Hilarity for Charity unites improv troupes to raise money for Alzheimer's research
Junior Brittany McKay turns in fear as sophomore Dustin Drew, both members of After Hours Improv, pretends to fight off a pterodactyl with an imaginary crutch during the Hilarity for Charity event, March 29, in Kiva auditorium.
Improv comics from universities along U.S. Route 127 collided at The Kiva Auditorium in Moore Hall for a night full of laughter for a good cause.
Central Michigan University hosted its second annual Hilarity for Charity show Sunday night. CMU’s two improv troupes, Trap Door Improv and After Hours Improv, teamed up with Michigan State University’s Royal Improv Players.
Hilarity for Charity organization raises money for Alzheimer’s research and awareness. The group was founded by comic actor Seth Rogen, whose mother-in-law is diagnosed with the disease.
During the performance, the groups sported purple ribbons to help represent the cause.
Will Trotter, a member of After Hours Improv and CMU graduate student, said he was happy to see the community come together and laugh for a great cause.
“Just being a part of improv in general is pretty fun,” Trotter said. “It’s easier to do presentations or just get out of your comfort zone. It’s great to help out a charitable event for the second year in a row.”
After Hours Improv came on stage first. The nine-person troupe performed games such as “Make It Interesting” where performers had to make whatever they last said more interesting, and “TVCC”, where the performers acted out their own renditions of fictional television shows.
Another game the group played was “Switch Left” where four improvisers acted out four different scenes that included a Sweet 16 party, Six Flags, dad and daughter relationship, and the phrase “oh hell no.”
Trotter was part of the troupe’s games. The South Rockwood graduate student says he has a way to get the big laugh.
“I try to get laughs with things that are unexpected or just a little bit odd,” Trotter said. “It’s subtle but if people catch it, it will work. It’s really about letting everyone else’s characteristics shine and complement those skills.”
The group was followed by stand-up comedian Matt Ferschneider. A member of Trap Door Improv, Ferschneider talked about not being prepared for his set, smoking, visiting the doctor and hanging out at the nursing home.
After a set by the Roial Improv Players, comedian Ryan Holm performed a stand-up routine. The 24-year-old Farmington senior joked about rapping about diabetes and being bullied in high school.
Holm also displayed a bit of dark material, which he says he focuses on.
“Basically, the rule is if you are funny people won’t care,” Holm said. “They are only offended when you are not funny. Just worry about being funny and the darkness will take care of itself. Also, there needs to be a reason for the darkness.”
Holm found the round platform at The Kiva to be a different experience, as he usually performs in coffee shops and bars.
“It’s a like a professional setting which you don’t get a lot of in comedy,” Holm said. “To perform on stage is actually different for comedy. Working with the other improve troupes is great.”
A 10-minute intermission was followed by a stand-up performance from senior Forestt Strong LaFave and a long-form set from Trap Door Improv. The event closed with all three troupes playing the game “World’s Worst.”
Overall, Trotter was happy to see the groups coming together.
“I just think it’s just the group atmosphere,” Trotter said. “Everybody seems to have a cool sense of humor. Everyone gels really well. It’s just a fun environment to be around."
Holm was happy to see the event have success and help pay for a good cause.
“What I love about this is how people come together,” Holm said. “There are so many people involved in this. Everyone comes together to help the cause of Alzheimer’s research. To see people collaborate and make this event happen is just beautiful.”
