Laughter, unexpected twists, and audience suggestions are the heart of Improvaganza, South’s annual comedic improv show, Joe Karlovsky, Math Teacher and Director of Improvaganza, said.

This year’s show had a shorter preparation schedule, but the goal remains the same, delivering a flawless show filled with comedic skits, Karlovsky said. Although improv scenes are not scripted, the cast needs time to determine the order of games, practice transitions between scenes, and ensure the show moves smoothly and at a right pace, Karlovsky said. Putting on the show in late November emphasizes attendance and engagement, since they have less time to prepare, Karlovsky said.

“There might be a little bit more of a grind of work this year compared to others so that we still put on the same quality show that we tend to do,” Karlovsky said.

The shorter season stressed communication, trust, and teamwork among the cast members, sophomore Asher Hwang said. This created an environment where confidence and friendship grew, Hwang said.

“You have to have that level of trust with the other people you are improving with,” Hwang said. “Confidence really just comes from how much fun you’re having.”

The emphasis on trust and teamwork also extended to returning and  more experienced performers who helped guide newer cast members through the preparation process, senior William Hanneman said. Rehearsals took place daily after school and on Saturdays as the show neared, Hanneman said. Performers had to learn when and how to contribute to their partners’ ideas on stage so they could naturally and quickly develop the scene, Hanneman added.

“Teamwork is the most important skill because you might come into a scene with an idea for how you want it to play out and that idea almost never comes into fruition,” Hanneman said.