Playing Drunk

Improv scenes move quickly and require concentration. Alcohol doesn’t help either one of those skills.

I’m Michael Bradt for The Bit Theater. Most improvisers have performed after having a drink or two. I’ve done it. Almost every performer I know has done it. Some improvisers think they’re better performers onstage after having a few drinks. Almost one hundred percent of them are wrong and just don’t realize it, because they’re tipsy. Improv scenes move quickly and require concentration. Alcohol doesn’t help either one of those skills. The only reason I could even fathom that alcohol would help an improviser perform better would be to lower their inhibitions, so they’re not afraid to do the things their character needs to do onstage. But you can practice having the courage to do those things, and the sacrifice of dulling your wit is almost definitely not worth it. It is fun, though. That’s your improv tip for the day. Stay safe, stay healthy, love each other, and I will see you next time.