Let’s Get Into the MEAT of Improv
We know you’ve heard of “STEAM”, but have you heard of MEATS!?? Everyone loves meats, even vegetarians. (Don’t lie, vegetarians!)
Hello, Brigid and Charlie here, delivering some excellent information on the value of improv (aka performing without a script).
As parents, we all want our kids to be the best version of themselves and, honestly, a little funnier. Like, as much as we *love* our child saying "Poopoo, peepee, butt" and then just laughing all the way to the candy shop, wouldn’t we rather it be the punchline to her TED Talk: “PooPoo, PeePee, Butt, AmIRight?!”
We want our kids to be critical and creative thinkers, able to convey their interests with ease, and listen to others with an active ear. Being able to roll with the inevitable teasing of childhood would be nice too. While we may want them to be top of their class, we also want them to develop admirable personal qualities such as confidence, empathy, and perseverance. Learning improv will help your kids with all of these goals.
And of course, we want them to be masters of “STEAM” fundamentals.
But, what if we rearranged the letters to create a new acronym that captures the other skills critical for the high performing kid? Mates? Stame? (That’s not a word, at least one of us went to college). We could have said “TEAMS” but that’s not funny... So we’re going with MEATS, baby!
Enter: our charcuterie board of Improv.
M = MINDSET (aka prosciutto)
The idea of failing or making mistakes doesn’t exist in improv. So-called failing at something simply paves the way to a different route than perhaps the one you set out on. Improv exposes kids to the reality of “Now let me try this!” If kids treat one another as geniuses, sandwich artists, regular artists, revered meat connoisseurs, poets, butchers, etc., they will become them. Consider, “I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” — Thomas Edison.
E = EMPATHY (aka mortadella)
In improv, others matter, and it’s crucial to care! This means caring about the actions and words of your scene partner(s), as your scene partner does the same for you. Players develop an emotional attachment to their surroundings and learn the value of them. This all serves to learn teamwork, compassion, and trust.
A = Active listening (aka genoa salami)
We tend to underestimate the power of really listening. How many times have you asked your kid, “Did you hear me, Nathan?!” (assuming your kid’s name is Nathan.) Improv gets children out of their own heads and tuned into their fellow players, which transfers to real life. Improv naturally builds finely tuned, powerful listening muscles.
T = TRUST (aka pancetta)
Do you have a child who’s often stuck spinning their wheels, not knowing what choices to go with? They don’t quite know themselves and feel like they’ll make a mistake by making a choice, when in reality, it’s just a thing they’re doing in that moment. It will be ok. Improv helps kids learn to trust their gut instincts in real-time situations. Nervous flight turns into excited fight. (Note: we do not condone fighting.)
S = SAFETY (aka pepperoni)
Try as you might to say, “Have fun, Little Debbie,” “Smile, Sara Lee,” “Speak up, Mrs. Fields Cookies!” — it’s really easy to say directives to these masters of baking. But, in reality, when you’re just a kid (and frankly even as adults), it’s not so easy to actually put yourself out there. Improv supports kids to follow their fear because their friends will support them. It encourages them to confront the uncomfortable. Sometimes, those awkward moments turn out to be the best ones! Every child can feel free to get weird because being different is good. Who you are is your greatest asset. Cliché? Sure. MEATS? Definitely.
To sample every piece of meat on this charcuterie board (watch out, that salami has a kick to it!), check out Improv and the hilarious roundup of other creative communication and performing arts classes led by the dynamic duo: Coach Charlie & Brigid Marshall.
B&C are ready to work with you at your leisure, but only if it’s convenient for us. We are very busy and important. But seriously, join us as we make your kids (or you) better at talking to and laughing with friends — new and old. Everyone could use the tools improv offers. Even you, Jeanene.
