Pan Theater Show - 2013

Being there, inspired, in the moment, in  the trance state. Sometimes you get answers to the question:“What does it all mean?”.

Sometimes in an improv show, you are there. There is a moment that is singular. There is no other place, thought or possibility.

Your character and self become one in the imaginary (emotional) circumstances. 

The reactions become automatic and the dialogue and actions are natural responses of the character. These are magic moments.

When two performers share a scene, a series of these connected moments, or when a troupe hit these moments for an entire improv show magic is created. 

More and more of Pan’s Oakland improv shows are constantly hitting these moments. More and more of each of our improv shows is in the space, the now.

In our most recent show magic was created. The embalming scene, was such a moment. 

Watching a conversation two performers where having about last night, while they were doing their work as embalmers was funny, but also human. The reaction from the audience was visceral.

The performers created the space, objects in it and they created their characters with such skill. 

The audience was enthralled by what they were doing. Some of the said out loud audience comments included “oh, he’s taking the kidney out, oh wow look at the intestine.”

The choices were not designed for a laugh, but nonetheless they were funny. The humor and raw reactions to what was happening came from the imaginary circumstances. 

Both performers did an amazing job with the scene. Other performers supported the piece.

I was happy to be able to support the wonderful and talented performers during the show. 

To be able to share the stage with people so dedicated to the art of improv comedy, and to improv theater makes my life so much richer.