Tonight, Sept. 16, 2021, Neuqua’s theatre department will showcase their Fall 2021 Improv Show. The ‘Third Wheels’ troupe will be up on stage performing for an audience in the Neuqua Black Box today and tomorrow at 6p.m. and 8p.m. The show is completely improvised, allowing the audience to interact, laugh and enjoy along with the cast members. 

The Improv Show is similar to a comedy show, except nothing is prewritten. Members of the troupe play a series of games, boosted by suggestions from the audience. These games incorporate aspects of comedy, drama and storytelling. Director Jonathon Pontarelli describes how the audience is vital to the success of the show: after explaining the game, “the audience is involved, and they are like ‘okay, that’s the game, we know the parameters, the boundaries of the game,’ and then they give a suggestion; a location, a phrase you’ve heard in the lunchroom, or a relationship or something like that,” and the troupe has to work with it. This not only gives the audience an opportunity to enjoy a show and relax, but it also includes their input and ideas into the show. 

With COVID-19, the aspect of interactivity between the audience has been a concern. However, Pontarelli says that “in the audience, we’re going to space everyone out, so I’m not too worried about that.” COVID-19 has also impacted how performers appear to their audience; some of the precautions concerning COVID, such as masks, have changed the way the stage performers use facial expressions and therefore act. Pontarelli believes that “it’s always difficult when you can’t read someone’s full face. Nonetheless, we will have masks on because we have to for safety precautions.” He believes that the troupe will put on a great show regardless. 

“We’re back, and we’re better than ever. I got to say, just the other day, we had such tremendous growth in our troupe, and it was just wonderful to see. I think everyone really feels empowered to be on the stage again, and I think it’s a really neat thing.” 

While watching the Improv Show, Pontarelli hopes that everyone will be able to gage how the troupe members navigate their storylines with each other, even with the massive restrictions. “COVID has taught our troupe that you can’t take things for granted, and I mean that in a literal way of COVID but also, don’t take the scene for granted. Build the scene, be in control of what you can be in control of.” 

He wants the cast members “to take a risk, to throw themselves into the scene, to listen to one and another and to listen to what you’re able to do with your character.” Over the past weeks of training and learning from one another, this is their chance to throw themselves into the spotlight, and prove to themselves what they’re capable of. He also wants the audience to bask in that same light— “to have a good time, it’s going to be safe, it’s going to be fun and ultimately, it’s something different to do.”