“The Alamosa audience was very receptive to these new styles and recognized the energy and new dynamic the troupe brought back from Chicago,” said Neilsen. “I utilized several of the techniques learned in the workshop in my Introduction to Improvisational Acting course and will do so in years to come.”
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I learned to get over myself and go with it. If it feels weird, do it more.” The cohesiveness of a troupe attracted Abbott to improv in high school. Boncyk said belonging to an improv troupe in high school helped him come out of his shell and grow as a person. While a house manager for the Creede Repertory Theatre, Wesley enjoyed watching the CRT improv troupe, Boomtown. “I owe a lot to Jenna and all the troupe members. I learned so much in Chicago.” Wesley won a drawing to perform on the iO Theatre stage with professional comedian actors. “It was a great opportunity to perform in front of an audience with the professionals.” Herrick said: “Matt did really well.” Hernandez did stand-up in a club and said, “It was fun.” She and Herrick relocated to Chicago this summer to pursue comedy careers. They, along with Wesley, graduated this spring. The students said their relationships with one another strengthened in Chicago, and they saw each other shine. Rodriguez said it was a great bonding experience. “James (Rodriguez) blossomed in Chicago,” said Herrick. Although nervous about the size of the city, Boncyk said he was happy to be surrounded by people he knew. By the end of the week, Rodriguez “did not want to leave.” Along with trying Chicago style hotdogs and pizza, the students said they had some of the best meals they had ever eaten while in The Windy City. They also visited the Chicago Institute of Art, the Skydeck, The Shedd Aquarium, and several music and comedy shows. By Linda Relyea ‘96 The Lost & Found finds humor at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. From left: Shawnie Abbott, Matthew Wesley ‘14, James Rodriguez, Caty Herrick ‘14, Jake Webb, Bethany Hernandez ‘14, David Boncyk, and John Hauser.
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“It was only us and our troupe,” Herrick said. They attended the workshops for three hours every day for five days. “I feel like I learned a lot,” Boncyk said. “We grew as a troupe.” The workshop skills returned with The Lost and Found, who passed along their lessons at improv practice sessions open to other students and the general public several times a week during the school year. They shared many of the skills learned in the intensive during these meetings in April and May. Also, the troupe performed multiple shows in their new "Chicago" long-form styles upon returning to Adams State.
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