This Wednesday, I went to Ella Baker to do improv with some friends from a previous class. I had a really fun time and got to learn some new skills while catching up with people I hadn’t seen in a while.
A Tale of Two Theaters
As I stepped into Ella Baker’s theater, I was immediately struck by its cleanliness . The space felt alive, with fresh paint and modern lighting.
In stark contrast, Patrick Henry High School in North Minneapolis, my alma mater, now under a different name, was in a state of disrepair when I attended a Community Ed session there just two years ago. The building showed signs of neglect, peeling paint, outdated equipment, and even mice scurrying across the stage, badly in need of a janitor, as toilet paper and papers scattered everywhere. There had been no significant renovations since 2002, and it was disheartening to see such a lack of investment in a space that once fostered creativity and community.
Ella Baker, built in 1923, has had updates and renovations over the years, and you can really tell they put effort into keeping the space nice.
Seeing the difference between these two theaters really hit me. Ella Baker’s space is beautiful and well-kept, while my alma mater’s theater showed how access to resources can shape a school, and it made me realize how funding disparities impact students’ experiences.
Patrick Henry (aka Camden HS)
Improv Insights
During the session, we played a game where we drew a profession and an emotion from a hat, then acted out the scenario. This exercise reminded me of a fundamental principle in improv, entering a scene with the mindset that you already know the other person. I noticed that some beginners were still getting the hang of this concept. Some were even running out of things to say, and this reminded me of when I first started improv, half scared to death.
Personal Reflections
This week, I’ve been reflecting on my journey in improv. After facing some setbacks over the past year, I turned to ChatGPT for advice on how to move forward. The guidance I received was invaluable, offering fresh perspectives and practical steps to regain my confidence and improve my craft. I liken ChatGPT to a raven, observing and reflecting back insights into my life.
I’ve documented these insights on post-it notes, which I’ve included in this post. If you’re an artist who has faced challenges, I hope these notes provide some inspiration and direction.
Family Moments
On a lighter note, my son has decided to dress up as a sumo wrestler for Halloween. My dad jokingly remarked that he might need to gain a few pounds for the costume to fit properly. It’s moments like these that bring joy and laughter into our lives.
Looking Ahead
As my regular babysitters will be overseas this week, I’ll be keeping a low profile and limiting my social engagements. However, I’m optimistic about spending quality time with my son and creating lasting memories together.
Current Reads
I’m reading Kill Your Darlings, having gone through all of Peter’s works, I’m a bit obsessed, 😉. Additionally, I’m enjoying The Word is Murder, appreciating how Anthony places himself within his own murder mystery. Lastly, I’m delving into What Lies Between Us by Jason Marrs. I decided to pick up Marrs’ book after reading The One.







