Justin Zaun
“You Had to Be There” is a short documentary film about improvisational theater from director Justin Zaun. The film explores the art of improv comedy and answers questions such as: What is improv? What motivates improvisers to step on stage without a script? Do improvisers experience fear? What are the fundamental concepts of improv? How is improv taught? Can anyone learn improv?
The documentary also focuses on the ephemerality of improv, perhaps its most magical quality. The intimate relationship between the audience members and the performers, who are all discovering the outcome of the show simultaneously, makes for exhilarating, unpredictable live theater. While other forms of comedy, such as stand-up and sketch, can be consumed on video or through second-hand accounts, improv is best experienced live. To witness the magic in the room during that particular show, you had to be there.
Justin Zaun is an improviser, actor, and stand-up comedian in New York City. He has studied improv at the Magnet Theater, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, and the Peoples Improv Theater. He has also studied acting at the Barrow Group Theater.