Katy Kleinginna
In Motion Staff Writer
Improv actors, known for their quick wit and on-the-fly jokes, teamed up last month to perform classic Shakespeare plays with their own twist.
Shakespeare’s works are hardly known for their brevity, but in “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” also referred to as “The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr,” actors summarize The Bard’s plays into a two-hour time slot by using improvisational skits and satirical bits to get the message of each play across. Audiences are encouraged to think of scenarios for the actors to perform within the plays , so the actors are given the challenge of staying flexible throughout the show.
That was the scenario during five performances staged at the News-Journal Center, which were directed by Samantha Stern, Theater Arts professor at Daytona State. Actors featured in the show used their own names and personalities to depict their characters. Starring current students Steven Cork, Chris Adams and Cy Newman, all three cast members also currently appear in WDSC Channel-15’s “Call it Improv.” That show is produced in a weekly class period and is run solely by students and airs on the educational channel live on Thursday nights, with repeat showings on Sundays.
The group of actors participate in a recently approved DSC improvisational club, Improv 500, as well. Because the group practices almost daily in preparation for their weekly show, their involvement in the play was exceptional.
Rehearsals include club members teaming up and playing games that test and strengthen their ability to think quickly and deliver humorous, relevant jokes. It was no surprise that the Shakespeare play was well-received by audiences at the News-Journal Center.
“What made our performance even stronger is we have built a great chemistry together and that followed us into this play,” says Newman of his fellow castmates.
Aside from performing, Newman has decided to pursue a career as a professor of theater and directing, while Cork is focusing on an acting career.
The dialogue of the play relied on topical references to keep the mood light and humorous. Director Stern, also the adviser for Improv 500, wove satirical elements and lively physical aspects together seamlessly for the entire show. For audiences, the play proved visually stimulating and allowed viewers to stay engaged through the show.
“The dialogue wasn’t forced because we have all practiced together so much for the club. The dialogue really flowed and stayed light through the whole show,” says Newman.
Reflecting on her experience directing the show, Stern wrote in the program notes that, “When I first saw it performed, I had just finished my graduate degree and finally felt I had a good grasp of The Bard. Then I saw this wonderfully irreverent, ridiculous, hilarious piece.”
To her, the piece reflects the light-hearted side of theater, while finding a balance with the serious aspects of Shakespeare.