There are many areas where I find improv has had an impact on my life and one of them that has definitely altered is how people react when I do comedy.
Before I started doing improv If I spoke about my hobbies in work it was usually when i spoke about comedy would relate back to The Phoenix Remix or the comedy shows I was going to see. When you do improv however and people find out the whole interest in you becomes very different! There are three stages that all improvisers receive when someone at work finds out you do improv.

Photo Credit: School of Improv

People are fascinated by the fact that you do comedy. They are amazed that you can go on stage and perform comedy. Some people think you do stand up and then when you tell them it’s all made up they give you this look. Everyone does it – like a mix of sheer fear and admiration that you can do such a thing.

2. The non stop Questions stage 

You find that when someone finds out that you do improvisation all they do is ask questions. I mean it’s great talking about something you’re passionate about but at the same time also become the person people come to you thinking that you know all the answers to all the questions about performing comedy on stage.

Don’t get me wrong it’s fun and also exciting to talk about one of your passions but at the same time you always prepared for the questions that you asked because they are always the same. The first one is always don’t you find it scary? The second is usually how do you train for Improv shows? Another popular one is asking if everything really is all made up on the spot.

All of your replies are still met with the sheer look of terror in the persons face which is quite amusing.
3. The comedian on que stage 

This happens all the time I don’t know if it happens to everyone else but to me I can guarantee it happens all the time. When someone finds out that you do improv comedy they automatically think that you are a comedian and can make jokes up either on the spot or have some in reserve.

I work in television so a lot of the time you’re working to fast turnaround and quick deadlines and a lot of the time tension can be stressful. Right on cue when this happens people turn to me and tell me to tell him a joke.

Photo credit: School of Improv

Some people have wanted me to do A one person improv scene to cheer up the mood but a lot of the time this will not work in the environment that we are working in and does not have the same impact as a joke would have in a stressful situation.
I love doing improv I love telling people are doing prep and even though it sounds like I am moaning about about the stages that everyone goes through when I find out, I wouldn’t change it for the world because it is quite entertaining to watch. However, I really think I should start learning some jokes for a back up.