Our very own Mark “The Mayor” Turpin – improvisor, Mayor and thoroughly gorgeous chap – tells us why supporting other improvisors is so important to him.
So, as the title suggests, how did I become the “Mayor of Improv” and how did I get the title in the first place? I don’t know exactly when I was given the honour of “Mayor,” but I know it was given to me by the wonderful Velvet Wells in response to a comment I made on a Facebook post from the equally wonderful Brenna Judkins, and ever since then I’ve been known in the improv community as the “Mayor of Improv”.
I have inherited this title because of my support for my fellow improvisers in the community, and especially in the last year when we have had to adapt to performing online due to the pandemic. This has been a silver lining as I have made so many friends across the world, and it’s just nice to support my fellow improvisers and share any shows they are performing in or workshops they are running, and it gives me great satisfaction to see what everyone is up to .
Appreciate what our friends achieve
Also, in a world which can be scary and uncertain, especially in the current climate, I think we need to be much nicer and appreciate what our friends achieve. I think that by showing more compassion we can become better improvisers and all-round human beings. I know that being nice has helped me to become more compassionate and I feel it has also helped me to become a better improviser.
The improv community especially in the last year or so, has welcomed me with open arms and this has made me feel more valued and appreciated, which is why I feel the need to reciprocate the warmth and kindness I have received from others.
I just get a warm glow
For the first time I feel I belong to a community where there are kindred spirits who share my passion for improv, and I just get a warm glow from this (in fact I’m getting a warm glow just writing this!).
Although I’m affectionately known as the “Mayor”, I don’t go around wearing gold chains and a fur-lined robe whilst attending lavish dinners (although if you feel this is something that I should do, all donations to help me achieve these aims will be gratefully appreciated).
Seriously though, be nice to yourself and be nice to others whether it be in improv or in the outside world. Take care and be safe, and remember you are all amazing.
The Oickers 