It's all about commitment. In life. In love. In comedy.
Nothing great is achieved without commitment.
When most of us think about commitment, we think of a binding contract that for many in my generation, is scary. Commitment to a job can be dangerous because as your responsibilities increase, so too does your worth. Suddenly you have an inseparable relationship with your job, which is okay but makes balancing life tough. Romantic commitment to another person is scary because it means we are giving up the chance at seeing other people. As soon as we make the decision to commit to just one other, sure it is great to have that companionship, but think about all the others for whom you will, by default, limit your companionship.
So when is commitment really good? Commitment is fantastic when you're building toward something. In improv, the level of commitment to a scenario, a relationship and/or a character is what separates the good improvisers from the great improvisers. And it's the thing you notice when you watch the really seasoned improvisers. It is more than just sticking to your shit, it is an over-arching awareness of the larger picture - the knowledge of who your character is, what your character wants, what your character wants from the other character, what that other character wants from you, how your character feels about the other character's want and playing the shit out of the game that comes to fruition as a result of all this.
But then the scene is over... now what? Oh, we recommit ourselves to a fresh set of characters... what is the purpose of all this? Just being fun to watch?
What my time surrounded by a community of improvisers at a comedy theater has taught me is that commitment to the craft spurs the desire to consistently push the boundaries of what is possible. You have a conglomerate of people that are bound to eachother as a result of a mutual commitment to a craft. And that commitment, is perfect. Why? Because people can come and go. Play with whomsoever they chose. Have fun while doing it. Not feel obligated and entitled to play with a particular set of people forever. They are just brought together by their love for a philosphy - a way of life. A simple "yes, and" mentality. And this community blossoms, grows and cannot be stopped as a result of this.
Commitment to your craft - it is noble.
Commitment to your characters - it is vital.
Commitment to the integrity of the reality created - priceless
Commit to your craft and a community will find you.
