Friday night I saw a screening of Trust Us, This is All Made Up, a documentary about two long-form comedy improvisers - TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. The film was rather simple in that it focused on the duo rather than “the game” or any improv structural elements beyond the idea of trust and being in the moment. The film began with a brief history of their comedic partnership, followed by their pre-show routine and eventually their full 50-minute act and show cool down. I was rather impressed by the actual filming of the live theater piece, which felt more intimate than being at the theater itself. As a 101 student at UCB (my graduation show is today, in fact), it was really cool to observe two professional improvisers take on the anxieties of a live show. At one point TJ said he likes to look into the eyes of the audience members right before beginning to remind himself that we’re all human beings. Yes! What I love about improv is it allows you to dissolve the filters we all put on ourselves. Anything goes as long as it’s showcased truthfully, but improv done well is based on trust and supporting your partner. Now if only life were more like that!
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Friday night I saw a screening of Trust Us, This is All Made Up, a documentary about two long-form comedy improvisers - TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. The film was rather simple in that it focused on the duo rather than “the game” or any improv structural elements beyond the idea of trust and being in the moment. The film began with a brief history of their comedic partnership, followed by their pre-show routine and eventually their full 50-minute act and show cool down. I was rather impressed by the actual filming of the live theater piece, which felt more intimate than being at the theater itself.

As a 101 student at UCB (my graduation show is today, in fact), it was really cool to observe two professional improvisers take on the anxieties of a live show. At one point TJ said he likes to look into the eyes of the audience members right before beginning to remind himself that we’re all human beings. Yes! What I love about improv is it allows you to dissolve the filters we all put on ourselves. Anything goes as long as it’s showcased truthfully, but improv done well is based on trust and supporting your partner. Now if only life were more like that!