Improv Inc.’s latest show radiates ‘Euphoria’ glitter, comedic genius

Chapman’s Improv Inc. triggers a herd of laughter in Irvine Lecture Hall at their Zendaya themed show March 17. Photos by JAKE NEEDHAM, Staff Photographer

Imagine “Euphoria,” but with none of the drugs and violence and all of the makeup and talent. 

Then take out the entire plot of the HBO drama and replace it with improv games. After that, you're left with the comedic genius on display at Improv Inc.’s March 17 Zendaya-themed comedy show. 

“(The Zendaya theme) started as a joke; we were at a practice one night, and someone was just like, ‘We should have a Zendaya-themed show,’” said Improv Inc. member Lauren Delaney, a freshman public relations and advertising major. “This is honestly my favorite theme that we've done, because it's so weird, (and) it doesn't make any sense, but it's so relevant and fun.”

The show started promptly at 10 p.m. in the Irvine Lecture Hall and consisted of several improv games — each lasting between seven to 10 minutes. Different members of Improv Inc. would participate in the games as the audience threw out word suggestions that inspired the basis of each segment. 

Improv Inc. members prepare for their performance after setting the stage with Zendaya-themed art.

The improv members would then come up with scenes or characters on the spot and, of course, try to pay homage to Zendaya throughout the show. 

“A lot of (the Zendaya theme) was just in the public relations, like the flyers, posters (and) TikToks,” Delaney said. “Beyond that, we always tried to find, in our mind, a loose connection to the games we’re playing, so we did the 'Oscar winning moments' (game), even though she's not an Oscar winner — she's an Emmy winner. We had 'my movie' game, (because) she's a movie star. Different things that, in our brains, are connected.”

Although the Zendaya inspired games added to the theme of the show, according to Delaney, William Yonts, a junior film studies major and member of Improv Inc., said his favorite moment was when the group performed the “game of madic.” 

This exercise consists of an audience member saying what their initials are, followed by a few Improv Inc. members making up a game that starts with those initials on the spot.

For example, if an audience member’s initials were J.B., an Improv Inc. member could come up with a game called “Joking Bonkers” and then determine rules for the game that all other players must follow. After each member told the audience what game they came up with, the audience would vote which game they wanted to see unfold and the Improv Inc. members would play that game.  

“I have a soft spot for the game of madic,” Yonts said. “It's just the most absurd game. The premise itself is funny, which is why I love it. I always get big laughs when we do it at practice.”

Improv Inc. has been able to do seven in person performances this year after holding several Zoom performances last year. Yonts said that, by being in person, the performers are able to have deeper connections with one another on-stage. 

“Being able to look someone in the eyes is an unspoken synchronicity that you can only get when you're in person,” Yonts said. “In improv, (face-to-face communication) is vital to really be able to be on the same page as quickly as possible.”

Natalie Cartwright, a junior film production major who was in attendance, said she missed the in-person improv shows during the pandemic and had loved attending them since her freshman year.

“I haven’t had the chance to go since we’ve come back and this seemed like a good show to go to on St. Patrick's Day,” Cartwright said. “It was just the perfect night and I’m glad I did, because it was great.”

Most of the performers had been doing improv or theater since high school, so they were equally excited to be back doing in-person shows, according to Yonts.

Improv Inc. member Allie Arasi, a senior screen acting major who was sporting the classic cutout pants iconized by “Euphoria” character Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) during the performance, said she realized her purpose in life at her first improv show.

“The first time I performed (improv), I was so nervous, and just getting a laugh made me feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” Arasi said.

Laughs are what Improv Inc. received March 17, as a packed audience hooted at the performers’ seamlessly quick wit. 

“It's truly just a stream of consciousness,” Delaney said. “It’s just like, ‘I'm gonna say whatever word pops into my head next.’”

For information about upcoming shows, check out Improv Inc’s Instagram.