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Improvisational comedy is a performance art like no other. At improv shows, trained comic actors think up characters, dialogue and entire scenes on the spot. For the members of an improv troupe, no two performances are the same, not even close, and that’s just the way they like it.

The most common form of improv comedy show consists of a series of unrelated sketches and games, as was demonstrated by the 1998-2007 ABC television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” (you can watch reruns on some ABC networks, available with http://www.tvbydirect.com). Let’s take “Party Quirks” as an example of an improv game. One member of the team hosts an imaginary party. This performer is the “straight” man or woman, the person in the scene exhibiting normalized behavior. A few other improv artists will then enter the host’s “living room,” one at a time. Each of these players, however, has been assigned a wild identity or personality trait. One might believe that she’s Cleopatra; another might be Superman with a bad cold. The players act out the scene, interact with one another, and devise all kinds of physical and verbal jokes.

Audience participation is a hallmark of these shows. To take the “Party Quirks” example again, it often falls to the audience to decide what the identities of the participants will be. Before the game begins, the show’s host, or one of the comics, asks the audience to shout out ideas, and she or he will choose from among the offerings. Additionally, in many instances a member, or multiple members, of an improv audience will be brought onstage at various times during a show. A volunteer might become the subject of an improvised song, he might become a living prop, or she might even get to act in a scene.

Improvisational comedy almost always involves limited scenery and costumes, and some shows don’t use any. Rather than dazzle audiences with stagecraft, this kind of entertainment relies on the magic of split-second timing, and human wit and ingenuity. Laughter at such shows is often explosive. It’s a childlike laughter, the kind that comes from being, at once, both entertained and amazed.

So you’re looking for something to do this weekend, and you’ve seen all the latest movies and are growing tired of the local nightlife scene. So what do you do? Go to a play, of course! The theatre is still very much alive and well in the modern world, and not enough people take advantage of the entertainment provided by their local theatre companies. You can see a play or musical for a much lower cost than other forms Read more…

Working in small theater is much different from working in large productions or even touring companies. There is a certain skill set that most people in small theater would be wise to cultivate.

First, small theaters don’t have massive staffs and people working around the clock. You’ve got to be flexible. If you’re playing a role, but you know a little about set design, you need to be to able to help out. If you have experience in lighting, but you can also do sound, then you need to jump in.

Those who work in small theater Read more…

All theatre goers should at one time or another experience theatre in the round. It is unlike anything that you will get from going to a major conventional production. Theatre in the round affords for an atmosphere than the conventional stage. The stage in the round allows for the audience to experience the play from 365 degrees.

In a round theatre the audiences’ seats are on at least three sides of the stage, although often they can be on all four sides. This allows the audience to not only see everything that Read more…

Does your child sing, dance and put on skits to entertain you at home all the time? Many parents with theatrical children consider enrolling them in drama programs, but worry that the structured setting might squash their natural creativity. However, theater directors have a unique ability to hone in on an actor’s talent and showcase it for the audience’s enjoyment.

Talk to the director of local theater groups in your area. Explain your concerns. Let your child audition for a play or take a few classes if they are Read more…

Going to live theater can be a rich and fulfilling experience. The stage is home to a cavalcade of talent of all kinds. There’s acting, singing, dancing, music, magic, and puppetry. Depending on which production you see, you can see a variety of amazing things you’ve never seen before and might never get to again.

Whether it’s a regular play, musical, concert, magic show or variety show, the theater is a world of wonder that can rival going to the movies. You are transported to another Read more…

From The Small Screen To The Great White Way

The diversity of range and talent an actor has in comparable in any other genre of the arts. Becoming a successful artist requires self-disciplent, motivation, strength and persistence. It is not an easy career nor is it immediately rewarding. The cultural and liberal arts is a very fast paced and difficult profession with many pros and cons. However, what is important to bear in mind is the distinction between the small screen and what people call the great white way. An actor’s career may either descend and ultimately result in Read more…

A fun way to raise awareness, publicity and funds for a local theater is with a famous musical production featuring area celebrities. Choosing a well known show, such as “Chicago” or “Mamma Mia”, will help get people excited and increase ticket sales. Casting local celebrities will make the public want to see the show even more. Here are some local personalities to consider:

!! Political Personalities:

Try to get the mayor to take part. Also recruit the city council.

!! Educators: Read more…