Jenna Bacon, Campus Carrier arts and living editor

Berry’s Easy Baked Improv troupe performed their annual ‘Gobble Gobble’ improv show on Nov. 14 in the Evans Auditorium. The show featured various improv games in which a selected group of cast members crafted a scene based on pre-determined prompts. The audience was encouraged to suggest character traits, locations and other story elements. However, the “Gobble Gobble” show featured a unique twist: cast members were required to eat throughout the entire performance.

In an Instagram post, the Easy Baked Improv troupe requested that those who attended the show bring a food item. A table full of food items provided by the cast and audience members stood on the right side of the stage. Cast members chose which snack they wanted at the beginning of each scene. To keep the audience engaged cast members also found ways to use the food items as props. Senior Victoria Severiche provided a few examples of how food items could be used as props.

“I think people like it when you get funny with food,” Severiche said. “The food adds an opportunity for you to use a banana as a phone or an apple as a baseball.”

Performances aren’t scripted, it is important that performers work hard to avoid awkward pauses or moments of uncertainty that could disrupt the flow of the show. A common strategy used by improv performers is to always respond to any prompt or suggestion with “yes, and?” Cast members must be willing to play off of their scene partners to maintain the show’s momentum. Additionally, cast members must draw on a variety of humor styles to create a seamless and
cohesive performance. According to Junior Management Major Christen Trejo, each member of the Easy Baked Improv troupe has their own comedic strengths.

“Some people have a more physical humor, while others prefer one-liners,” Trejo said. “Other people like building up to a punchline.”

Senior economics major Joey Fletcher handles scheduling and leading practices for the troupe. According to Fletcher, the group usually meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to practice for upcoming performances. During practice, the group will usually discuss important announcements before beginning with warm-ups. Warm-ups consist of physical movements to boost energy and spark creativity within the group. Next, the group will begin doing short-form improv exercises. An example of a short-form exercise would be the game “Quick Change.” During this game, two members would act out a scene before another player calls for them to switch roles and take the scene in a new direction. Finally, the Easy Baked Improv troupe works on long-form games.

“We’re trying to do them more outside of improvathon, because they’re really fun,” Fletcher said. “With long form, you can see a 30 minute to an hour long play unfold right before your very eyes based on, potentially, one of your suggestions.”

According to Fletcher, the troupe hopes to include more long-form performances in their upcoming “Ugly Sweater” show. However, the “Gobble Gobble” show featured more short-form, quick scenes. For example, in one of the scenes performed, a cast member pretended to throw a party while each attendee displayed a unique and quirky behavior, adding to the humor and chaos of the situation.

The Easy Baked Improv troupe had once again succeeded in delivering an entertaining and memorable performance. The combination of spontaneous humor, creative use of food props and the troupe’s commitment to working together created a fun atmosphere for the audience. As the group looks ahead to their upcoming performances, including the highly anticipated ‘Ugly Sweater’ show, they continue to hone their skills and explore new ways to keep their improv shows fresh and engaging. Whether it’s through quick-form exercises or longer, more intricate scenes, the Easy Baked Improv troupe remains a highlight of Berry’s campus entertainment scene.