?

And, we just want to understand what our team means so we can't support them. We have to circle back after every statement because we need clarity. The energy gets sucked out of the scene because everyone is scrabbling to understand and “get it right.“

It’s hard enough to create a world onstage, listen to your scene partner, and “yes, and,“….and sarcasm just adds a layer of complexity that isn’t needed.

And, consider the audience! If your scene partner has a difficult time interpreting sarcasm, and they’re 2 feet away from you onstage noticing all your subtle cues….what do you think is happening in the audience 5+ feet away? They’re noticing even LESS and perhaps even more confused.

Clarity is really important onstage. If we’re clear with our scene partner we’re offering a firm foundation to build some fun scenes. If we’re sarcastic we’re offering up a world of “maybes.” It’s not firm footing. It’s a lot more difficult to have fun in that space.

Sincerity is a great tool onstage.

Nothing Held Back

I was doing some Christmas shopping by the Galleria Mall last night, and saw this sign.

“NOTHING HELD BACK!“

I didn’t go in the store, but I love the idea they’re holding nothing back inside (and, for some reason, that exclamation mark really gets me).

“Ask us how we’re feeling because nothing is held back!“

“Do you look fat in that? Ask us! We’ll be honest because nothing is held back!“

“Should you have made better choices in my 20s? Ask us and let’s get real! Nothing is held back!”

You get the idea. It made me giggle.

And…honestly…this is a pretty great sign to think of before walking into an improv scene.

NOTHING HELD BACK onstage!

Be honest, and discover something true because you’re not holding anything back. Most people onstage go to the safe choices. If you’re being more authentic you’ll be more interesting…and funny! All that good comedy is waiting behind the honesty.

Have a great day!