Flapping his arms like a big bird, Alec Muhich tries his best to tell—without words—how a crime was committed. Jaclyn Biesemeyer (laughing), Essa Jacobsen, Jacob Rude, Kip Sande and Brock Hommerding eventually figure it out, but not before the audience is laughing hysterically.
Patrons young and old packed the Arrowhead Center for the Arts (ACA) on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 to witness—and to some extent take part in—the 5th annual College in the Schools theater sports competition.
And as far as competitions go, this was one wacky, fun-filled event.
According to Michael McHugh, master of ceremonies, theater sports is “improvisational theater with a competitive sports angle. In a typical match, two teams of improvisers perform scenes as judges score each performance on a scale of zero to five.”
The two teams were called The Badgers and Road Rash. Performing for the Badgers were Drew Holmen, Essa Jacobsen, Jordan Zunker, Erica Borson, Kipp Sande and Karlee Axtell. Road Rash scraped together a cast consisting of Brock Hommerding, Jaclyn Biesemeyer, Jacob Rude, Carly Puch, Alec Muhich and Skyler Johnson. William Hellner and Jonathan Baumann performed as the tough-minded judges. Who was keeping score of them was anyone’s guess.
Brock Hommerding asks Jacob Rude the secret to growing big bushy hair.
Ivy Church served as an advisor and Sebastian Schnobrich manned the lights and soundboard.
McHugh extolled the audience to take part in the improv scenes by shouting out ideas to the cast or, in some instances, come up on stage and take part in the skits.
“Improvisation is hard. Theater students are taught to accept anything offered as an idea or a suggestion,” said McHugh. “Teams are encouraged to work together and take care of each other. The focus isn’t on trying to get laughs, but on creating a unique and fluid moment. Gratuitous obscenities, sexism, racism, or pure crudity is against the rules. Please feel free to boo and hiss if it occurs!” McHugh told the audience before the opening act.
With the rollicking, rowdy, somewhat raucous, rascally McHugh leading the way, extolling the kids, judges, and audience at every turn, the kids performed masterfully. All in all it was a night of hilarity and great fun.
The performers made $1,061 which will be used to help fund a theater trip to Minneapolis for seniors in the College Literature class and some juniors, said Ivy Church.
Students who performed in the theater sports production switched from Church’s classroom to McHugh’s classroom for two weeks, said Church. “He worked with the kids who performed,” said Church, adding that McHugh had training in this area before coming to CCHS. “Without Mr. McHugh there wouldn’t be a College in the Schools theater sports program at CCHS,” said Church.
Whether or not this wildly popular event will take place next year is anybody’s guess. McHugh was informed by the school board that he is one of three teachers slated for layoff next year as the district faces a budget crisis and declining enrollment. His enthusiasm, his energy, his creativity and general sense of caring will be missed, and never more so than at an event like “Theater Sports” where his passion for the kids and subject matter was spot on and in such wonderful display. Staff photos/Brian Larsen
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