After improv class at The Second City, something small but important clicked for me.I went into class over-prepared.I had relationships planned.Environments mapped out.Scenes already living in my head.And when it was my turn… I froze.This video is part of my Actor’s Notes series, reflections from my acting and improv journey that translate directly into life.In this episode, I talk about:• Why overthinking kills scenes• How getting out of your head changes everything• Why mistakes aren’t failures, they’re information• And how presence beats preparation in acting and in lifeIf you’re an actor, creative, or just someone trying to get out of your own way, this one’s for you.

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What if the way you communicate is holding you back… and you don’t even realize it?

Taking improv classes at Second City Chicago has completely changed how I think, speak, and connect with people. In this episode, I break down the 3 most powerful improv rules that can transform not just your acting—but your confidence, conversations, and everyday life.

From driving 5 hours from Kentucky for Improv 1B to applying these lessons in real life, this is everything I’ve learned so far:

• Why asking questions can actually kill conversations
• How being open creates better outcomes (on stage and in life)
• The mindset shift that stops overthinking and builds confidence
• The “Yes, And” principle and why it changes everything

Whether you're an actor, creator, or just someone who wants to communicate better, these principles are game-changing.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Welcome from Second City Chicago
0:47 - Why I Drive 5 Hours for Improv Class
2:12 - How Second City Classes Are Structured
5:13 - Rule #1: Why We Don't Ask Questions
7:28 - Rule #2: Be Open to New Outcomes
9:30 - The Power of Not Overthinking
11:52 - Rule #3: "If This Is True, Then What Else?"
13:40 - Why YOU Should Take an Improv Class

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Watch all the BTS of my trips to Chicago and The Second City HERE: https://stan.store/gioaxibalAfter four weeks of showing up, making mistakes, and learning the foundations of improv, I wanted to document what this experience actually felt like, especially as an actor.If you’re thinking about taking an improv class or putting yourself out there creatively, this video is for you.Thanks for being here.Improv 1B is next.

I booked my first feature film! This isn’t a highlight reel or audition tips, it’s just me talking honestly about how Matthew McConaughey influenced my process and the acting lessons that resonated with me over the years. If you’re an actor or creative navigating this industry, I hope my thoughts on how to act and a few notes for acting for beginners give other actors something real to hold onto.McConaughey talked about rehearsing his scripts in completely different mental and physical states, after a workout, after church, after a few drinks, so he never gets too locked into one way of delivering a line. I've been doing something similar, and this walk is one of those moments.This is the start of documenting my feature film journey. if you're an actor still figuring this industry out, I hope watching my process helps in some way.LET'S CONNECT: https://stan.store/gioaxibal

I booked my first feature film!

This isn’t supposed to be highlight reel or the best acting tips or audition advice, It’s just me talking honestly about how it feels, what’s going through my head, and how I’m preparing for it. These are honestly the Acting lessons that I've learned that resonated most with me over the years.

If you’re an actor or creative navigating this industry, I hope this gives you something real to hold onto.

#acting #featurefilm #documenting #journey #learning

https://stan.store/gioaxibal

Just wrapped up week three of improv classes at Second City Chicago! 🎭 It's a long haul from Kentucky, but the improv comedy and improv exercises are always worth it. I'm really seeing some personal growth and improved communication skills through these sessions. Definitely picking up some great improv tips along the way!

Ever wonder what it truly means to be truthful in acting? This video explores the art of acting beyond just memorizing lines or showing emotion, focusing on how to improve acting skills by embracing authenticity. We dive into an actor's mindset that centers on living authentically, questioning what it means to embody courage and truth on stage. 🎭https://stan.store/gioaxibalWhat if most actors aren’t actually *living truthfully* they’re just performing emotion?In this episode of Actor’s Notes, we break down the Meisner Technique and why so many performances feel forced instead of alive. This isn’t about memorizing lines or “trying harder.” It’s about truthful acting, emotional authenticity, and learning how to respond instead of pretend.We explore:• What Sanford Meisner actually meant by “living truthfully under imaginary circumstances”Why over-acting kills believability on screen• The difference between performing emotion vs experiencing it• How actors can build real character depthWhether you're an actor, acting student, or just someone curious about performance psychology, this breakdown will change how you watch movies and how you approach your craft.If you're serious about acting techniques, character development, and becoming more authentic on camera, this is for you.Subscribe for more Actor’s Notes episodes where we explore world-class acting techniques and break them down simply.Ever wonder what it truly means to be truthful in the "art of acting"? This video dives deep into the essence of performance, questioning if memorizing lines or raw emotion truly captures the "character depth". We explore an acting teacher's philosophy that redefines what it means to be real on stage, suggesting that "acting class" should focus on "living authentically". It's all about cultivating the right "actor's mindset" to bring genuine performances to life. 🎭

https://stan.store/gioaxibal

This episode of Actor’s Notes is a reflection on beginning my improv journey at Second City.

I talk about what it actually feels like to walk into that classroom, the nerves, the ego, the excitement, and the humility of starting something new. There’s a difference between wanting to grow and actually putting yourself in rooms that force you to.

Improv isn’t just about being funny. It’s about presence. Listening. Vulnerability. Trust. Letting go of control.

This episode is me documenting the process in real time, not as someone who has mastered anything, but as someone willing to be a student again.

If you’re in a season of starting, evolving, or stepping into something uncomfortable, this one is for you.

Welcome to Actor’s Notes.