It's 10:15, the show was supposed to start a few minutes ago. The crowd of freshmen and returning students is seated. Most know what is about to happen, but there are a few who have no idea what is in store for them on this particular night. This is improv comedy. In improv, everything a performer says or does is made up before your eyes on the stage. Each short scene throws out a new rule just to make things interesting. Improv also uses audience suggestion to inspire the actors. It could be something general, like a college party, or obscure and off the wall, like going hunting with a lightsaber and a crossbow while being helped by N*Sync and Dick Cheney. The audience on Sept. 4 had only one objective, laugh until it hurts!

Mission Improvable is an improv comedy troupe from Chicago. This was their first trip up to Alaska. The troupe consists of three members or "agents" as they are known on stage. They come clad in crisp white shirts, black ties, black pants and shades. The audience was either going to witness comic genius or a geek-squad chorus line. Luckily for everyone in the room it was the former. Agents Shawn, Loyed, and Cassey were exuberant and boisterous on stage. Their effervescent energy took over the room and made for willing audience participation and numerous suggestions. These agents showed remarkable chemistry on stage, a critical part of this brand of comedy, doing anything and everything to keep the scene fast and funny.

On a local level, UAF has its own improv group, the Ground Squirrel Improv Comedy Troupe. You haven't seen the end of out-of-state troupes either. In December, Chicago City Limits is making its way to Fairbanks. They are on the Fairbanks Concert Association's program for the ‘07-‘08 season.

We are in for a fantastic theater season.