The Mp3 Experiment

So I guess in this blog I’m not only supposed to rant about my over-emotional feelings, but actually talk about real life issues and events. Some interesting things happen to me…some worth writing about and some not…but The Mp3 Experiment is definitely one of those notable experiences. Randomly my boyfriend, Greg and two of his friends (another couple) asked me if I wanted to go to the Mp3 Experiment on October 2nd. I had no idea what it was, but I agreed to go anyway because it piqued my interest. What it is is an event that is put on by Improv Everywhere each year. This was the 7th experiement. Each person who decided to go to NYC for the event was told to bring several items including 2 pieces of computer paper (each one with a single letter on it, one a consonant and one a vowel); a wrapped gift, can be something in your house that you don’t want anymore but think someone else would like; a marker, a roll of toilet paper and of course, an mp3 player. Before the event we had to sync up our clocks to a clock on the website, and download an mp3 and put it on our mp3 player without listening to it. On the day of the event, we were all supposed to be in a mapped out section of the city near Grand Central Station, and at exactly 6 pm we were supposed to play the mp3 so that everyone would be listening at the same time. The instructions told us to start in a retail store, so me, Greg, Jess and Cole started in a Halloween store. There were about 15 other people there who were also part of the experiment. We were all giggling, excited to all be part of something so big…it was like our own inside joke. The mp3 told us to do all kinds of awkward things in the store like pick up an item and dance with it, straighten up the store, look at items on the shelves adoringly, etc. Needless to say, the sales people thought we were crazy. They kept trying to ask us if we needed help with anything, I was honestly a little worried they were going to throw us out. Then, the mp3 told us to walk outside of the store and walk down the street. It told us that we had to freeze in place at the same time, which was hilarious. People walking on the street were so freaked out to see hundreds of people everywhere just not moving. In NYC! The place where people are always moving. Plus, it gave us a chance to look around and see exactly how many people were part of this thing, which was also pretty incredible. We played other jokes on the people, like following strangers around and high-fiving them. However, the couple that we followed were less than thrilled…the guy actually flipped on us a little and yelled, “Are you guys following us????” Angering New Yorkers is pretty frightening. Eventually we all met up in a park and saw the other hundreds of people that were also playing along. We played games together…with our letters we had to form words with strangers, then sentences. We exchanged gifts, took turns drawing the continents of the world and wrapped each other up in toilet paper because we were supposed to be mummies. It was all a little silly, but it was fun! It was also really funny to see how people react to having their quiet chess game in the park interrupted by a bunch of kids jumping up and down with headphones on. I saw quite a lot of video and pictures being taken, I might have to see if I’m on YouTube! Overall, it was a fun day and it was exciting to see how many people chose to participate in this experiment. It’s also one of those things everyone wants to do…I think all of us have wondered what people would do if we did something really random in public…like break out into song as if life is a musical (which I’m told Improv Everywhere actually did one year). So yeah, it was a good time. The whole thing took about an hour, so we all went out to eat and then caught a train back home. My only regret is not being able to stay in the city for longer! I love NYC, hopefully I’ll go back soon. Anyone can be involved in these experiements, it’s completely free except for any transportation you need to get there…just find out when the next experiment is on the Improv Everywhere website and go!

(written 10/17/10)