Improv classes with Billy Tierney run on Monday afternoons from 3 - 5 PM. Classes are drop-in as you please for $10 per class, payable at the time of class or by purchase of a 10 class punch card (cost: $90). This page will have the most up-to-date information about whether class is happening or not.

Improv class space is a safe space, where people of all races/genders/orientations are welcome to explore the craft of improvisation without harassment.

MARCH 16th - YES

There will be an improv class on Monday, March 16th.

Book 2, Chapter 9 (from The Thoughts of Emperor M. Aurelius Antoninus)

“This you must always bear in mind, what is the nature of the whole, and what is my nature, and how this is related to that, and what kind of a part it is of what kind of a whole; and that there is no one who hinders you from always doing and saying the things which are according to the nature of which you are a part.”

Passage thought:

This chapter strikes at the heart of understanding oneself as a part of a greater whole. In class, I will talk about what is needed for 'the sake of the scene' or 'the sake of the show', attempting to instill the idea that what is happening is bigger than just one person/character, even if we're watching a monologue.

Passage breakdown:

"What is the nature of the whole, and what is my nature, and how this is related to that"

In life and Stoicism, this is the big picture of the interconnectedness of all things, and the importance of understanding your individual place in it all. It is a call to align personal actions with the greater good. This translates well into the world of improv because ultimately when determining what action to take, consider what would serve the scene or the show as a whole. It's about understanding the role you play in the moment and how the choices you make, in context of the larger story or group dynamic, are not isolated; they ripple through the scene/performance/show and impact the collective work.

"What kind of a part it is of what kind of a whole"

This is a nudge to reflect more deeply on how every individual, and every action taken is a component of a broader system.

Each part (group, person, or offer) has a role to play and should contribute to the whole. It's crucial for the improviser to weigh what serves the scene best- sometimes it means stepping back to be a support character, other times stepping forward to be the main character, other times maintaining neutrality so a role may emerge. Knowing your part and how it fits the scene or show enhances your ability to be a good stage and scene partner.

"There is no one who hinders you from always doing and saying things which are according to the nature of which you are a part"

Autonomy and agency! We, both individually and as a group, have the autonomy and agency to act in alignment with nature and reason. External happenings or obstacles don't control our ability to act virtuously. When improvising, we are free to make choices that honor the nature of the scene or show. By making offers or choices out of a sense of need for personal gain or a fear of judgment or a perceived expectation of a scene partner, the scene is sabotaged. Instead, step into the role that is required with confidence and authenticity, and trust that by doing so you'll serve the whole and elevate everyone around you. If all players are elevating all other players, then flight is achieved.

Takeaway Note:

This is emphasizing not only the part you play in any given scene or show but also the awareness of the collective, sometimes in improvisation called Group Mind. Improvisers must consider how their actions serve the scene, and the collective group must consider how their scenes serve the show. It should be a humbling reminder that ego or individual desire should never overshadow the greater good of the performance, nor should the group’s failure or success in a single scene be the basis of what happens the rest of the way. Also, by following the power of collective awareness, we see that the choices we make in the moment ripple forward into the show or longform. It cultivates mindfulness and a sense of responsibility to do what's right for the sake of the show, and ultimately this type of behavior, through intentional thought, deepens the ensemble's bond.

Reminder:

The ideal improv ecosystem puts the focus on the collective success of the scene/show rather than individual performance or ego. By making it a mindset and approach issue, rather than a talent issue, you’re giving your group more of a chance to succeed. The idea of focusing on the collective need is so ingrained in the art form that it can feel like just one concept among many, but it is truly foundational to good, productive improvisation. It allows an improviser to approach their work with an attitude of collaboration and connection.

Improv rewrite:

You must always bear this in mind: what is the nature of the scene, and what is my role, and how is my role related to the scene, and what kind of a part it is of what kind of a whole, and that there is no one who hinders you from always doing and saying the things which are in the best interest of the moment according to the flow of the scene.

See you on Monday, the 16th!

This page updated 3/13/26 at 10:42 AM