This year has been a weird one – it has been a year of a lot of negatives, sadness and anxiety meaning it can be hard to be in the mood to do comedy at times like this. This year I have decided to take a break from Improv in a performing way because firstly I needed it and secondly and most importantly because with everything happening in the world this year I didn’t want to do improv. I just felt doing comedy in the world at the moment just wasn’t for me.

There are times when I feel incredibly guilty that I don’t want to perform improv this year but I still wanted to write about it as I find it a sort of relaxation and meditation. I have moments where I feel guilty I don’t want to perform or make people laugh. It is something that I feel incredibly weird about. It has taken me all year and on and off emotions to make me realise – you don’t need to feel guilty.

I love making people laugh and I am sure there are others out there too that feel the same way I do. However, I have learnt not to feel guilty, this year is so difficult and to make people laugh may not be on the top of your priorities and that is OK.

It is Ok if you don’t want to improvise online, it is ok if you and your team have time out. It’s ok to take a step back and focus on yourself this year.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I applaud everyone doing shows and entertaining the world making people see a glint of fun in this dark world. However I wanted to use this article to highlight that it is OK not to be someone who wants to. It is a hard year for everyone and just remember the Improv community will always be there for you.

Feature photo Photo by Javon Swaby on Pexels