School of Theatre Arts to Launch an Adult Improv Troupe
Rapids Delivery Improv to Debut on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Stage
September 14, 2014
7:00 Curtain
Tickets in advance $7.00 and $10. 00 at the door
Starting a new program is no laughing matter, but for the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre School of Theatre Arts, the launching of an adult Improv Troupe (Rapid Delivery Improv) came right on queue. “We were looking for adult programming that would be an exciting addition for our school programming and had been considering improv for a long time,” notes School Director Penelope Notter. “When Bart Sumner came to our stage for Christmas Carol, and shared his extensive knowledge and experience in Improv, we knew the stars were aligned.”
Aligned indeed, Rapids Delivery Improv (RDI) Director, Bart Sumner immediately began working on making this dream a reality. After a year of classes, auditions, and small group performances a Troupe of 14 performers are eagerly awaiting their official stage debut.
“This is comedy brought to you at the speed of laughter! No Holds Barred Comedy. Comedy, by adults, for adults!” notes director Bart Sumner. Rapid Delivery Improv delivers fast paced comedy shows featuring short form improvs, mid-form improvs, and musical improvs created from audience suggestions. Very funny! 90 minute shows. Uncensored comedy based on audience suggestions. No Scripts! Improvised – On The Spot Comedy.
The Troupe will perform on the Civic stage September 14th and October 4th. In addition, the Troupe will be live at San Chez Bistro every Wednesday in October (beginning October 1). Tickets for those shows can be purchased in advance at the San Chez website or at the door for $10.
Bart Sumner, an award winning performer and teacher of improvisational comedy for more than 25 years in NYC and Los Angeles. Bart has performed improv at Catch a Rising Star, The Comedy Store, The Groundlings East, The Improv, The LA Connection, and many other comedy venues across the country.
TROUPE LIST:
Bart Sumner
Amy Gasco
Tory Watson
Tony Huver
Miles Potter
James Barber
Will Oltman
Chris Buys
Lis Hatfield
Lissa Marques
Steven Crockett
Larry Walangitan
Jordan Kantola
Nancy Wagner
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre expresses their thanks to the following sponsors and partners:Season Sponsors: The Porter Foundation and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
Ticket Prices $7.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door
See events calendar for specific days and times: http://grct.org/eventschedule.html
For information on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or to purchase tickets, call 616-222-6650 or visit www.GRCT.org
This season is a perfect blend of theatre classics and new favorites. The Civic is proud to kick things off in September with the World Debut of an original work: The Boatwright. Mary Poppins takes the stage just in time for the Holidays. January brings the mystery, The Mousetrap to life, followed by the Rogers and Hammerstein masterpiece, South Pacific. Children will adore Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, NO Good, Very Bad Day in April. Making a Civic debut in June, Avenue Q, brings puppets to life and the season closes with Footloose and The Little Princess.
About Grand Rapids Civic Theatre:
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s mission: We are committed to enhance the cultural life of West Michigan by creating opportunities for people to enjoy live theatre performances using community artists, and to provide access to a comprehensive theatre arts education program for all ages. www.grct.org
