Grindings #005: UCB Class Show
Back in Los Angeles after the break and really just trying to get my bearings. Returning from a vacation is never easy nor ideal. The time off spent relaxing and spending time with those you love is always so great, that stepping away from that results in a disappointing and often times depressing plane ride home.
That being said, only a few days after my return, I had my final class of Upright Citizens Brigrade Improv 101 which was quickly followed by my class show today.
Improv has always been an enjoyable escape for me. You leave everything going wrong – and right – in your life at the classroom door, and you escape into a world of imagination. Much like children have their pretend time, adult performers have their improvisation. Nothing is more freeing than concocting unique relationships and adventures through improv.
To add to that, stage time – sharing that experience in front of others – is a thing of sheer beauty and bliss. Getting under the lights and in front of people is one of the happiest places for me. Add to that laughter, excitement and applause and it creates a performance high of epic proportions.
The class show – at the UCB theatre in Hollywood – went quite well; my classmates all kicked ass, supported each other and afterwards, we all shared some celebratory libations at Birds next door.
As the night winds down, the euphoria I’ve been riding for most of the evening continues. I hope to experience more of this in 2014. Good times.
Mike ‘Box’ Elder is an aspiring actor and comedian. He hates return flights. Follow him on Twitter @mikeboxelder.
