
Creating Broadway Magic on the Spot
The Sarasota Improv Festival is set to bring the thrill of an improvised Broadway musical to audiences, thanks to the inventive New York City troupe, Shitzprobe! With a name playfully derived from the Broadway term "sitzprobe," which signifies the first rehearsal of singers and the orchestra together, this team has mastered the art of spontaneity.
Fast-Paced Creativity: A Unique Form of Storytelling
At the festival, co-founders Ali Reed, Kiki Mikkelsen, and Adrien Pellerin will lead performers in a high-energy spectacle that features local talents Joey Panek and Ben Liebert as special guests. Their task? To create a full Broadway musical in real-time based solely on audience suggestions.
Reed describes it as akin to “performing brain surgery while wearing blindfolds.” With no script or rehearsals, the team dives into their unique brand of storytelling that relies on deep musical knowledge and keen improvisational skills. They structure their performance primarily around the familiar narrative arc, the Hero’s Journey, but allow room for spontaneity and artistic freedom. This balance creates unexpected and entertaining moments on stage.
The Art of Impromptu Performance
What sets Shitzprobe apart is their ability to embody both rhythm and organic storytelling. As Reed explains, “There’s constant communication, but it’s wordless”—a dance of gestures and looks that flow seamlessly into their performance. Their approach represents not just a fresh take on musical theater but a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.
Join the Fun at the Sarasota Improv Festival
For those excited about the interplay of music and improvisation, catching Shitzprobe at the Sarasota Improv Festival is an opportunity not to be missed. It’s an invitation to experience Broadway like never before, where the story evolves in the moment, shaped by both performers and audience alike.
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