I used to think the skill in performing was learning to play the same piece exactly the same every time. Now I realize the genius is in being able to play it differently every time. Even with scripted performance, there is a lot of freedom in how you play it, whether that be a concerto or a character in a play. If you can incorporate your mood, the atmosphere, the audience’s energy, the events of the day, past performances, etc into your performance, it becomes more than what was put down on the page. It becomes somethng organic that you are building in partnership with your audience and your fellow players. And they will be able to feel that, and they will thank you for it.

The beauty of improv is that that is all there is.

Tags: energy, inspiration