I wish I was capable of putting into words how UCB has changed my life since I started taking classes there a year ago, but I honestly dunno how to explain it without sounding like a total self-important douchebag.

But just know that it has.

I’m gonna try to post a list of things I learn every week at my Improv 201 class at UCB. Why? Well, I want to remember the important/unique things I gather each week and secondly, it might be interesting/funny to other people.

1. Someone once told me that their 401 teacher told them this: “The students who do really well are the ones that see a shitload of shows.” I’ve made it a point to be that guy who sees a shitload of shows. It’s become a running joke in the class when our teacher asks who saw shows in the past week. Someone always says, “I bet Kyle saw like 5.” And yeah, usually that’s about right. But I can tell that it makes a difference. The people who see alot of shows always recognize what’s making scenes work; I wanna be one of those people.

2. I’m starting to find this “fallback character” that I do alot because I’m confident in it. It’s this awkward, trying-to-impress-a-pretty-girl guy. It always gets alot of laughs, but doing the same thing over and over isn’t creative. Some of the girls in the class are even starting to kinda set it up for me when we start a scene. I don’t wanna be known for playing that same character all the time. I need to be bolder and switch it up.

3. There are no nerds in this class and it really bums me out. Like, my 101 class was 99% nerds (and I mean that as a compliment of the highest order). This class thinks Batman backpacks are lame. And referencing comic book characters (even popular ones)? Yeah, that doesn’t fly with this crew. Sadness Everdeen.

4. NEVER JUST WALK OFF THE STAGE WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG. Yes, this actually happened today. A girl got kinda tongue-tied and then literally just goes, “Well, bye,” and walked off the stage, leaving her partner stranded. Sure, it’s just a class but that’s not a habit you wanna develop.

5. Don’t make references if you know your partner won’t get them. And don’t assume a reference is common knowledge. Not everyone is into the things you’re into.

6. Setting your partner up to be funny is just as good as being the funny character yourself. If your scene is funny, it doesn’t matter who’s saying the punchlines.

7. This class was rough. Alot of people have never heard the concept of “finding game” and it’s tough to grasp immediately. Be patient and helpful. And funny.

I’m gonna try to post a list of things I learn every week at my Improv 201 class at UCB. Why? Well, I want to remember the important/unique things I gather each week and secondly, it might be interesting/funny to other people.

Here’s what I gathered from the second class…

1. Girls who are good at improv are sooooooo attractive to me. Surely I’m not alone on this, right?

2. Someone told me today that my tattoo is “awesome” but then added that it’s “always so distracting.” Hmmm, not sure if that’s a good thing…

3. Be a good actor, not a phony one; if your emotions (no matter which emotions you choose) seem genuine, people will respond.

4. If your scene actually “tugs at people’s heartstrings,” that’s awesome. Comedy can have a heart.

5. Apparently seeing 4 comedy shows in one week is pretty lame to some people. Not everyone in a comedy class is necessarily a comedy nerd. But hey, you enjoyed every one of those shows, so who cares?

6. Don’t be one of those people that never lets the other person in the scene speak. It’s a team thing.

7. Be supportive when people’s scenes don’t go well. You wouldn’t want people to be dead silent as you exited the stage after a bad scene, so don’t do that to them.

8. Remember everyone’s names. No one likes to introduce themselves over and over.

9. Stop being so awkward.