One of the local groups making its Milwaukee Comedy Festival debut is Worst Case Scenario. “We premiered last year in July, so we were too new!” That’s why, says Mary Baird, of Worst Case Scenario, or WCS.
“WCS wanted to be in the festival because it’s really important to us to be a positive part of the Milwaukee comedy scene, and is there a better way than to play a fest with all of our friends? Plus, if we can make new friends in improv and comedy, maybe we can add to the diverse guests we have each month.”
Because improv relies on prompts from audiences, the diversity of those attending a show can enrich the performances. Productions such as those by Worst Case Scenario provide shared experiences that help expand cultural awareness. Worst Case Scenario considers itself a monthly experiment, with an eclectic cast of more than 30 performers over the past year. They have improvised games and stories based on themes ranging from video games, frat parties and Harry Potter to its latest show, which was Shakespearean. Mary says she hopes Worst Case Scenario contributes to the mélange of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, which runs from Thursday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 7, at ComedySportz, 420 S. 1st St.
“We are a strange beast, mostly because we aren’t afraid to limit ourselves by committing to just long- or short-form improv,” Mary says. “Instead of making themes fit our format, we make the format fit our themes – and hopefully challenge us in the process to become better improvisers.”
Catch Worst Case Scenario in the midnight set on Day 2 of the festival, Friday, Aug. 5. Tickets start at $15. For more information, please click here.