HCPSSBehind the Scenes with HCPSS’ All-County Improv Troupe
February 11th, 2022
HCPSS’ All-County Improv (ACI) troupe offers students a unique learning experience, says Hammond High School Theatre teacher Lauren Tobiason, the group’s producer.
The group, which began in 2008, brings together students from across the county to perform improv—live theater that requires actors to develop characters and plot lines on the spot.
“Improv is not like other types of theater productions. It has a unique structure, based on different types of games, and is unscripted. The actors are making up the characters, the dialogue, and the actions as they go, which can get interesting—and sometimes really amusing,” Tobaison explains.
Improv games take two forms: short and long. Short form games begin with an audience prompt. Actors take the prompt and develop a short skit about it, following whatever the rules are for the specific game.
Long form games also begin with a prompt or a suggestion. From there, actors spontaneously develop characters, themes, and scenes that loosely tie together over a longer period of time—akin to a more traditional play.
During rehearsals, students in ACI practice different improv games, explore ways to develop strong characters and story lines, and practice “saying yes,” Tobiason explains.
“Improv is a lot about give and take. It’s about accepting and building on each other’s ideas to develop a story worth telling–and learning to trust each other’s instincts to make that happen.”
For Atholton High School Senior Alissa Suser, the experience of being in ACI has not only helped improve her acting skills; it has enabled her to build valuable relationships.
“Getting to work with so many different students not only helps us make connections county-wide, but also allows us to interact with kids from a variety of different backgrounds… It’s really great to see so many different kids coming together through comedy. It truly is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Mt. Hebron High School Senior Isabella Maheu, who has been in ACI for three years, agrees.
“You get to meet a lot of new people with a similar interest that without the group you would not have been able to hang out with. Most of us here have a love for theater, so we are able to connect super easily. Also because of all the different people in the group, we’re able to learn things from each other and grow our skills together.”
Suser says the experience of working with ACI’s director, Peter Bergen, also has been hugely rewarding. Bergen brings years of standup and improv directing and performing experience to the job.
“Pete … is incredibly talented at identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses and helps you to improve your comedy skills…[He] is a comedy genius,” notes Suser.
Bergen says he, too, benefits from being involved in ACI.
“The main thing is that I love [about ACI is] working with people who care … You wind up getting to be around peers who also want to do good work.”
He adds, “I love my job and I love all the skills it brings. Skills like listening, communicating, empathy, and taking direction are not just theater or improv skills; they are life skills.”
All-County Improv is open to all Howard County high school students who have been recommended by their Theatre teachers. Auditions for the group are typically held in May, and rehearsals are held weekly for the first half of the year and twice per month in the second semester. Most years, ACI hosts a Winter Show and one to two smaller shows in the spring.