Hey, Greenville, it's Melissa, GVLtoday intern, here to talk about my experience with Improv 101. Standing in front of a crowd is nerve-wracking for anyone… add the expectation of making them laugh and it’s all the more intimidating.

Even though the introvert in me was freaking out, when I was offered the chance to take a beginner’s improv class at Alchemy Comedy Theatre, I couldn’t pass it up. Many of my inspirations found their voices through improv (hey, Amy Poehler + Tina Fey 👋) – so why not try it?

Ranging in ages from 16 to 74, less than half of my classmates had theatre experience + many were bucket-listers or just hoping to improve their public speaking skills. Only four in the class had actual improv experience, and they were encouraging and gracious to the rest of us.

How do performers get laughs with little to no prep work + only a suggested word to inspire them? All I could think of was Michael Scott from The Office ruining every improv scene. Luckily, the environment of the class was insanely supportive.

One thing we learned right away: you shouldn’t try to be funny. Living in your scene with your partner will create comedy more realistically than forcing a laugh. Watching my classmates constantly bring new ideas to the stage had me hoping the scene would never end.

I won’t give away alllll the class secrets, but establishing relationships, reacting with emotions, and creating characters helped the most. Maybe if we all tried to “Yes, and…” with everyone we interact with, the world would be a friendlier place.

What’s coming up: The 5th Annual New South Comedy Festival is happening now through Nov. 10, packed full of improv, stand-up + sketch comedy acts. My 101 class’s showcase is in the festival’s first day line-up. 🎤 Bonus: If you can’t make it to the festival, Alchemy has shows every Thursday, Friday + Saturday at Coffee Underground.

For anyone interested in improv, trying to tackle the fear of audiences, checking an activity off their bucket list, or just free during the class times, I can’t recommend taking Alchemy Comedy Theatre’s improv class enough.

You’ll make new friends, laugh a lot + maybe discover a new passion. Alchemy is holding a 101 Intensive on Saturday, Dec. 1 that you can register for here as well as many workshops during the New South Comedy Festival listed here. I’ve already registered for 201, so maybe I’ll see you there.

– Melissa, GVLtoday intern