GO! Comedy

By Ryan R. Ennis

Imrpov Theater Offers Healthy Dose of Laughter

THE TYPICAL ADVICE FOR MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH IS TO EAT RIGHT AND EXERCISE REGULARLY. BUT THAT RECOMMENDATION MAY NEED A BOOST.

Equally important for prosperity is laughter. The more we laugh, the more it releases endorphins in our bodies that reduce stress and anxiety. It is why the saying goes around that “laughter is the best medicine.”

At Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale, laughter can be found in abundant supply. The theater specializes in improvisation and sketch comedies. Throughout the week, they host shows for the public in a comfortable, fun atmosphere with a full-service bar. For aspiring and experienced actors and comedians, they also offers workshops and classes for people with varying abilities that can help to sharpen their improvisation skills.

PROGRAMS

THE THEATER’S INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM IS OPEN TO ANYONE; to individuals looking to develop their comedic abilities as well as to those seeking a refresher. Typically, the people who enroll in the introductory course are newcomers to improvisation. They may want to see if they can develop their comedic timing, or they may want to improve their communication skills. As part of participating in the course, they have opportunities to meet others with similar interests. Business professionals and burgeoning artists, seeking to become better public speakers, may also find the course helpful. The eight-week courses culminate in a show for friends and family.

The theater’s advanced program is geared towards those who have either completed the introductory class or have had performance experience. The workshops center on acting in long-form pieces. In the process, the players gain techniques in performing memorable scenes while learning how to hold an audience’s attention. Or they learn how to reinvent their approach to performing scenes on a stage with partners. The four different advanced courses are: Scene Work, The Elements of Long Form, Forms, and The Improviser. Each course runs for eight weeks.

The sketch-writing program is for those who want to acquire skills in writing comedy. Like the introductory program, enrollees in the sketch comedy class do not need previous experience with improvisation. The class aims to help the participants build skills in writing humorous monologues and dialogues using outlines and basic formatting tools. At the same time, they get practice with implementing sketch-writing rules and philosophies in their pieces. The course culminates in the writers casting and producing a show they have created.

PERFORMANCES

THE GO COMEDY! HOSTS APPROXIMATELY 200 PERFORMERS throughout the year. It has a rotating cast of 30 performers on the weekends. The theater presents several weekly shows that are in the form of game-style skirts, such as “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Longer shows have been Improv Murder Mysteries, Storytelling Hours, and All-Star Showdowns.

The shows on Friday and Saturday evenings tend to sell out, so it’s advisable to get tickets ahead of time. If 12 or more tickets are purchased at the same time, a 10% discount will be applied to your order. If tickets are purchased at the door, it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes before the shows start to ensure good seats are secured.

THE THEATER’S HISTORY

Go Comedy! was originally founded in 2008 by Gerald Knight, Chris DiAngelo, Tommy Leroy, and PJ Jacokes. Just as the owners had remodeled the space (the former location of the Ferndale Secretary of State), the economy took a nosedive. The owners worried that since many people were out of work and didn’t have extra money to spend, Go Comedy’s programs and shows might not be well-attended. However, the public embraced the theater. With its reasonably priced tickets and inexpensive drinks, the improvisation activities gave people an escape from their everyday worries.

The Theater was going strong until March of 2020, when the pandemic struck. The doors were soon closed and remained that way until September of 2022. When the theater reopened, the founders noticed some new some changes regarding their customers’ habits. It took months for the classes to start filling up again. Additionally, the later show times on Thursdays and Fridays have not been as well-attended in comparison to the past. A possible explanation is that because people are working more from home, they are able to get out earlier to attend events.

INCLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT

ALTHOUGH IMPROV COMEDY PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN historically a male-dominated field, Go Comedy remains committed to creating inclusive entertainment. Consequently, the plan is to continue offering showing and programs appealing to a variety of people with progressive beliefs.

The Go Comedy! Improv Theater is located at 261 E. 9 Mile. To get more information on its programs and shows providing healthy doses of laughter, visit gocomedy.net or call 248-327-0575.