So yesterday was my first day of class at the Upright Citizens Brigade! I'm in an Improv 101 class taught by Betsy Stover. Guys. I had SO. MUCH. FUN. I'm in a class of 14 people, I'm pretty sure I'm the youngest one there, and for the most part people are already making me laugh and have fun. I'll dive more into details of what we do in class as the weeks go on but here are the logistics:
- $400
- 8 weeks, one three hour class a week
- one graduation show at the end of the 8 weeks
- you can be anyone over 18--there are moms and dads in my class
- seems like so far there are maybe 5-8 of us wanting to pursue acting and the rest seem to be there for fun
When I was looking for places to expand my education and hone in on my skills I knew I wanted to go somewhere that's rooted in comedy. As of now I don't really see myself as a dramatic actor. I like to make people laugh and I've been told I'm funny (feel free to disagree).
Anyways, I heard GREAT things about UCB and when I did more research I saw that my comedy queen AMY EFFIN POEHLER started this brigade with a few other really funny dudes. Upon further research I found there are so many hilarious people that have gone through UCB and are now working actors. This was all very enticing to me because obvi I want to be a working actor. Finally I jumped the gun after reading Amy Poehler's Yes Please (highly recommend) and she dedicated a whole chapter to how UCB and improv changed her life.
So here I am, diving into somewhat unknown territory and so far I LOVE IT!!! I am excited for Wednesday mornings everyday--it's like my Friday now. And my mom is super excited too! She fell in love with Parks and Rec, and when I told her this is the type of show I want to be on she was like YES. I CAN SEE IT. And then I told her about UCB and she was like YES. YOU HAVE TO GO THERE. So I have the full and also excited support of my mama, my queen, my everything.
And in other unrelated news:
GO WATCH SHORT TERM 12. It's on Netflix and it is amazing and heartbreaking and heartwarming and gut wrenching and breathtaking.
TTYL,
olive
ah! how exciting~
ReplyDeletejoining a class like that would really be out of my comfort zone but i'd love to have the chance- must be so exciting for you
AND holy wow short term 12 is actually one of my top 3 favorite films of all time, a true masterpiece.. intensely under appreciated. i always recommend this to people :)
did you know they filmed this whole film in 20 days?! crazy
destin cretton is such a creative mind and this film is his greatest project by far! glad you enjoyed it
You should definitely try one!!! If anything it's just fun and it'll help you come out of your shell ^_^ And RIGHT. It's so amazing. I was just silently weeping while watching it and knew I had to share the love.
Delete<3 Olivia
AHH Olivia!! First of all I would just like to say that I completely love reading your blog! It's so refreshing and fun to read.
ReplyDelete& OMG CONGRATS ON THIS!!!! YES!! I love Amy Poehler so much and I remember reading about this in her book! Ahh good luck and I hope you have the best time!! I've been thinking about doing improv because it sounds like so much fun.
Also your instagram is IMPECCABLE. Please teach me your ways.
xx Shirley
http://www.classifiedcloset.com/
Shirley,
DeleteTHANK YOU SO MUCH!! That truly means the world to me <3 You should stop thinking about improv and just DO! It's so much fun, even for people who aren't pursuing acting, I'm sure.
<3 Olivia
Would you happen to know of any drama acting classes/schools that you would recommend?
ReplyDeleteHi Eunice! I haven't done TOO much research on actual acting schools. In Los Angeles there are SO many "acting coaches" and people who "teach method acting" that it's hard to know which people are legit and which people are trying to take your money. If you're looking for places to go in LA the only place I've heard good things about is run by a lady named Lesly Kahn.
DeleteI will definitely do more research and get back to you, A S A P!!!
<3 Olivia
thnx!
Delete