As Covid 19 Restrictions Loosen, Improv Inc Proves the Performing Arts can Withstand the Pandemic
- Francesca Hill
- Mar 1, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 9, 2022
Covid 19 took a drastic toll on the performing arts. But now that restrictions are loosening up, the performing arts are finding ways to adapt. Chapman’s Improv Inc returned in person this past fall, prompting a revitalization of the performing arts at Chapman as massive crowds return each Thursday night.
Chapman University's Improv Inc
Irvine Lecture Hall is home to science departments, class lectures, and sorority chapter meetings. But most importantly, it is the home of Improv Inc, Chapman’s longest running Improv Troupe.
Taking the stage two Thursday nights a month, Improv Inc never fails to put on a comedic show. Typically centering the night around a specific theme, Irvine Lecture Hall becomes packed with Chapman students of all kinds, ready to enjoy a show full of unexpected twists and turns, even featuring some audience involvement…
Junior Television Writing and Production Major Emilie Evans has been a member of Improv Inc for just over a year now.
“Watching people be uncomfortable is probably one of the best things you can do in college…we’re up on that stage with no other way to prepare except memorizing lines...”
Playing games like switch left, party guest, and new choice, there is something for everyone.
However, when Covid hit, Improv Inc, like the rest of the performing arts at Chapman, came to a sudden halt.
Improv...on Zoom
“Zoom improv was definitely an experience. It’s really hard to do comedy when you can’t get a feel for the energy in the room... Everyone’s mic is off, everyone’s camera is off, and it’s hard to gauge reactions. But that’s a big part of improv, finding out what works with the audience and going with it.”
Now that Improv Inc has returned to in person, Improv Inc wears face shields and limits capacity.
“It’s a little weird sometimes with masks… a lot of it’s facial expressions and sometimes you can’t hear what people are saying.. So that’s really weird.”
But regardless, Emilie, like the rest of the Improv Inc team, is just happy to be back.
“Our first in person practice back, it was official.. I got on that stage and i was just so happy to be there I got in like a zone… words just coming out of my mouth... the euphoria of being in the room with people”
Why go to Improv Inc?
“There’s no reason not to come…” says Emilie...
“College improv can be really bad…it can be painfully bad. But something that makes our team so great is that we are very cognizant of what makes improv bad. That’s something we really work on. It’s also something really hard to do. But when you pull it off, it’s rewarding to us, but it’s even more rewarding for the audience. That’s why you should come.”
Be sure to check out Improv Inc’s next show:
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