I’m finally taking the time to write about one of my favorite groups here on Hope’s campus: VanderProv. VanderProv is Hope’s only student improv group. They perform about once a month in the DeWitt Theatre. Unless I’m really sick or I have a prior engagement, I’m always in the audience.
If you’re unsure about what improv groups are, they take theatrical and comedic games and use the audience to create quite interesting situations. For example, in one game they ask the audience for a word. Last night when they performed, it was nostalgia. The group then began to share stories from their lives of what nostalgia reminds them of. When about four people have shared, the group begins to use the stories to create improvised, hilarious skits.
I’ve seen quite a bit of improv throughout my time. Most of it was not the greatest in the world. VanderProv? They’re actually one of the best groups I’ve seen. I’m not just saying that because I go to Hope. Not only are they funny and witty, but they’re also appropriate for everyone. I would feel safe taking my fourteen year old brother to one of their shows.
You can watch a video of the VanderProv group at TEDxMacatawa below! They’re playing the game that I described above.
If you’re ever on campus when VanderProv is performing, I highly suggest going to see one of their shows. Fair warning, you have to be a little earlier than you might think to Vanderprov to get a good seat. The main seating fills up really quickly, and if you aren’t there sooner than about 6:40 p.m. (when the show starts at 7:00 p.m.), you’re probably going to have to sit in the balcony.
Thanks for reading,
Brooke