Improvapalooza
Improv goes pro–literally. On December 10, seniors from both Aragon and Hillsdale performed in this year’s Improvapalooza, along with professional performers from several improv ensembles around the Bay Area, including Bay Area Theatresports. Alumni from both high schools also performed. The show also included Aragon’s past improv coach. The show took place in Hillsdale’s newly renovated theater.
In the days leading up to the performance, Lisa Rowland, Hillsdale and Aragon’s improv coach, commented on her expectations for the show, saying, “It will mostly likely be short-form improv, so it will be scenes and games and songs.”
She also noted, “It’s one night only at the Hillsdale theater, which is [a] smaller [venue] than it has been in past years.”
Apart from the variety of games the improvisers perform, Rowland looked forward to “the unexpected. I love getting on stage with improvisers.”
Sophomore Travis Kwee talked about his expectations. “I really look forward to it…I imagine it’s like the Laugh-a-thon. I saw the BATS perform and they were quite good. I like seeing Aragon [shows], because you know the people and it’s fun to see them out of character. The professional shows are interesting to see because they are [more] experienced.
“[Improv shows] are always funny and they’re kind of ‘not phony’ compared to TV shows.”
Senior and improviser Dani Cutts comments on performing with the professional improvisers, “I definitely [look forward] to the professional improvisers. Every time I see a BATS show my mind is blown.
“I am excited; performing with BATS people is kind of intimidating, but it’s just a lot of nervous energy. It’s always fun working with them, they know more, they have different references and jokes. It’s a different feeling when working with them, but it’s a good feeling.”
The performances in the Improvapalooza did not fail to disappoint.
As they walked into the theater, the audience was welcomed by members of the improv teams who applauded and complimented them as they walked past. Lisa Rowland began the show by introducing her fellow performers; professional and seniors.
The first few games were performed by the professional improvisers. The show then went on to include seniors acting alongside the professionals.
The audience was just as engaged in the games as the performers were. They shouted out suggestions for the improvisers to act, and certain scenes and mere phrases caused the audience to erupt in laughter. In “Sticks and Paper,” two drama-crazed girls insulted each other using only words and phrases from slips paper that had been sprinkled all over the stage. The phrases had been written by audience members right before the show.
In a separate instance, a member of the audience joined the improvisers on stage and participated in the game “Family Dinner.” The performers attempted to reenact what a typical family dinner looked like for the individual. When the performers accurately portrayed what was likely to occur, he rung a bell. When incorrect, he sounded a kazoo and the performers would have to try again.
In “Yearbook,” a club posed for a series of yearbook pictures in their freshman and senior years and their fifteen-year high school reunion, and a witty comment from a Hillsdale senior acting as president of the chess club elicited much laughter from audience members.
Kwee comments on his thoughts after the show, “I thought it was great! The professional improvisers added new ideas and games to the show, and their topics ranged from politics, to romance, to Disney musicals, to sci-fi, balloon popping criminals, and such. Even my parents thought it was funny, and they usually don’t go to shows of any kind.”
