From impromptu Oscar-winning songs to an Eagle Scouts pyramid scheme to all three Jonas Brothers on a dating game show, College Improv Night proved that when there is no script, anything is possible.
The event was a part of the Baton Rouge Improv Festival, a two-day celebration of all things comedy. LSU’s improvisational comedy troupe, ImprovLSU, performed with Tulane University’s improv troupe, Tulane Unscripted.
Each improv troupe brought something different to the table. ImprovLSU’s hour-long set featured two parts: a short sketch involving audience members and a longform sketch created by the club.
Tulane Unscripted followed with four quicker sketches in a shorter time frame. To end the night, both clubs then combined forces for an energetic 16-person show. Senior Grace Laurent has been president of ImprovLSU for the last year. She was one of many who were excited for the colleges to perform alongside one another.
“College improv night is important because it allows for two different colleges with two different ways of performing improv to get a rare chance to improvise with people around our age that have a similar type of humor,” Laurent said.
Tulane Unscripted’s set at College Improv Night was much bigger than anything the troupe had ever performed, according to president CJ DiSciullo, but the challenge was one that they were ready to take on.
“Doing it in a big group is definitely a little bit different because the show ended up being way longer than we’re normally used to,” DiSciullo said. “There was some endurance involved in that, but I think our group did rise to the occasion and I’m really proud of us for that.”
DiSciullo believes the collaborative experience with ImprovLSU was a great one for Tulane Unscripted.
“I feel like we learned so much from them, even in the few hours that we had with them,” he said. “Everybody is so talented and everyone brings something totally unique. It’s almost overwhelming.”
Audience participation is an essential part of improvisational comedy, and Saturday night’s members delivered. Attendees were lively for each troupe’s set, shouting out suggestions for performers when asked and laughing uproariously at each joke. Laurent says that she hopes the performance demonstrated that improv is thriving in college settings due to the bond that forms between performers.
“I hope audience members take away that improv is very important to our college lives,” Laurent said. “The young people of today still want to create and have fun with our friends and not just sit on our phones all day.”
Audrey Wofford, a longtime member of ImprovLSU’s professional performance troupe, feels passionate about each performance she gives with the club. She was excited for ImprovLSU to show off its comedic chops and distinct voices at College Improv Night.
“We have an incredibly diverse group from all over the world, and the worlds and situations that blossom are a great reflection of our different personalities and lives,” Wofford said. “In the club, I am supported, loved and encouraged every single day to be who I am, how I want.”
ImprovLSU is always welcoming to new members. Wofford believes that improv is something anyone can do, regardless of previous experience in theatre or comedy.
“Improv is something that everyone does on a daily basis in every conversation you have,” she said. “One just has to unlock their imagination and say whatever you feel, and you can create.”
Laurent would advise any students thinking of trying improv to dive in headfirst.
“I was terrified at first, but our club and many other improv groups are so welcoming,” Laurent said. “It is quite daunting, but just throwing yourself in there and not being afraid of failure is crucial.”
ImprovLSU holds weekly meetings Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in MDA 135. Follow the club on Instagram to keep up with their show dates and events.
