Entertainment
Austin College improv troupe to perform Nov. 3
By Austin College
Nov 3, 2009

SHERMAN, TEXAS —The Austin College student improvisation ensemble P.S. will perform Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pouch Club of Wright Campus Center. Running 60-90 minutes, “Didn’t We Try This Last Year?” is open to the public at no charge.  

The performance is part of inaugural week activities in connection with the inauguration ceremony for College President. Marjorie Hass on November 5. 

The improv troupe consists of 13 students and Kirk Everist, assistant director of communication studies, who serves as coach, facilitator, and occasional M.C., as well as a performer. Senior Shane Galloway is co-facilitator for the group.  

The troupe provides live, theatrical, publicly performed improvisation including “long-form” or “Chicago-style” improv, similar to a short play, as well as short form games known to audiences familiar with Whose Line Is It Anyway? Improv is, simply, improvisation, acting, talking, or creating in the moment and in response to situational stimulation.  

The November 3 performance will include all members of the troupe, presenting large games including 4-8 players, such as “World’s Worst,” “Dream,” and “Family Dinner,” as well as smaller scene games, and an example of long-form work.  

Everist began conducting improvisation workshops, often three times per week, on campus in 2006, open to all members of the Austin College community. The groups have typically offered two to three performances each semester, though in fall 2008 members produced six full-length performances. 

The new performance troupe plans more public appearances and will provide open workshops for the community.

Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges that Change Lives.

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