Big Old Ugly Fear

Big Old Ugly Fear

5 Ways to Break Through Your Fear Of Improv

Sally Clawson, originally posted 1/31/20


As a teacher and voice over performer, I talk ad nauseam about the benefits of improv in voice acting. See this example and this one. But if a voice actor avoids an improv class due to fear, then my going on and on about its benefits doesn’t matter. So let’s tackle fear. Big, old, ugly fear. Here are five ways to conquer your fear of trying improv, or anything new.


1. IMAGINE THE WORST

Let’s imagine that you’re in an improv class and you give a “bad” idea for a scene, then what? Do you burst into flames; setting fire to those around you, the building and the entire block? Probably not. I don’t mean to make light of your concerns, but if you play out your fear to its worst possible conclusion, you may find that the big catastrophe only occurs in your mind. In reality, you may feel momentarily vulnerable or judged, and then the class will move on. The consequences of your participation are bearable.


2.  EDUCATE YOURSELF

Did you know that improv has rules and boundaries?  And that failure is cheered and applauded? That’s right. It’s not a free-for-all and mistakes are encouraged. Ease your fear by knowing what to expect. Research the school or instructor, and read about improv basics. Get started with a short and fun article by Tina Fey on the rules of improv.


3.  BRING A FRIEND 

This is a tried and true antidote to combat the fear of something new. Share your anxiety with your friend before you go. They may have the same nervousness, and sharing it will lighten your outlook. In those moments in the class when you feel on the spot, you will have a guaranteed ally. And think of the fun you’ll have sharing an experience.


4.  THINK BIG PICTURE

Fear can make us think myopically and feel small. Encourage yourself to think about the end goal of why you are trying improv.  Perhaps you want to increase your spontaneity in the booth, expand your skills on your resume, or work with a producer or director that values improv. Maybe you’re moving and improv will help you better compete in your new market. Focus on your end goal to stay excited about results and reduce shrinking from your fear of an imagined outcome.


5. TREAT YOURSELF AS YOU WOULD OTHERS

What if a good friend said that in order to move up at work they had to take an accounting class, but they didn’t want to because they were afraid of detailed math? You would likely give them a pep talk encouraging them to face their fear because of the big rewards. Give yourself that same pep talk. Meet your fear head on by sitting down and giving yourself the same heart-to-heart that you would give to someone else. Include all the love, encouragement, and non-judgment that you would give to them, and be sure to include how much you believe in yourself.


I hope that these ideas help break through your fear of trying improv. If you can get past that fear even temporarily, you’ll open endless possibilities. Give yourself a chance to be in the moment, however that feels, and follow your instinct from a class to the booth.

________________________________________________________________________________

Want to read more? Check out these related articles:

25 Quotes about Improv

What's Improv Got To Do... Got To Do With It?

Strike a Pose: Creating (and Maintaining) Characters

Ready to take the leap? Check out these related classes:

Drop-In Improv

Say "YES" to Improv.

Spontaneity

Read Next

Voice One Verve Articles

Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (March 18-24) and what's coming your way next week.

March 18, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (March 11-17) and what's coming your way next week.

March 11, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (March 4-10) and what's coming your way next week.

March 4, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (February 26-March 3) and what's coming your way next week.

February 26, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (February 19-26) and what's coming your way next week.

February 19, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (February 12-18) and what's coming your way next week.

February 12, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (February 5-11) and what's coming your way next week.

February 5, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (January 29- February 4) and what's coming your way next week.

January 29, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (January 22-28) and what's coming your way next week.

January 22, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (January 15-21) and what's coming your way next week.

January 15, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (January 8-14) and what's coming your way next week.

January 8, 2024
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (January 2-7) and what's coming your way next week.

January 2, 2024
Read More
Article

Happy New Year

Here's to 2024!

December 27, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (December 11-17) and what's coming your way next week.

December 11, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (December 4-10) and what's coming your way next week.

December 4, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (November 20-26) and what's coming your way next week.

November 27, 2023
Read More
Article

Our Heartfelt Gratitude this Thanksgiving

We wish you happiness, success, and good company this Thanksgiving

November 22, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (November 20-26) and what's coming your way next week.

November 20, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (November 13-19) and what's coming your way next week.

November 13, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (November 6-12) and what's coming your way next week.

November 6, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (October 30-November 5) and what's coming your way next week.

October 30, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (October 23-29) and what's coming your way next week.

October 23, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (October 16-22) and what's coming your way next week.

October 16, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (October 9-15) and what's coming your way next week.

October 9, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (September 25-October 2) and what's coming your way next week.

September 25, 2023
Read More
Interview

Celebrating Hispanic Voice Actors

Celebrating Hispanic Voice Actors for Hispanic Heritage Month

September 20, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (September 11-17) and what's coming your way next week.

September 11, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (September 11-24) and what's coming your way next week.

September 11, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (September 5-10) and what's coming your way next week.

September 5, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (August 28-September 3) and what's coming your way next week.

August 28, 2023
Read More
Article

2023 Summer Fast Track Recap

A video recap of 2023 Summer Fast Track

August 23, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (August 21-28) and what's coming your way next week.

August 21, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (August 14-20) and what's coming your way next week.

August 14, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (August 7-13) and what's coming your way next week.

August 7, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 31-August 6) and what's coming your way next week.

July 31, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 24-30) and what's coming your way next week.

July 24, 2023
Read More
Article

SAG-AFTRA Strike

What does the SAG-AFTRA strike mean for Voice Actors? NAVA shares a helpful resource.

July 19, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 17-23) and what's coming your way next week.

July 17, 2023
Read More
Article

Summer Fast Track at Voice One!

Flashback to Summer Fast Track 2022!

July 12, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 10-16) and what's coming your way next week.

July 10, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 3-9) and what's coming your way next week.

July 3, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 26-July 2) and what's coming your way next week.

June 26, 2023
Read More
Article

2023 Emmy Awards: 148 Character VO Actors Nominated

With 148 Character VO Emmy Award nominees, who stands out and why?

June 21, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 19-25) and what's coming your way next week.

June 19, 2023
Read More
Article

Has AI Put VO Jobs 'On the Chopping Block'?

Video game voice actors discuss Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Voiceover

June 14, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 12-18) and what's coming your way next week.

June 12, 2023
Read More
Article

Kayleigh McKee Interview at Anime Riverside

The story behind why Kayleigh McKee decided to become a voice actor.

June 7, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 5-11) and what's coming your way next week.

June 5, 2023
Read More
Article

AI and the Voiceover Industry

How do voice actors protect themselves with the rise of AI?

May 31, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 30-June 4) and what's coming your way next week.

May 30, 2023
Read More
Article

The Elder Scrolls Online Voice Over Deep Dive

A deep dive with ZeniMax Online Studio’s VO Lead, Becky Ichnoski about how all of Tamriel’s characters get their voices!

May 24, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 22-28) and what's coming your way next week.

May 22, 2023
Read More
Article

Man gives funny voiceovers to animals and it's making the internet crack up

A hilarious social media handle has dedicated itself to narrating animals' inner monologues.

May 17, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 15-21) and what's coming your way next week.

May 15, 2023
Read More
Article

Celebrating AAPI Voice Actors!

Celebrating AAPI Voice Actors for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 10, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 8-14) and what's coming your way next week.

May 8, 2023
Read More
Article

Finding the Poetry

If ad agencies are thinking about poetry, as voice actors we must also keep this top of mind.

May 3, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 1-7) and what's coming your way next week.

May 1, 2023
Read More
Article

Voicing concerns: are big-name actors ruining animated movies?

Pros and cons of celebrity voice acting

April 26, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 24-30) and what's coming your way next week.

April 24, 2023
Read More
Article

Celebrating National Poetry Month

In honor of National Poetry Month, Sally shares her love of poetry.

April 19, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 17-23) and what's coming your way next week.

April 17, 2023
Read More
Article

World Voice Day 2023

Your Voice Matters! Celebrating World Voice Day 2023

April 12, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 10-16) and what's coming your way next week.

April 10, 2023
Read More
Article

Studio Efficiency by Jim Edgar

Thoughts on Flow and Workflow

April 5, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 3-9) and what's coming your way next week.

April 3, 2023
Read More
Classes

Youth Summer VO Program 2023

The Youth VO Program returns this Summer! And it's better than EVER!

March 29, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 27-Apr 2) and what's coming your way next week.

March 27, 2023
Read More
Interview

Voice Actress Sarah Natochenny and the Importance of Ash Ketchum

Sarah Natochenny voiced Pokémon’s Ash Ketchum for 17 years. Q&A.

March 22, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 20-26) and what's coming your way next week.

March 20, 2023
Read More
Article

HBO’s The Last of Us: Voice Actor Cameos You Might've Missed

Warning -- spoilers ahead! Click to read about voice actor cameos in The Last of Us.

March 15, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 13-19) and what's coming your way next week.

March 13, 2023
Read More
Article

Embrace Equity for International Women's Day

Everyone can embrace and actively support equity.

March 8, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 6-12) and what's coming your way next week.

March 6, 2023
Read More
Article

Let Your Passion Give You Confidence

How to harness your confidence.

March 1, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 27 - Mar 5) and what's coming your way next week.

February 27, 2023
Read More
Article

What Power Sounds Like

Samara Bay Wants to Change What Power Sounds Like

February 22, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 20-26) and what's coming your way next week.

February 20, 2023
Read More
Article

2023 Super Bowl Recap

Highlights from the 2023 Super Bowl

February 15, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 13-19) and what's coming your way next week.

February 13, 2023
Read More
Article

2023 Super Bowl Watching Guide

We've created a guide you can use for your Super Bowl watching party!

February 8, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 6-12) and what's coming your way next week.

February 6, 2023
Read More
Article

25 Quotes About Improv

From Robin Williams to Tina Fey, here are 25 reasons why improv will not only make you a better actor, but will change your life!

February 1, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 30-Feb 5) and what's coming your way next week.

January 30, 2023
Read More
Article

Tips for Video Game Voice Actors

Words of wisdom on the video game industry from Voice over veterans.

January 25, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 23-29) and what's coming your way next week.

January 23, 2023
Read More
Article

Instructor Interview: Monday Night Acting at Voice One

Erika sits down with Marvin Greene to discuss the importance of studying the craft, his favorite breakthroughs, and more!

January 18, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 16-22) and what's coming your way next week.

January 16, 2023
Read More
Article

Overcoming Audition Anxiety -- WITH IMPROV!

Guest post: Overcoming audition anxiety with improv!

January 11, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 9-15) and what's coming your way next week.

January 9, 2023
Read More
Article

Simple Steps to Help Achieve Your Voice Over Goals

Get out of your own way and own your year in VO by applying this advice. Here are four simple steps to help you reach your goals!

January 4, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 2-8) and what's coming your way next week.

January 2, 2023
Read More
Event

Voice One's 2022 Year-In-Review

Here's a look back at the fun we had in 2022

December 29, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Dec 12-18) and what's coming your way next week.

December 12, 2022
Read More
Classes

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Check out these gift ideas for the voice actors in your life

December 7, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Dec 5-11) and what's coming your way next week.

December 5, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Nov 28-Dec 4) and what's coming your way next week.

November 28, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Nov 21-27) and what's coming your way next week.

November 21, 2022
Read More
Event

Our Heartfelt Gratitude this Thanksgiving

We wish you happiness, success, and good company this Thanksgiving

November 16, 2022
Read More