Quick update

Hey all!

I just got back from my 'new student orientation' at Second city! I got to meet the Artistic Director of the school Mr. Kevin Frank. I instantly recognized him from various TV shows and commercials. He said hes been working with second city for over 20 years, has been in over 60 commercials, hosted multiple TV shows and been in pretty much every show that has filmed for an extended amount of time in Canada. The one show he said he hosted that made me laugh and say "oh my god, i loved that show" was the 1989 classic "Kidstreet". For those not familiar, that was the show with the kids sitting in small cars, red, blue and yellow, answering questions to win cool toys and prizes. I remember watching that all the time with my brother, just dreaming to be on the show one day. My dreams have since changed :)

Anyways, He is a really nice guy. There were about 25 people in the 'John Candy Theatre Box' where the orientation was held today. I am the only person starting two different programs at the same time (oohhh), that being the Improv A, and the writing level 1. I didn't really get a chance to do a meet and greet but that will happen tomorrow. My first impression was that there were a lot of NEW people to improv and theatre. I could tell just be the questions they were asking, like this;

What are the 'rules' of improv that I always here about?

When can i start doing commercials?

That last one was my favourite. I couldn't believe that was a real question. Like its really that easy? Oh well, I am sure I will get a lot out of starting from the beginning, even if I am with people who have never been on stage before.

After I go from level A to level E I have to audition to get into the "Conservatory" improv class. That's when things get really good. I'll still have to go through level A to E again, but unlike the beginning classes, the group I am with stays together all the way through (COOL! FRIENDS!). The idea is for us to become comfortable together, form our own 'troupe' and in the end, write and perform a 2 hour improvised show, that is showcased in the main theatre that seats 200. Cool! I cant imagine doing a two hour show right now, but the idea of it makes me super stoked. Mr.Frank said the show will consist of everything from straight up improv, 5 minute sketches, songs, monologues and poetry. Anything goes and that is awesome. I think I'd make a great improv poet.

So my first class start tomorrow. The improv class has a max of 18 people, and it looks to be at least 15. The writing class is smaller, and if I were a betting man, I'd say it only has about 6-8 people. The smaller the better for me, because that means more one on one time with the instructor.

One thing that I am going to try to do is ALWAYS be willing to go on stage, volunteer, and get as much instruction that I can. An instructor that I had at VADA (Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts) said it the best. He said that everyone in the room is paying the same amount for this. People should do whatever it takes to get the most one on one time with the instructor. That really struck up with me. When the teacher asks "who wants to go up on stage??" and nobody moves or raises their arm, something is wrong. It sounds silly but it happens all the time. Not for me. Not this time. After the first 30 minutes, I want my instructor to be saying "Anyone OTHER than Brad want to go up?" I'll stay up there all day long if I can. The class room is the last spot in the world to be nervous or scared. Fuck it. I'm going to go for it this time. No looking back!

Stay tuned, more to come!