Laugh it up: Improv Club at Utah State
They are hardcore lava that has just exploded. At least that’s how Lee Phillips described the newly formed Improv Club at USU.
Philips, vice president of Improv, said the club is designed for students who want to experience comedy and learn at the same time. He also said the purpose of improvisation is to excite people about theater, help break students out of their shells and show the power theater holds through performing improv.
John Terry, president of the club, said through playing games, participating in workshops and educating students about theater arts, he hopes the Improv Club will help build up the theater arts at USU.
“Next year we are losing more than half of our theatre arts department,” Terry said. “Me and my roommates were talking about that, and we decided we needed to do something to help the department out, and we thought of the idea of creating an Improv Club.”
Terry said the club currently has 50 members, and he hopes more will join so he can share his love of comedy with them.
“I love comedy and bringing laughter to people,” he said. “Seeing people laugh and making them smile is my favorite part about being in this club.”
Jared Skinner, a freshman majoring in biology, is a member of the Improv Club and said he loves making people laugh but feels there is more to it than just that.
“The best part of being in improv is being able to express yourself,” Skinner said. “And by being a part of improv, you do not having to be worried about what other people think.”
Greg Probst, activities coordinator for the club, said the club holds a weekly workshop designed to teach students the basics of performing improv.
“Me, myself and all the presidency have a limited knowledge of improv and past experience. Together we are able to teach people and make it a good experience,” Probst said.
Each workshop is held to help improve the members’ performance skills. Terry said past experience in theater or improv is not required to be a member.
“Improv is opened to anyone,” he said. “You don’t have to be good in theater to do improv. That is why we are here, to teach you improv.”
Jessica Cooper, secretary of the Improv Club, said each workshop is based on a common theme. These themes range from stage movement to characterization to progression. Each night, games and exercises are based around that specific performance element.
Skinner said he enjoys the workshops because of the performance techniques he learns.
“They help break you out of your shell,” Skinner said. “You lose the fear of being in front of people when you do it enough times.”
The club is currently working toward six performances they have planned throughout the remainder of the semester. Phillips said these performances are to let students know the club exists, get people to know who they are and get people interested and supportive of the theater arts.
Terry said he wants anyone who is interested to come and try improv.
“Even if you feel uncomfortable, you are more than welcome to come and watch us for a night,” Terry said. “The Improv Club is a good, friendly atmosphere. We are all about teaching people and having fun at the same time.”
For any student interested in joining the club, workshops are held Thursday evenings at 8:30 in the green room of the Fine Arts building. Students also can join the club through the Facebook group Utah State Improv or the though USU Web site.
-courtnie.packer@aggiemail.usu.edu