Thomas Shields
In Motion Staff Writer
Lisa Silversmith/In Motion
Comedy is an art and a delicate profession that lives or dies from your current or previous routine.
It is a field where the jester is hanging on by a thread, every second his voice or actions are being interpreted. Comedy is a realm where only the funniest survive. It’s either laughter or pain, either joy or sorrow. Either good or bad, comedy is a specimen constantly under the watchful microscope of the crowd. Comedy is a platform where new talents rise or descend and the Daytona State College improvisational comedy class, directed by Professor Samantha Stern certainly rose to the occasion recently.
Early in April, the Gillespy Theatre at the News-Journal Center presented “Improv Night,” a showcase for the students to flex their theatrical, improvisational skills for all to witness. In a house of about 70 people, it was show time and the opening act did not disappoint.
“Human Instruments” was a funny icebreaker where audience members called out the names of various instruments that teams on stage had to emulate. There were many skits that followed with Professor Stern emceeing the night and keeping the audience involved throughout. The energetic crowd interjected many different ideas, themes, genres and nouns for the merry bandits to run with. Laughing, giggling and blurting out loud hysterics was a constant throughout the evening, which featured nine performers who were on the fly all night.
There were numerous good, solid and funny characters that kept the audience laughing and enthralled. The audience thought the dating game, “Love Connection” was by far the best skit, especially the part where “Bill Clinton” was explaining to a girl why she should be with him. There were many laughs during the show, but in fairness the “Love Connection” skit brought down the house. The finalists in the game, Batman and President Bill Clinton had hilarious remarks that had the crowd in a frenzy of laughter. Judging by the volume it was the hit of the night.
Overall, the “Improv Night” showcase was a smashing hit. It was a solid performance by all nine actors. People flowed out of the theater happy and laughing, telling others about their favorite parts of the night. The crowd was certainly entertained from opening to closing skit.