Jester’Z Improv brings music to Phoenix!
Improv is both challenging and rewarding. Players and audience members alike have favorites and not so favorites when it comes to games being played. One of the newest facets of Jesterz improv is the addition of musical improv, which has been met with a great deal of popularity with our fans. As an improviser musical improv can be an intimidating challenge. Not only do you have to think quickly on your feet, but you have to do it to a specific rhythm and you have to sing on top of it all. Musical improv can be very intimidating, even among those that do not shy away from singing.
One big thing to keep in mind with musical improv: YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A GOOD SINGER. That’s right, you heard it here first! Singing is simply a format; it does not require you to be the next Whitney Houston (back when she wasn’t washed-up). It is no different than standard improv. You establish the same relationships, you listen to your teammates, and you make strong solid choices (speaking with purpose). In fact, some of the funniest moments in our musical improv experience have come from those that claim to “not be singers.” The key to musical improv is to always be mindful of the beat. It can be considered a form of improvisational poetry. When you are faced with the challenge of musical improv here are a few tips from the pros…
- Singing does not mean you have to rhyme every time.
- You don’t have to start singing the moment the music plays. Play around with some of the musical stereotypes: humming before the song begins, snapping, saying something seemingly profound (but ultimately cheesy).
- Trust your musician (they want you to look good as much as you do!).
- Remember you are simply talking. The words just take longer to get out.
Remember, improv is only as difficult as you make it. The next time you get an opportunity try some musical improv and see how you feel. In the meantime, come check out the musical improv games at the Jesterz shows. You won’t regret it!