Do you love telling people what to do, then laughing at them?
If so, head over to Oxford High School and enjoy the comedic stylings of the Drama Club’s ‘Competitive Improv Team.?
Once a month from February through April, these talented teens will be using their considerable improvisational skills and quick wits to crack up audiences and raise money to send diabetic kids to camp.
The way it works is simple. Each show features two improv teams (Blue and Gold) consisting of five members each.
‘They compete doing various skits the audience picks,? according to OHS Drama Club Adviser Debra Brown. ‘The audience gives suggestions, the teams act them out, then the audience votes.?
From using strange props to speaking in gibberish, the teams have to be quick on their feet and most importantly amusing, if they want to score points with the audience.
Whichever team has the most points after three rounds, wins the show.
‘They’re hilarious,? Brown said. ‘They’re really funny.?
With an entrance fee of $1, these improv shows are easily the greatest entertainment value in Oxford.
And best of all, 100 percent of the proceeds go to send diabetic kids to a special camp sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. Dubbed ‘Camp Midicha,? it’s held at Camp Copneconic in Fenton.
Brown got the idea to raise money for the camp from her 9-year-old nephew, Peter Szpakowski, who was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago.
Last year, ‘he got to go to camp for the first time,? she said. ‘They teach him how to give his own (insulin) shots and how to take care of himself.?
‘He came to us and said, ‘I think other kids deserve this chance.??
Last week, the improv team held its fourth show of the year and so far, the teens have raised $300. Brown said it costs about $500 to send a kid to diabetes camp and they’re hoping to select an elementary student from Oxford for the trip.
All improv shows take place at OHS on Tuesdays and begin at 7 p.m. Here are the dates ? February 7, March 14 and April 11. See you at the show!