My improv world exploded over the span of 4 short days. I have been doing improv for just over a year and the 2016 San Diego Improv Festival was my first festival.

I took 4 workshops over the weekend and cannot wait to incorporate them into what I do on stage. Red Door’s workshop taught me small edits that can enhance a performance and large edits that can create an experience for the audience. Susan Messing’s morning workshop taught me to make the freak of scene an artist/hero/genius. Marcus Sams’ workshop taught me to “not invest in the bullshit” and speak what you are feeling. Jetzo’s workshop taught me that I can surprise myself on stage and to not care if the audience is laughing at you or with you.

I was able to witness 35 incredible teams bring their all and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was finally able to watch Red Door and it was so satisfying! Their ability to pull us in and flow smoothly between scenes using a combination of a French/Transition edit and another one using Bent Space was something I will never forget. The wonderful flow and comradery that was evident with the Weekend Boys was pure joy. Red Pill Players brought intense energy and dynamic I had yet to see. The adorable little opening by Barbara Brice was one to remember. Robot Teammate and the Accidental Party had an incredible musical that had subtle elements that were definite crowd pleasers. While watching the Fancy Boys, you just knew they were messing around with each other but they never missed a beat; truly incredible.

I also completely geeked out during the Revengers set and they know it after speaking with them after their show. I took a workshop with Mathieson McCrae of the Weekend Boys and together we played freaks while chanting “This one is bigger but this one is juicier!” I also got to meet and talk at length with Marcus Sams and Jill Eickman of Shades of Grey about their experiences as performers and teachers. Eric Caldwell of Rorschach Pattern 9 got to enjoy his weekend even after missing his set due to flight issues. Talking with Janet Scanlon and Justin Hines of the J Names was also a treat. I will be going to Portland at the end of July and hope to get to do a jam with them.  For all the others I met, if you are reading this, it was a pleasure as well. For those I didn’t, I wish I had!

This is what I mean by my improv world exploding. I now know people all over the country (and Canada! [no “eh!” jokes]) that do this craft, people I hope to see back at SDIF, but also people I hope to see if I ever go to another festival myself, either as an audience member or a performer.

Ha, a performer! Thirteen months ago it would have never crossed my mind to pursue being a performer at a festival. But now the when possibility of it ever happening comes to mind, my one thought is “That’s for me!” Improv may never be a full time gig for me, but this is going to be one hell of a dedicated hobby. This stuff is addicting. Festivals are an improviser’s “Christmas” as I was told numerous times over the weekend. How awesome would it be to experience Christmas multiple times throughout a year as performer?

Thank you to Amy, Kat and Jesse for everything that you do with FCI. Thank you to Kevin, Chris, and Elisa for being the chairs of your respective committees for the festival itself. Thank you everyone else that was involved as well, I was working right there with you. Performers consistently told me how well-run the festival was, and how great of an audience we all were. And last, but certainly not least, thank you to all the teams that came down to perform, I am sure I was not the only one you all inspired.

I cannot wait until next year!

Michael Romero