MDHS, MMR show Canada how Improv is done

April 16, 2010

By Jason Misner
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, HDSB STAFF

Students from two Halton District School Board high schools found themselves acting off the wall and out of sorts recently, desperately trying to get laughs or an emotional response from a captured crowd of onlookers.

They did their schools proud.

In a game of friendly regional competition, Milton District High School and Burlington’s M.M. Robinson High School impressively qualified for, and competed at, the 33rd annual Canadian Improv Games (CIG) in Ottawa March 23-27. Using their wits and playfulness, MDHS – with a handful of Improv rookies – made it to the five-team finals on the Saturday night, placing fourth while MMR – a veteran of Improv performances – just missed out on a finals appearance, finishing sixth overall following their performance on the Friday night.

This was MDHS’s first time at nationals and it was the third time for MMR.

Improv – short for improvisation – doesn’t involve scripts or rehearsed scenes. It is out of the blue, impromptu responses to whatever suggestion is thrown from a crowd of people and, hopefully for the group performing, hilarity and emotional connections ensue. Second City is among the most popular groups known for its knack of Improv.

MDHS teacher Laurie Graham and MMR teacher Dina Zuchkan – leading their respective Improv teams – are so proud of their school’s performance at the Ottawa Games.

Impressed by the camaraderie of the event Graham stated: “Since this was our first time there, the whole experience was exciting. They were exhausted on Saturday, and slept a lot in the afternoon to gear up for the finals.

“There was a live webcast of the evening's performance, so there were three big cameras set up in the audience.  My sons watched it at home, and said it looked very professional with various camera angles and special effects to add interest.  The crowd was huge and the energy was boundless – as only teenagers can accomplish when in large groups.  

“The team played well.” 

Zuchkan said her team had an “incredible time”, having met young actor/improvisers from across the country as well as a team from Australia.

“They had the opportunity to attend workshops given by theatre professionals (nation wide) as well as visit the sites of Ottawa. The Canadian Improv Games certainly is a ‘loving’ competition so they upheld the ideals of improvisation, which are based in support and encouragement for other teams.

“They honed their skills on the National stage and more importantly, learned while watching other schools perform. A year ago, five of them knew nothing about Improvisational theatre and had never experienced anything like it. For those five individuals to make it to the national level (along with the three one-year veterans) is an incredible accomplishment. They played with passion, enthusiasm and commitment and were wonderful ambassadors of M.M. Robinson High School.

“I couldn't be any prouder.”

At nationals, the two Halton schools competed against 20 teams from across the country – including Vancouver, Regina, Sudbury, Ottawa, Halifax and Moncton – vying for the funniest Improv team title in Canada.

They competed in four of five events, no longer than four minutes in length, to showcase their humourous skills: life event, theme event, style event, story event and character event. For example, under ‘life’, a team is to improvise a scene that demonstrates a character’s life with honesty and sincerity; under ‘style’, a team is to improvise a scene in a specific style of film or television like horror.

A block of five teams performed on different nights, with the top five advancing to the title match on the Saturday night.

The goal of CIG, according to the group, is to provide youth ages 12-18 with the opportunity to expand their skills in improvisation. The focus is on the development of effective story telling, character building, thematic exploration and bringing personal truths to the stage. 

CIG officials say programming in improvisation expands on life skills beyond what students receive in high school - teamwork, active listening, adaptive logic, organic problem solving, acceptance, leadership, value in one's own perspective, understanding and commitment.     

Prior to heading to Ottawa for the games, the excited squads said creativity, trust and teamwork are among the keys to a successful Improv team.

This is the first year of Improv for Grade 12 MMR student Bzhaun Rhoden, 17. Inspired by acting and cooking, he said a poster in the school detailing Improv caught his attention. He said his strength is listening.

“That is key to Improv because you need to listen and build upon the last thing that was said,” he explained. “I love (Improv). This is the greatest decision I’ve ever made in my life. It’s second nature to me now.”

In his third year of Improv, Grade 11 MDHS student Hugh Fisher said he saw an Improv team in Grade 8 and was really impressed.

“I never thought I’d make it and I did…and it’s always been a pleasure,” the 17 year old said, adding he’s always had a passion for drama and theatre.

Trust is a huge factor in achieving success.

“There are moments you have no idea where the scene is going…,” Fisher said.

In addition to the personal fun aspect, Improv has another benefit, the student said.

“With Improv, we can get people more aware of the arts and bring more people for school plays…”

The MMR Improv team is Erin MacMillan, Brock Wilson, Taylor Braden, Melissa MacGougan, Bzhaun Rhoden, Torrin Batchelor, Kyle Magas and Ross Johnston.

The MDHS Improv team is Raechel Fisher, Eilidh Fisher, Hugh Ritchie, Eric Scarffe, Kirstyn Culbert-Kviring, Greg Fox and Jon LeRose.