From an outsider’s perspective, a performance by Otterbein’s Mainstage Improv Troupe may seem unrehearsed with a free-for-all mentality. As it turns out, there is a method to the madness that is improvisational comedy. Whether it's the seriousness of training sessions or clear communication between members on and offstage, there is more to the troupe than its undeniable comic ingenuity.
For rehearsals, the troupe does warm-ups that have been practiced since the troupe’s genesis in 2011 under the direction of Otterbein alumnus Sean Murphy. After graduating, Murphy sensed senior communications major Paul Dahman’s passion for the group and asked him to take over the task of recruiting new members and become the troupe’s president. After the founding members left the troupe had only three members including Dahman.
In addition to the established format of the original troupe, the troupe of today uses new warm-ups derived from the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), which the troupe met at a workshop last year.
Rehearsals consist of running through short-form exercises, which are games lasting 10 minutes at maximum. Not only are short-form games quick in themselves, but the troupe rapidly plays one short-form game after another. A long-form game can range from 20-45 minutes, depending on how well the troupe can work it out. Dahman said they intend to do less short-form in front of live audiences this year.
When the audience suggests topics that the troupe must incorporate into the themes of games, the troupe is not prompted to act out bizarre mannerisms without striving for a goal. “We work on 'base reality' in scenes, like keeping scenes grounded, finding what we call ‘game’ in scenes, and some other different exercises that we take from the UCB manual that we have,” Dahman said.
In order for the troupe to progress, they must make positive changes to the format that was set in place by its founding members. With a current roster of eight members, only two of which are non-theatre majors, the troupe is seeking interested students. Auditions for the troupe will be held beginning on October 21. “One thing we look at is not replacing people when they leave, but what’s gonna be the next chemistry for the troupe,” Dahman said. To further diversify the group, they wanted an adviser who was not in the theatre department.
Jeff Demas, professor and director of television at Otterbein, agreed to become their adviser. Demas said he has in the past done stand-up comedy as well as had involvement with an improv troupe called “The Groundlings” in Los Angeles. Now, he occasionally teaches a comedy writing class.
Dahman said the biggest change that Demas has brought to the troupe is a new perspective on how to grow more cohesive and developed as a group. Improvising on stage together, the members may build off of one another by re-using each other's punchlines in ways that refresh the initial humor and keep the audience engaged.
As eager as Demas feels to be a part of this medium of comedy once again, he said it is their show and offers suggestions only when asked to provide them. “It’s fun to watch these kids and sort of reminisce, while at the same time watching some budding stars.”
Last semester, the troupe ran into some red tape that did not let it become an official group on campus, Dahman said. After the Student Life Committee agrees to the terms in the troupe’s constitution, the Senate will formally approve of the organization. They intend to have the process completed this semester.
Should the troupe become an official campus organization, Demas will not only maintain his current involvement and attend as many rehearsals and shows as he can, but he also becomes responsible for anything that might go wrong and oversee any difficulties.
Dahman said the troupe is teaming up with Ottertuned and holding performances together as fundraisers. Similar to the Otterthon, half of the proceeds go to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The remaining half will be donated to St. Jude’s Hospital, the same beneficiary of the student-led organization Up ‘til Dawn. The troupe will soon release more information on this venture.
“Cinna-bond” is the title of the troupe’s 2014 fall semester’s premiere show. Each title for a show is chosen at random by members of the troupe. Dahman said they set aside around 30 minutes to brainstorm a title that will not necessarily have anything to do with the show. The premiere will be in the Campus Center Pit Theatre at 8 pm on Sunday, Sept. 21.
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