Archive • Mercury Improv • Buttondown

what it does vs. how it feels

Ted Chiang’s metaphor for AI (see below) You can practically taste the excitement this week, because not only are there two sections of Improv for Introverts...

This image is supposed to suggest someone leaving quickly but I’m not sure it does that Just the facts this week. Here’s what’s happening: Two new sections...

introverts assemble (a paradox)

An introvert in her natural state Another edition of Improv for Introverts is starting this Thursday! If you haven’t taken it yet, it’s time. This is Mercury...

get back in the pool

Would you rather be the swimmer or the person watching someone else swim? This is a metaphor about taking improv classes. If you’ve already taken a Mercury...

the mercury improv abundance agenda

Eden before troublesome regulations infringed on the original abundance mindset So much stuff coming up! (Okay, five things, whatever.) The Mercury Monthly...

A rare ancient depiction of Mercury in which the junk is not on display. You’re welcome. Hey, nothing new just week, just these reminders: Improv for...

more moving pictures

Welp, I did another video. I don’t like watching video of myself, and even editing at my remedial level requires me to replay it over and over, but I guess...

alcoholics, introverts, and other target demographics

One of several things that improv classes and 12-step meetings have in common Hey friends, I’m very excited to announce a new Mercury Improv class: the...

February 28, 2025

Someone being talked into taking a Mercury Improv class who will later be intensely grateful to the person that convinced her to do it Hey everyone, as I try...

three things from mercury improv

February 21, 2025

A candid shot of the most recent Improv for Introverts class hanging out at Lala’s Little Nugget afterwards Hey friends, here’s what’s up: The next free...

registration glitch + last call for mercury monthly

February 14, 2025

What people saw when they tried to register for class last night Hi everybody, two quick notes: First, last night for some reason the website had a HAL 9000...

Mercury Monthly + free intro class

February 7, 2025

People who’ve helped me with a flat tire know that I am not capable of doing this with my bike Hey spuds, just a reminder that the first-ever Mercury Monthly...

January 22, 2025

Hi friends. One: It’s not too late to sign up for the Improv for Introverts class that starts tonight (and yes, I should have sent this email earlier).Two:...

new monthly workshop! (+ free intro class)

January 15, 2025

In many ways an improv scene is like a bicycle: discuss Hi friends, Because it’s happening the soonest, the main thing this week is another free introductory...

January 6, 2025

I was going to try to find a different picture but then my ride got here. I still like this one, though. Hey there, it’s been a minute. Nice to see you!...

last class till 2025

September 25, 2024

For too long, melancholy and yearning have gone underrepresented in improv class marketing Hi friends, About a year ago a big freelance project fell through...

last call for level 2

August 28, 2024

The wave represents the majesty and power of improv, duh Friends! Level 2: The Heightening starts next week and you should be in it! (I mean, if you want to...

improv for writers + improv 2!

August 13, 2024

Patricia Highsmith thinking up new ways to make people miserable New class! Improv for Writers is now open for registration. To be clear, this is not a...

why we don't play shows

Just call me COVID ‘cause I’m going viral Hey everybody, here’s a link to an Instagram video of me talking about improv, because if there’s one thing...

free class: spread the word

No bells and whistles here, buddy. Hey friends, my main job right now is filling the upcoming Improv for Introverts section and so I’m also promoting the...

confusingly, it's not just for introverts

Clearly an introvert in need of some improv Friends: Last-minute reminder that the new session of the problematically-named Improv for Introverts starts...

now boarding: improv for introverts

Technically the business is named for the god, not the planet, but close enough Thanks to everyone who responded to the previous survey question, including...

Survey question link fixed (I hope)

Here’s the correct link to the survey question mentioned in the previous email: https://forms.gle/kLAaSQevGQwBwfmJ8Thank you for your patience and tolerance,...

Survey question

Person full of unexplored potential waiting for someone to put up an Improv for Introverts flyer Hello friends, When I first started doing this I had no idea...

Improv 2 is live + new Improv for Introverts

In this picture the wave is improv, you see Hey goobers, just a quick note to let you know that registration for Improv 2: The Heightening is now open. This...

Last call for Mercury Improv discount code

Despite the branding colors, Mercury Improv is not affiliated with the Christian metal band Stryper Reminder: I want to max out this Improv for Introverts...

Mercury Improv DISCOUNT CODE + Improv 2

Let’s get right into it: You can get an additional 20 bucks off Improv for Introverts registration with the code YES20. The new session starts Wednesday and...

one more free class + improv 2

Hey friends, just a reminder that there’s one more free introductory class next week (7-8 pm Wednesday May 1st); please tell people about it! They can sign...

two free classes left!

This is the kind of high-gloss marketing we do around here. Just a reminder that the next two Wednesdays Mercury Improv will be offering free introductory...

Free intro improv classes

Hi friends, I'm pleased as punch to inform you that Mercury Improv will be offering a free one-hour introductory class the next three Wednesdays in a row...

New classes start next week

Hi friends, I don't know what marketing experts say the best time is to send out newsletters, but I'm pretty sure it's not 11 pm on Friday night. And yet I...

improv at the end of the world

Hi friends! Just a reminder that new classes are up and open for registration. Improv for Introverts is back after a fantastic first session, and I'm...

New classes are live!

February 29, 2024

Hey friends, this is just to let you know that I've just opened two new classes for registration: a fresh session of Improv for Introverts and a brand-new...

Imperfect Improv is now Mercury Improv

February 22, 2024

Hello! A few important things: Imperfect Improv is now Mercury Improv, hopefully forever. If you have a fussy spam filter you might want to whitelist...

Improv for Introverts wants you

January 4, 2024

Hi friends, this is just a reminder that there are a few slots left in the Improv for Introverts class that starts next Thursday (1/11). This is a class for...

Improv for Introverts links

November 13, 2023

Hi all, I'm getting reports that some people can't open the links in the last email. I can't replicate this problem but if you're one of those people, try...

Improv for Introverts is live

November 9, 2023

Friends, After an embarrassingly long time grappling with Squarespace, I'm pleased to tell you that the website is up and Improv for Introverts is open for...

Improv 2 starts Monday

October 25, 2023

Hi! If you're anxiously awaiting news about my next intro-level class in January, hang tight. I'll be opening registration next week, once I figure out how...

New improv class starts next week!

September 21, 2023

Hi! This is just a reminder that my next introductory improv class starts Wednesday (Sept. 27th) and that you could be a part of it by enrolling here. And...

Welcome to Imperfect Improv

September 8, 2023

Thanks for signing up for the Imperfect Improv mailing list. Mostly I'll be telling you about my upcoming classes, though I might write something bloggy from...