The best way to spread Christmas cheer is laughing loud for all to hear, and students are welcomed to join the merriment on Dec. 9 with the improvisation team at their upcoming event “The Laughing Dead” at Club M.

The Moorpark College improv group begins its final preparation in partnership with the music and the film/television department, transforming the TV studio into a live night club. Audience members are invited to sit at café tables to enjoy a live band performance opening for the improv team.

Melody Holden, 20-year-old Television Production major, participated in the tech crew past semesters and joins the performers this semester learning the basics of improvisation from Theatre Arts professor John Loprieno.

“[We learn] how to make a scene work, how to work as a team, how to set up jokes and many other really useful bits,” said Holden. “But in all seriousness, what to gain from improv is the knowledge of how many poop jokes in a row are acceptable. The number is none. No more poop jokes, people.”

Most of the performers come from Loprieno’s Improvisation and Comedy class, which teaches students the different rules and styles of improv. “The Laughing Dead” is a great opportunity for the students looking to gain experience and practice for their skills, which will eventually help them as they pursue jobs and internships.

“Improv is the best job training you’ll ever have,” said Loprieno. “Being a performer you have to be aware of the signals other people are sending you and be able to respond accordingly; those skills are indispensable.”

Students looking for some holiday cheer should not miss this event at Club M, which will be held in the Communication Building in room 129 at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9. For tickets and more information visit http://sunny.moorparkcollege.edu/theatre/.