`And…Go!’ improv entertainment requires talent from comedians

Cracking jokes at a moment’s notice is what members of a Murray improv comedy show do best.

Called “And…Go!” the comedians take prompts from the audience and incorporate suggestions into hilarious games and fun spur-of-the-moment mini-dramas.

The group has been performing throughout Utah for three years now, and has negotiated a contract with the Murray Theater (4959 S. State) to be the exclusive improv show every last Saturday of the month.

The improv comedy shows are family friendly, sometimes raise money for charity, and have won several awards.

The Improv Comedy Troupe started in spring 2008, meeting weekly at a local park. Friends and family began to show up to watch. They played a few small shows at a local church house, then began seeking bigger venues and paying “gigs.”

The group of comedians has changed over time, but currently there are nine, all from Murray: Rick Buck, 30; Taylor McLelland, 26; Clint Erekson, 26; Ian Jentzsch, 27; Gavin Bohne, 30; and Melissa Singleton, 29; Jon Scott, 28; Kurtis Edwards, 26 and Brent Jessop, 25.

“I’ve always liked entertaining. Anything to get anyone else to smile or laugh, to have a good time,” said Buck, recruit in training.

Improv comedy is an “on the spot” performance where the actors get suggestions from the audience to create an entertaining and engaging comedy experience, through various games and scenes. The outcome is hilarious, says performer Bohne, who serves as the group’s organizer.

Improv comedy is easier than regular comedy in that there are no lines to memorize. However, improv comedy is, in general, more difficult and creative. “It’s not as easy as it looks,” said Erekson, who serves as the group’s elected president.

The master of ceremonies, Katie Goudie of Murray, gathers input from the audience and keeps the entertainment on pace, ending games when the timing is appropriate.

There is actually some rehearsal required for improv comedy. The group meets once a week to try out different acts. “We like to be innovative and come up with new games,” Erekson said. They critique one another and work on improving their skills as comedians.

“And…Go” has myriad games. One is called “World’s Worst.” The audience comes up with lines such as “…thing to hear coming out of anesthesia,” or the audience suggests occupations such as “World’s Worst… plumber.” One by one, each performer steps forward and delivers a line.

Another game includes two comedians acting out a scene. A person off stage says, “Freeze.” Another comedian comes into the scene and has to improvise a different scene based on the former comedian’s pose.

And yet another game has the comedians speaking with different accents shouted out by the audience. Their favorite so far was a request for a “ghostly” accent.

“Every night is something completely different,” Singleton said.

Tickets are $8 at the door, cash or credit. $5 discount tickets can be reserved by calling ahead or contacting “And…Go!” via Facebook or Twitter. Info at 801-893-2346 or online at www.andgoimprov.com.