Guest to help CIA make it up as they go along
BY STEFANI DIAS Californian assistant lifestyles editor sdias@bakersfield.com
The nature of improvisational comedy requires performers to keep things interesting and engage their audience. The Center for Improv Advancement is doing just that this Saturday with a new format special show featuring guest monologist Mark Price.
On the heels of a show featuring film actor and Bakersfield native Derek Mears, CIA will add local comedian and businessman Price to the mix for a one-time performance.
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Improv comedy show
When: 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ice House, 3401 Chester Ave., Suite M
Admission: adults, $5; children under 12, $1
Information: ciacomedy.com
While most improv shows rely on audience suggestions, this will vary slightly in that Price will share stories based on the prompts. His monologues will then inspire scenes acted out by the team, which features CIA owner-operator Robert Long, Steve Miller, Jason Monroe, Tyler Pruett, Isaiah Rodriguez and Natalie Youngs.
Bakersfield has long been home to various improv groups, currently including Major League Improv at The Empty Space, but this show offers something new to local audiences, according to Long.
"I've done so many different improv formats over 20 years. This is really the first time I know of locally that you invite someone from a different walk of life and, with no rehearsal, you give them a suggestion and ask them to tell a story."
Embracing the guest monologist format, which is popular in Los Angeles' improv scene, is one way that CIA is further expanding its comedic offerings.
"In a market like Bakersfield, you want to do different stuff," he said.
CIA's Jan. 28 show will be musically oriented with the inclusion of guest pianist Lee Pophal, the band instructor at Highland High School, where Long also teaches.
Following Saturday's inaugural show, Long said he plans to book more local celebrities, from local media and musicians, for a monthly show. He said he'd also love to have a people from different areas of the community, including business owners and city and county officials.
CIA offers weekly shows at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at its theater on Chester Avenue.
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