A love letter to DeCoster

Why, in my opinion, DeCoster continues to do stellar improv shows

I just went to Harold Night at UCB, like I've done many times before... and I have to say it: DeCoster stands out to me as an outstanding improv team. And here are a few reasons why:

No cast member tries to be "the funny one." Talk about support! We all know how hard it is to hold back when you have a good line or tag out or whatever it is - I mean, why did we all start performing in the first place? For attention, of course! For laughter and applause! But, this team proves why holding those urges back and supporting the shit out of what is already going on on stage is the right move always. Always. (I could learn a lot from them.)

I am the first person to say I hate an organic opening. Who pays money to see improvisers make whacky noises, clap, and then turn into birds? But this group makes the Organic opening work. I'm thinking it's because - for once - it's truly organic. Because these improvisers are so supportive of eachother - and not jumping out to be the "clever one" or switch it to "their idea/their thing" - the opening just fluidly happens and grows and connects and makes sense. And from there you see the same thing with their scenes... and with the rest of the show. It's all moving... the opening is like a fluid microcosm of their show as a whole. I think my brain just exploded.

The show is so focused. I mentioned to a friend that DeCoster consistently has good shows - and the friend replied "because they probably just don't care..." but i think it's the opposite. I think it's that they do care. They care about the show as a whole - not about how they personally performed - and that makes a difference. Also, they clearly are comfortable on stage and with each other. I assume they've been working together a long time - and that's got to help. Right?

Improv teachers often speak of the idea of audience members having their minds blown by the smallest things you do on stage. This show does that for me. I am blown away by the connections they draw and how seamlessly they weave them in... and how I often don't see them coming.

As someone who is new to performing Harolds (and someone who doesn't particularly like the Harold), DeCoster makes it look so easy. It's finally the proof that I needed that when a Harold is good - it's good.

My hats off to you, DeCoster.

Note: I personally don't know anyone on this team. In fact, I feel like I know maybe one person on every OTHER team but this one. (And I'm sure those people are going to give me shit for this post when they read it 3 years from now when googling nerdy improv shit.) My point is - it's not one of those "you know the people so the show is funny" kind of things... These dudes aren't my friends.
(YET. BFF necklaces pending.)

Also, please don't think I'm putting anyone else down. There are so many talented people in this city - and especially performers on UCB Harold Teams. You are all lovely and talented, funny, and inspiring. Really.
This group just particularly moved me to blog today.

(Who am I kidding... no one reads this blog except my Dad and Matti Zimbler. HI Matti!)

p.s. I also googled "harold" in google images so this should explain a few things: