Milo Smith ran into The New Movement on a whim less than a year ago. After jetting through improv classes, he now performs several times a week at The New Movement. His latest appearances at The Megaphone Show as “Rock Man” and other larger-than-life characters make him a colorful player on the improv stage. Let’s take a moment to get to know the man behind the man.

How did you first hear about the New Movement?
About 9 months ago I attended a yearly skill share event at Space 12 where Chris and Tami taught an introduction to improv workshop. Even though during my first scene ever I was so nervous I could hardly speak, another part of me was instantly hooked.

How did you start getting involved with TNM?
I started taking the Level 1 class and attending the 8:00 Wednesday free form jam which completely blew my mind. I was having so much fun and was so thrilled to find a community of people I actually liked that soon I found myself practicing at TNM 6 days a week.

Why do you love improv?
I come from a visual art background and I was always frustrated by the loneliness during the solitary process of painting, the enormous time spent on something inert and ignored, the expense of materials, the space required to create and store artwork, the total lack of understanding by my audience and the painful embarrassment of pricing the final product. Improv, on the other hand, is 100% inspiration 0% perspiration. You and people you love get on a stage, are effortlessly hilarious, and the audience reciprocates with laughter. The expression is universal and there is no complex analysis required.

What does improv do for you, and how has it changed your life?
Before improv I felt a distinct lack of community in my life. Now I don’t. This is because even though my fellow performers come from dramatically different backgrounds they all have this in common: They are open minded, emotionally available and funny.

What other creative endeavors are you working on other than improv?
I still paint some and do occasional graphic work. Some of which I was able to trade with TNM for major class discounts! Sweet.

Are you in other classes at TNM?
I am also taking a level 1 sketch writing class that’s totally awesome.