“See I’ve brought you a very healthy habit. Now you are all bringing home-made food to office.” Eric took pride of himself while taking his baked mutton chop out of the oven and invited us for a dinner at office before the improv class.

Eric Shen, a Shanghai descent, was born in Tianjin and grew up in New York. A computer science major, he accidentally found his talent when hosting a friend’s marriage. He fell in love with improv theatre and develops his own dating training. The constantly changing environment and roles have formed his a habit: abandoning the stereotypes and I can be anyone.

During the hand-holding improv class, Eric tried hard to create a trusting and safe environment. He believes only a positive encouragement can lead to a positive teamwork among the students. “It’s like a sandwich, acknowledging their progress first, giving suggestions and then more encouragements. Teachers’ critique is very critical in improv class, or the students won’t dare to try any more,” says Eric.

Eric often tells the students to “believe what you say is right”. He thinks that Chinese are used to judge whether it’s right or wrong and are not aware that the answer is colorful. Thus they can’t confirm their direct feeling. For example in the gift game, the sender tends to give very specific information and the receiver often tries to get the right answer exactly as what the sender wants. “We can be more confident in the scene and naturally go with the flow and say it when it comes.”

As for the contradiction between improv theatre and traditional acting, Eric emphasizes that they are in different direction. Improv aims to create a scene in which you and your partner feel the moment and get the inspiration; while traditional acting is all about acting and you need to get involved in the character and practice to act real.

“Usually learning can be based on spontaneity and practice. I prefer to improvise and love the concept of ‘carpe diem’ (seize the day). The creativity won’t be in control and it’s more fun.” Pulling his huge luggage, Eric said goodbye to life in Hutong and got back to Shanghai, “well, where shall I travel this Spring Festival?”

Acdemic Background of Jean Louis Rocca

Rocca, is a cool-looking Frenchman with a hot passion for improv theatre.  He came to our workshops every week last spring and summer. He is a sociologist and lectures in Paris and Tsinghua University.

Rocca’s favorite traditional play is Waiting for Godot and has tried some simple roles in Chinese plays. He thinks one needs to forget himself in traditional theatre. However, in improv theatre, one can show a bit of one’s authentic self. Rocca thinks a perfect actor should be one that can act and improvise.  In fact, many actors in France like to switch between improv and traditional acting.

By observing participants from all walks of life, Rocca has learnt more about the Chinese culture and its different dialects. “Usually it is the new middle-class that is interested in new things. I can learn about contemporary China here.” Middle-class in China is part of his research.

Rocca has since moved back to France with his family and found improv popular in France too. “Many people become successful because of their ability to tell jokes.  . Audiences also love to be tickled by the improvised chat shows on TV. Perhaps that’s why  some young people, especially those living in the suburbs love to learn improvisation. In addition, improvisation allows one to express himself freely and not afraid of being judged. It’s almost ‘therapeutic’ to feel accepted and establish a sense of belonging when playing improv.

Rocca also pointed out some difference between China and France, “The French are more quiet at the beginning in these kinds of workshops. Maybe because most Chinese tend to approach others and communicate more easily. Besides, language is the most important factor in French comedy. People love Puns while in Chinese comedy, I think there’s more balance between words and the use of body and language.”

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Li Jiawei often wears a T-shirt with the words “FACE TO FACE” in the front which reveals his strength as a Gemini – being good at communicating. One of his early works in the improv workshop made him a star and everyone knows his role of “Father-in-law” ever since. He’s become a hot topic on our improv fans’ online chat room. Other participants describe him as a witty, humorous and quick-thinking partner. Yet he has his own interpretation: “Being humor is just the appearance. It actually allows communication between people to be easier. The essence of communication is to find out what others want. Our natural tendency is to focus on ourselves. But when you pay attention to others and get to know what the other person want, he will be friendly to you. It’s just human behaviour.”

Li studied accounting at university but now works as a magazine editor. He too once was frustrated about his future, splitting his time between Beijing and his hometown in Jilin for work and now staying in Beijing. Li has his own receipe for work-life balance. He joins different social groups, communicates with people and expresses himself freely. What he loves about improv is the process of creating within a specific scenario under time pressure. On stage, his speaking ability may be better than his acting yet he’s good at making the audience laugh aloud. Other improv actors are willing to perform with him. “I want to be the person that can positively affect others’ emotion. I make people laugh not by playing as a clown. I think ahead.”

How can we make people around us feel happy? Li thinks the methods are as flexible as improv theatre. “You need to be sensitive and see things that are ignored by others. Then let your thoughts and spirit to guide your behaviour.”