They might perform a musical featuring Tickle Me Elmo or sing about a sexy Christmas elf. They might act out your family’s dinnertime. Or they could break out into a song about dinosaurs in the middle of the Sandbar while waiting to be interviewed by the Graphic.
Whenever the Pepperdine Improv Troupe gets together the only thing to expect is the unexpected. Yet this spontaneous comedy takes preparation and dedication that characterizes this family of quirky loveable characters.
“You need to learn skills for a more effective show director of PIT Tracy Burns said. You need good fundamentals behind you so you can make it up as you go along.”
Though preparing for improvising seems counter-intuitive it is essential. There are many tips and “rules emphasized by Burns, as she stops scenes on Sunday’s practice to allow the players to identify the best possible choices.
One of Burns’ commandments for good improv comedy is to Find the game.”
This means the cast members must strive to identify and continue any patterns they see in the developing scene.
For example in a scene about a crashing airplane the teams decide their “game” in this particular exercise is piling as many people — one by one — into the cockpit all with different characters and attitudes about the looming crash.
Another rule: “Keep the integrity of the space.”
PIT players must recognize and abide by the limits of each imaginary set to make the scene believable. That means if 10 characters are supposed to be in the cockpit of an imaginary small aircraft they must contort and pile on top of one another to fit in said aircraft.
Characters must adopt details projected on them by other cast members even if they are unexpected.
“Always say ‘yes'” Burns said congratulating McKee for adopting twisted depth to his apparent hung-over roommate character when scene partner Parsons announced “Mom! You’re early!” at his entrance.
“The audience loves to see the heroes struggle Burns revealed, encouraging the team to struggle on stage instead of trying to exit when a scene becomes hard, such as when ex-boyfriend Blake Curtis barged in on bride Seth Allison’s wedding in one scene.
One more rule is ask the obvious questions Burns added.
Since they must create all the details in every scene on the spot the actors must not leave out any important details, such as names, motivations or backstories.
They must also sense when other cast members are struggling and enter a scene when needed whether or not they have thought of something to say. Trust you will have something to say when you get there Burns said.
And finally, A good ending forgives all Burns insisted.
But, as it seems, the rules keep coming out of Mary Poppin’s handbag of endless guidelines. Still, there are no wrong answers Burns said. After all, improvisation is unpredictable.
Thinking about so many things at once and preforming spur-of-the-moment in front of an audience would intimidate some. But the zany and hilarious cast stands up to the challenge with a knack for humor and improvisation. Each member contributes his or her unique humor and ideas.
It’s also impossible to get a serious answer out of them.
I’m that room you can go to and play some monopoly or battleship senior Blake Curtis explained. I want to be used as that space.”
Senior David McKee sophomore Bela Comerford senior John Capo and sophomore Savannah Garrett all insist their contributions to PIT stem from their good looks.
“I am cast for my sexual prowess and appeal Comerford said after having played an exotic male maid named Ricardo in a practice scene alongside McKee, cast as a jealous and intoxicated mother.
I’m comfortable in characters — especially bizarre characters.” McKee explained. “I can do a very good drunk character imitation.”
“I keep it real said senior Sophia Bien, I bring ethnicity.”
“I’m the biggest and the loudest revealed junior Josh Downs. If there’s anyone that needs to be picked up and carried off I’m the guy to do it.”
“I provide extreme intellect said junior Shelby Parsons.
I’m more of a physical person [who] grabs the audience and tells them its okay to make yourself look unnatural said senior Seth Allison. [I] bring a down-to-earth personality but usually not food. I eat all of that”.
Katie McDonough according to senior Zach Garrett is full of “utter charm and [has] the voice of an angel.”
Seniors Dante Carr Mishy Turner and Stephen McNeil provide a backbone of energy playfulness sweetness and kookiness for the team.
PIT is unique in that it lasts throughout the year allowing the members to grow as performers and as friends through the hard work during the year.
“PIT is one of the best venues for performers we have said senior David McKee. It develops us as performers. It’s a great venue for comedy without having to be cheap. Its high quality comedy.”
“Being in PIT is playing everyday Turner said. I love going to rehearsal every Sunday because I get to play with my friends.”
Current President of the group senior Zach Garrett started in a high school troupe and has “always loved doing this”.
“I love the idea of this as theatrical Jazz Garrett said. Good improv is treated like a team sport. It’s a mix of ideas with the aim of making a solid product as a whole. Everyone contributes to make something funky and funny — like theatrical Jazz!”
The group definitely has the camaraderie and dynamic of a team or perhaps something greater. “Its a real family atmosphere. Everyone is a little bit off the wall said Comerford.
Its my family sorority and fraternity. Its where I feel safe and have the most fun McDonough said. Without rehearsal I feel something missing in my week. Performing with PIT is the scariest and most exciting thing. But it also feels most right.”