Improv is one of the hardest forms of acting, but Oddly Appropriate, a Colorado Mesa University improv team, makes it look easy with their performance a couple of weeks ago.
Improv is to take a random suggestion, sometimes chosen by the audience, and turn it into a cohesive story. The biggest rule of improv is to never say the word “no.” If another actor asks a question, the respondent is supposed to continue the scene by saying “yes, and…”
The Oddly Appropriate improv group has been performing across Grand Junction, most recently in the Moss Performing Arts building on Thursday, Nov. 3.
Ryan Cokie has been the co-director of Oddly Appropriate for three years. As a community member, he has given his time to the group because of his love for improv.
“We have a great cast this year. We do performances for bars, clubs, other theater troupes around town [and we are] hoping to work with the Magic Circle here soon [a theater in Montrose]. We are just trying to make connections [in the community],” Cokie said.
The improv group is planning on hosting a show before Thanksgiving. Along with that, there is a plan to perform at a local coffee shop and to start a podcast. The members of Oddly Appropriate had to audition to be a part of the group, but the actors stated that were casual and fun.
Freshman mass communication major Robin Darnell stated that, while it was intimidating at first, everyone in the auditions was welcoming and she quickly felt like she was a part of the group. The auditions consisted of warm-up games, improv exercises and scenes to assess how the actors worked together.
“It’s just a good time. Everything you see is made up on the spot. You’re never gonna see anything like it again, no two improv shows are exactly the same.” Darnell said.
Freshman design tech major Riley Chang went into detail about the show for the night. He stated that his least favorite joke of the night was when another cast member called him short. Chang joked that it was a very upsetting moment for him. He also touched on why he believes students should attend improv shows.
“I think it’s fun seeing people unprepared. When you go to a show it’s like, ‘Oh, I know [what’s going to] happen,’ but they don’t. [There are no expectations], so when you come to these shows it’s a lot easier to have fun because everyone’s already vulnerable. There’s no pressure,” Chang said.
While acting positions are not open, people interested in writing sketches can attend meetings Sundays at 3 p.m. in Moss Performing Arts Center, room 136.
The group also has a YouTube channel under the name “Oddly Appropriate” that has videos going seven years back featuring groups of different students. Shows, places and times can be found on social media and, there is also an Instagram that interested parties can check out:
@oddlyappropriatecomedy.
