CVHS' Possible End to ComedySportz is No Laughing Matter

To the shock of students, faculty and parents, the Bulletin reported that the high school's ComedySportz games would not continue in the 2011-2012 academic year. Patch investigated, however, and discovered that the outlook may be a bit rosier.

ComedySportz's "High School League" is an outreach of the long-running professional comedy show, ComedySportz Los Angeles.

“Due to economic problems across the country, ComedySportz Los Angeles was unsure if they had the financial resolve to remain open next year,” said Crescenta Valley High School history teacher and on-campus High School League advisor, Gavin Hall.   

After a 23-year run in Los Angeles, however, ComedySportz will not be quick to throw in the towel. James Thomas Bailey, artistic director of ComedySportz LA, reports that fans and customers have been eager to offer their support, and that things are making a turnaround. “While we are not out of the woods by any means,” Bailey said, “we are extended indefinitely.”    

The High School League has not received a definite answer about returning next year, but it is part of the overall plan.  “We intend to be here,” said Bailey, “We're just being brave and pushing on.”     

Set up like a sporting event, the ComedySportz High School League games provide raucous entertainment. The uniformed players perform improvisation as a team sport, with two teams “competing” for audience laughs. Complete with referees, fouls and championships, it’s an interactive and exhilerative ride for the audience and a greatlearning experience for the team members.   

Bailey says their program offers unique benefits to its young participants. “It’s really the only place where high schoolers have an unedited voice,” Bailey says, pointing out that the students themselves are the writers, editors and performers of the material, all conceived in the moment. “We’re giving them extraordinary life skills as well … listening, teamwork, creative problem solving—a lifetime of skills, but we don’t tell them that, or they wouldn’t sign up!”

According to Hall, funding for the high school program comes from the Crescenta Valley High School drama department and the players themselves. The admission price of $5 also helps to cover costs. The players volunteer their time to set up, clean up, and sell tickets and concessions during shows, which happen about once a month.    

The next game is scheduled for Friday, April 15 at 7:00pm at the high school. It is advised you arrive early as seats fill quickly. Come support the students and have a few good laughs!