Improv troupe holds two winter improv shows in the main auditorium
On Jan. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m., the VHS drama department hosted two winter improv shows featuring the What? Improv Troupe. The expected running time for the show was 90 minutes and consisted of two acts with a 10-minute intermission in between. Ticket prices were $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for students. All proceeds go towards the drama ASB account.
Due to the preparation of “The Letterman,” a student-led theatre production, the little theatre was unavailable so the improv troupe performed in the main auditorium. Audience members were directed to sit in the center.
The show consisted of games that required prompts provided by drama teacher Arden Smith on the left side of the stage. Improv performers would play the games unscripted, working with the given prompt which were all created by drama and stagecraft classes. Every game is performed with different prompts and performers. The games of the show were Park Bench, Glitch, Helping Hands, Therapy Hour, Superheroes, Build Up Build Down, Revolving Monologue, Script, Song Expert, Entrances and Exits, 3-peat, Objection, Soap Opera, Pocket Lines, Town Hall and If You Know What I Mean.
For both shows, the improv troupe dressed according to a theme. On the Jan. 9 show, the theme was surfers versus bikers and on the Jan. 10 show, the theme was circus.
Improv troupe member Jack Kleczkowski ‘29 said, “You get to know so many different people and you get to just have so much fun.”
Before winter break, the improv troupe had a previous performance at Seaward Brewing on Dec. 13. This was their second professional show.
Smith said, “The troupe’s performance at Seaward Brewing was so successful! They had a full [house] and the energy was so lively! They got so many [laughs] and the whole night felt electric! I do plan on continuing professional performances for the troupe! I think they are great opportunities for the kids to branch [out] and to spread the word about our drama program!”
Kleczkowski said, “It was one of our shorter shows but it was very good. It was just good vibes.”
The troupe will also be performing professionally at the Conejo Comedy Festival Feb. 15 in Thousand Oaks. Smith also is looking to book another performance with Jest Improv, a local improv troupe, in May.
Smith said, “For the kids, I think it provides them a great opportunity to get out of their comfort zones and experience what performing outside of school is like!…My goal for them this semester is to have at least two more professional shows!”
Their next school performance will be their spring show on March 13 and 14.
