The Long and Short of Improvisation

The Glorious Story Emporium will whet your appetite for local improv! The following local improv shows are on my bucket list and I hope to see them in the not too distant future:

1. ComedySportz: https://www.comedysportzutah.com/ Patrick Livingston, director of Glorious Story Emporium is a “player” here. In the words of their website: “Whether you’re going out with your friends, that special someone, ladies night, or stag, our fun interactive atmosphere and good vibes guarantee you’ll have a fantastic evening.”
2. ImprovBroadway: http://www.improvbroadway.com/classes.html Calee Gardner is an alumnus and you can be one too! At ImprovBroadway you don’t have to just sit back and enjoy only as a member of the audience with the potential for participation. ImprovBroadway offers a series of four sequential classes so you can join them on stage as the next undiscovered star!
3. Laughing Stock: http://www.laughingstock.us/
Touting twenty years of family-friendly fun in Salt Lake City, or they can bring the party to you!

Besides coming to see The Glorious Story Emporium, what are some of your favorite local improv shows?

Have you seen any of the ones listed above? Which did you enjoy and why? What are some of your top picks? Put your links and ideas in the “Comments Section” at the end of this blog, thanks for sharing!

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by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg After the show wrapped up and people went their separate ways, Garret Rushforth, who played Wilbur, and I chatted and I asked him some questions about his experience with the play. What better way to gain insight about the show than from the actor who was in the thick of things from the very beginning? Here is what Garret had to say about this unique opportunity: Me: How was this experience of playing Wilbur? What was your Favorite aspect of it all? Garret: I loved playing Wilbur. My favorite aspect was discovering the character more and more each performance. I never really felt that I had learned all that the character had to offer. Me: What were some challenges that you faced while preparing for the show? Garret: A few of the challenges that I faced had to do primarily with transportation. My car tried to die a couple of times during the run. As far as developing the show goes, I found that the difficulties were mostly in finding the lines. Not simply reciting them, but discovering what was beneath them, motivating them and making them come to life. Me: What lessons have you learned from playing this part, or just from the play in general? Garret: I've learned that there is an amazing opportunity to find out about yourself from the character discovery process. I also learned how much a family the cast can become if given the opportunity. Me: What is your favorite part of this story? Garret: I love when Wilbur and Charlotte talk about Charlotte's death and Wilbur is so devastated. It showed how deep Wilbur's reliance on Charlotte was as well as his desire to help her too. Me: As you leave this production, what will stay with you? Garret: The friendships I've made and the things that I've learned about myself because of the show. Me: What aspects of your character did you love/latch onto from the beginning? Garret: I latched onto the loneliness aspect of Wilbur's life. For all his life, he'd not been given much of a chance, Fern and Charlotte being the exceptions. He was written off by nearly everyone until Charlotte pointed out how special he is. Me: Any final thoughts you would like to share with those who came to the show? Garret: Charlotte's a web was a show that offered a unique view of friendship and family. It doesn't matter what someone looks like or where they're from, friendship and family can transcend all differences.

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The Long and Short of Improvisation

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