Meaning: This quote by Rachel Dratch, a well-known comedian, reflects on her experience with improvisational comedy during her time at college. In particular, she references "the Harold," which is a long-form improvisational structure developed by improvisation teacher Del Close and was popularized at The Second City theater in Chicago. The quote suggests that Dratch and her group of friends attempted to perform the Harold without fully understanding it, but found the experience to be enjoyable and formative.

The Harold is a complex and challenging form of improvisational comedy that typically involves multiple interconnected scenes and characters. It requires a high level of skill, coordination, and understanding among the performers. The structure of the Harold typically consists of three separate scenes or storylines, which are then interwoven and connected as the performance progresses. This interconnection often involves themes, characters, or even specific lines of dialogue being revisited and built upon throughout the performance.

The reference to the "Yale group" in Dratch's quote likely alludes to an established improv comedy group at Yale University. It suggests that they were already familiar with and skilled at performing the Harold, while Dratch and her friends were attempting to emulate their style without fully grasping its intricacies. Despite their lack of experience and understanding, Dratch describes the experience as "really fun" and a "great experience," indicating that the process of exploring and experimenting with the Harold was rewarding and enjoyable for her and her friends.

The quote also highlights the presence of a member within their group who was "pretty experimental" and would "push [them] to do weird things." This individual likely played a significant role in encouraging the group to step outside their comfort zones and take creative risks in their improvisational performances. This kind of experimentation and willingness to try new approaches is often essential in the world of improvisational comedy, where spontaneity, creativity, and adaptability are highly valued.

Overall, Rachel Dratch's quote provides insight into the early experiences of a group of aspiring comedians as they navigated the challenges of performing the Harold, a complex and demanding form of improvisational comedy. It captures the sense of adventure, camarader and the joy of creative exploration that is often associated with the world of improv. The quote also serves as a reminder of the value of taking risks, embracing experimentation, and finding enjoyment in the process of learning and growing as performers.