One of the area?s leading improvisation comedy troupes, BIG, makes up gags and skits on the spot, inspired by suggestions from the audience.
“We have rehearsals once a week, we rehearse broad themes and developing characters, but when we come into a show, we have no idea what we are going to be doing,” said Bridget Cavaiola, BIG?s executive director.
Their holiday show on Dec. 9 at the Hamilton Arts Collective will encompass holiday themes, but be based entirely on audience suggestion.
BIG was founded in 2003 by Mike Subelsky. Subelsky says the hardest thing about improv comedy is letting go. “You have to let go of all your self-editing and self-monitoring instincts,” he said. “You have to let go of a lot of socially appropriate instincts to be able to react instinctively and creatively.”
The group is made up of three separate troupes ? Gus, a long-form improv, Plan B, a short-form improv and Six Figures, a true-story-themed improv ? and consists of about 25 members.
Cavaiola, who joined BIG two years ago when she saw them perform at Artscape, says for many members BIG serves as a stress reliever. “We all have full-time jobs, so it?s kind of like a great creative outlet,” she said. “So many people in the troupe tell me that, that they come to get away from work or stress.”
Subelsky says the best thing about BIG is the fact all of the members look out for each other. “I love seeing when one member hires another, or lends them money or buys their house.”
Baltimore Improv Group Holiday Show
» Venue: Hamilton Arts Collective,
5440 Harford Road, Baltimore
» Time: 8 p.m. Saturday
» Cost: $8 to $10
» Info: www.bigimprov.org
