Photo courtesy of Daniel Clay
To some, Improv Club may seem like just a place to play and create stories. However, for many, this beloved club can create real and lasting impact. The practice of improv is one way for students to tell stories, think on the spot, and work through fears or stage fright. Improv Club provides the space for students to learn, practice, and overall enjoy being around their peers.
Improv Club takes place every Friday in the Theatre, an open space for upper schoolers to get on stage, or watch their peers perform with other students. Sam Slye ’27, a senior member of the club, says that being part of Improv Club is not only a great way to have fun, but also build new skills at the same time. “We do games, and it is a place where if you just want to goof around, feel free. And it is also a place where you can learn.” Slye adds that participating in improv exercises “teaches you how to take what somebody else is saying and build on it, not shut it down. It teaches you adaptability and quick thinking, as you never know where the scene is going, and it really teaches you to listen.”
Slye also mentioned the topic of conflict, and how it often contributes an entertaining aspect to most good improv performances, challenging the actors to think of a creative way to resolve the issue, working with other performers on stage.”You don’t want [students] to just agree, and so it teaches you also how to have a continued conversation across differences,” she states. This idea is one of the biggest skills that flows into students’ outside lives, showing them that conflict can end up improving a conversation or debate.
Fraser Wein ’27, another member of the club, also pointed out that improv is a way to have fun acting with little-to-no stress. “I think it’s a low stakes way for kids to practice performing, and a lot of kids here want to act or want to do comedy, but don’t have an opportunity to perform that doesn’t require rehearsal or preparation. So this is a way to feel unrehearsed, low stakes, connect with other people who want to do acting but don’t necessarily want to train at it or participate in a production.”
Charlie Casey ’27 explained that he’s met many people at improv club, and that anyone joining the club will similarly meet people that welcome them warmly. “Even if you’re not great at it, all that matters is that you show up and you’re going to get better every time…everyone’s going to love you there.” Improv Club is an amazing way to form bonds with peers, try new things, without fear of failing, and build skills that can help you improve on and off the stage.