Mar 8

Yes and...Inspiration and Improv with Justin Green

Image of person on a stage with their hands on their knees

Meet the multi-talented artist and performer Justin Green! Justin, one of the creative forces behind the performance space Mom's Basement Theater, located in Las Vegas, gave us a dollop of dandy with a quick peek at what meaningful experiences shape his perspective on the world and the people and things that inspire him.

INSPIRATION AND IMPROV WITH JUSTIN GREEN

What's the most inspiring food you've ever eaten and where did you eat it at?

Last winter, I was able to go to the Mayfair Supperclub for a holiday dinner with my business partner. It was one of the best meals I've ever had, with great food, great company, and great live entertainment. They had a dessert on the menu called "The Cigar," which has stayed on the top of my list of "Coolest Things I've Ever Eaten." It was an amazing sensory experience!

Where is the most inspiring place you have ever been and how does it inspire you? It could be a place you've traveled to or a corner in your own home. Totally up to you.

I went on a trip to Portland with my best friend, Tonia. I consider it one of the most inspiring places I've ever been to because of the company I was with. I got to meet a lot of people who were living their dreams, visit a different improv community, and explore a city I'd never been to before.

Who is the most inspiring person you've ever met, and how did you meet them?

I'm always inspired by meeting people who break the societal expectations of how we "should" be living. Luckily, in a place like Las Vegas, or through improv, I get to meet a lot of people pursuing their dreams and living their lives the way they want. I wouldn't say I'm most inspired by one particular person, but more so inspired by my whole community. Whenever I'm feeling at a loss, they remind me to keep going, which always motivates me. As far as meeting them goes, I think that's one of the best things about Vegas. We have so many people who move here, and I feel like most people here know what it's like to not know anyone in a new city--so they're generally friendly and glad to meet people. I'm the type of person that loves to strike up a conversation with strangers at a bar, or meet the friends of friends in large social groups. I'm constantly inspired by everyone I meet who shares their story with me.

What's the most inspiring book you've ever read, and why?

The Steven Universe Art & Origins book written by Chris McDonnell ALWAYS inspires me. It tells the story of how Rebecca Sugar, one of my biggest inspirations, created the show Steven Universe. It's full of drawings, anecdotes, and a deeper look at what went into the creation of the show. Steven Universe, in general, is something that really inspires me, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how it was created and conceptualized helps inspire me to pursue new projects.

What time of year is most inspiring to you, and can you tell us a story about a time spent in that season?

I find the springtime most inspiring! It's nice to come out of a darker, colder winter and see the world come to life. I feel like it's easier to go out and hang out with friends and do things that keep me motivated, energized, and inspired.

Follow Justin Green and see a show at Mom’s Basement Theater. Live improv shows most nights of the week. Full schedule at momsbasementtheatre.com.

Instagram @just_in_greens

Instagram @moms.basement.theatre

For more improv inspiration for creatives and the people who hire them, listen to Episode 1: Mermaid Pants in Mom's Basement with Justin Green on The Artist 10 Podcast. Feed your brain the good stuff with us! Support our guests and the show.

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