Making it Up
4 Skit’s Sake
Review by Norah Pendergast
Improvise, from the latin improvisus, which means literally, unforseen. To compose, recite, play or sing extemporaneously, to make, invent, or arrange offhand, or to fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand. The cast of 4 Skit’s Sake is doing it all this summer at the Art’s Guild.
Improv-comedy is a do or die theatrical medium which tests an actor’s nerves and creative capacity. To perform improv it is necessary to shed most inhibitions and become a vessel of jest. Sounds like a nightmare. According to Fraser MacCullum, one of the brave thespians, unrehearsed spontaneity in front of a large crowd, “is like losing your lines for two hours…but it’s exhilarating!” MacCullam is joined on stage by Adam Gauthier, Derek Bondt, Colin MacDonald, and host, Laura Pineau. Having spent years performing in many local theater productions, the group shared a desire for the test of an unscripted experience.
The format of 4 Skit’s Sake has host Pineau introduce unscripted skits, sketches, and improv games. To insure unpredictability and keep the actors on their toes, audience members are called upon to challenge the actors with surprise details or character traits.
4 Skit’s Sake is excited for its second season. The group originated in April of 2004 when the U.P.E.I. theater society needed representatives to participate in an improv challenge in Sackville, New Brunswick. They competed against groups from different schools and emerged victorious. Realizing a knack for improv, and noticing an untouched market, the group approached local “improv guru,” Laurie Murphy who arranged a template for last year’s four shows. Based on success and experience gained, 4 Skits Sake has decided to “take it up a notch,” with four more shows, increased efforts in advertising, and a funny film which introduces the performers and their production.
Other new features of this year’s production include live music performed by Jeremy Butler, and surprise local celebrities who take the stage after intermission to participate in a few games. Audience members can expect the hilariously unexpected from 4 Skit’s Sake. With skill and confidence, the group has made a habit of great unpredictable shows.