The ImproVables at a recent show doing “Golden Dating Game”
Every Monday morning, The ImproVables comedy improv troupe of Sun Lakes Community Theatre meets in a classroom at Cottonwood to practice their improv skills. “We work on our improv skills, such as listening and being in the moment,” states Phyllis Novy, director of The ImproVables. “Not only that, but we laugh for two hours. It is a wonderful way to start the week.”
The 18-member troupe acquires the health benefits of laughter, as do the audiences who attend each of the troupe’s performances. It is a known fact that laughter reduces stress hormones. In addition, according to Scientific American magazine, when we laugh, our bodies produce endorphins, natural painkillers.
Improv actors play games (skits) that rely on suggestions and ideas from the audience. Therefore, they are actors, writers, and directors, all at the same time, and they must perform on the spot. Improv actors work at unlocking creativity, which helps stem cognitive decline. The games that we play help nurture brain health by keeping us mentally engaged.
Other benefits of improv acting include improving listening skills, working with others, and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable!
Finally, according to Edward Bain of AARP, “Boosting the brain with improv helps us live a longer and happier life.”
What could be better than that?