Meet Jocelyn Tiner of The JIM Experiment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Tiner.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had an amazing ‘first improv troupe’ experience with After Hours Improv in Waxahachie. They were well organized, with clear branding, and an Artistic Director who constantly motivated us to hone our skills. But after a couple of years, the commute was too much for me to maintain, so I phased myself out of their regular performances and did a few shows with a couple of other improv troupes around town.

Performing with the same group of people on a regular basis has a lot of advantages, but what it doesn’t allow you to do is to put yourself in a more perpetual ‘fish out of water’ state of mind. I wanted to step up the challenge of improv comedy a bit. So in 2012, I email blasted 50 or so actors I had performed with over the years asking them if they wanted to be a part of something new.

Each of them was naturally funny, had good instincts, and I trusted them on stage. The first year, 18 of them took me up on my offer. We met on six Saturdays and work-shopped short-form improv games that had either been made up entirely by me or someone in the group, or were mash-ups of standard games. Then we performed all 20 games over a two late night shows at Pocket Sandwich Theatre. It was an absolute blast, and we’ve been doing this annually ever since.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The first year was definitely the most stressful. I had never run a troupe before, much less written a press release. It was a huge learning curve. But I took every key learning and carried it over to the next year. Scheduling was a nightmare in 2012. I know it’s a cliché, but it was seriously like herding cats. So, in every subsequent year, I’ve created the schedule months in advance and gotten commitments early.

I also only allow one workshop absence now since so much is covered in each one. Another struggle I had was transitioning from fellow actor to “coach” and “leader.” I never want to offend anyone or make them feel self-conscious, but I have to find a way to be direct and communicate effectively when there’s a skill they need to work on. It’s tricky, because the very act of participating in improv makes you feel vulnerable. And for those moments, I’ve thought back to different directors I’ve learned from and tried to emulate their coaching methods. So far, I think it’s working out.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The JIM Experiment story. Tell us more about the business.
The JIM Experiment is an annual improv comedy event, beginning with a short string of workshops and culminating in a series of shows.

In each live show, the games to be played are drawn at random, as are the names of the players. The goal of this is to put ourselves in the uncomfortable position of not knowing at all what to expect, while simultaneously finding some way to feel prepared for it.

The performers have changed from year to year and have included over 30 actors and comedians. Some have worked together on shows in the past, and some haven’t. They come from varying levels of improv experience and represent a wide age range. And while generally, traditional improv troupes are male-dominated, I’m proud to say that 50% of those who have performed with The JIM Experiment are women.

Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business?  If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
I’ve had the good fortune to work with three graphic designers, three photographers, and three videographers and filmmakers. Without the help of these amazingly talented people, we wouldn’t have posters, buttons, t-shirts, or online ads. Every year, they donate their time to me and my group. I wish I could pay them their hourly rates. It’s definitely a goal. At very least, I’d like to acknowledge Sherry Etzel (PR and graphic design), Marci Fermier (t-shirt and button design), and Patrick Prejusa (film promos). The amount of time they have put in for me has been invaluable.

Pricing:

• $15 (Ticket Price)
• $12 (T-shirt)

Contact Info:

• Email: jimexperimentimprov@gmail.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thejimexperiment/
• Other: http://www.youtube.com/c/JIMExperimentImprov

Image Credit:
Shannon Skloss Photography
Naifeh Photography

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