During an improv practice, Andrew Papa, Ryan Selva and Chris Caldwell are in a graveyard digging for something questionable. Katie Meyer pretends to be a corpse in the ground while the men keep digging.
GCM photo by Erin McMichael

The comedy troupe previously known as “Three Dull Guys” has taken on new members, and a new title. But their unique style of improvisational comedy is still as hilarious as ever. Ashley Karnowski observed the troupe at work and brings us her analysis of the group’s inner workings.

Developing one’s passion is not always a laughing matter; that is, unless you’re part of CMU’s improvisational comedy troupe.

With seven active members, and two understudies, the group is the largest it has ever been, and is starting this semester with a clean slate.

Not only is the group more advanced with its understudy program, which senior member Cameron Dodge-White implemented to keep the group prepared for a future here on campus, but as of the beginning of this school year it is officially considered a student program by the university.

Being supported by the university can have its pros: developing the program and getting more students involved with production is easier with university support. But it also has its cons: shows cannot conflict with other performing arts shows, dates for performances must be chosen wisely.

“We’re only having two shows this semester, as opposed to the four we normally have,” said Dodge-White. “But it’s okay, because as a troupe with new members, we’re still growing and developing.”

Throughout his four years of performing improv at CMU, Dodge-White must have figured out the formula to creating a great show.For their first performance together, the troupe had a slew of fans in Moore Hall, 15 minutes before the show even started.

“Some people were even waiting to get in before the rest of the cast got there,” said Dodge-White.

Not only do students want to be at their shows, but 32 undergrads attended tryouts for the show.Only five positions were open.

Combining its newest members with the more experienced ones looked like it would be a challenge, but the transition went a lot smoother than expected.

“At first, I was stressed,” said Dodge-White. “I was nervous about our first performance because we had so many new people, but once the first show started I knew I had nothing to be worried about.”

Sophomore Anna Trupiano, one of the newest members, saw the sketch comedy show last year and found herself at those competitive auditions.

“I had done improv in high school, I actually started my own group,” said Trupiano.”I didn’t think I was going to find an opportunity in college, but when I saw their performance I knew that is what I wanted to be involved in.”

Andrew Papa is going into his second year performing with the troupe, and he also recalled an interest in improv comedy before coming to CMU.

They call themselves Saturday Night Improv. It was started four years ago and has an ever growing & changing cast.
GCM photo by Erin McMichael “I was in eighth grade when I was introduced to improv and loved it, so I took advantage of the opportunity I was presented to be in this troupe,” he said.

Dodge-White noted that improv isn’t only about humor; it’s a way to affect others as well.

“Being a part of the arts is a powerful thing; it can positively affect the emotions of people,” he said. “I want to be a part of that; I want to inspire others with what I do.”

That feeling seems to be unanimous among the group.

“I want to make people laugh,” Troupiano added. “Everyone can find a reason to go, because everyone likes to laugh.”

Being involved in this troupe has its benefits off the stage, too.Papa mentioned that improv has sharpened his thinking skills.

“Improv is something everyone should be exposed to,” he said. “It’s good for job interviews, for example, because it allows you to think on your feet.”

For those not in the performing arts, improv appears to be an impossible feat; it can be an awkward and scary experience to be thrown on a stage without lines or a script.But for the nine members of this brave troupe, comedy improv is like therapy.

“Going to rehearsals and shows are the best part of my week. It’s always something to look forward to because we go to laugh, and it doesn’t feel like work,” Troupiano said.

The level of comfort and bonding that the troupe members share onstage could make any fraternity brother a bit jealous.

“It’s like hanging out with your friends; it’s not a one-man show,” said Dodge-White. “We’re like a family that relies on one another; it’s give and take.”