Accessibility is a distinguishing aspect of improvisational comedy. It’s easier for most people to participate in improv than to stand up in front of an audience and deliver a comedy routine or to learn the lines and blocking necessary to perform in a comedy sketch.Part of the genius of Milwaukee-born ComedySportzis that it’s so approachable. Workshops introduce players to the fundamentals of improv. Kids can take lessons at summer camp. ComedySportz has mobile demonstrations at worksites. All of that builds awareness, which not only sustains audiences but develops talent.
Most participants in the ComedySportz high school and recreational leagues won’t go on to professional careers in comedy, but many find improv as a creative outlet or a playful hobby.
After 15 seasons of rec league, venerable ComedySportz officials David Bogan and Dave Nelsen recently added a couple of innovations:
- The Rec. League Shuffle
- Play with the Pros
The Shuffle, first introduced last week, returns at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28, with three matches starting on the hour. Instead of rec league teams playing with their usual teammates, the Shuffle randomly assigns players to teams. The teams then randomly choose the games they play from the “Bucket-O-Games.”
Play with the Pros debuts at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1. Professional ComedySportz players will be assigned to each of the rec league teams to coach and play with the amateurs.
All the rec league matches are FREE, open to the public, appropriate for all ages, and at 420 S. 1st. BYOB and refreshments.
Regular professional ComedySportz shows cost from $7.50 to $12 and are at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, please click here.