Hello improvisers!

The neurodiversity in improv newsletters are back. I have rebranded the show with a new name, and all of my improv content is now at a single site, ImprovUpdate.com.

I have a new episode of the show for you this week, too! It is now offered as a YouTube show, if you prefer visuals, and as a podcast.

Ep 23 - Is an inner monologue useful for improv comedy? (ft. NYC improviser Sabrina Banes)

Many improvisers are familiar with the well-intentioned advice to “get out of your head.” The idea is that to be present and spontaneous in a scene, we must silence the relentless narrator constantly planning, judging, and… thinking.

While valuable, maybe this idea doesn’t tell the whole story for everyone? What if that incredibly active, sometimes overwhelming, inner monologue isn’t just a distraction to be wrestled into submission, but potentially a powerful, untapped resource for your improv?

This was a central theme in a recent conversation on Your Improv Brain, where we explore how a constant stream of inner speech, far from being a detriment, might actually be a unique asset. Guest Sabrina Banes, an NYC-based improviser, shared her experience of living with a very active inner monologue, one that’s essentially always running. She described how, since childhood, her mind has been engaged in internal conversations, working through scenarios and potential responses. Rather than finding this a hindrance in improv, Sabrina finds it often means she doesn’t need much time to formulate a response to a scene partner. Her brain, she explained, is always preparing, having practiced many permutations of possible conversations.

But: This isn’t about rigidly pre-planning scenes, which is not what we want in improv, but more like a constant mental warm-up… exploring the possibilities of what could happen.

Sabrina and I also discussed the importance of controlling the environment before a performance to minimize detrimental anxiety.

Interestingly, this habit of mental scenario planning might directly feed into one of long-form improv’s core skills. I let you know what that is near the end of the episode.

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If you want general improv content…

This newsletter, the one you are looking at right now, focuses on the improv brain, how improvisers might be wired differently. If you’d like a bit more “general” improv content, make sure you’re subscribed to my other newsletter which will be delivered on the weeks this one isn’t. Head here to sign up, and click “general” to get on that list too.

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If you’re into comedy audio fiction series…

A new episode of the near-fully improvised Grack Public Access is out (episode 2, Thick Raven Beak Park). I created this series to blend improv with scripted elements in a “radio show” two-prov form. This series has full sound design production, too, for an immersive experience. You can also get a free bonus “behind the scenes” clip by subscribing (free) to the StereoForest newsletter.

There also might be opportunities to have your voice on the show. See what it’s all about!

Thanks for reading! I’m really happy you’re still here. Reply if you have any questions or comments!

Jen