An Evening at The Beach

An Evening at the Beach

& & M M A A R R G G E O O D R D I R PP YY GGUUI E D D U U T SST

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

Note from the Chair Welcome to the Fall 2024 CalREP Season! We’re thrilled to kick off our season with “An Evening at the Beach: An Improv Comedy Show,” directed by the wonderful Diego Parada, an alumnus who returns to campus with more than a decade of experience working with the legendary improv company The Groundlings!

The theme for the 2024-25 CalREP season is “Laughing Together,” celebrating diverse voices through comedy. In a world that often feels divided, we believe that theatre provides an opportunity to come together, and what better way to come together than through laughter. Comedy has the power to connect us, to break down barriers, and to remind us of our shared humanity. We invite you to join us in this celebration of humor.

“An Evening at the Beach” promises to be an unforgettable night of improvised comedy. Guided by Mr. Parada, featuring 10 outstanding undergraduate improvisers and one special guest alumni star, every performance promises to be a completely new show!

This production is only the first of four shows this fall. We hope you will join us for three more outstanding comedies with “Urinetown: The Musical,” “Small Mouth Sounds,” and “Clyde’s” in the coming months. Thank you for being a part of this CalREP season.

Now get comfortable, turn off your phone, and enjoy the magic of live theatre.

Warm Regards, Ezra LeBank Department Chair Theatre Arts & CalREP

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

Creative

Team

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

MEET THE CAST!

E E L L L L I I M M CCAARUUCCHH R A A BB

Camille Baruch is 4th year Theater Arts Performance Major. Camille absolutely loves improv and is over the moon to be apart of An Evening at the Beach. She formerly was apart of GIPS Improv at Cerritos College. Camille is grateful to work with the cast of this show and the amazing director Diego Parada. She hopes you laugh till your sides hurt!

Ryley Debold is a US navy veteran/CSULB senior majoring in performance arts! She’s featured in the short films “social media cowboys” “When he’s gone” “Sound of the streets” and “wasted time”. She loves both drama & comedy acting and is excited to see all of your smiling faces tonight!

II X L L A A KK EEUUX R R E E V V DDEE

RYLEY DEBO LD

Kali Devereux is a 4th-year communication student and is so grateful to be back on the stage doing her favorite thing! Her past performances include: James and the Giant Peach (James), and The Show Don’t Tell Improv Show. Special thanks to the cast crew and everyone involved in this show!

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

AA N N I I EELLAAZZAA LLOO

MEET THE CAST! Elaina Loza is a 3rd year Cinematic Arts Major, and is thrilled to be doing improv again. You might recognize them as co-writer of Theatre Threshold's "Bottoms & Bones: A Heterosexual Horror", or "R.O.L. Model". She sends her love, and hope the show gives you lots of laughs!

Kyle is a 3rd year Theater Major with an emphasis in performance. His past shows have included Straight Play (Micheal), Alice in Wonderland (The Caterpillar), Frantic Assembly (Ensemble), and Charming as the Night (Prince Adelio). He is so excited to perform with this ensemble and show a different performance aspect that he is use to!

EE T T S S E E CCEELLVEERROOSS V I I T T N OON

MATKYLE SUDA

Celeste Ontiveros is a Theater Arts Performance Major and is incredibly excited to be collaborating with the artistic minds of the Theatre Arts building! After her main-stage debut at CSULB, working with Frantic Assembly, she could not wait to get back on stage.

She hopes you enjoy this performance that the ensemble and crew has put many hours into!

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

MEET THE CAST! D I D I V DDAAV LA L LA

ADDIIL PPA

David Padilla is a 3rd Year Theater Performance Major and is excited to be performing in the University Theater.

This will be his 3rd production at Cal State Long Beach but his first time on the main stage!

Ian is a Theater Major in his debut production at CSULB. He has most recently performed in Psycho Beach Party (Yo-Yo) , Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express (Monsieur Bouc) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Robin Goodfellow/Puck).

He is honored to perform for you!

TTHH E E B B A EELLIIZZNACCHHEEZZ SSAAN

IAN PEDERSE N

Elizabeth is a 4th year General Theatre Major. She is stoked to play on stage and share her comedy. Her past credits include: Hermana Mia ( Primi ) and (stand-up).

Elynn is a 4th year Theatre Performance major and is thrilled to be performing in her first main stage show with CalRep. Her past credits includes Mission: Accomplished and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She would love to thank all her family and friends for their never-ending support, and the amazing casts who made the process extremely pleasant, hilarious, and fun!

ELYNN WONG

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

Meet the Director!

O O G G E DDIIE A A D D A A R R A PPA

Diego Parada is a Mexican actor (a tall one, mind you) who has appeared on ABC’s Modern Family and whose voice has appeared in ADULT SWIMS’ Mike Tyson Mysteries and a few mini-series on NETFLIX. In 2020 he was awarded an EMERGING CONTENT CREATOR Scholarship by NALIP. Diego has also appeared in several National Commercial Campaigns. In one of them, he met Jean Claude Van Damme (Not to anyone’s surprise, Diego is taller).

Diego left his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico to get a B.A. in Theater and Film at CSULB. After graduating, he continued his training at THE GROUNDLINGS Theater, where he became a SUNDAY COMPANY cast member. Diego also produces, directs, and writes web things like web series and sketches. Recently a short film he created got into the Hollywood Shorts Fest and the Mammoth Film Festival.

Diego would like to thank his amazing family for their eternal support.

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

CREW CREW Kayla Lincoln

Production Assistant

Jade Lopez

Production Assistant

Christian Blandin Scenic Crew

Jessica Castro Canchola Scenic Crew

Lucca Carr-Veramo Scenic Crew

Terance Kissel Scenic Crew

Grace Jacobson Scenic Crew

Jeanneatte Mendoza Lights & Sound

Jesus Chavez Lights & Sound

Follow us @CalRep For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

What is Improv?

Improv—short for improvisation- is a form of live theater in which all aspects of the performance are made up on the spot!

Short-form

VS

Actors create spontaneous comedy with the help of preset scenarios or “games.” If you’ve ever played charades or made up a song, congratulations— you’ve done shortform improv comedy!

Long-form

Long-form doesn’t rely on preset games or one-liners.

This form is more like a “scene.” When taken out of context, a successful longform scene might be mistaken for scripted sketch comedy—but of course, everything is being made up on the spot!

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

What is a Harold in Improv?

Improv groups, or “teams,” usually begin by taking a one-word suggestion from the audience.

That suggestion inspires a collection of scenes that comprise a “piece” or “form.” Think of a form as a 20-to-60-minute play with a set structure. A Harold is a structure used in longform improv in which separate scenes are improvised, then revisited twice more. At its best, the Harold ends when those three scenes connect in organic and unexpected ways.

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! t c a F Fun

Most “Seinfeld” episodes are structured like a Harold!

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

History of Improv Comedy From the 16th to the 18th centuries, commedia dell'arte performers improvised based on a broad outline in the streets of Italy!

In the 1890s, theatrical theorists Konstantin Stanislavski and Jacques Copeau, founders of two major streams of acting theory, both heavily utilized improvisation in acting training and rehearsal.

Vaudevillian actors like Dudley Riggs began using audience suggestions to create improvised sketches on stage

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

History of Improv Comedy In 1963, Viola Spolin’s book was the first that gave specific techniques for learning to do and teach improvisational theater

Keith Johnstone’s theatresports became a staple of improvisational comedy in the 1970's and led to shows like “whose line is it anyway?” premiering in 1988

Contemporary forms of improv continue to evolve at nightclubs, schools, theaters, and even in film!

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

Improv in America!

Follow us @CalRep

HEE GGSS TTH N I N I L L D D N N U U O GGRRO An improvisational, sketch comedy troupe and

schoolbased in Los Angeles California. The troupe was formed by Gary Austin in 1974, and holds sessions every six weeks with over 300 students per session. That’s more than 2,000 students per year going through the program!

THE SECOND CITY

The Second City is an improvisational enterprise. It is the oldest improvisational theater troupe to be continuously based in Chicago! The Second City Theatre opened on December 16, 1959, and has become one of the most influential and prolific comedy theatres in America.

TT H H G G I I R UUPPRZEEN SS N Z I I EE CCIITT GA D D A BBRRIIGAlongside improv, UCB showcases a diverse

range of sketch comedy, stand-up, and experimental performances, making it a breeding ground for emerging talents and a stage for established comedians. They have shows and training centers in both New York and LA!

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

THE GROUNDLINGS The Groundlings is an American improvisational and sketch comedy troupe as well as school based in Los Angeles, California. The troupe was formed by Gary Austin in 1974 and uses an improv format influenced by Viola Spolin.

To ensure the longevity and artistic integrity of the theater, The Groundlings strives to produce outstanding shows for the benefit of the community and the theater's performers, to promote and support diversity at every level of its school and stage, and to offer the highest quality improv and sketch education to its students.

Cal Rep is thrilled to welcome its members for ‘An Evening at the Beach’.

Visit The Groundlings website HERE Follow us @CalRep For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

CSULB CSULB Theater Theater Department Department

Ezra LeBank ..................... Department Chair Meg Imamoto ................ Managing Director Ashley Boehne Ehlers ....... Production Manager Robert Waltz ................... Technical Director Lalena Hutton ......... Costume Shop Manager Denise Barry ................ Costume Technician Mitchell Domingo ........... Master Carpenter Jasmine Flores ............... Master Electrician David Goyette ................. Audio Technician Tony Martinez ........ Night Safety Supervisor Kate Byrne ..................... Box Office Manager Katie Speer ................. Department Analyst

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

CSULB CSULB Theater Theater Department Department Faculty

Gayle Baizer Chris Bange Jody Berger Trevor BishipGillespie Josh Breeding Erin Caron Andrea Caban Martha Carter Adrian Centeno Bonnie Dolan Alana Dietze

Ramy Electreby Michelle Gibbs Rebecca Guzzi Rich Hutchman Michelle Huynh Jeff Janisheski Nipper Knapp Ezra LeBank Bradley Lock Patricia Loughrey Emily MacDonald Josh Nathan

Hugh O'Gorman Robert Prior Jen Richardson Tyler Seiple Medina Senghore Anna Steers Desean Terry Tom Trudgeon Sarah Underwood Megan Wanlass David Ward Jessica Woollen

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

CSULB CSULB Theater Theater Department Department MFA Theatre Management Faculty Jeff Janisheski Megan Wanlass Box Office Cashiers Charli Southall William Runnels Katie Tran Ashley Holguin Vincent Monastrial

Theatre Arts Graduate Advisor Josh Nathan Theatre Arts Academic Advisor Adriane Howze Videographer Nick Neira Production Photographer Cynthia Price

Lighting: Student assistants: Dane Price Aaliyah Artry Sonia Giansiracusa Philip Pleming Saul Diaz Melissa Mejia-Rodriguez Candice Huang

Management Graduate Students Amanda Anderson Perla Barajas Paula Eagleman Drew Olvey Chaunsa Oyos Claire Pearson Bob Williamson

Costume Shop: Denise Barry- Tailor/Draper Student Assistants: Saba Nabaeighahroudi Isabella Borgese Vivian Mullvihill Kelsey Havercroft Kai Reyes

For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).

California Repertory Company (CalRep) is the producing arm of the Theatre Arts Department at CSULB. Over the past three decades, Cal Rep has a history of creating new work, devised theatre and adaptations of classics.

CSULB is located on the sacred site of Puvungna. We acknowledge that we are on the land of the Tongva/Gabrieleño and the Acjachemen/Juaneño Nations who have lived and continue to live here.

We recognize the Tongva and Acjachemen Nations and their spiritual connection as the first stewards and the traditional caretakers of this land.

We thank them for their strength, perserverance, and resistance. We pay our respects to the Ancestors, Elders, and our relatives, past, present, and emerging.

FOLLOW US @CALREP For any questions about our Program or Study guide info please email Drew (Drew.Olvey-sa@csulb.edu) or Bob (Robert.Williamson-SA@CSULB.edu).