"Beer helmet!" It's the only thing that comes to mind during a post-show jam session led by the Village Idiots, a local comedy-improv troupe. Rock, scissors, paper or infinity (where you can say anything like "beer helmet" and still win) is one of many games the troupe plays with audience members following a performance, just to give them an idea of how to do improv.
I know what you're thinking, "An improv show? Audience participation? I'd rather stay home and watch Seinfeld reruns." And I had my doubts about lackluster jokes and awkward silences, but it turned out to be fun and well worth the thrifty $5 admission to the show, staged at the troupe's studio on the third floor of Village Gate Square.
Actually, it feels more like an abandoned high school hall without the pastel-colored lockers and band geeks loitering around. The stage is plain with wood floors, minimal lighting and two armoires filled with props. It's also small; there's only room for about 20 audience members, who sit on folding chairs.
Before the improv performance begins, host Irwin Harris, who's sporting a thick mustache and a Spider-Man tie, introduces the evening's players: Miranda Collogi, BJ Scanlon and James Johnson. Carol Roberts, Matthew Cadrette and Swithun No, who is also the group's founder, are the directors.
The players also are judged by the audience, which collectively yells "evolve" (if they like a scene) or "die" (if they don't). To get everyone warmed up, Harris throws out some questions to the audience, including, "Put on your earmuffs if you have sensitive ears... What's the most offensive word you've ever heard?"
You can probably guess what the consensus is ... four letters, rhymes with "hunt." Except for a random, "Sarah Palin," to which everyone bursts out laughing.
The suggestion results in players working the offensive word into the song "Do Run Run." That randomness is the beauty of improv. "It's a really creative outlet for people," says Cadrette.
No agrees. "You get to let your personality shine out," he says. The post-show jam is about to begin, and everyone forms a circle. (It costs an extra $1 to participate.) No tries to make the experience less about the players and more about the community.
"It's very encouraging to see people who want to try [improv]," he says. It's through these sessions he often finds potential players. But I'm not looking to become an improv regular, and you don't have to become one either. But playing along allows you to have fun and let go of your inhibitions (without killing any brain cells).
I remember No's advice while sitting in on the pre-show pep talk with the players and directors, "Be over the top -- if you're going to be creepy, be Hannibal Lecter." His other piece of advice, "Acknowledge if you're tanking, and move on."
I keep these tips in mind as I prepare for my turn. The group splits into two lines for a round of rock, paper, scissors or infinity. Two amateurs (one from each line) face off at a time, and the rest of the group decides who wins the battle.
All the while, I'm thinking, "Am I going to look ridiculous, drop an f-bomb, be forced to sing in front of people? Then I'll definitely throw up." My nerves settle down when I realize this isn't a place where I'm going to be judged (unlike when I walk through EastView Mall). In fact, this feels like a community, just as No describes it. Everyone is here for the same reason: an appreciation for comedy.
It's my turn and I'm trying way too hard to come up with something funny. Actually, I don't think my problem is not being funny (although most of my jokes would warrant an NC-17 rating). It's being put on the spot, when I tend to blank.
"If you try too hard it comes off as unauthentic," No says. OK, it's my turn. "Rock, paper, scissors, infinity, shoot!" My fellow improv newbies make my "beer helmet" response (and me) the winner!
I'm not even close to being a worthy improver. And not everyone can come up with something laugh-out-loud funny in mere seconds. But if, like me, you decide to participate in a Village Idiots jam session, the worst thing that will happen is you'll embarrass yourself a little.
Plus, the show might just make you laugh until your cheeks hurt. And what's the harm in that?
MORE INFO
What: The Village Idiots Present, a comedy improv troupe
When: Shows are staged the second weekend of every month. The next shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11. If you’d like to get more hands-on instruction in a smaller group setting, classes are also available for starting at $20.
Where: Village Gate Square, 274 N. Goodman St., Room D312
Cost: $5; stick around for the post-show jam sessions for $1 more.
More info.: 797-9086 or www.improvvip.com
