Ask any Chicagoan what they love about this town and you’re likely to hear our hometown described as “hardworking,” “humble” or “down to earth.” But don’t mistake all that modesty for a lack of wit. Chicago’s improv scene is second-to-none, so for this month’s theme of Humility we snagged up-and-coming improv performer Steve Waltien. Steve has graced the stages of Second City’s Mainstage, iO Theatre, and the Improvised Shakespeare Company.

Here’s what Steve had to tell us about himself.

What drives your desire to perform?
Validation? Comics have ideas and inspirations and wonder if those things will resonate with other people. As a comic, you want to share things you think are somewhat universal but as yet unarticulated and see if in fact they are as universal as you think/hope/wonder they might be. Comics are always trying to find the line. We all suspect that we’re a bit crazy so we’re offering up observations, feelings and neuroses to the masses in hopes that they can make us feel better by laughing. Their laughter indicates they know the thought or feeling. We chase this because it makes us feel less crazy.

How does Chicago influence you or your work?
Chicago feels real to me… more genuine than cities where the whole focus is churning out media. Chicago is full of real people and real characters. That’s inspiring. Also the improv scene here is unparalleled. There is always an abundance of great work to see and people here are doing the work for the sake of the work—not just to get rich or famous. That keeps me wanting to get better and stay involved in improv for the sake of improv.

What are you most proud of, professionally or otherwise?
My two month old baby is far more perfect than anything else I am capable of making.

What may people not know about you?
Up until as recently as five or six years ago I still thought I might someday go to law school.

What does this month’s theme–humility–mean to you?
I think it’s about valuing the voices of your collaborators as much as your own… always seeking to see the best in someone else’s contribution to your work. It’s about accepting that you might be wrong time and time again without allowing that acceptance to diminish your own self-worth.  

Registration opens this Monday at 11am. 

See you next Friday!
Rusty