Sital Ruparelia

Over the last week I have started attending improvisation workshops once again. I have being doing improvisation on-and-off for about 18 months now and have performed in 4 shows so far.

For those not familiar with improvisation (or improv), it’s essentially acting without a script (ie getting on stage and making stuff up!)

Usually in comedy format and usually in short sketches, it’s performed in front of a live audience. If you have ever watched the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” - that’s improv.

I have always loved watching improv ever since seeing the likes of Paul Merton, John Sessions and Josie Lawrence on the TV during the 1990′s. Having been told that I have an improvisary style at times (whatever that means), I decided to take it up as a hobby!

Whilst yes, it can be scary and most definitely takes me outside my comfort zone – it is also quite exhilarating and really good fun.

It has also meant that I have met some really interesting people – the kind of people I don’t usually come into contact with during my corporate life. I have got to know part-time actors, actresses, writers, stand-up comedians and voice-over specialists (I didn’t realise that was actually a specialism!) – all dreaming of one day getting that big break on stage, film or television.

Talking of dreams, do you ever dream of leaving financial services and starting a new career or job that you are really passionate about?

If so, take a look at this article on the importance of subsidising your career changes in order to be truly successful. In the very same way that every actor or actress needs to subsidise their dream. Click here to have a read