The Pepperdine Improv Troupe, known as PIT, may be one of the best-kept secrets on campus. Once a week, a select group of about 15 students meets to rehearse what cannot be rehearsed: improvisation.
This year’s members auditioned early to create a strong bond as an ensemble before their first show tomorrow night. At monthly shows, PIT is split up into teams to play improvisational games, similar to shows such as “Improviganza” and “Whose Line is it Anyway?”
“PIT has been around for over a decade and is one of Pepperdine’s traditions that always has a packed house and a huge following,” said PIT Vice President Savannah Garrett. “Our shows are always packed and highly anticipated.”
Last year’s group was primarily made up of seniors, so this year, there’s plenty of new talent to go around. This year’s line-up includes Jesse Aston, Hayden Christensen, Josh Downs, Savannah Garrett, Jamye Grant, Britt Hennemuth, Craig Knepley, Katie McDonough, Meghan McDonough, LeeAndrea Morton, Haven Nutt, Shelby Parsons, Zachary Taylor and Michael Thomas-Visgar. Only four of these are returning members to PIT this year.
Garrett described this year’s group as having a “playful” dynamic.
“Something awesome about PIT is the mix of people that we have,” Garrett continued. “Some are Theater majors, some Business, some Communications and some English, but despite all that we come together to create something wonderful: comedy.”
New member, sophomore transfer student Meghan McDonough gets the to opportunity to work alongside PIT president and sister Katie McDonough.
“I’m ecstatic to be able to be in it with my sister Katie,” McDonough said. “One of my favorite parts about PIT is how we are a team. We all want each other to succeed and will jump up to help each other on stage no matter what.”
Last year, Garrett also had the opportunity to work alongside her brother.
“Having another sibling pair this year is great,” Garrett said. “Working with my brother last year was definitely the highlight of my sophomore year.”
Rehearsals consist of material not much different from an actual show. Non-verbal communication and improvisational games are practiced in order to perfect it for the stage.
“Rehearsals are an absolute blast, and the group is already very close,” junior Hayden Christensen said. “I can’t wait for our first show.”
Junior Haven Nutt agreed with Christensen.
“Every rehearsal is a refreshment,” Nutt said. “A time to escape from the stress and schedule of everyday and just laugh everything out. Improv brightens my day, builds my self confidence and expression, teaches me valuable skills, gives me a healthy outlet for all of my craziness and energy, and allows me to laugh and laugh.”
But PIT practice isn’t all fun and games. Students involved work hard on their improv skills.
Since improvisation cannot really be practiced, members have to work at speaking and thinking quickly without hesitation.
“It’s not just about being funny,” said former PIT member Adam McArthur. “It’s about being comfortable in yourself.”
Meghan McDonough agreed with McArthur.
“I love that no two moments in PIT are alike. Everything is continuously changing, and we are all living completely in the moment,” she said.
Improvisation is different from theater in that it is an entirely unscripted type of acting form, where only key words and subjects are given to the actors, and the skits and scenes that occur during an improv are completely spontaneous. It is because of this that not all of the members of the PIT crew are necessarily theater majors.
“Every game requires audience participation,” Garrett said. “All of our suggestions come from the audience.”
If you choose to attend the show, you may even get to participate yourself.
“There are definitely some games that we get participants from the audience,” Garrett continued. Don’t worry though, if you attend. Participation is not mandatory.
Pepperdine Improv Troupe’s first show of the year is this Friday at 8 p.m. in the HAWC. PIT shows occur once a month on Fridays.
“It’s a rollicking humdinger of a time for everybody!” Christensen said. Attendance is free, and all material is entirely made up on the spot.
