Improv Stages a Virtual Performance

By Jillian Flack

    Despite the added difficulties, the campus’ Improvisation (Improv) team was able to pull off a successful virtual performance on Friday, May 15. Though it required much skill from both the school’s A squad and B squad, the students were able to change the rules of some of their most exciting games to give the viewers a night to remember.

The A-Squad members prepare for the show to begin. Photo Credit: Jillian Flack

    In order to carry out their final show of the year well, the students involved in Improv had to practice plenty to get used to performing virtually. This required much time from them in order to get better at the Improv games with new rules implemented. A-Squad Co-Captain Senior Zachary Emmert explained, “Obviously, space working with each other was thrown out the window, but since it is a huge part of improv, we had to adapt things. We began using the space of our rooms, moving the cameras, and using objects to further the scene.” During the performance, the members of Improv had to rely on their technology to connect them for the show and they had to improvise scenes differently than they usually would in person. These added difficulties were not easy to overcome, but the dedicated members of the Improv squads on campus persevered and put on quite an exciting show. Senior Alex Rosen, A-Squad co-captain along with Emmert, said, “With this online element, we lost that form of communication. With this show, we worked in setting up an environment differently. We had to use anything at our disposal to create that environment, even moving around our cameras to get a sense of the scene surrounding us.” The modifications to their performance were difficult to make at times, but they executed the production very well overall and viewers were pleased that the Improv squads were able to pull off the show with the difficult circumstances. 

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    Through their exciting show, the Improv members were able to convey their deep dedication for performing as they refused to give up even when the final show of the year had to be virtual. Emmert shared, “[The virtual improv show was] not an idea that was immediately appealing to me, but I wanted to give it a shot and see. I think it turned out extremely well.” This Improv show was certainly one to remember, especially for the graduating seniors, as it was the final one for many of them. Rosen expressed, “I am a bit sad that we could not do the final show for the seniors in the PAC [Performing Arts Center] itself, but I am so proud of all the effort put into the online show.” For a myriad of the seniors, it has been hard at times to say goodbye to a group of people they have spent so much time with, but they are looking forward to what the future holds. Regarding his time as a co-captain of Improv, Emmert shared, “[It was an] absolutely wonderful experience. I am so thankful to have done it. [I have] never had so much fun. The level of quality that every performer had made every second worth it. This final show was more than I could have asked for in such a situation.” A multitude of the drama department students who have not yet graduated will be sad to let the seniors go, but they are looking forward to welcoming some new members to the stage next year. 

    The virtual Improv show was clearly a showstopper and the audience had an enjoyable time viewing it. They are looking forward to next year when the two new A-Squad co-captains, Juniors Kai Shaffer and Olivia Snodgrass, rise to the stage and keep Improv as exciting as it is.