Most musicians, actors, dancers and other student performers at Ball State rely on preparation to make their shows run smoothly. Some performers do the opposite.
Improvisational comedy is based on the premise that the comedians enter the stage without a script or any pre-established jokes. Long-form improv follows the same storyline throughout the whole show and short-form contains several different parts in the form of "games." Short-form improv is used most commonly by improv troupes and TV shows such as "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"
"Improv is completely new and different every single time," senior physics major Jimmy Guerrero said. "You cannot go to one improv show and assume that if you've seen one you've seen them all."
Reflex
Going to a Reflex show provides a different experience than someone would get from seeing another improv group.
"I think the biggest differences are just from the fact that we each have completely different people," said Adam Lord, senior theatre studies major and Reflex member. "If you add or take away even one person, the whole group dynamic changes."
Senior acting major Ashley Harrison said Reflex's focus on teamwork is important to the group's success.
"I think of it as a big family who play games," Harrison said. "[We're] a bunch of brothers and sisters who play games with each other and try to improve our skills and try to just have fun and entertain each other."
Although all 12 members in Reflex are theater majors, Lord said that is not a requirement.
"Anyone can be in Reflex if you're not afraid to be in a scene with someone else in front of a group of people," he said.
As theater majors, the members can use this experience in their majors and future careers. Being able to be on stage without a script can help when someone misses a line in a live, scripted performance. Someone who is good at improv will be able to cover up the mistake and get the show back on track.
Lord says he tends to make much bolder choices whenever he acts now that he has been involved in Reflex.
Reflex used to perform in Strother and University theatres, but this year they have switched to a room in the Art and Journalism Building. The switch has allowed the group to add other aspects to its show, such as putting videos on the projection screen.
After watching the shows from the audience for two years, Harrison finally found the courage to try out for Reflex last fall. From the audience, it is easy to point out what the members could have done in a show, she said, but it is completely different out in front of everybody.
Both Harrison and Lord said having the courage and confidence to get out there is one of the biggest obstacles when first performing.
"For me, the easiest part is having the courage to actually do it," Lord said. "I was a nervous wreck my first show, but after you do several, you have to realize that sometimes you are going to be hilarious and sometimes all you have are poop jokes. Either way, you have to commit to it, which is easier than it sounds."
Although improv comedy provides the opportunity to learn new skills, one of the main reasons members said they joined a group was to have fun.
"It doesn't have to be so serious," Harrison said. "Just have fun creating the character and making new discoveries."
ABSO
Originally known as "Absolunacy," the 13-member troupe ABSO formed on campus in 1991.
A typical ABSO event includes a guessing game and a musical game, some of them using audience suggestions, said Derek Cox, ABSO president.
"It's really just a grab bag, when you come to a show, of what to expect," said Cox, a senior telecommunications major.
Not only will ABSO be celebrating its 20th year in 2011, it will also be making several changes.
The group performs two or three shows a month with all 13 members in each performance, but next year the group will be split into two smaller troupes and will take turns performing each week.
Cox said one of the reasons for the structure change was to improve everyone's improv skills. By splitting into smaller groups, each group will be able to get to know its teammates better.
"A big aspect of improv is knowing the people you're improv-ing with," Cox said.
Another plus to the change is that while one group is performing, the other will be able to sit in the audience and provide feedback, Cox said.
Teamwork and comfort around your teammates is key to becoming a successful improv troupe, he said.
"If you're not going to be able to get along with someone in real life then you're not going to be able to get along with them in an improv scene," Cox said.
Guerrero, who will be ABSO's president next year, said the group contains some of the most interesting people and that they all bring something different to improve the show.
"Our group is filled with normal people who just love to have fun together and make people laugh," Guerrero said. "We all entertain the audience in our own way."
While being a part of ABSO provides a way to take a break from everyday stress and have fun, it also teaches the members important skills.
"Improv has helped me to be able to take control of a situation and help my group members along," Guerrero said. "It has also helped me to go with the flow so to speak. I have learned to be flexible and positive with life. Also I've learned to be more sociable."
Various skills from improv, such as teamwork and staying positive, can also help in other aspects of life, Cox said.
"Improvisers are the best wingmen," he said. "They are used to setting up the joke for others. That's what improv is, setting it up and letting someone else knock it out of the park."
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