Friday, Jan. 26 marked the first 2018 show for Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Deviant Behavior Improv series. Hosted by Mason Kuhr, the roughly 90 minute show had seven acts of different improvisation challenges.
The eight actors and actresses were split into two teams. Mikhail Ferree, Dewey Hudacky, Elaina Krafick and Erika Krasneski performed as Team Antelope. Zach Goughler, Lyssie Gregory, Cameron Maxon and Andrew Poll comprised Team Giraffe.
For each round, either a different improv game was played or the actors were given a theme they had to act out or make a wisecrack about.
When asked what his favorite game was, Hudacky replied, “World’s Worst.”
“You get the audience’s participation, which is always fun, always random,” he said. “It also gives you a wide range to be negative, and I love negative humor that’s not insulting, and ‘World’s Worst’ just kind of sets you up for that.”
Unlike other types of live theater, improv thrives on audience participation. The themes the actors had to act upon were all audience-submitted and chosen randomly from a hat; the audience was asked to shout out settings and circumstances for scenes, and volunteers for the “Spit Take” segment were requested.
As the audience is the heart of the show, the rules are strict as not to offend members with inappropriate language or subject matter. In order to dissuade the actors from using any “crass language,” a rule was implemented where in the event of such use, the perpetrator must wear a pig mask that would interfere with their delivery and facial expressions.
Although everything said is meant purely in jest, heavy is the face that wears the mask. However, the threat of having your face covered and voice muffled succeeded in keeping the actors PG.
No two Deviant Behavior shows are ever the same, as improvisation would have it. There is a different set of jokes, prompts, and preparation for each performance.
“It really is just a spur of the moment kind of thing. Of course, we rehearse it (material corresponding with the games) so we know what works and what doesn’t. A lot of the stuff we do is just stop and go,” explained Goughler.
Although Team Antelope galloped away victorious, plenty of laughs were to be had by all, especially during the “Art Curator” and “Pick a Prop” challenges.
If you missed the first show and find yourself in need of a laugh at the end of a stressful week of classes, there are still March 23, April 6 and May 4 shows left to catch.
The upcoming shows will continue taking place in Diebold Performing Arts Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30. The fee for admission is $3 for EU Students, $5 for EU faculty, staff, seniors and other students, and $10 general admission.
Livia Homerski can be reached at ae.spectator@gmail.com.
Joining Beyoncé in making history is “Album of the Year” winner Taylor Swift, who became the first female to ever win that category three times. She won for her eighth studio album, “Folklore." |
DMX was a club record megastar, with songs like “Party Up (Up in Here)” and “Ruff Ryders Anthem” still actively on your local DJ’s playlist though they were released over 20 years ago. |
By Teddy Rankin
The latest album from art-pop duo, tUnE-yArDs, aims to match the confusing whirlwind of the recent political climate with an equally disorienting soundtrack. |
By Hazel Modlin
Edinboro University will have a hand in picking the competitors, as Professor Cappy Counard will be one of the two judges. |
She’s always been able to tell stories about pain and make it an art form with her albums, which she continues to do here. But the full sounding band adds a heaviness that matches Baker’s vocals. |
AJR, as a group, enjoy being quirky, risky and story-driven in their songs. This can make them quite specific, and as a result, polarizing. |
Edinboro University will have a hand in picking the competitors, as Professor Cappy Counard will be one of the two judges.
“SEED is more than a club, it’s a title for students who have a passion and love for protecting the environment around them. It is an opportunity to collaborate with students and professionals in the environmental field, while also making friends and having fun."
The latest album from art-pop duo, tUnE-yArDs, aims to match the confusing whirlwind of the recent political climate with an equally disorienting soundtrack.