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Frequently Asked Questions
Have a questions about Polywumpus (or improv)? Well, it's possible that the questions has been asked before, so check out our list and see if it answers your question. If not, feel free to contact us and ask us directly
Questions
- Is this the same as standup comedy?
- Is there an age restriction?
- Is the show appropriate for all ages?
- Can I get drinks there?
- How do I join Polywumpus?
- How do you all rehearse for improv?
- Do the members do this for a living?
- Can I do this?
Answers
- Is this the same as standup comedy?
Good God no! Stand up comedy consists of one person on stage, talking and telling jokes to the audience. A Polywumpus Improv show involves a group of players creating scenes and sketches on the spot, all based on audience suggestions.
- Is there an age restriction?
No. Neither venue we perform at serves alcohol, so there is no age restriction. Come one, come all!
- Is the show appropriate for all ages?
Sort of. Our shows are relatively clean, but because everything is improvised, we make no guarantees. If our show was a movie, the MPAA would rate it somewhere between PG and PG-13. That being said, we have had families come with children in the 5-12 year old range and have a grand old time.
- Can I get drinks there?
No. There is no alcohol allowed at our downtown venue (the Brick Playhouse). The Point Coffeehouse is BYOB, and they have a small charge for bringing your own B. check in with them for exact info.
- How do I join Polywumpus?
Polywumpus holds periodic auditions. The auditions are held when there is a need, rather than on any specific schedule. We have averaged one audition every year to year and a half. When we do hold auditions we will post it on the web site, so check on our home page. Or, join the email list (the form is over on the left of the screen) and we'll send out an email when we announce auditions.
- How do you all rehearse for improv?
It's easier to understand our rehearsal process if you think about a sport. Athletes practice to develop their reflexes and skills, ,even though they don't know exactly what's going to happen during the game. the same is true in improv. Even though we don't know what the audience is going to give us, or what we are going to do, we rehearse to improve specific skills that make us able to handle anything we get. We alse rehearse to get familiar with the rules of the various games we play, and to get comfortable with each other (ie. building chemistry).
- Do the members do this for a living?
No, with the exception of the group director (Avish), everyone in the group has a day job. Well, some people don't have a job at all, but Polywumpus isn't paying their bills either! Our members' occupations vary greatly. We have students, tech people, lawyers, tv type folk, and more. So you see, anyone can do it!
- Can I do this?
Yes. It is a firm Polywumpus belief that everyone has the potential and ability to improvise. At its heart, improv is just thinking, listening, and reacting, and everyone can do that! It may take training and a different way of thinking, but yes, you, and everybody out there, can improvise.
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