Get Involved in the Improv Scene at USC!

By: Catherine Chen ‘24

Whether you enjoy watching improv, improvising yourself, or want to learn more about both, USC has something to offer you!  There are multiple improv groups on campus, as well as several classes you can take to advance your improvisation skills.

Free Weekly Improv Shows

At USC, there are about three improv groups that perform on a weekly basis.  If you don’t happen to be in class or a club meeting during their performance times, be sure to check them out!

• Sundays @ 8pm:  Second Nature Improv performs in E.F. Hutton Park 

• Tuesdays @ 10pm:  Spoiler Alert performs at Tommy’s Place

• Fridays @ 1pm:  Commedus Interruptus performs on the lawn outside Bovard, next to Tommy Trojan

Most of these groups also do the occasional show in addition to their weekly show, so be sure to keep an eye out on their Instagrams if you’re interested in watching more!

Another USC improv group, USC Merry Men, doesn’t do shows every week, but they do have special themed shows on select Monday nights.

PC: mauriciokell from Pixabay

What to Expect at an Improv Show

Even if you have absolutely no idea what improvisation is, you’ll definitely find yourself enjoying an improv show!  According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, improvisation is “something that is . . . created without preparation.”  It’s basically acting on the spot.

To help with creating enjoyable scenes to watch, improv shows usually involve some form of improv games or input from the audience.  These can be as simple as an audience member giving an idea for a location the scene will happen in.  More complicated games can involve multiple input ideas, ranging from the occupation of one or more of the performers to a list of popular quotes.

Other improv games don’t involve full scenes.  “Don’t Get Me Started” is a game where performers take turns giving short, usually wacky rants about different topics.  The game starts with the audience providing a noun for the starting performer to rant about, such as “computers”.

Improv Classes at USC

There are three main improvisation classes at USC:  THTR 122, 322, and 422.  All of them are two units each, so they’re perfect electives to fill your schedule with.

THTR 122 - Improvisation and Theatre Games is the “introduction to improv” class and is offered every semester.  You can even take the class twice if you wish!  Course Description:  Individual and group exercise to free the actor physically and emotionally and to stimulate creativity, imagination, and self-expression.

THTR 322 - Improv 2: Advanced Improv is also offered most semesters.  It requires either THTR 122 or THTR 101 (Introduction to Acting) as a prerequisite.  Course Description: An in depth study of improvised comedy scene work. An exploration of the primary tools and structure for creating improvised scenes and developing characters for stage and screen.

THTR 422 - Improv 3: Long Form Improvisation is generally only offered during the spring semester, and requires both THTR 122 and 322 as prerequisites.  While the previous improv classes cover improv games and shorter-form improv, 422 really dives in deep.  Course Description: Emphasis on Full Length Improvised Performances including the styles of various playwrights, genres of films, “the Harold,” improvised plays and musicals. Building on the groundwork of THTR 122 Improvisation and Theatre Games and THTR 322 Improv 2, students apply the techniques to long form unscripted performances.

I’m taking THTR 122 this semester and highly recommend it!  Even if you haven’t done improv before, it’s a great two-unit class that is 1) a lot of fun! and 2) applicable to life. You learn how to gain confidence and become a better listener and communicator.

PC: Fun4All from Pixabay

ImprovSC

This is a new organization that just started at USC!  No auditions are necessary, so if you’re just looking to have a good time or improve your improv skills, this is the way to go.  Check out their Instagram account @improvsc!

Bonus Information:  Major & Minors

If you love improv, you may want to take a look at three of the minors the School of Dramatic Arts offers:  Comedy (Performance), Performing Leadership, and Performing Social Change.

If you really love improvisation and haven’t yet decided what you want to major in, the Theatre, Comedy Emphasis BA may be just the right one for you!  This degree covers “a range of comedy styles including improvisation, clowning and stand-up comedy” (USC Catalogue).

You can find more information on these minors / major on the USC Catalogue and the School of Dramatic Arts website.

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