Funny happens: An evening of improv by Everest Toastmasters – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

If you think you aren’t funny, then you just haven’t found your improv yet. Because “at improv, you don’t have to try to be funny, funny happens automatically” – Seema Golchha

A different kind of meeting

On 16th August, Everest Toastmasters Club didn’t conduct a regular, formal Toastmasters meeting. Every month, the Club conducts a special meeting, and this time it was an Improv Show led by Nepal’s only ventriloquist and a veteran Toastmaster, Seema Golchha. Fellow Toastmasters from different professional backgrounds, including Euden Koirala (HR Professional), Anuj Shrestha (Marketing Expert), Sudeep Sayami (Entrepreneur), Mani Raj Kapali (IT Professional), Chandan Gupta (IT Professional), Preshanee Bhattarai (Filmmaker), and myself, Vishwadeep Moktan (Musician), were the participants in this show. What made the evening even more special was watching this mix of backgrounds come alive on stage, all stepping out of their everyday roles to entertain and crack each other up.

What is improv?

It can be defined as improvisational comedy with theatre, creating scenes, stories, or comedy spontaneously, without any script, but with the help of prompts, which are random and sometimes collected on the spot.

We had a lot of fun, and the show was a success. There was non-stop laughter, creativity, and comedy from every participant throughout. The show wasn’t scripted, but it was the product of many random improv sessions during our gatherings, along with dedicated workshops and practice. One might ask why practice if all you need to do is improvise. Well, you still have to know the do’s and don’ts, and that only comes with familiarity. That said, one rule is non-negotiable: have fun. No matter how the scene unfolds or how many mistakes happen along the way, having fun is always the point.

Meet the inspiration behind it all

During one practice, I asked Toastmaster Seema where she got the inspiration for this. She shared that she had attended workshops in the USA and immediately thought of bringing the experience back to Nepal and to Toastmasters, where mistakes aren’t judged but seen as part of growing and evolving. It’s no surprise, really. Seema never stops learning, and whenever she travels abroad, she makes it a point to bring something back. As a ventriloquist, comedian, and true artist, she’s always sharpening her craft, and true to the spirit of Toastmasters, she believes in sharing what she’s learned with others.

The games that had us in stitches

When the show finally happened, it was a blockbuster. We played games like Freeze Tag, Punchlines, Change, and more. One standout was the Accent Switch, where one would start a scene in one’s normal accent, then switch on cue and keep going. The fun came from weaving in accent-appropriate references. A French accent brought out a croissant or the Eiffel Tower, while a Russian one always found room for vodka. In one memorable scene, a newborn was jokingly compared to a baguette, before the accent swerved to Chinese with everyone greeting the baby with a cheerful “Ni hao!” The room burst into laughter.

People were so engaged that we didn’t realize how fast the hour and a half went by. We were all so caught up in the moment that a few of us slipped up here and there, and that’s where the real magic happened.

My mess-up moment

We were acting out Cinderella, but with a twist. The same scene was redone each time in a different genre: comedy, horror, Bollywood. During the Bollywood round, I got carried away playing the jealous stepsister. When the Fairy Godmother (played by Anuj) showed up to grant Cinderella her wish, my brain skipped straight to “man talking to Cinderella.” I barged in, pointed dramatically, and declared the prince was mine, completely unaware I was yelling at the Fairy Godmother, not the Prince. The whole room lost it.

Since the show was conducted by Toastmasters, we made sure it started and ended right on time. Kudos to TM Seema for making that happen, and for always ending each game on a high note.

What improv taught me

I consider myself privileged to be part of the Toastmasters fraternity, and even more so to have been part of a show like this. I used to think of myself as not funny, but now I know I can be. I’ve realized “funny” happens when you’re present in the moment, not when you force it. Improv also taught me a lot about being a good communicator and a good human being. It pushed me to stay positive, listen to others, and accept whatever’s offered and build on it. Another lesson: don’t fear mistakes. Unforced errors don’t ruin things; they add a unique element to the moment.

Give it a try

I’d encourage anyone to try improv. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, shy or confident, it’s for everyone. I promise you’ll walk away having discovered something new about yourself.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, keep an eye out for Everest Toastmasters’ next special meeting and workshops. You might just find your own “funny” waiting for you.