The Hinges

December is really here. And I’m doing that thing where I retreat and get in my head over the events of the year. There have been a lot of incredible moments. I’ve done things artistically that I only ever thought about. It’s been really cool. And I realize that I may have not gone down this path if I had never met a quirky group of silly people eight years ago.

There was a time when my entire improv world revolved around a team called The Hinges. I auditioned and joined the group a year after a divorce. They were essentially my first tight group of friends in this new life on my own. They became my family.

We practiced every Tuesday. We found places to perform around town. We laughed so hard our stomachs hurt. We went to brunches. We went to concerts or movies or shopping. We were there for each other for things like heart surgery, divorce, family members passing away, babies being born.

I loved them and this art form. I kept signing on for more and more. There were new teams to join, classes in LA to take, camps and festivals to attend. Eventually, I began teaching the folks that were new to improv and embarking on the exhilarating journey that I understood so well.

I’m convinced I would not be where I am now if I hadn’t spent those years with The Hinges. There were only a few improv teams in San Diego at the time, and they took me in!

The team finished their 17 year run in October. Joining them on stage for their last show was like being a part of the best kind of family reunion.

We had the best times. I’m forever thankful for this wonderful group of people.