The holiday period can mean lots of different things. Time with the family, twinkly lights and snow, two weeks drunk, a race to get this year’s work finished, ice skating, the birth of mankind’s saviour, duvet time, Stollen, Die Hard. And of course, presents. Improvisers can be hard to buy for, so to make things easy here is a gift guide for the improviser in your life. From tiny stocking fillers to the truly unique, you will not be lacking in inspiration. Just like in improv.
1) Leather gauntlets
Improv has a lot of clapping. A lot. Clapping round the circle, clapping in time, clapping together, clapping to freeze, clapping at the end of the scene. There’s not an improviser in the world who hasn’t had red, sore palms at one time or another. It can take the fun out of the post-show high-five. So protect hands before they happen with these leather gardening gauntlets from Harrod’s, or really push the boat with these steel ones from Etsy.
2) A brick
All together now: Bring a brick, not a cathedral! We all know the famous quote is actually about building in small increments and working with your partner, but it’s so much easier to bring a brick when you have an actual brick. So at less than a pound for a Red Perforated Engineering Brick, why not make the metaphor physical? Plus, it’s cheaper than a cathedral.
3) A checked shirt and Converse trainers
The uniform of the consciously casual improviser, this classic combination says ‘I don’t care, but in the right way’. It’s timeless and contemporary, combining practicality and ease. Your correspondent is wearing it right now. With so many different checks to choose from, there’s never an excuse to run out, and check out these hi-tops which are also platforms.
4) Lion’s mane tea
Sure, we can work on character and emotion and stage picture and game of the scene, but there is a simpler trick better improv shows. Just remember something the audience has forgotten. They think you are a miracle worker and you get a laugh for free. And this process is made even easier by lion’s mane tea, a traditional preparation which *may* improve memory and cognitive function.
5) An infinite box
Can you imagine their face when they unwrap a box that contains everything that has ever existed, real or imaginary, physical or abstract. Banded like a pirate chest and closed with a heavy padlock, it’s the perfect addition to any stage or living room. Hand them the key and it’ll take them back to their first improv class.
6) Del Close’s skull
Left to the Goodman Theater (sic) after his death, Del Close’s skull is the ultimate gift for the improviser in your life. Decorate your mantlepiece, take it onstage like a ventriloquist’s dummy or, if you are brave, ask it for notes. They say he did not hold back.
7) Teammates who show up
Real life can get in the way of make-em-ups, and improv rehearsals are sometimes a little under-attended, so how about seven improv-chums who have nothing else going on in their lives? they just moved to town, they don’t work evenings and they don’t have kids. Finally, you can start on time, and even make progress with that new form you are developing. They’ll even bring snacks.
8) Audience members who aren’t improvisers
The holy grail of improv. People who want to watch it, but don’t do it. No competition for stage time and no thinly-veiled ‘this is what I would have done’. Just rapt attention. You made that all up (they will say), that’s amazing! I can’t wait for next week. a gift of just twenty of them can make any small improv theatre feel like it’s a good night. Give them a beer and it’s a party. So take a moment to appreciate non-improvisers this Christmas.
And if none of the above seems quite right, then how about something from AndAlso’s stylish merchandise range? Or one of our gift vouchers? One ships worldwide and the other is delivered right to your inbox.