Meet the HOO-MANS: Josh Mancusi Thomas
This week’s instalment of Meet the HOO-MANS is all about Josh Mancusi Thomas. Josh is one of our NOO-HAAs debuting on the 5th of June, hey that’s tonight!!
How did you get started in improv?
I was first introduced to performing arts and improv by my grade 4 teacher, Ms. Hawker. I remember playing “Thank God You’re Here” in the back room of our dingy old portable. It was the most glorious of fun and I fell in love with acting and performance right then and there. Many years later I joined the Monash Law Revue and started doing sketch comedy. This was my first real go at making comedy and I absolutely loved it. After a few years of trying sketch comedy I discovered The Improv Conspiracy theatre. Funnily enough I was introduced to it by my grade 4 teacher, Ms. Hawker! Our families remained friends over the years and it popped up on my Facebook that she’d given a lesson a try at TIC. So I gave it a go myself and have never looked back. I love it.
What inspired you to join our troupe?
I was introduced to the Big Hoo Haa by the wonderful Holly Bohmer! Holly encouraged me to audition for the troupe after teaching me at TIC. I thought I was way out of my depth auditioning for such a brilliant troupe but I was thrilled to be welcomed in and have enjoyed it ever since! I’d heard that it was a very supportive group that wanted supportive players who could commit to silly characters and that was me! The troupe has lived up to that and more! I’ve been developing my skills in songprov which is a new muscle for me. I find it very daunting but I love being able to learn a new skill.
Are you naturally confident or has improv helped build confidence?
I’d say I’m a fairly confident person (that doesn’t sound very confident!) but I am also quite a socially anxious person. Improv has helped me to get out and meet new people. The environment is safe and supportive. The nerves quickly disappear when we start performing together.
What do you love most about improvising?
I love being able to immerse myself in becoming a character. We do this many times over in improv and I never get sick of it. The trick is to find the nuance in every scene so you don’t repeat the same characters too often! I also enjoy creating a scene out of very little and the joy that the scenes can bring performers and audiences. In improv shows we get to show adults that play and being silly is something we can and should do more!
What skills have you developed from improv that you use in everyday life?
Having trained in improv I find myself connecting with friends and family (and strangers!) with more mindfulness. If I’m practising the tenants of improv I’m more present and aware of my surroundings. Some of the core principles are very similar to that of a yogi or a monk! Stay grounded, present in the moment, listen and just… be. These are helpful practices for a busy mind.
Why should someone see our show?
The shows are so joyful and fun! It’s new every week and led by such a brilliant cast!