With the popularity of shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” students may be familiar with sketch and improv comedy. This week’s Student Org Spotlight highlights one of Ohio State’s premiere improv comedy groups: 8th Floor Improv.
8th Floor Improv is a composed of students who enjoy performing improvised comedy. They specialize in “long form” improv, where audience members suggest a word or phrase, and the performers take it from there to create a 20 minute montage of scenes. Their name stems from the fact that the group was founded on the 8th floor of Stradley Hall in 2004.
Even though improv comedy is made up on the spot, 8th Floor Improv still holds practices to help sharpen their skills. Member Max Steele says their practices incorporate lessons and drills to improve their own skills. They do workshops from professional improvisers, play other improv games, and run sets similar to the type they perform at shows.
Steele became involved with 8th Floor his first semester on campus. Like many of the other members, he had done improv in theatre class in high school, and knew it was something he wanted to continue in college.
The group draws inspiration from many different sources. Some members are influenced from professional improv teams, while others are inspired by sketch comedy shows (such as SNL). They also gather material and inspiration from pop culture, such as movies, TV shows, books and video games.
8th Floor Improv will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 in the U.S. Bank Conference Theater. Shows are open to the public.
If you have a love for improv and making people laugh, the group holds auditions every semester. All you need to do is show up—no experience necessary.
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