2008 Woodie Awards
Second City workshop is first rate
Lacey McLaughlin
Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: News
The last time I performed on stage, I was in a fourth grade talent show. I won't share all the embarrassing details, but I will say it consisted of a pink leotard, the song "Hero" by Mariah Carey and a ribbon dancer.
I remember the sheer horror I felt when I forgot my routine. I was paralyzed, and every eye in the room was on me. Now, years after my failed attempt in the performing arts, I have become an introverted writer.
Yet somehow last Thursday, I found myself attempting to master the art of improv comedy with Second City Comedy stars Aimee McKay and Eric Sniffen as my coaches. McKay, a brunette with an enthusiastic laugh, said she began performing for people as a child.
"I would make tickets and invite my family to watch performances that I would make up," McKay said.
McKay immersed herself in improv when she lived in London six years ago. It was then that she began working with Keith Johnstone, a world-renowned improv leader and author of the book, " Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre."
Sniffen has spent eight years performing in various Chicago venues.
"Chicago is a great place where you can do shows all over the place," he said. "It's a wonderful place to get experience."
Nine amazingly talented performance artists, theater majors and members of the Improv Comedy Club accompanied me center stage at the UWF Mainstage Theater. I stuck out like a sore thumb when I introduced myself and detailed my lack of acting experience. But in order to fully understand the art of improv, I knew I couldn't turn down an opportunity to learn from the best.
At the beginning of the workshop, each participant paired up with someone and made eye contact for a good five minutes.
"Eye contact is very important," said McKay as she swung her green scarf over her shoulder. "It helps establish a connection with your partner. There may be awkward moments, but do not look away."
For me, it was more or less painful to lock eyes with a complete stranger. But McKay was right. I was really connecting with my partner, Heidi Warriner, a theatre student with dark hair and olive skin.
I remember the sheer horror I felt when I forgot my routine. I was paralyzed, and every eye in the room was on me. Now, years after my failed attempt in the performing arts, I have become an introverted writer.
Yet somehow last Thursday, I found myself attempting to master the art of improv comedy with Second City Comedy stars Aimee McKay and Eric Sniffen as my coaches. McKay, a brunette with an enthusiastic laugh, said she began performing for people as a child.
"I would make tickets and invite my family to watch performances that I would make up," McKay said.
McKay immersed herself in improv when she lived in London six years ago. It was then that she began working with Keith Johnstone, a world-renowned improv leader and author of the book, " Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre."
Sniffen has spent eight years performing in various Chicago venues.
"Chicago is a great place where you can do shows all over the place," he said. "It's a wonderful place to get experience."
Nine amazingly talented performance artists, theater majors and members of the Improv Comedy Club accompanied me center stage at the UWF Mainstage Theater. I stuck out like a sore thumb when I introduced myself and detailed my lack of acting experience. But in order to fully understand the art of improv, I knew I couldn't turn down an opportunity to learn from the best.
At the beginning of the workshop, each participant paired up with someone and made eye contact for a good five minutes.
"Eye contact is very important," said McKay as she swung her green scarf over her shoulder. "It helps establish a connection with your partner. There may be awkward moments, but do not look away."
For me, it was more or less painful to lock eyes with a complete stranger. But McKay was right. I was really connecting with my partner, Heidi Warriner, a theatre student with dark hair and olive skin.
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