Hi friends!
So happy to have more friends coming my way, holy crap. Let me tell you how to get involved at i_i, or with AudioProv generally!
Origin story:
I began running audio-improv (which I now call, in line with my admiration for horrendous portmanteaus, “AudioProv”) circles when I realized on-camera zoom improv was too distracting and overwhelming for me (though I have practiced since, and have found great appreciation for it). I was hooked after realizing my listening skills were so much better in audio such that I could practice and integrate improv challenges and techniques much more easily.
I have always been a huge visualizer and daydreamer. A favorite childhood past-time was lying on the floor and dreaming up other worlds. I still do that when I’m cranky, but not tired enough to take a nap. I can spend an hour or longer there.
Something I noticed about audio-improv is that if it wasn’t heightening toward humor, or had very talented comedians who knew how to continue to ping pong hilarious and fun ideas, my ear would get overwhelmed, and a lot of the sensory detail or emotional work wasn’t there to create a meaningful picture or ear-pleasing “soundshape,” as I call it. I also have ADHD so I am very committed to the shortest, sweetest sets possible. Only some improvised Shakespeare gets to run longer than 30 minutes, most podcast shows being in the 25 minute range.
I gathered some circles of improvisers I met through my roadtrips prior to the pandemic, and invited them to AudioProv with me while I dreamed up exercises and sets that best catered to, and produced, a richer audio world. Many of them would tell me what a relief it was to play in audio and I thought, I know, right?! So I wondered how many people out there would ever just try improv, because audio gave them a chance to do it more securely. Thus I founded Introverted Improvisers, and my outreach is aimed at finding those who need audio to improvise (due to camera overwhelm, social anxiety, poor internet connection, or even visual impairment) for respite, or for permanent.
In the meantime I also seek out advanced improvisers who are dedicated to crafting excellent audio performances. Improvisers, in general, must be writers and actors, and without the visual communication, audio requires 5x the commitment to those crafts. I myself am nowhere near perfect, but with my intense musical background and attuned ear, I know what sounds good, how to get better, can direct other improvisers to harnessing strengths and challenging themselves for growth, and what excellent timing and score can do for dialogue and story.
We owe it to any audience to give them a clear, beautiful picture, and an interesting melodic arc to scenes and sets. PLUS good improv. Sheesh.
How to play:
Anyone needs-based is invited to reach out to me anytime to come play in audio with these opportunities, and I will do my best to make them financially accessible. See other potential AudioProv resources below.
Otherwise, to be invited into free community performance circles, you must demonstrate proficiency in improv at the required level, have clear language and diction and be willing to receive feedback on it, and have a thirst for the craft of audio. Let me know of your intentions, and come join a class or course! Anyone who has taken classes from me and demonstrated proficiency and generosity in audio is invited to community jams, and with dedication, to recordings.
I’d love to hear your voice, and we’ve totally got your back.
Xo
Camila
P.S.
When I have the mental bandwidth, I will construct more AudioProv listings. For now, resources I can attest to that I have either played with in audio, or have had an i_i member play with in audio are:
https://www.rhiannonjenkins.net/
https://www.facebook.com/stephendavidsonimprov