Twice a month Extra-Strength News features “Performer Profiles” where we ask 20 Questions to notable improvisers from around the country to get their thoughts and insights into the art form and shed some light on how their brains work. You can also check our Improviser’s Glossary for explanations of some terms and concepts.
Maggy Keegan is Extra-Strength’s newest cast member. An accomplished singer, dancer, actor, writer and producer as well as a crack improviser, Maggy performs and hosts numerous shows at the iO West theatre and makes her Extra-Strength debut next weekend on Saturday November 14th at 11pm.
When did you start improvising?
I started taking short-form improv classes while I was still working in non-profit in Philadelphia around six years ago. I really began my improv training in earnest two years ago at iO West.
What do you like about long-form versus short-form improv?
I like both for different reasons as they work different muscles. I fell in love with long-form improv because of the challenge of it and because of the teamwork it requires in order for it to be done well.
What do you do to warm up?
The most important thing for me in a warm up is connection to the team; what kind of show the team will have can manifest itself in the warm-up so the connection – whether it’s playing Samuri Swords or talking about each other’s days – is really important. The more you know where your teammates are the better you can gift them later on-stage.
What’s your favorite character(s) you’ve played to date?
The Dollhouse is working with La Ronde right now and I played a character called Freddie who was a documentarian shooting a documentary in a prison and fell in love with one of the inmates’ girlfriends. That was really fun. Also in Pretty Bird with Tilt Tyree (we do one long scene for our show) I played a southern woman who’s son had Tourette’s Syndrome and wouldn’t take her to a dance. That was a lot of fun as well and had this creepy Glass Menagerie feel to it. And I got to use a ridiculous accent, which I always love.
What shows/performers do you like to watch?
I think we have some really strong Harold Teams right now. I love watching Local 132 and USS Rock and Roll, Powerhouse and Sweetness and the Wednesday night line-up – Trophy Wife, DHT and King Ten are incredible. I watch a lot of improv in the Loft on Saturday nights and I always look forward to Daily Double (with Gypsy Lou’s Betsy Sodaro) and My First Time with Cacky.
What do you see as your greatest strength/weakness as an improviser?
My greatest strength as an improviser is that I love improvising and I hope that love translates on-stage. Improvising never gets old for me; I love being up there and being part of a team. I am always working on adding new solid information to a scene and really just listening to the last thing that was said and responding off of that.
Has being an improviser had any impact on your career?
It’s changed my life. I transitioned from working full-time in non-profit to acting about two and a half years ago. When I moved out to LA I did a variety of different acting classes and improv just made sense to me. It’s made me a better writer and producer and a better listener in general. I think for me it’s the way I access what I need to in order to act because it immediately connects me to my scene partner.
What advice would you offer someone who’s new to improv?
Give yourself up to it and trust yourself. Audiences are like children in that they see everything – whether you want them to or not – so just be confident in what you do. Once I start doubting myself it’s all downhill from there and then no one is having fun.
Practically, when I first started I saw a lot of shows and I still do; it’s a really good habit to get into, especially when you are studying the form.
There’s a lot of “rules” to improv – which one(s) do you think is most important for a successful scene/show? Which one(s) do you see broken the most?
I just learned one in a new way, which was really cool – there’s no such thing as a wrong choice, just an unsupported one – and I love that! I was watching an Extra Strength show before I joined the team and one of the things that really impressed me about the group is their absolute agreement on-stage. Everything was a great choice and everything was supported. What a great place to be as a teammate because it means you can really go places and know your team has your back.
What inspires you and/or informs your improv?
Everything. I am taking a Viewpoints class right now and they talk a lot about how your life comes with you when you go on-stage; that you don’t leave it at the door. So everything for me is in my work on-stage – my day, what I’m wrestling with at the moment, the conversation I had right before I went on, a person’s gesture in the bar. It’s all there.
What do you look for in a coach or teacher?
Each teacher or coach that I have improvises in a different way, which is great because it means that they are working on different muscles for you. The most important thing is sort of internal; can they, through their own process, help me figure out how to work most effectively on-stage. And can they give good notes that might unlock a scene or an idea for me but also make me feel safe while doing so.
What’s the worst scene you’ve ever done (or seen)?
I’ve done so many horrible scenes and unfortunately for this question blocked most of them. The worst ones come when I haven’t made a choice – any choice – and I start doubting on-stage. The edit that comes is like a mercy kill – and it’s the greatest relief.
Have you ever been embarrassed by anything you’ve done on stage?
Oh sure; but I think again it comes from not making a choice or not supporting a choice because it doesn’t make sense rather then going for it with my scene partner.
Do you have any “no fly zones?”
I play pretty clean. I don’t mind going with something that’s dirty if it’s done well; I think that’s the most important thing for me. Going blue feels really cheap to me but if it’s needed, which it sometimes is, do it and do it well.
Do you ever get stage fright?
All the time. I find if I don’t I don’t play as well because I don’t care as much.
High or Low status?
I usually play low status characters.
Straight or Absurd?
Absurd.
Preferred Opening?
I’m not strong in openings so I haven’t found one that works for me. I’d have to go with Organic. That, if committed to, can be an incredible experience to be in.
Favorite Improv Form?
The Dollhouse was working with Close Quarters, which I loved! I would love to be able to try that again sometime with a group. I like a Harold; the form keeps me sharp and connected.
Favorite Line You’ve Ever Said?
I can’t recall anything at the moment. My laughs usually come from looks or movements I make and usually the line that gets the laugh for me is something that just comes out and I wasn’t thinking about before I said it.
