A new theater tradition, DGS will be hosting the 2026 improv show. Hosted by DGS Drama, the improv show is an evening of comedy and serves as one of DGS Drama’s fundraising nights.
According to the University of Chicago, improv is a live performance in which the actors make up scenes, dialogue and characters on the spot. While it might be comedic, it can also be more serious in nature.
DGS Drama Sponsor Nathaniel Haywood shares the meaning behind the show and what they hope to achieve.
“Our goal is for it to be an hour to 2-hour show of light-hearted, improvised comedy…. The ultimate goal is to get our audience to laugh, enjoy themselves and have a good time,” Haywood said.
While the show is made on the spot, actors prepare the skills required to do an improv show well in advance.
Junior Joseph Conyer shared the ways that he and other actors prepare ahead of the show nights.
“Since improv involves a lot of quick thinking, it is important that we get our creativity going before the show. We play a variety of quick improv games in the time leading up to the show in order to get into the right mindset. It is basically like a pre-game warmup for the improv show. Playing these games also allows us to get our energy up before we perform. This is important since the more energy we have, the more enjoyment our audience will get,” Conyer said.
Conyer also shared the immediate preparation taken before each show begins.
“Show night for the performers is pretty simple. We all meet about an hour before the show, wearing blue jeans and black t-shirts…. Once it’s close to the actual show time, we’ll make our way backstage to our places for the show. Really, the time before the show is spent just getting in the right mentality to perform, which really just involves having fun with each other,” Conyer said.
Preparations for the show aren’t just the responsibilities of the actors. Senior Maggie Lukes shares her experience of how students work behind the scenes to prepare for the show.
“We also make sure the actors know where they are supposed to be and when they are supposed to be there. The same thing applies to props, making sure none [of the props] get lost,” Lukes said.
This years improv show will take place from January 29 to 30 in the studio theater.
