A Penn State student improvisational comedy troupe is set to bring a free comedy festival featuring a number of acts to the University Park campus this weekend.
Full Ammo Improv is Penn State’s premier improv comedy troupe, comprised of students from an array of different majors. The group specializes in performing long form improvisational comedy and performs every other Friday on campus.
The crew even travels to various improv festivals, such as the Del Close Marathon in New York City, the College Improv Regional Tournament in Philadelphia, and the Fracas! Improv Festival in Los Angeles.
The troupe is hosting RAWR666 this weekend, and the comedy festival event is open to the public. This year the festival has groups from nine schools visiting to perform — University Of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Pitt, West Chester, Case Western Reserve, American University, University of Maryland, and Emerson College. Various professional teams, as well as a team comprised of Full Ammo alumni, also will participate.
The festival will take place Friday and Saturday in the Forum.
“Everything about the festival is free, and that’s something we take pride in,” festival director Alex Conti said. “We love to bring all of these troupes for the public to see. Improv is something that isn’t easily accessible in the middle of Pennsylvania, so it’s a great opportunity for the community to see something new and unique.”
There will be a chance during both nights of the festival for anyone to perform, called a “jam.” Individuals of all levels sign up — professional, amateur, college improvisers, and even audience members that have never performed in their lives are welcome to get on stage. Full Ammo then mixes the groups together, giving them a chance to perform with new faces.
“What is so unique about improv and being a part of a troupe like this is becoming close with all of the members. You’re not only best friends but you are able to be on the same wavelength as the other members which enhances performances,” member Emily Akers said. “I also love how there is no script. There is no need to memorize or prepare. As a member, you show up and focus on being present, listening, and having fun with your troupe mates.”
Jeffrey Kornberg founded Full Ammo Improv in 2004, and president Joe McMahon currently leads the group. Originally a short form team, Full Ammo quickly transitioned to long-form improv and it’s been experimenting with the form ever since. The team is self-taught, and Full Ammo does its best to learn new forms and exercises by simultaneously reading about and watching improv, either live or online, from theaters such as the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City.
“From time to time, we manage to beg an alumni with professional training to come back to the university and teach us a thing or two,” Conti said. “It’s definitely an adventure to have no regular coach, but that just makes us work harder and smarter.”
See the troupe’s official schedule for specific events and times this weekend visit its Twitter and Instagram accounts for more information on future performances.
