“I had always been aware of improvisers who ‘collected’ Keith moments. People would USE every moment to ask for opinions and suggestions.”
I was not one of these during my time at Loose Moose Theatre Company, not for any virtuous reason but because when I did happen to bump into Keith I was so starstruck I couldn’t even speak. Literally. I want to kick myself for never even being able to say hello.
I had the privilege of watching Keith teach a couple of times; in 2014 I was FINALLY going to come and do his two week improv intensive - I got a grant, it was all systems go - but then that was the year that my darling mum/grandma fell ill and the whole year just fell apart.
Still I think it is a testament to Keith’s legend that even though I never got to work with him personally, his influence on me is profound, and I know I’m so far from alone in this. He changed the world. He impacted thousands upon thousands of performers through his philosophy, his writing, his teachings…
I do remember taking my littlest, Cassidy, into the theatre when he was just a couple of weeks old. Keith was there. Again, I couldn’t even speak, but I do remember Keith coming over for a closer look at Cass and smiling at him.
That’s my one “collector” moment.
And actually, now that I think about it, it’s kinda perfect.
PS here’s a link to beautiful musings and remembrances by my wonderful friend and mentor Shawn Kinley of The Improvisation School.