After seeing the very funny and talented Grace Helbig in her improv show last night, it got me remembering my time studying improv with the great Martin de Maat (pictured above) of the famed The Second City in Chicago. He came to NYC a few times a year to teach and I always took classes. It was at this studio where I started out taking soap opera acting classes (yes, soap opera) in the mid 90’s. The owner was friends with him and had him teach there. She encouraged me to take his class and I gave it a shot. Of course, everyone instantly fell in the love with the man. One of the kindest and most inspirational people I have ever met. Always positive with nary a negative thing to say.
I remember getting frustrated with an improv partner. First rule of improv is “Yes, and”. She kept taking over scenes without really sharing or following along on paths we had already created. And a bunch of us didn’t like the choices she made. That Tina Fey. What a bitch! Just kidding! It was someone who isn’t famous now. Anyway, I complained to him about it and he found a way to help me get over it. I did see it in the eyes of a few performers last night though. Not anger but just that look of, “Aww, I had something funny I was about to do and someone else took the lead”.
We all used to go out after class and I considered him a good friend back then. He even gave me great advice about this girl I was pursuing in the class. Who knew he was a love guru too? I was pretty lucky and did about 3-5 shows a year (often out of town) so sometimes I would miss his classes. I probably hadn’t spoken to him in a good year or 2 before his death in 2001, but he left a mark on me for sure. Here’s to his memory! And here’s to Grace for encouraging me to possibly get back involved with it all. Stay tuned!
p.s. If you want to actually improve your life and learn more about acting-related degrees, check out great online schools! Tell 'em I sent ya and then "act" like that means something.
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