“Improvaganda!” is a mix of short, prepared skits, improvised games similar to those on the TV gameshow “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and on-the-spot comedic antics inspired by audience participation. The wilder the audience suggestions, the funnier it will be, promised Erin Leigh Crites, director of the theatre arts department production.
“This show will vary every night based on the audience and their suggestions; in this way the show is absolutely for them,” Crites said. “The more we all engage each other, the more fun the entire crowd and company will have. This show is a rare opportunity for the audience to have creative ownership in the creation of live performance. We’re going to have a lot of fun together.”
The show features an ensemble of 10 that includes undergraduate and graduate students and a UofL theater alum. Many have been working on improv since 2014 when a class taught by Crites brought them together.
Crites’ work focuses on physical theater, commedia dell’arte, ensemble creation/playmaking, clowning, storytelling and physical comedy. She recently led theater students abroad to train and perform in the newest play by Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo in the International Milan Expo.
“Improvaganda!” runs March 2-6 at 8 p.m. and March 6 at 3 p.m. in Thrust Theatre, 2314 S. Floyd St. Tickets are $8 for UofL students, $12 for other students and alumni, faculty, staff and seniors and $15 for general admission. Tickets are available online at attend.com/Improv or at the Thrust Theatre box office, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays.
For more information, contact Crites at 502-572-4672 or erinleighcrites@gmail.com.
