Think Slow, Play Fast: The Surprising Benefit of a Deliberate Approach to Improv
In the world of improvisational theater, spontaneity and rapid-fire wit are often seen as the hallmarks of a successful performance. However, a growing number of seasoned actors and improv instructors are advocating for a seemingly paradoxical approach: think slow, play fast. By incorporating deliberate, reflective thinking during rehearsals and workshops, performers can enhance their creativity and quickness on stage. This article explores the philosophy behind this method and its surprising benefits.
The Philosophy Behind "Think Slow, Play Fast"
Improv culture traditionally values quick thinking and the ability to make bold choices without hesitation. This aligns with Daniel Kahneman’s concept of "fast thinking" from his book, Thinking, Fast and Slow source. Fast thinking is intuitive and quick, often leading to exhilarating but sometimes surface-level results. In contrast, "slow thinking" involves methodical reflection, which fosters deeper understanding and can paradoxically lead to more rapid decision-making under pressure.
In improv, "thinking slow" doesn’t mean hesitating during a scene but rather preparing the mind to operate with speed and clarity. This preparation occurs off-stage—through deliberate practice, reflection on past performances, and exercises designed to broaden creative thinking. This concept aligns with the mindfulness practices gaining traction in various creative processes, as outlined by experts like Dr. Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist known for her work on mindfulness and creativity source.
How a Deliberate Approach Enhances Improv
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Deeper Character Development: By allowing time for reflective thinking, performers can create richer, more nuanced characters. This understanding informs their split-second choices on stage, giving scenes depth and resonance that resonate with audiences.
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Heightened Listening Skills: Deliberate practice often emphasizes listening, a crucial yet sometimes overlooked skill in improv. According to Yes, And by Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton, improved listening helps performers build on their scene partners’ ideas more effectively, leading to a more cohesive performance source.
- Increased Agility Under Pressure: Reflective thinking fosters mental agility. A performer with a well-prepared mind can access a broader array of ideas quickly, leading to more dynamic and responsive performances. Research into cognitive flexibility, such as the work compiled by Scott Barry Kaufman in Wired to Create, supports this approach source.
Practical Steps for "Thinking Slow, Playing Fast"
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Journaling: After performances, writing reflections on decisions made during scenes can reveal patterns and areas for growth.
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Mindfulness Training: Techniques like meditation can enhance focus and awareness, as discussed in an article from Harvard Business Review on mindfulness and performance source.
- Collaborative Reflection: Group discussions and feedback sessions can help identify collective strengths and weaknesses, leading to improved group cohesion and creativity.
As improv continues to evolve, methods that integrate thoughtful reflection with spontaneous performance offer promising avenues for artistic growth. By "thinking slow," performers prepare themselves to "play fast," merging intentional preparation with uncharted creativity. This marriage of deliberation and speed not only enhances the quality of improv but also deepens the joy of improvisation for performers and audiences alike.
For those interested in exploring this approach further, several workshops and online resources offer insights and exercises to train both the slow and fast aspects of thinking. The deliberate path may seem counterintuitive at first, but it opens up a world of possibilities for improvisers willing to dive deeper into their craft.
