What started out as a handful of freshmen football players interested in theater has now grown into an improvisation troupe that includes girls and guys from all across campus.
Every Friday at 9:30 p.m., students flock to the basement of Simpson Residence to participate in what has come to be known as “Simpson Improv.”
“I’ve always loved improv. It’s a great way to hang out,” said freshman Alex Buchmann, who started the group. “I did theater growing up and did improv on the side.”
Instead of using flyers, the group advertises itself through word-of-mouth.
“The first meeting, we had five guys there,” Buchmann said. “Then we shamelessly promoted it.”
“I’ve always thought improv would be kind of fun,” freshman Danny Drummond said. “Alex was very persuasive.
Buchmann said that the best part about improv is watching two random people from the audience create a hilarious scene.
“My favorite part is everybody’s individual senses of humor, and how they work that into a performance,” Buchmann said.
At the last few improv sessions, anywhere from 30 to 50 people showed up to join the group. In one game, actors from the crowd offered their best rendition of “World’s Worst Walmart Greeter.”
Drummond, who was one of the first five football players to do improv, loves seeing his friends get up in front of everyone and act out silly scenes.
“I love seeing what other kids come up with and seeing kids breaking out of their shells,” Drummond said. “Everybody can come and laugh and have a good time.”
Freshman Elise Clines participated in improv for the first time last week after hearing about it from Drummond.
“I love it,” Clines said. “You get a chance to go up there and be crazy, and you don’t care because it doesn’t matter. You get to break free and be a different personality.”
Buchmann said he and the core improv group are still trying to decide what the future of Simpson Improv will be, and whether or not they will try to achieve official club status. This week, the group outgrew Simpson basement and had to move to Phillips Auditorium, where they were able to use a stage.
“Hopefully next semester we can do some shows,” Buchmann said.
