r/improv • u/protoveridical • 19h ago
Advice Resources for tackling space/object work as a disabled improviser?
To start, I apologize if this is a vague and niche question. I'm extremely new to improv and also relatively new to living in this current iteration of my body. Frankly, it was probably audacious of me to take up improv while I'm trying to come into my "new normal," but I needed some levity and here we are.
In sort, I have a recently-diagnosed neurological condition that impacts my balance, coordination, and motor planning ability. The whole conceit of my last level 1 improv class surrounded space/object work, and to put it mildly, I got humbled.
I've disclosed a little of what's going on to my instructor, but none of my classmates know, and I'm a little fearful of boxing myself in too early if I share it with them. I don't want every scene that includes me to become limited by someone else's perception of my physical capacity. Maybe I want to portray an Olympic-level gymnast or an American Ninja Warrior at some point, you know? Plus, I'm feeling a little sensitive. I know improv will do wonders to get me over that feeling, but I just don't want the train wreck that is my inability to be cogently physically active to pull focus in a scene.
I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has dealt with this before? Are there any good resources out there that address physical work in improv when you yourself are physically disabled? Suggestions? Words of encouragement? I left class this week almost in tears from embarrassment and I know next week's focus is going to remain on this, so I'd love to enter the room in a clearer/more confident headspace.