Beginning with a laugh or two, the Moorpark College Theatre Arts program presented “A Night of Improv Comedy,” at the High Street Arts Center on Sunday April 3 to unite students and actors on a night that not only the audience was able to view and enjoy, but they were also able to add their input to the comedic performances.
With only a week and a half prior to the first improv show on April 3, Moorpark’s own improv theatre class, known as Improv-A-Sutra, prepared by practicing exercises learned in the course. The majority enrolled in the improv class performed.
Tyler McAuliffe, an MC graduate, continues to take the improv course at MC. McAuliffe is pleased with the group he is a part of because they all get along so well. He said the time spent is enjoyable and a lot is learned.
“The improv classes are excellent,” said McAuliffe. “The teachers really get you thinking on your feet.”
The cast of about 20 students acted in 22 skits. With suggestions from the audience just seconds before each skit, the different themed acts kept the crowd consistently laughing.
Most of the seats at the High Street Arts Center were filled; over 100 people sat in to enjoy the show.
David Adler, a 24-year-old theater arts student, acted as one of the hosts in the comedy show. Adler believes they had a great first performance and he was pleased with the constant participation of the crowd.
“I think it went really well,” said Adler. “I know I enjoyed myself sitting by the side listening and laughing.”
The first night’s theme was “Isn’t it Romantic.” Before most of the skits, the crowd was asked where the actors should be located and what their relationship to each other is.
Developing the scenario right on the spot seemed like it would be difficult for the actors to accomplish while making the skit funny, however they did not disappoint. The results were equally entertaining for the audience to watch as was the cast to perform.
A crowd favorite was when the entire cast performed a skit to the song “Forget You,” by Cee Lo Green. An actress sung the song while two actors performed as back up singers. The rest of the cast acted as couples who kept switching their significant other for a new fling.
Even when a suggestion from the crowd seemed impossible to act out, the chemistry of the cast made for one hilarious show. It was easy to see that they have a great time performing together.
The passion shared by each of the actors makes the show a fun event to watch and participate in.
Jeff Rivetti, a 21-year-old broadcast journalism major at Moorpark College is one of the actors in the improv series. He said that the students all love being a part of the class as well.
“We are like a family,” said Rivetti. “We work together so there’s no way it could be bad.”
The ticket to enjoy the show was priced at $5. The first Sunday night performance was April 3, the next show will be May 1, and the final show will be June 12.
