Funny I should be writing about this. Commitment brings up ideas of marriage, which so far… I’ve avoided.
But studying with Mark Sutton at WingIt Productions in Seattle, I learned how being committed to your actions and words actually gives you more freedom. More freedom? I’m all for it.
When you take a stand, trust your impulse and fully commit to the moment, the next step will naturally evolve. Experience it fully without lingering thoughts of what you might have said or done. This is freedom! And unlike the speakers who waffle back and forth, people will pay attention to the one who trusts their feelings and honors them. Some improvisers (or people simply living life) don’t want to ‘box their partner in’ so they dance around what they really feel, hinting what the other person might do or say. This isn’t freedom –– it’s confusion! You’ll graciously give your partner more choices when they know exactly how you feel.
Improvisors (and people in general) are usually too quick to respond. Take a moment before you react to check in with yourself and notice how you’re being affected. Be true to it. You’ll avoid second-guessing yourself by being more aware of what’s happening right here, right now in your very own body. When you tap into this subtle information, you’ll be confident enough to express how you feel to others. It’s called self-worth. And as counter-intuitive as it might feel, it’s the ultimate respect for your partner.
In his class, we were given random ideas to play out with a scene partner. When he asked me how I felt, I honestly said I felt my partner’s behavior was ridiculous. “Express it!” he encouraged. I committed to myself and my true feelings. By doing so, it opened up something that was worth being watched –– truth. It gave my scene partner permission to be more honest as well, unraveling each moment to a heightened, more joyful state for everyone.
Another eye-opening exercise was a short 15-second scene. Just when we were getting into it, he coached us to pause and sum up in one phrase the message our character was embodying. Then we carried on the scene, repeated this one simple line in different dialects and different locations. At the end, we each summarized what our phrase was, noticing if it was “I” centered or “You” centered. Mine was telling my partner to “Get over it!” Interestingly, if what you are embodying is focused on the other, it makes you dependent on their next move and ultimately giving up your freedom of choice.
If you’ve ever felt trapped, try being more committed. More coaching available at www.PamelaZiemann.com
