What does it mean to "be curious"? Curiosity isn't just for improv. In fact, staying curious has psychological, emotional, and social benefits.
On the most basic level, curiosity helps the human race survive. Beyond that, it makes our minds active versus passive. The phrase "use it or lose it" applies to the use of our brain and curiosity.
Curiosity allows us to explore and be open to possibilities we didn't know existed. In improv we don't know what exists until we hit the stage and start figuring it out together. Remaining curious helps an improv scene thrive. Being curious leads to stronger, longer, more interesting scenes.
We also want to be curious about our scene partner and the choices they are making. We should remain curious about our own choices and reactions to what is happening at the moment on stage in reaction to our scene partner. This approach helps build relationships and relationships are the cornerstones of our performances.
Approaching exercises with curiosity in the classroom gives us the opportunity to stay away from feeling like we are "failing". Curiosity allows us to learn, grow, and gain a new perspective.
Finally, being curious means you have no expectations because you are seeking new knowledge. By not having expectations in our improv scenes, we create together as one unit rather than individuals. Working as one cohesive unit results in shows, sets, and scenes where everyone walks away feeling successful.
Let's stay curious and see what happens next!
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