In the Moment

In improv there is a tendency to bring the past or future into scenes. We do this to explain, detail, or predict. Most of the time this results in talking heads on stage with little action and also negates the development of the present relationship.

Statements like "Remember the last time we ate cheesecake?" or "I can't wait until we go to the park." are examples of ways we avoid the now, the present moment which is the real place of truth. The past is perceived truth and the future is speculative truth. Use what you have now because everything you need is right here. Why not be eating cheesecake now or playing at the park now...that is much more interesting than talking about what it was like or might be like.

When we play in this present moment we are engaged, our scene partners are engaged and we are engaged with the environment and emotions happening now which allows us to heighten and expand what is.