The new presidency of the Seaside Jesters Comedy Association debuted on stage and treated their fans to a great night of free comedy on Friday, March 18.
After recruiting members at World Fest, BYU–Hawaii’s improv team set the standard of hilarity for following shows in Heber J. Grant building room 135 and provided free cookies.
Josh Mason, Vice President of Events, hosted the show, which starred Secretary Samantha Daynes, Vice President of Academics Alyx Stuehler, Treasurer Justin Putnam, and President Connor Cline.
“Being in the presidency is a new kind of challenge,” said Daynes, a sophomore studying English from Singapore. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s fun. I’ve had fun working with everyone and figuring stuff out. I think this is awesome and I’m passionate about people joining.”
According to the association’s mission statement, the association is designed to help students improve their oral presentation skills, overcome social anxiety, and give them the courage to step onstage. They also offer free, wholesome entertainment to the entire community.
Alyx Stuehler, a senior studying psychology from Oregon, attributed her becoming a comedian to the Tuesday improv workshops hosted by the association.
“I wouldn’t even be a performer if it wasn’t for the workshops,” she said. “I’ve never been in a play, I’ve never done any type of theater, or acting, or anything on a stage. They taught me everything I know, literally.”
This show marks Stuehler’s second onstage performance with the association. “Performing for my first show, I didn’t really know what I was doing,” she said. “For this show, I felt more prepared. I’m a lot less nervous. I no longer have inhibitions about being in front of people.”
The association also creates opportunities for members who don’t want to step into the spotlight. Justice Royer, a sophomore studying Marine Biology from Oregon, said he’s been a fan since last semester but only officially joined this week. He acted as the tech support for the show, working the PowerPoint and projector to introduce games and the comedians.
“I have no tech experience,” he admitted. “But I’ve been attending most workshops last semester with my friends.”
When asked about how he enjoyed his integral role in the show, Royer said, “It was a rush, it was exhilarating.”
New student Dustin MacMillan, a freshman from Canada studying exercise and sports science, provided half time entertainment with magic tricks.
MacMillan said of the three suitcases he brought with him to Hawaii, one was full of materials for magic tricks. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to perform, and afterwards students have been asking to do more magic.
The Jesters meet every Tuesday at 7pm in the Little Theater for workshops and practice. Their next show will be on April Fools’ Day at 8pm in Aloha Center Room 155/165.