Is improv a cult?

When we say improv is like a cult, we don’t mean we’ll perform ritualistic sacrifice with pig blood (although we can’t ensure you that won’t happen in a scene).

(improvisers performing ritualistic warm up exercises)

What we mean is that…



• You are most likely already an improv proselyte, trying to convince everyone that it’s really fun and they should try it. You’ve evangelised your friends and family and have forced them many times to join a late-night show in a shady venue.

• You are part of a global community. You can travel all around the world and find other improvisers. They’ll very likely open their arms (or their door) to you.

  
  

• You engage in collective trance. You can be matched with a group of random strangers and, a few seconds later, be in communion with them.

• You read the scriptures & form beliefs. You can spend nights discussing the theology of improv, the in & outs of the craft, share your own experience with encountering the improv light and be touched by grace on stage. May often quote prophets, like Saint Viola, Father Johnstone or the Upright Citizens Brigade of Apostles.

• You sound like a freaking weirdo. You share a common language that might feel odd to outsiders: Mindmeld. Heighten this. Raise the stakes. Space work. Find the game. Bunny Bunny.

The difference with a cult is that you can leave anytime...

...or can you?