For two years, IMPROV MONSTER proved itself one of Atlanta’s most innovative improv comedy shows during its residency at Midtown’s Relapse Theatre. Then, Groupmind Productions brought IMPROV MONSTER outside the perimeter, selling out 4 of its first 8 Saturday night shows at the Events @ 590 space in historicRoswell.
Now, the company is bringing IMPROV MONSTER to Johns Creek’s Dancing Goat Theatre on August 19, headlining a show that will also feature an “Improv Thunderdome” competition between house team Improvasaurus and Kennesaw State University’s K.I.S.S. The winner, determined by audience vote, will receive prizes, bragging rights, and a chance to defend their title at the next “Improv Thunderdome” event.
Unlike other improv shows, in which the audience provides a one-word suggestion to inspire a scene, the intelligent, irreverent IMPROV MONSTER uses true stories from audience members (or special guests) as the source for its character-driven storytelling. “They don't literally act out the stories, but draw on little details, turns of phrase or overall themes as springboards,” said Curt Holman of Creative Loafing, who described the show as having “classic sketch comedy structure, despite being off the cuff.”
IMPROV MONSTER is the first of several improv shows Groupmind Productions plans to bring to sophisticated OTP audiences. Their latest production, ANYTOWN: The Improvised Musical, premieres at Events @ 590 on August 13. Combining professionalism and class with healthy doses of wit and whimsy, the company is dedicated to spreading the wonders of Chicago- and San Francisco-style long-form improv comedy throughout the metro Atlanta area.
