Talking Improv

Q:When should you leave a group?

We all wish the good times would never end, but as the ever-positive Robert Frost penned, “Nothing gold can stay.” I’ve thought about this question some, and here are a few scenarios where leaving a group is an option:

When the group no longer seeks to challenge themselves. A team should always try to strive for their very best and try new things. If not, then why stick around?
When there are irreconcilable personal differences between group members. This broad scenario can be anything from outside-of-group spats/feuds to no longer feeling like you can trust your fellow performers on stage. Sticking it out without trust makes for a toxic environment.
If you feel that you need a new change of scenery. Leaving isn’t always because something bad has happened. There are greener pastures elsewhere. Hell, even The Beatles had to stop at some point.
If you personally cannot commit fully to the team. The cliché term for this is “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” If they’re all giving every effort and you’re half-assing it, why bother to show up? If they’re all half-assing it too, see reason number one.

That’s all I’ve got so far. I’ll edit this if there are more. Anyone else have their own thoughts on why you should leave a group?

Happy improving!

—Chuck