A tree, a pregnant teenager and Mickey Mouse were all part of a recent performance as part of the new improv club that was established this year.
This unlikely combination is actually typical in improvisational theater. Improv is challenging and sometimes doesn’t work as planned, but that’s part of the fun, said theater teacher Maureen Siegel, who sponsors the improv club.
Siegel said she was inspired to start the club based on watching the talent of her students during class.
“Improv is spontaneous creation of dialogue and scenes,” Siegel said. “It’s acting without a script. If you’re a risk taker and you enjoy challenges, then improv should be easy.”
Improv club takes place every last A-day of the week in the Fine Arts building, room 101 and starts the last 20 minutes of lunch. Students don’t have to be in theater to join, so everyone can participate or just watch.
Improv helps perfect focus, which helps improve students’ presentation skills. Siegel says she hopes to add a comedic improv slam competition next year to increase interest and participation.
“People can come and do their best, other schools can be invited and join in on the fun too,” she said. “I also plan on hosting improv during Blue & Gold Night, which would be fun. I would like to invite everyone, including teachers, to the club and maybe, someday I could make a teacher improv club.
Sophomore Joshua Solis said he enjoys his time participating in improv club.
“I thought it was a good idea from the beginning,” Solis said. “The only thing that would make it better is if more students came. The students that are in the club are very talented and very good.”
“To me the improv club is where students can have fun, meet new people and enjoy time with friends,” Solis said.
Junior Bailey Irwin said the improv club is a good way to meet people because it helps break down social barriers. It’s more than just a club, she said.
“To me improv is about people coming together, learning new skills while enjoying it,” Irwin said. “All the students in the club are very involved and in dedicated into the club.
Students get in a circle and do warm up, which helps improve improvisation skills. Then they start the improv. The people who participate play games for warm up, and the improv is really funny, it’s a really great club and everybody should join on the fun.