At Kennesaw State University, the theatre program features multiple possibilities for students to get involved; whether it is the featured plays each semester, the All-Skate ‘improv’ sessions, or auditioning for the ensemble, K.I.S.S. (Kennesaw Improv Society, Stupid!)
All-Skates are a come one and come all event, meaning as long as you are a student at KSU, you may attend.
“Do not be afraid to show up,” Ian Gibson said. “I have been attending KSU for two years now, and I am not a part of the ensemble; although, I have made some of the closest friends that I have at the All-Skates nights.”
Other students have nothing but great things to say about the events. “Everyone is welcome, it gave me confidence and helped me work on my skills,” said Kimberly Van Laningham, a junior in the theatre & performance arts major.
The ensemble spends more than two and a half hours practicing, multiple nights each week. The hard work has paid off as the ensemble will be competing in a national College Improv Tournament on Feb. 13 in Atlanta. The ensemble has placed third in the tournament the past two years. This year, they are shooting for the South Eastern title, as well as going to the bigger competition to compete against other regions.
“It’s a very welcoming environment, not all of the people involved are theater and performance majors, we have all kinds of students here,” said Nathan Brosy, a junior in the program.
The coach, Andy Coen, has been helping the ensemble and teaching them to open their minds to the more in-depth actions that can make the performance outstanding. Coen works for Dad’s Garage Theatre in Atlanta, a well-known local theater that creates their own original plays as well has having their own improv shows.
KSU has been a part of the Dad’s Garage scene for a few years now, participating in the “Extreme Elimination Improv” nights. Coen is very upbeat, but not afraid to critique the actors and actresses during their practices. He is very proud of the progress the group has made, and stays supportive through practices and performances.
Along with the College Improv Tournament, the programs have multiple events going on throughout the semester. On Feb. 20, there is the 10 Minute Play Festival, where theatre students help write and direct their own original plays, and other students act them out in a one night event. On April 23 and 24, there is also their Spring Hoopa-Palooza. This event will include the ensemble performing and acting in some of their most fun and engaging games.
For more information about the Theatre & Performing Studies major, visit http://arts.kennesaw.edu/theatre//.
