Improv-o-rama!

By Christopher DaCosta

Whether they are plotting the intricacies of relocating a race of earth-core dwelling mole people or simply exposing polar bears' sneaky attempts at world domination, Santa Clara's own improv team always manages to be unpredictable.

The intimate group of about 11 students was originally founded in the late '90s by former Santa Clara student, Marc Serra. The goal was to bring a new medium of art to Santa Clara which would stretch the participants' acting abilities as well as provide a fun experience for other students. After auditions were held, an improv troupe was born.

While most simply refer to its more conventional name, "Mission: Improv!," the origins and true moniker for the entirely student-comprised group have been widely contested; sophomore theater major and improviser Joe O'Malley had an off-the-cuff explanation.

"We've come up with a bunch of ideas, but no one seems to be able to agree on one name," O'Malley offered eagerly, talking with his hands. "Let's see, there's 'The Improviteers,' 'This Ain't Your Momma's Improv' and 'Shut Yo' Mouth ... I'm Just Talkin' 'Bout Improv,' but those are just off the top of my head. That's the thing, it's tough to put a permanent name to something so spontaneous."

Such spontaneity can be a strong deterrent for many people - standing in front of an audience is daunting enough, let alone not having anything prepared to say.

"There are certain strategies that help streamline one's improvisational skills, certain rules that we all try to follow, certain tips to help each member achieve his or her creative best," said junior theater major and second-year improv member Joe Brady.

When improvising during a performance or a rehearsal, the troupe looks to various sources for inspiration.

"We work off the models set by Keith Johnstone, a British improviser, and Second City, a Chicago based group, through which many famous people have gone," Brady said.

Junior communication major Bill Blackburn recently began his improv career on campus and thinks that focusing on what other cast mates are doing and saying is the most important thing.

"Some of the members are really witty or another member might be really physical and have interesting gestures," Blackburn said. "I like to observe them and try and learn from them."

O'Malley added that every rehearsal is always a learning experience and that some things cannot be taught.

"Improv is about friends and neighbors sitting around making stuff up," O'Malley said, launching into a mock-dramatic monologue. "We live in crazy world, tumultuous times, which call for spontaneous mirth and laughter. We are mirth giving; we don't just make mirth, we give it.

"We create. We don't destroy. It's the power of God. The power of improv, that's really why we all do it. Power. And money. And sex - tons. But mostly power," he continued, shrugging his shoulders.

The group channels some sort of power with their unique group dynamics, which according to O'Malley, most resembles a heady blend of Monster Truck rally and "The Beverly Hillbillies."

"Joe Brady would be Pa, whereas I would be Jethro; Jeff plays the part of the unhappy nagging old Ma, whereas Maren plays Becky Sue, the pretty one who's kind of loose," O'Malley said, arms flailing, fingers conducting silent music. "As you can see, we all do love each other very much, in a creepy, fake, sitcom sort of way."

Sophomore religious studies major Jessica Rauff noticed the distinctive bond between the group's cast members and also their professionalism.

"They definitely took it seriously and were professional," Rauff laughed, remembering her experience. "Yeah, there was definitely nothing amateur about it."

Senior theater major Joey Jalalian also thinks that the group is well-trained.

"All actors should have a sense for improvisation," Jalalian said. "Because they may need it during a performance if someone forgets a line or things don't go as planned for whatever reason, but to do an entire show based on improv like the improv troupe does? It takes a certain talent in an actor to do it successfully."

Part of a dedicated fan-base, senior philosophy major and theater enthusiast K.T. Craft thoroughly enjoys seeing the group perform on Thursday afternoons and having fun being part of their zany antics.

"I love Mission: Improv!, they rule and rock my socks," Craft said. "It's the best to see them with friends, so we can all participate together."