On Wednesday, May 12, nine students from each grade gathered for the first official meeting of South Salem’s improv troupe, under the guidance of professional improv performer and South student Brian Tackman ‘22.
Troupe members were selected through an audition process. They now meet for an hour on every Monday and Wednesday, where Tackman teaches one or more principles of improv performance and gives them the opportunity to implement those principles through skill-building games and scenework.
During their first few meetings, Tackman focused on cultivating listening and teamwork skills in his troupe:
“One of the most important things in improv is teamwork and being able to accept what other people say and play with reality,” he said. “We do a lot of games that encourage people to build off of what others have said to create a universe they can enjoy together.“
Tackman’s love of improv began in sixth grade when he joined Capitol City Theater, where he started performing professionally. He went on to teach improv lessons on Zoom through Kickstand Comedy. Theater teacher Juliana Gibbons approached him with the idea of forming an improv troupe.
South thespian Sophia Massey ‘22 was also excited when she heard the idea:
“I absolutely love Brian’s style of improv and teaching.” said Massey. “[Improv] really helps with coming up with things and theater in general. The beautiful thing about improv is, because it’s on the spot, nothing has to make full sense.”
For Izzy Hock ‘22, joining an improv troupe was a trip outside her comfort zone, but well worth it:
“Improv was always one of those things that intimidated me. You don’t have a specific script, you don’t have a character, you just make it up.” said Hock. “I’m used to having it all figured out, knowing what makes people laugh or what makes people emotional. It’s going to take a little bit to adapt to this environment.” She deals with challenges that come with the art form by reminding herself that mistakes and discomfort are a natural part of the process.
