Mention the word theater, and many people might imagine the well-rehearsed production of a carefully written play. However, the more adventurous theater-goer craving a truly spontaneous stage experience shouldn’t lose heart. There’s a growing scene in Eugene that’s summed up in one very illustrative word — improv.
Improv exhibitions have become an increasingly popular and immediately recognizable form of entertainment all over the world, riding on the success of improvisational shows like “Whose Line is It Anyway?” Eugene is no exception, and improv shows playing across the city vary in length, style and content.
ComedySportz is a national comedy organization with performances in Eugene. Kent McCarty and Rob Rock founded the local troupe in 1999 after meeting during a stint in Portland. The group jumped from venue to venue for the first few years and finally found a permanent home at 1030 Oak St., with performances every Saturday at 8 p.m.
ComedySportz, which is celebrating its national 20th anniversary, hosts competitive shows where comedy teams battle on stage for the most laughter. A referee stands in the wings ready to call “fouls” if the skit is running long or isn’t funny.
It could be argued that ComedySportz gave birth to another high-profile improv troupe in Eugene — Absolute Improv. Founded by former San Jose ComedySportz performer Kevin Bradshaw seven years ago, this group, containing eight members, performs both short and long-form shows.
Absolute Improv manager Curtis Williams said the high-wire nature of improv is what makes the performances exciting for both the audience and the performers.
“In the short-form shows, there’s a lot of audience interaction, and that just makes the show a lot of fun,” Williams said.
Absolute Improv rehearsal manager Nathan Loveless said the appeal of improvisational performances is two-pronged.
“Improv provides an artistic setting like that of real life — you never know what’s going to happen next,” Loveless said. “And there’s a big opportunity for failure. An audience roots for the group and loves to see us succeed.”
Williams is also a founding member of Pour Babies, a long-form musical improv group that could be funny one night and tragic the next. It all depends on the moment.
Wymprov is another local group, consisting of four women who met at a “Healing with Humor” workshop in 1991. The group has performed their short-form skits and games all over the Northwest at conferences, festivals, parties and concert halls.
The group is also being featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “Oregon Art Beat” program today at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.
McCarty said the Northwest is experiencing a renaissance of improv.
“Improv is now about 50 years old,” McCarty said. “It’s basically reached middle-age and is finally getting the widespread recognition it deserves.”
The future of improv in Eugene may be one of increased collaboration among the disparate groups to create a true improv community. McCarty, Williams and Loveless indicated they look forward to breaking down the walls.
McCarty said times definitely have begun to change.
“Some groups just a few years ago would have been very territorial,” McCarty said. “But many of the groups around Eugene are totally open to collaboration because it benefits all of us.”
Wymprov has competed with ComedySportz in the past and Absolute Improv will take on ComedySportz this Saturday at 8 p.m. “It should be really exciting,” Williams said. “We have somewhat different audiences, so I’m really looking forward to that mix.”