DOWN TOWN
teaches and volunteers at Mettlesome. She grew up in Florida as a shy kid who wanted to improve her public speaking skills and discovered improvisation as a junior at the University of Florida, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. “In my first class, I wanted to throw up, I was so scared,” April says. “I tell all of my improv one-on-one students this story because a lot of folks are coming in now, post pandemic, maybe not having tried something new or met new people in a long time because they’ve been isolated, and they want to push themselves in their first improv class. [Trust] is the main principle of performing improv comedy, [and being] a continuous learner. To do it well, you have to be an active listener. “There was a moment on stage, [for example], where I just completely blanked and didn’t know how to respond to my scene partner. It’s like when everything [moves] in slow motion. This is true improv; I am making it up on the spot, saying something and hearing that laughter. Oh, my goodness, it was such a rush. A big lesson to me [was] that I should trust myself and be able to learn something new. It’s changed my life.” ABOVE Founding partner Jack Reitz greets guests and handles ticket sales at the front entrance. BELOW The Well Seasoned cast skillfully improvises a scene.
46
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durhammag.com
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october/november 2023
Subtext
Mettlesome, which embodies its meaning of being spirited and courageous, was formed from the desire to cultivate a thriving improv comedy community in our area. “That’ll be a five-year-plus goal of being a place for groups to bring their performances to life,” April says, adding that another more immediate and physical aim is to add a full-time house manager. “We want to start offering festivals, bringing groups from all over the country here for festival weekends and events.” “We want to be that safe space for artists in the South,” April adds. “I have a mantra: to live with enthusiastic empathy. I always want my people to feel like they’re included, valued for what they do and that their ideas can shine. That’s what Mettlesome is. It’s who we are.”