I used to do improv—classes mostly, occasionally onstage. Improv is done without props, without scripted dialogue; everything is made up, which can be incredibly freeing or akin to that floaty feeling after a round of the childhood game who-can-out-hyperventilate-whom (if passing out was winning then the answer is: I can). When an improv scene worked—the characters were interesting, there was a beginning, middle, end—it was amazing (surely Saturday Night Live would be calling). When it didn’t work, it was that dream of going to school wearing only a T-shirt that barely covers your bellybutton.
When most people hear the word “improv,” they think comedy but true improv can be comedic or dramatic. It’s really just having the courage to be in the moment, to respond honestly to what you’re given, and to let the scene take you where it will. It’s that zen idea of enjoying the journey with no attachment to outcome (and good luck with that if you’re human).