Importance of Improv
By Zoe Brown
On May 20, 2019, the students of Ms. Turner’s
English 2010 class learned all there
is about Improv, by Adam Oviedo.
The laughter filling the room
made it safe to assume that the
class was having fun, while
learning something new. Adam
explained his experience with
Improv and what makes him
eligible to teach us the basics.
Through his information effect
project, and service project,
it was obvious that he knew
what he was doing. He told us
what Improv is and why
it is important. I understood
his purpose better once
he described the importance
for him in his life specifically.
It made the project real, personal,
and I wanted to learn more.
Adam began by having us form a circle in the classroom so we could try some games that his theater classes uses to improve. One of the games was called “Fortunately, Unfortunately” and the purpose was to help you think of responses quickly, just as you would do on stage doing Improv. As I was playing this game with Abby, another student in the class, I kept overhearing laughter and comments such as “This is so fun, Why have I not ever learned about this before?” and “I love this because there are no rules!” The laughter filling the room made the fun activity even more enjoyable. After several rounds of that game, we tested a few others with the class that brought the same, happy energy as the first one did. For the hour that we were all immersed in Improv, it’s safe to say we learned a lot and had fun at the same time.
Although this project wasn’t what Adam originally intended to be, it still turned out so well, and his service ended up being to the class. He brought smiles and laughter to a classroom full of stressed, worn out Seniors, who really were just ready to graduate. This comes to show that even the small acts of service can make someone’s day. Adam’s passion and hard work shined through as he taught the class about Improv and his experiences. He is an inspiration and is spreading positivity one day at a time through this passion of his.