By Brigid Clifford, Editor-in-Chief

The creative arts council, led by senior Hailey Hartnett, hosted the second annual Improv Night on Nov. 17 in the Commons. The event serves as a way for students to come out of their comfort zone and express themselves while bringing laughter to everyone on stage and in the audience.

Following last year’s debut, Hartnett and the members of the creative arts council wanted to retain the casual atmosphere and format but hoped to increase student turnout. To reach that goal, they sent out surveys, created a flyer and discussed logistics with set up to make Improv Night the best it could be and to meet the students’ excitement and anticipation.

“I get so excited when I see how excited other people are,” Hartnett said. “I love when people tell me they want to perform and that their parents and family want to come see the show.”

Jenna F., Lucy R., Maggie H. and Diana W. (pictured clockwise from top left) entertain the audience with a game of Taxi at Improv Night on Nov. 17. (Photo by Anna Phillips)

With 23 students from all grade levels performing in the Alphabet Game, Party Quirks, Blind Lines and other improv games, the council met its goal of increasing involvement.

“A lot of people came and participated, and I think it makes them realize more about our community and gives everyone the chance to be involved. Even people who aren’t necessarily in the Queen’s Court Company shows participate in Improv Night, so it gives everyone a chance to act and be on stage,” Hartnett said.

The event also drew participation from students and audience members with no experience in improvisation. The crowd gave suggestions for the characters’ “quirks” during Party Quirks, wrote down famous sayings and quotes for Blind Lines, and offered ideas for locations, situations and problems for Blind Lines and Siteless Words.

“I loved the opportunity the Trinity Hall community got to experience and witness the talent and creativity of our peers,” senior Kate Burgess said. “I loved that in the audience I was still able to participate and enjoy the wonderful art of improv. Because I was unable to perform at Improv Night, I was able to use my creativity and contribute my ideas to the scenes from my seat.”

Some audience members even got on stage at the end of the night and performed an impromptu round of Blind Lines, and four freshmen who have not yet taken a Trinity Hall theater class acted in the game Hitchhiker. Regardless of the lack of experience, the audience’s appreciation for the skits was evident through the resounding laughter heard throughout the Commons.

“I think it’s pretty rewarding when I’m in a scene and people are laughing at my character,” said junior Gillian Thorp, who acted in the games Blind Lines and Sitting, Standing, Lying Down. “It really helps to keep the scene going.”

Participants in Improv Night were awarded three Royal Rumble points, and audience members scored a point for attending. The Blue Team racked up a total of 51 points, and the Orange Team tallied 42.

In only its second year of existence, Improv Night is on track to becoming a lasting Trinity Hall tradition. “I really, really, really hope that future creative arts councils will continue doing Improv Night, and I think that they will,” Hartnett said.