Improvisational comedy is just like regular life: One person listens to another person, quickly processes the information and responds. The only difference is that in improv there is an audience that gives input and then -- hopefully -- enjoys the result.
"When an improv scene really clicks, it feels like magic. It feels like the events on stage are really happening. Even in a pre-written sketch, when you get it right, it feels like we are doing it for the first time," said Adam Schreck, a performer with The Second City improv and sketch comedy troupe in a recent interview with Play.
"But in order to make that magic happen, we have to recognize the truth of the moment onstage, and relay that to the audience through our words and actions."
In an improv scene, that "truth" can be rather strange. "Sometimes we will ask the audience to give us a secret about one of the characters," said Schreck, "and the first person yells 'his legs are made of spaghetti.' It's going to be a little strange."
Second City has been producing theatrical entertainment, and launching careers in comedy, since 1959. Notable alumni include brothers John and Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Stephen Colbert.
Second City's traveling troupe performs a mix of improvised and sketch comedy scenes. "Sometimes people expect the whole show to be improv," said Schreck, "but our typical show is mostly sketches, which were created by improv, that we have written and rehearsed. There are also slots built in for improv in the show."
Schreck, only 26 years old, is still in the early stages of that path. "I never intended for theater to be my career," said Schreck. "But in college, I went to see Second City perform once, and it was the most amazing show I had ever seen. I remember crying because I laughed so hard. I thought 'wow, whatever that job is, I want to do that.'"
After college, Schreck moved to Chicago, the home of Second City, and began studying at the theater. "I was taking classes before I had a place to live," recalled Schreck. He also performed wherever he could. "I would do these bar shows where three people were watching, but they really were there to get a beer and didn't care that we were performing. Those kinds of shows."
After three years of classes and honing his craft, Schreck was invited to audition for Second City.
His first assignment was four and a half months as a guest entertainer on a Norwegian Cruise ship. After that maiden voyage and some time as an understudy, Schreck joined a touring company, which will bring him to Anchorage on Saturday, May 2.
Schreck kindly answered a few more questions for Play.
Play: How is improv different from standup comedy?
Schreck: A standup comedian will recognize something weird or strange in the world, and will tell us about it, face to face. But in improv, it's about working together, as a team. It's about noticing your scene partner's reaction and responding honestly.
Play: What are the best audience suggestions?
Schreck: Funny pairings are always great. Lots of times when you ask for a relationship between two people, they only give you half. Recently, a guy in the front row yelled out "Uncle!" I asked "and the other person is a nephew or a niece?" They just yelled back "Uncle!" So the suggestion became "Uncle and uncle." This delighted me to no end; the possibilities tickled me.
Play: More, please.
Someone might yell out "Lawyer!" You could assume they mean "lawyer and client," but I try not to assume. I'll ask "Lawyer and... ?" Then someone else will fill in "Astronaut!" That's a great suggestion.
But children make some of the best suggestions. Once at a kids' show, we asked for a location, and you know, you expect kids to say "Disneyworld" or "the beach." Instead, one of the kids said shyly 'an alternative dimension where everyone has a shadow opposite of himself.' That was the greatest suggestion I have ever heard.
Play: What are the worst audience suggestions?
Schreck: "Dildo" is the absolute worst.
Play: What are your favorite moments onstage?
Schreck: I love making people laugh, but my favorite part is getting to affect people. I am eager to do the scenes that are not as funny, the ones that are heartbreaking in a beautiful sort of way.
There is one scene called "Index" about a guy who is so socially anxious that when he goes on a date, he can only communicate through note cards, but the waiter is making it hard for him to do so. When I have the chance to do that scene, and the audience is with us, and when I can feel my own tears -- those are my favorite moments. That silence is amazing, just as powerful as uproarious laughter.
Play: What advice do you have for aspiring improvisers and sketch comedians?
Schreck: Move to wherever you want to do it, and don't have a backup plan. Some people can be a lawyer by day and an amazing improviser in their free time. They are amazing. But if you want this to be your career, don't have a plan B.
Then take classes, see as many shows as you can, and be willing to fail. You will fail a lot; that's just the way it is. I have had a lot of bad shows, but I only really remember the good ones.
Play: If you could teach everyone in the world a one-hour improv lesson, what skill would teach them to make the world a better place?
Schreck: Listening is such a big part of improv. Listening, and honestly responding, not just waiting for your turn to speak. I know I am guilty of this. In the big picture, in terms of politics, if people could just shut up and listen, take it all in, and then respond, the world would be a better place.
But in our personal lives, with spouses, partners, and friends, conversations would be much easier if you just listened for real, and responded to the last thing that was said.
I do a good job of this onstage, but could be better at it in real life.
Second City: 50 Years of Funny
Where: Atwood Concert Hall, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2
Tickets: $30.25-$52.50 at centertix.net