‘Whose Line Is It, Anyway’-style improv show opens in Albany

By Heather Crabtree
The Entertainer

The cast of TV’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” doesn’t have anything on the funny teens performing “Extreme Theater 2: Electric Boogaloo,” the sequel to the popular 2003 improv show “Extreme Theater.”

The show opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave. S.W. Additional performances will be at 8 p.m. Jan. 13, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27; and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21.

The ACTeen improv show, modeled after the popular television show, is comprised of four improv teams in a mock competition format that is full of physical comedy.

Just as in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” the points don’t really matter, said director Miranda Prince.

The games for the show will be preplanned and include “Parallel Universe” — where the team members pretend to be in different locations, such as a mouse hole or the land of Narnia — and “What are you doing?” which requires the participants to say something other than what they are doing when their opponent asks.

Audience suggestions will shape what the teams will be doing in the games, making each performance unique.

“Extreme Theater 2” is considered a clean show, meant for all ages.

Prince warns cast and the audience in her opening speech that any lewd, crude or offensive suggestions or acts by the audience or improv groups will earn a dunce cap for the remainder of the game.

“It’s not an honor,” she says during the speech.

Since 1997, Albany Civic Theater has offered the ACTeen program for teens ages 12 to 18.

With the exception of 2006, the ACTeen program has produced a show every year. Past productions include plays such as “David & Lisa” and “The Mouse that Roared,” and the first “Extreme Theater.”

This year’s production was chosen by the teens.

“The kids were kind of clamoring for it,” said Prince, who has coordinated the program for three seasons.

“(‘Extreme Theater 2’) was actually my way of taking a break,” she said. “This is the smallest cast I’ve worked with at 16.”

Prince has been active with the theater since 1996 and directed last season’s hit “Seussical: the Musical.”

Acting workshops are offered once a month as part of the ACTeen program. There is a one-time fee of $5 for the season, and adults are welcome to attend.

The next workshop will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the theater. It will cover auditioning and is taught by Robert Leff and Stephanie Long.

To find out more about the improv games in “Extreme Theater 2: Electric Boogaloo,” go to: www.human

pingpongball.com.

The cast includes: Mackenzie Bangs, Kevin Christensen, MaCherie Doerfler, Cameron Graham, Ty Hendrix, Andrew Knoy, Holly Leder, Mary Kate Lewis, Braden McClennen, Helen Metts, P’Aige Miller, Russel Rivinius, Bryan Pippin, Caryn Rhodes, Lacey Smith and Jack Zale.

If You Go

WHAT: “Extreme Theater 2: Electric Boogaloo,” an ACTeen improv show.

WHERE: Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave. S.W., Albany.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Jan. 12, 13, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27; and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 21.

TICKETS: $10, general admission and $7 for children under 18 and seniors. Tickets are available at Sid Stevens Jewelers in Albany, Rice’s Pharmacy in Corvallis or ACT box office before the show.