Carefree and Fearless: Thoughts on What the F@$#

By Lindsay Hejl

A few years ago I chose to get a tattoo on my hand that translates to both “carefree” and “fearless.” Those two words are very similar yet they each carry a slightly different weight. For a while I saw them as separate. My tattoo had two meanings and I could listen to whichever one I wanted on any given day. But it can mean both at the same time. I realized I could smash the two meanings together on stage and boom- improv! That’s what this show is all about. Playing a game and telling a story with no fear and having a blast while doing it. The connective energy it creates is just as infectious as the laughter it leads to. I love every second I get to spend with this mischievous and loving cast.

Sunday has been my favorite day of the week these last two months because I get to hang out with all these amazing, hilarious, and caring people and do improv with them. When we started this journey as a cast I did not know most of them. It took a single rehearsal for me to feel comfortable around everyone (which for me, a somewhat shyer type who peaks over the walls she builds, that is really saying something). Now I cannot fathom my life without each of them. I sat around a table with some of them the other night and just thought to myself, “Man. My friends are so funny.” And each in their own unique and silly way. They’re more than funny, though. They’re loving and brilliant and supportive. They make playing warm-ups and games more exciting than I could ever imagine and they also listen patiently as I attempt to give a genuine weekly check-in. I thrive off all the laughs we share and swim in the support they give as I continue to learn to laugh at myself. I am incredibly lucky to get to share a stage and tell a story with such talented and wonderful people. I love you, my friends. Let’s fuck things up.

What the F@$# runs every Saturday at 6pm in February. Get tickets here.