After more than a year of classes and six weeks of shows, last night I officially graduated the iO Improv program. And what you see above is a photo of some of the most talented, funny, kind people I’ve had the privilege to meet during my time at iO.
I started in March of 2013 and I remember the first time I walked inside I had never felt more like the weird new kid at school. As I was trying to find my classroom I walked by the bar upstairs and it seemed like everyone gathered around it already knew each other and had their own community. They all seemed to have their inside jokes and little groups of friends, and as usual I was just the quiet creepster trying to find my corner to sit in.
I wouldn’t call myself shy, I’m just not outgoing like a lot of the people you find in the improv world. Anyway, I remember watching a guy and a girl hug each other and one of them said, “Yea, I’m just starting level one tonight.” And the other person responded, “Brace yourself, it’s going to go fast.”
And it did. It went too fast.
Last night after all of the grad shows were done we all took the stage for one final bow. Everyone hugged and danced and we took some photos. And I was making my way toward the bar, congratulating all of my funny pals on their amazing run and saying hello to new friends, it kind of hit me that I had become the guys I was envious of when I first walked into iO more than a year ago. I had somehow managed to find my comedy community.
I know I’ve said this before and I will continue to say it again and again, but the amount of talent in this city never ceases to amaze me. I watched every one of the performers above take that stage week after week and absolutely kill it. So I just want to say congratulations again to all of my fellow 5B pals out there, you guys are awesome. I’m pretty sure all of the iO greats who have gone before us would be happy with the way we ended things.
As for what’s next? I don’t think any of us really know. But I suppose if we just continue to treat everyone we get to work with in this world as geniuses, poets and artists, we’ll all be okay.
That’s all I’ve got for today. Zip, zap, zop.
I feel like I remember you posting about starting these classes. I think it's absolutely incredible that you finished and so awesome that you found a community. Doing something that scares you is generally worth it and I can't wait to see what comes next.
congrats on graduating….confession: i think of you when i watch Last Comic Standing 🙂
samesies!
Congrats, girly!! What an awesome accomplishment. Can't wait to see what the future holds for you 🙂
Congratulations on graduating! I look forward to seeing what comes next for you 🙂
Congrats on graduating! I found my own comedy circle in Pittsburgh and on my first day I remembered your first post- that gave me a small feeling of confidence before my class.
So yay to you! And thanks 🙂
Love that quote at the end AND the zip zap zop! Congrats on graduating!
congrats on finishing your classes 🙂
Wow! Congratulations on finishing this first step toward the next step. I love to read about people chasing their dreams and doing what they love so go you!
Congratulations on finishing up at iO! And now I kind of miss zip zap zop. 🙂
I am the exact same way in new situations.
Congratulations on finishing and finding your community!
Congratulations on graduating!!
Congrats, girl! I am so proud that you accomplished something that was so important to you! You rock in my book.
It's amazing when people are actually able to work together, invent stuff, support each other etc.. It might sound cheesy (almost like some corporate team building s***) but I guess you get the point. That's IMHO worth congrats even more than the graduation : )
Congratulations on graduating and I can not wait for you to post more videos of your sets!
Congrats on graduating!!!
xo, Taylor
Like those who came before me I will like to say congratulations and way to go
Congrats on your graduation! I am sure that you will find many more things that make you this happy!
Congrats!
bisous
Suzanne
Congrats!!