DCPA NEWS CENTER
Enjoy the best stories and perspectives from the theatre world today.
Enjoy the best stories and perspectives from the theatre world today.
There are many improv shows in Denver.
This is not an article about improv shows.
This is an article about improv theatre — a long-form type of improvisation wherein an entire plot of a performance is devised around a single audience suggestion. Denver audiences may recall the antics of The Improvised Shakespeare Company®, which appears regularly at the Garner Galleria and creates an original play — in Shakespearian dialogue no less — each night based on a prompt from the audience.
But the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is not the only game in town to offer improvised theatre. Make sure to keep an eye open (and a suggestion at the ready) for new inspired works by these companies.
MAD LIBrarians
July 27 at 1 & 3pm • Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Aug 3, 2024 at 1pm • Canyon Theatre at Boulder Public Library
Sept 21, Oct 5, Nov 16, Dec 21 at 1:30pm • Canyon Theatre at Boulder Public Library
Oct 12 at 10am • Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center
Developed for kids and families, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company creates a new book based on your suggestion. But they don’t stop there! Instead, they create an engaging performance complete with songs that bring their spontaneous book to life before a live audience. But it gets even better than that! With a little advance notice, you can turn story time into a birthday celebration. Your child’s special day just won’t get more memorable than that.
Buntport Theatre Company. Photo by From The Hip
717 Lipan St., Denver
While not billed as “improv,” this unpredictable, smart and always entertaining theatre company occasionally tests out new material in front of an audience (like the recent Testing 123). It’s a little like giving a speech when you’re naked…wait…you’re supposed to imagine the audience naked. Oops. At other times, they present a lineup of one-night-only entertainment that’s a little unpredictable and a lot fun (check out the Third Thursday lineup). And while much of the season relies on a good ol’ script, audiences are always left wanting more…kind of like the “Yes, and…” approach of great improv.
SCRIPTprov™
Oct 16 at 7:30pm • 1100 Miners Alley
For one night and one night only (ok, they do this occasionally, but we’re dramatic in the theatre), Miners Alley Playhouse presents Scriptprov. Billed as “what happens when a ‘legit’ play gets hijacked by improvisers,” this night at the theatre is sure to leave you in stitches. Plus, you get to see the brand new Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden. A win win for sure!
Playback Improv
Dates and locations vary
Boulder-based Motus Theatre was founded to create original theater that facilitates conversations about critical issues facing society. Of many programs, they offer Motus Theater Playback Improv. This ongoing project invites audience members to share a personal anecdote that the troupe, in turn, develops into a performance using movement, music and spoken word. The stories range from poignant and personal to fun and uplifting.
All companies highlighted in this article are supported, in part, by citizen support of the SCFD.