The Seaside Jesters, BYU-Hawaii's comedy student association, gave their first improv show of the semester on April Fool’s day to invite students to join their club and learn how to perform. The show was met with mixed reviews; several female students said the jokes made by the all-male cast about women were offensive, not funny, and "beating a dead horse."
One student who requested to remain anonymous said, “I had very low expectations going in–I’m not really sure why. But I was pleasantly surprised. Some of the jokes went a little too far and it got a little insensitive at some points, which I was a little disappointed about since this is a church college. But they were fun.”
Some female students said they did think it was funny and didn't mind. Abby Liv, a pre-med junior from California, said all her friends are in the club and she comes to all their shows to support them. “This was a really good show. The first of the semester and it exceeded all my expectations.”
An anonymous student said, “I like the switch up of games and interactions with the audience. I don't mind a little jest but they kept making it worse. I could tell several girls and feminists were not thrilled. It was surprising because some of [the cast’s] wives and mothers were in the audience and there was a girl as part of the crew. A couple of times, they also beat a joke until it was way dead just because they got one or two laughs out of it. But I really was impressed at how much they made me laugh.”
The emcee Nicole Zito, the association president, relied on the audience of more than 50 students for their participation in improve games from the show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Tim Saylor, Brian Erickson, Parker Stockford, and Eli McKay Harris were the cast of the show.
Liv said, “Personally, I could never do it because I can’t think on the spot. They have been practicing a lot so it’s just second nature and comes naturally to them.”
Pizza, chips, and soda was offered to all those who came to support their first event. The club used Facebook to get audience participation for the final game called “Scenes from Facebook.” Audience members had to post scene ideas on the club’s Facebook page with the hashtag “#scenesfromfacebook” in order for their idea to be performed. Prompts included “If Donald Trump gave a general conference talk,” and, “If the government was spying on this show.” The Zito shouted out the scene descriptions and actors would quickly come up with a scenario of one or two lines.
One game had the actors to become like action figures who could only be moved by volunteers in the audience.
Zito, a junior in arts from Ka'a'awa, said, “I’ve been in the club for five semesters now since I have been in school here. I didn’t actually start participating until last semester because I was so shy and nervous. It became a place to go relieve stress and laugh my head off. Everyone is there to enjoy life and learn to be funny. And the people are so great. I love Tuesdays.” The workshops are held every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Old Gym 144.
Brian Erickson, freshman hospitality tourism management from Hawaii, said he enjoys being in the club and loved the show. “I was inspired by improv in high school, I loved it.
“I went on a mission and didn’t do it for a while. When I got here last August, I found out about the club, signed up, and since then it has been a part of me. I’m VP of activities. Tonight went so well! We chose great actors and prepared well. My favorite part was when we brought my parents up and sang to them. I really enjoy working with Tim, we have great chemistry on stage.”
During practices, the club works on scene building, how to use their space on stage, how to fall, and acting guidelines, said Zito. All are welcome to attend and participation is encouraged. “We will teach you to be funny,” she said.
Writer: Malia Diaz