OCTOBER 1st *INAuGURAL SHOW*
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This year MTC will be jumping back into the improv game full force! Students will learn the art of making-it-up-as-you-go in classes that will be hosted every month. Then they will have the chance to audition for improv shows occurring throughout the year which will be performed in front of a live audience! The troupe's focus is to create a truly alive and hilarious experience for our audience, and to build strong skills in ensemble and acting. The troupe accepts both KVA and Face-to-Face students, but requires full participation and attendance.
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information meeting slideshow
What?
A student-led, non-competitive, improvised comedy troupe and class.
When?
Our first meeting is August 26th via Zoom 3 - 4pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6114288495?pwd=Z0ttcE96bEJjNE1BN1oxdGNmZ1pBZz09
Meeting ID: 611 428 8495
Passcode: GETCHEESY
Where?!
Black Box and PAC (KVA students must wait until 2:50 before entering the building for rehearsal or class)
Improv Classes
The troupe is made up of every student who participates in our improv classes. Classes/Auditions are open school-wide so non-theatre students will have the opportunity to join in the fun too. We will be capping the class at 50 for the purposes of functionality and grouping for games.
Performances
To be in a performance, students must make the audition, attend 2-3 rehearsals after with their ensemble, and purchase a Laughing Cow shirt ($15).
Performances will be held during the year to showcase the amazing and diverse comedic talent we have in our department and on campus. Each performance will have one ensemble that will perform both Longform (telling a whole story) and Shortform (games and scenes) style improv.
A student-led, non-competitive, improvised comedy troupe and class.
When?
Our first meeting is August 26th via Zoom 3 - 4pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6114288495?pwd=Z0ttcE96bEJjNE1BN1oxdGNmZ1pBZz09
Meeting ID: 611 428 8495
Passcode: GETCHEESY
Where?!
Black Box and PAC (KVA students must wait until 2:50 before entering the building for rehearsal or class)
Improv Classes
The troupe is made up of every student who participates in our improv classes. Classes/Auditions are open school-wide so non-theatre students will have the opportunity to join in the fun too. We will be capping the class at 50 for the purposes of functionality and grouping for games.
Performances
To be in a performance, students must make the audition, attend 2-3 rehearsals after with their ensemble, and purchase a Laughing Cow shirt ($15).
Performances will be held during the year to showcase the amazing and diverse comedic talent we have in our department and on campus. Each performance will have one ensemble that will perform both Longform (telling a whole story) and Shortform (games and scenes) style improv.
Interested?? Sign Up Here!
official Troupe Shirt!
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While it is uncertain how the year will progress outside of our theater, our hope is that improv will be something that builds confidence, humility, and compassion within our students. Because as long as we stick together, we'll be ready to say "Yes, and..." to whatever comes our way.
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Frequently asked questions - improv and the laughing cow!
What is Improv?
The art of making it up as you go! No script. No planning. Just go!
That sounds scary!
If we were trying to put on a professional play then yes that would terrifying, but in improv you rely on your troupe members to make you always look good. Your troupe always has your back!
Is this a class or show?
It's more like a club. We will meet once a month to learn several new improv games. Then we will have auditions to cast a group of actors to be in an improv show.
Well I'm not funny so I'm probably not very good.
Funny is a tricky word because what's funny to one person is often not funny to another. It's subjective! Improv isn't funny if you're TRYING to be funny. Humor comes from truth and the more your character, situation, and conflict is relatable and honest to the audience, the more they will react and buy-in to your performance.
Things are tight money-wise right now. Is it expensive?
Completely free to learn! Just pay for the shirt if(when) you make cast!
Will this be performed in-person or virtually?
BOTH! Each performance will be recorded digitally for a pay-what-you-want. We will be monitoring closing the development of COVID-19 and following all safety guidelines administered by MRHS Administration, Katy ISD, UIL, and TEA.
If there is a resurgence in cases will we have to cancel class and performances?
Of course NOT! Improv can be done anyplace and anywhere. There are a multitude of games that can be played via Zoom. So just know that if Plan A is cancelled there will always be a Plan B, Plan C, etc. Improv has no copyright protection so this allows our department to be more flexible in case things need to change.
I've always been bad at improv, so why would I even try?
That is a fixed-mindset! If you tell yourself you're terrible at something all the time, then most likely you never will be good at it. It takes bravery to take on new challenges and hobbies, and sometimes there can be a long learning curve you have to fight. But the feeling of knowing you put the time, work, and effort into getting better is second to non other feeling.
Well, how do I get better then?
This is where we come in.
What do I need for rehearsal?
The art of making it up as you go! No script. No planning. Just go!
That sounds scary!
If we were trying to put on a professional play then yes that would terrifying, but in improv you rely on your troupe members to make you always look good. Your troupe always has your back!
Is this a class or show?
It's more like a club. We will meet once a month to learn several new improv games. Then we will have auditions to cast a group of actors to be in an improv show.
Well I'm not funny so I'm probably not very good.
Funny is a tricky word because what's funny to one person is often not funny to another. It's subjective! Improv isn't funny if you're TRYING to be funny. Humor comes from truth and the more your character, situation, and conflict is relatable and honest to the audience, the more they will react and buy-in to your performance.
Things are tight money-wise right now. Is it expensive?
Completely free to learn! Just pay for the shirt if(when) you make cast!
Will this be performed in-person or virtually?
BOTH! Each performance will be recorded digitally for a pay-what-you-want. We will be monitoring closing the development of COVID-19 and following all safety guidelines administered by MRHS Administration, Katy ISD, UIL, and TEA.
If there is a resurgence in cases will we have to cancel class and performances?
Of course NOT! Improv can be done anyplace and anywhere. There are a multitude of games that can be played via Zoom. So just know that if Plan A is cancelled there will always be a Plan B, Plan C, etc. Improv has no copyright protection so this allows our department to be more flexible in case things need to change.
I've always been bad at improv, so why would I even try?
That is a fixed-mindset! If you tell yourself you're terrible at something all the time, then most likely you never will be good at it. It takes bravery to take on new challenges and hobbies, and sometimes there can be a long learning curve you have to fight. But the feeling of knowing you put the time, work, and effort into getting better is second to non other feeling.
Well, how do I get better then?
This is where we come in.
- Attend our classes and take notes on how to play the games. They will always be explained but knowing the game ahead of time helps you to focus on the performance.
- Read "Truth in Comedy" by Charla Halpern (You can buy it used for $6 on Amazon!). We will be using this book in class and while it is not a requirement to read, actors that do usually do better in auditions and on stage. Several SNL stars studied with Charla Halpern and claim her to be a genius of improv.
- Take risks! Make mistakes! Get messy!
- Make friends in the class and practice improv on your own time. See who can stay in character the longest without saying "no!"
- Watch "Who's Line Is It Anyway?" to observe their technique and enjoy the brilliant humor.
What do I need for rehearsal?
- A.D.A.
- An open mind.
- Water.
- A lack of ego.
- Willingness to trust.