Improvising Everywhere

I was at Costco once (according to my wife, I was at Costco ONE MILLION TIMES), and after I’d checked out and was going to grab my cart, I noticed that one of the Costco employees had absent-mindedly rested his hand on my cart. I put my hands on the cart handle, and he didn’t notice. So, I said, “Am I being detained?”

If the Costco employee was an improviser, he certainly would have committed to the bit and said something like, “Yes, sir. If you wouldn’t mind following me to our interrogation room.” Instead, the employee laughed and let me go. One of the great perks of being an improviser is the ability to improvise anywhere. Whether the employee joined me or not, I was able to do a quick bit in the checkout line at Costco. It was a lighthearted moment in an otherwise boring day.

I was reflecting while driving the other day about how I rarely have to give my mind a break from being creative. Unless I’m preoccupied with a work issue, I can always do a bit. I can always puzzle out a sketch idea. I can always work over a plot point in a screenplay, or weigh my wording options for a stand-up joke. I can’t think of many hobbies or professions that allow for such freedom.

Practically no matter where you are and what you’re doing, you can almost always let your mind create. What a wondrous gift that is. Go be playful. Do bits and create comedy.