After Hours Improv is back!

Story and pictures by Breanna Prince

After Hours Improv had their first show of the semester on Jan 31, in Anspach 161.

Students involved act without a script, while getting prompt ideas from the audience, that is improvised. 

When it came to acting out, the audience gave them one word, whether that was anchovies, pizza, or the word help, and acted out being in a pizzeria with anchovies with one of the scenes. 

Junior Owen Hook, took on After Hours Improv, his second year at CMU, to give a chance to get into character and be funny. 

“I’ve always enjoyed goofing off,” Hook said. 

Students practice two days a week, for two hours, where they get feedback on their acting, play games, and prepare for those who want to be in the show. 

President Taylor Focklet said After Hours Improv is the first improv group on campus. 

She said it’s a good way to make friendships, have hangouts, and have fun. 

“We are the only group on campus that does not do auditions, and we’re the only group on campus that accepts everyone of all skill levels,” she said. “Even if they don’t know what improv is, or don’t feel confident doing improv, they can sit in on a practice, build your confidence, get an idea of what we are doing, and then we can take you up on stage and start doing games with you.” 

Fockler said that she joined after having to sit in on a practice for an assignment in her education class freshman year. 

“We had to sit in and observe an RSO on campus that has to help you in your future teaching,” she said. 

She thought After Hours Improv would be good for her public speaking in her future career as a teacher. 

“With public speaking, it helps me come up with stuff on the fly,” she said. “If I’m in a classroom, you need to be flexible, you need to be able to move around. It helps you with your public speaking and also your confidence as well.” 

Those who are interested in joining, they meet on Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Anspach 162.