A comical improv performance with a mixture of groping, dancing, joking and prancing took place on Friday night, Feb., 15, 2013, delivered by the Improv Asylum located in Boston’s North End. It was a perfectly fitting finish for Plymouth State University’s 2013 Winter Carnival. Hosted by the Programming Activities in a College Environment, known colloquially on campus, as P.A.C.E., the production easily set the bar high for future comedy shows held here on campus.
Jeremy Brothers, by far the most outspoken of the five comedians, made it clear in his opening statement that he wanted to test how far the audience would push the envelope. “Where are you from?” he loudly questioned the crowd. “Who are you sitting next to? What would you change about their appearance?” Surprisingly, nearly everyone in the room shouted out an answer. The loudest response to the latter question stated, “her nose!” The crowd as well as the cast roared in laughter. One could tell that it was going to be an entertaining production.
One must not forget, however, all of the elements that create the final production. It is not only the performers who make up the show, but the behind the scenes staff as well. James Dube, P.A.C.E. Treasurer and Vice President of Annual Themes, explains the intricate preparation of the Plymouth State University Winter Carnival.
“The planning for Winter Carnival begins right after Homecoming in the fall. It is planned by the Co-Chairs with the assistance of the VP of Annual Themes, and the Annual Themes committee. Together, we begin planning the week. By October, we start finding our acts via conferences or hearing about performers from students, etc. We then make our final decisions by November,” said Dube.
The work does not stop the day of the event, however, “We have to make sure that everything they request is ready and available upon their arrival,” continued Dube.
Though seemingly recent, the origin of improvising dates back to the sixteenth century. One of the first known forms of this type of theatre is known as the Commedia Dell’arte, or “Comedy of Art”, which began in Italy, expanded throughout Europe, and eventually spread to the rest of the globe. Originally rehearsed, what is commonly known as “improv” has evolved into an ad-lib art form. In a synchronized addition to its spontaneity, an asset that makes improv unique in comparison to other forms of theatre is that no one performance can be duplicated.
This statement remains the same with the aforementioned performance. Each comedian had their own distinct personality, and their chemistry on and off of the stage was both natural and theatrically unmatched. The Clock conducted a casual interview with the improv comedians to give our readers insight on an uncensored experience with the group backstage.
What draws you all to the art of comedy? And what or who is your inspiration?
“It’s not so much inspiration as it is an instinct. For me, my job as a comedian began in my childhood. I can remember imitating everyone and everything, and imagining shit and then acting it out with my friends,” stated comedian Ryan McFarland.
“Bottom line for me was, if you’re funny, nobody beats you up,” Jeremy Brothers chimed in.
Who are your favorite comedians?
“Louis C.K., Conan O’Brien, John McKay for sure,” stated Tim Johnson.
Are you all unfazed by public speaking? Or do you still get slightly nervous before entering the stage?
“We’ve all gotten nervous at some point,” began Jeremy Brothers, “but Improv helps with stage freight. All of the participants are a team. You’re more like a family; you know that if you are at loss for words, your partner is there to pick right up where you left off. And unlike traditional theatre, there are no wrong lines.”
Some may say that comedy is too enjoyable to be considered a “real” job. What do you all think about that statement?
[They all laugh]
“I know plenty of people who perform as a full time job. If you can make a living from comedy, you must be doing something right,” concluded Jeremy Brothers.