Amber is the Director of House operations at The Skinny Improv. She is in charge of many things in the theatre. She is also taking improv classes and is currently involved in Level 4 Improv.
Where are you from and how did you end up in Springfield?
I am from Paola, KS. When I graduated from college (on the east coast), I decided to move back to the mid-west and my aunt called me up and said “hey, apply for a State Job.” So, I did and Greene County, Missouri was the first place to offer me a job!
What brought you to The Skinny Improv?
I decided that when I moved to Springfield I would try something new. I enrolled in acting classes at the Springfield Little Theatre and started the very same week I moved. I specifically told myself that I could never get the courage to do improv, but then I met Jeff, the second class in, and learned about The Skinny Improv. I decided to check it out…fell in love with it…but was still super shy and hesitant. So, I opted to enroll in another Springfield Little Theatre class instead of starting improv classes right away. As fate would have it, Jeff happened to be the teacher…
When did you start doing improv?
Approximately 3 1/2 years ago…I think. My first class was taught my Mystery Jeff Houghton. He didn’t give me time to be shy and kept me moving and learning.
What do you like the most about doing improv?
I like “the skinny” or the truth of it. The best scenes and experiences on stage are not the times when I say the funniest lines or have the wittiest comebacks, but when I ground it in realism and can relate to the character or the character’s situation.
What do you think is most challenging about improv?
Trying not think too much. I over-analyze everything and when I say everything, I mean everything.
Who are your influences or role models and why?
What is your favorite place in Springfield?
Chipotle! Yah u do!
What can make you laugh out loud?
Other people laughing out loud. Laughter is contagious…all it takes is someone else cracking up!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
hmmm…I don’t really have one…but I do prefer the vanilla based to the chocolate based flavors…weird!
If you could choose one song to describe yourself, what would it be:
A country song: You Find Out Who Your Friends Are by Tracy Lawrence. If you know me, google it and find out if you agree!
DANG how disappointed am I. I wanted to hear Amber Jones talk about “skinny, positive people”. I was hoping she would regard them sarcastically and perhaps with just a touch of cynicism at their lithe opiated states.