The Ocean State Black and Funny Improv Festival runs Thursday through Sunday this week with workshops for improvisers and performances for everyone. Ocean State Media afternoon host Mareva Lindo talked with the festival’s director Stephanie Rae.
When: Thursday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 27
Where: Sept. 24 at Kismet Improv, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket; Sept. 25 - 27 at Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main St., Wakefield
Interview highlights:
Who the festival is for:
Stephanie Rae: This festival is for anybody who likes to laugh. We are making a concerted effort to try to get more Black audience members into the building, but this is a festival that is for everybody, so this is not just for Black people to come and enjoy, this is for anyone who likes comedy, anyone who likes commentary, anyone who likes art or theater. We are trying to appeal to nerd communities, we are trying to appeal to HBCU communities, we are gonna have some stand-up comedians involved. Part of what's so incredible about improv is that our performances are always going to be inspired by some kind of audience suggestion or interaction. So just by walking into the room, you are contributing to the show. The laughter of the audience, the energy of the audience, all of that has an impact on what's going to happen next. So every time that you step in and sit down, you're witnessing a show that has never been seen before, and has never been seen again.
What she loves about improv:
Rae: For one, it really is the great equalizer when it comes to art, because unlike a painting class, or a sculpting class, or, a sport where you have to have equipment, you really don't need anything but yourself and a space. I have taught improv in schools for years, everywhere from Miami's most expensive private schools, where I was literally teaching the kids of A-list celebrities, to teaching a summer improv program in a school that couldn't afford textbooks and had almost no budget. And both groups of students were getting the exact same curriculum, the same program, the same experience. And that's because all you need is somebody to guide you through it, and everybody is on an equal playing field, and I just love that about improv.
What to expect during Saturday’s performances which are inspired by the theme “Black ComedyCon”:
Rae: In addition to our regular improv performances, we have some really fun homages to nerd culture. We're doing an improvised anime, we're having a cosplay contest. And so if you like Comic-Con, if you like DragonCon, if you like things nerdy, definitely come enjoy Black ComedyCon. Even if improv isn't your thing, there'll be other stuff that's going to make it a really fun experience for you. We are closing out Black ComedyCon Saturday night with a show called “Improvisers Assemble,” which is an homage to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. [It’s] all the scenes Marvel didn't want you to see, where we will be using your suggestions to put together a fast, funny, fully spontaneous comedy show inspired by the characters and relationships of the MCU.
Why the Ocean State Black and Funny Improv Festival is great for people new to improv:
Rae: You're going to laugh, you're going to have a great time, we're going to be so happy and excited that you're there. Improv is not the kind of, like, [British high class accent] “theater,” where you're expected to sit still quietly and appreciate that we've blessed you with our art. Improv is a form where we really feed off of the energy in the room, so every time somebody comes in, we're just so grateful that you're a part of this experience with us, and we have a great time when you're having a great time. So I would encourage you to just come. Check it out, try something new and I'm confident that you'll be glad that you did.
OTHER EVENTS:
Shakespeare’s comedy of love and second chances is currently on at Burbage Theatre. Soldiers come home from a war and fall in love… after a few setbacks, disguises and of course, mistaken identity.
When: Through Oct. 11
Where: Burbage Theatre, Pawtucket
The 1975 camp classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is shown around the world, sometimes with a group of actors performing in front of the screen as a “shadow cast.” NewportFILM is showing a documentary about a small theater troupe putting together their own shadow cast performance of Rocky Horror in a tiny theater in the small western town of Rock Springs, Wyoming. “Time Warp” captures the energy and enthusiasm of this group of misfits and dreamers.
When: Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: JPT Film and Events Center, Newport
