So you've moved out to the big city and you're ready to meet new and like-minded people. You could try to attend every social networking event out there, but let's face it, being a full-time schmoozer can become daunting. And while there's no doubt the internet is changing the way we meet and communicate, it still doesn't compare to meeting people the old-fashioned way: face to face and fully clothed. Let's also imagine you haven't landed any work yet. Nothing can make you feel lazy quite like free time can. A solution: take a class.
In New York, the best decision I ever made happened the day I signed up for my first improv class. Not only did my writing and brain functioning improve, it kept me on a schedule. It was my responsibility to show up to class every week, ready to learn and ready to participate. And unlike the mandatory school courses from the past, I wanted to be there and so did everyone else. Another perk is that class fell on a Sunday, which prevented me from getting into too much trouble on Saturday night. The biggest take away was all the great people I met. I am still in contact with almost everyone.
Another pro of taking a class is all your classmates are in the same hopeful boat as you. Recently, I was at a comedy writing event that had a panelist of successful comedy writers speaking and dishing out advice. One of the speakers said she does not respond well to people who try to schmooze her, to which the other panelist agreed. It's hard to try and latch on to someone who has already achieved success. It's better to rise to the top with people who know exactly how you feel and what you're going through. I'm not saying higher-ups don't want to help, it's just very hard for them to relate to you at this stage in your life. It's kind of like a "successful amnesia."
I know some of you are thinking, "That's all fine and dandy for aspiring writers or actors, but what about the rest of us?" Many people in my classes were aspiring (or working) directors, producers or assistants to major talents. They're in class because they want to try something new and to meet more people. It's not always strictly writers or actors.
However, this paragraph will probably speak more to our readers who are writers. A course of note I just completed here in Los Angeles is the Comedy Writers' Room at iO West. Like I've mentioned before, I'm an aspiring TV writer and this class was an incredible experience. Taught by seasoned TV writer Ed Lee, it's designed to emulate a real writers' room environment. I saw first hand how closely it resembles a real room because one of the class activities is sitting in on a Futurama table read (a Futurama table read!) Also, I didn't have a job when I moved out here, but going to class every week (and having homework) prevented me from feeling like a complete bum.
If you reside in the New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago area, consider yourself very lucky. These cities are home to some of the best (if not, THE best) establishments for improv and writing classes. The biggest names are UCB, Second City, and iO West. The classes can be a bit pricey, but they are definitely a wise investment for many.
If you have the time, why not sign up for a class? Get out there and meet your peers! You never know who you're going to meet who might just change your life.
Nicole Betz was raised in the "Fabulous" Florida Keys. During college she realized she wanted to write for television, a lucrative career choice indeed. After graduation she moved to New York City where she worked various industry jobs. Her favorite position was as a Post Production Assistant for the show "Chopped" on the Food Network. After two years of NYC living, she decided it was time to try somewhere with a little more sun. It was either Florida or Los Angeles (psst, Los Angeles won). Nicole considers herself freelance, which is really just a fancy way of saying she's unemployed. If the mood strikes, you can send her an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
