Is improv a cult?
Posted by Plague | Filed under Guest Blog, Resources for improvisers, Talkin' Shop - We talk improv. Any questions you want discussed can be. Email us @ captain@ussrocknroll.com., The Plague
I really liked Jason Chin’s post on the possibility of improv being a cult, so today I am reposting here. Read the article below or go here to read the original post and see more about improv from Jason.
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You see them all over Chicago; small bands of young people chanting in a circle. You see them on street corners asking you to come to one of their rallies or “shows.” Some of your favorite celebrities are connected to organizations that claim them as one of their own. That temp in your office is secretly a member and will talk your ear off once you engage them in the topic.
Improv definitely fits most of the requirements for a cult. It has a strict set of rule and customs that its practitioners follow (or risk expulsion). Adherents advance in levels and pay to do so. It virtually has it own language and its students can recognize each other. It generates an intense sense of devotion and venerates its progenitors.
Like most weird religions, there are several branches that shun each other (you know, like how some Star Trek fans love the original series, but hate the Next Generation?) and some even have outlets in other cities and coordinate their activities.
People involved in improvisation tend to try to recruit those who are not; either to come see a show or to join a class.
In a very odd connection, improv pioneer Del Close spent some time with L. Ron Hubbard. The book, “The Funniest One in the Room” by Kim Johnson states, “In his later years, Del would explain that Hubbard cured his asthma in 1951 at the Wichita Dianetics Foundation… He claimed that Hubbard was always complaining about the AMA and the IRS, reiterating his desire to start a religion.” Did Del, with his love of psychohistory, follow in his friends footsteps and create a myth, credo and cult of improvisation?
I guess in the long-run it doesn’t matter. As long as it does more good than harm, as long as people feel better and bettered by their participation.
As for me, Del Close and the philosophy of improvisation have greatly altered my life and mind.
* Play at the top of your intelligence.
* Support your friends.
* Say Yes.
* Accept and Add.
* Love the moment you’re in.
- Jason Chin
Tags: Improvised Blog, Jason Chin
One Response to “Is improv a cult?”
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USS Rock N Roll » Blog Archive » Is improv a cult? Says:
August 14th, 2009 at 11:29 am[...] USS Rock N Roll » Blog Archive » Is improv a cult? [...]
