The Emotional Journey of an Improv Show

Written by Amanda Grace

October 13, 2016

Told exclusively in GIFs of our favorite comedians.

All stage performers know that “improv” is basically a curse word.

I mean, it’s not like you can rehearse the show.

Your best bet is to rehearse the formats and maybe pray.

People ask you why you’re stressed—”But it looks so easy!”

The house opens. You’re panicking.

You stumble to places with the rest of your troupe.

But as soon as the show starts, you realize—you got this.

You’re saying things… and people are laughing!

It’s like you and your castmates are psychically connected.

And you realize—you had it in you all along.

After an awesome show, you promise yourself to always say “yes and…”

…That is, until the next show, when you realize you still have no clue what’s going to happen.


Amanda Grace is a student of Theatre Studies and Psychology at Rollins College, where she performs with the Rollins Improv Players and hosts a web series for Fiat Flux. She recently released the Incommensurable EP, downloadable at amandagrace.bandcamp.com.
Thumbnail photo from Rolling Stone Magazine from Don’t Think Twice. Photo copyright © Rolling Stone Magazine 2016.