THEY
improv will be teaching classes on how to be an improv performer.
If you would like information about classes when they become available,
email us at info@THEYimprov.com.
THEY
improv joins a long and glorious history of participating
in one of the most exciting art forms available to audiences.
Improv
provides an alternative to stand-up comedy as well as other theatrical
venues. With an impressive cast of actors in the area, improvisational
comedy always delivers a variety of entertainment for a small
amount of money. Actors take suggestions from the audience and
perform comedic and theatrical pieces. The audience participates
by initiating the action with their suggestions.
This direct interaction has long made improvisation a favorite
among theater-goers, patrons of the arts as well as the college
students and other youths in the area. Truly bridging generational
and ethnic gaps, improvisational comedy provides a unique take
on the human condition and helps audiences find the laughter.
A variety of improvisational troupes have stepped forward to provide
entertainment and humor to audiences in South Florida.
And now THEY
have come to Fort Lauderdale.
Improvisational theater is as old as the verbal story-telling
tradition. Ancient epics, such as Beowulf, was passed down from
generation to generation in an oral tradition, with each succeeding
generation making "adjustments" as they went on. This was to adjust
to any then-current audience. Much as a parent telling a story
to a child, the child will direct the story based on his/her responses.
This tradition became more formalized with the Commedia Dell'Arte
in Europe from the mid-1500's to the 18th century. Traveling troubadores
would present shows on makeshift stages in public squares. Dialog
was improvised within an outline provided by a set "scenario".
While
other versions rose over the years, the modern version sprung
more from training of actors than an attempt at creating a new
art form. In an attempt to assist actors in analyzing action and
subtext in scripts, improvisation was created. Acting without
pre-written scripts and utilizing "games" to assist in generating
new material, they discovered that some comedy was coming out
of their efforts.
Funny? Hey, maybe we can do this in front of people and charge
money?
And if we can help others at the same time? All's the better!
For more information on the history of improv, go to the Improv
History page of ImprovMiami.com.
