The Stuff That Holds The Group Together

In my opinion there are several key factors that are needed to form a good improv group. I'm only going to list one, because well… this is a column and if I listed them all, I'd have nothing to talk about later. The first, and probably the most IMPORTANT thing about an improv group is the chemistry between people. "Well duh," I am sure you are saying, especially if you are already in a group. But be honest with yourself, does your group have good chemistry? Can you truthfully say you enjoy seeing everyone in that group? If you can, well then chances are you have a good group.

So if you are going to join or even start your own improv group. You need to hook yourself up with a good group of people. It doesn't matter how funny they are or how entertaining they are. If you can't see yourself going out to the bar or grabbing a bite to eat with these people… it's time for you to hit the eject button. Frankly, you just aren't with the right group. An improv group is like a second family. Sure… it's their job to make sure you don't get stuck on stage or to give you hints when in Party Quirks or The Dating Game. But these are also the people, to paraphrase a fun quote, who will hold your hair up as you vomit after a heavy night of drinking. These are the people who will buy you shots just because you are you. If you consider your improv group as a second family, then chances are you are hilarious!

Now let's pull back from the fantasy of the perfect improv group and head back into reality. If you are in an improv group, there's usually a person or two who A: You just don't want to be there or B: Irritates you to high heaven no matter what they do. Sure, it is easy to fire them… and some groups do. But that's kind of a douche bag thing to do, and you don't want to be known as the old douche bag do you? You really have two options. You can either try to assimilate them or you can isolate them. With isolation, you become closer with your clique and try to cope as best you can with whoever is dragging the group down. Also, try your best to put this person in games where he or she shines. Keep them away from games you know they will bomb at. With assimilation, you bring them in and try to make them "one of the boys." (Or "One of the girls," which on a side note is a TERRIBLE porn.) Invite them to parties, bars, and everything you do.

Which works best? Assimilation. While isolation is easy, the person who is isolated will just get worse and worse to the point where you'll want to kill them. And although murder may be an appealing option, it's not worth the mess. So even though you might hate this person and this person might not be funny, you are more than likely stuck with them. Invite them out for drinks. Hang out with them. You will likely find their sense of humor buried deep under a bunch of stupid stories, or at the very least find a way to make them funny.

For everyone else… buy a round, do a shot, and be happy you are working with such good people. But hey… that's not all that it takes to be good at improv. But that's for another time.

By Thomas Drake