About Improvolution

Who is that guy?

 
 

Improvolution is an ensemble minded group of improvisers based in Seattle devoted to spontaneous, committed play. Our name stands for an “improv revolution” and that’s what we are, A REVOLUTION! We have developed a new kind of improv that incorporates the fundamentals of improv theater as well as our BFA actor training. We utilize elements of the viewpoints, clown, physical theater, epic theater, and psychological drama. With the collaboration of acting, music, lighting, dance, and humor we create a fully realized piece of theater completely spontaneously. We’ve developed theatrically stimulating improv that is innovative and rebellious, dedicated and curious. Using audience suggestions we create spectacular and fantastical comedies of epic proportions completely on the spot. It has been said that art must re-invent itself with every new generation and we have worked to re-invent improv to capture the spirit of the next generation of theater goers. Our shows are fast paced, fun, and always created on the spot where the audience becomes an integral part of the production.

 

How It’s Run

  1. 1.Rotating director

  2. 2.Playing

  3. 3.One hell of a lively musician

The Players

Where did they come from?

During their freshman year at Cornish College of the Arts, a small group of spirited youth joined hands and called themselves “Improvolution.” They are now graduates performing mostly long-form improv with a little bit of no-form sprinkled in the mix.

Richard Andriessen

Samie Detzer

Jerick Hoffer

Tim Smith-Stewart

Carol Thompson

Oh, that’s just Richard. You know, the musician! One of Clarksburg California’s greatest exports, Mr. Andriessen is an accomplished pianist and composer. His rag-timey, rag-tag, on-the-rag style gets your blood pumpin’ and knee slappin’. As Improvolution’s music improviser, his razor sharp intuition and down-to-earth good looks make Richard a crucial element to our unique style. His melodies set the tone for any scene. Sing us a song, piano man!

Who can turn the world on with her smile? Why it’s sassy starlet, Samie Detzer! Whether playing a half-girl/half-ape or a southern gentleman lawyer, this woman commands the stage with her larger than life personality. Her talent looms over spectators and her tall, tall personage is a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from La Conner Washington, Ms. Detzer’s wit and unabashed attitude shine on the stage. Hava Nagila!

Oh, and there’s Jerick. I know what you’re thinking, how can such a waif of a man be such a valuable part of this team? While we ponder this question, let’s look at what we do know: Jerick is from Portland Oregon, he may or may not have narcolepsy, and nobody plays a manic-depressive housewife better. This flashy, trashy, and out-of-cashy little boy has been here from the beginning and is apparently not leaving. While we still don’t have an answer to your question, at least we have a drag queen on board. Dude looks like a lady!

San Rafael, California wept for the loss of their All-American son Tim Smith-Stewart the day he came to the Northwest. With nothing but a smile on his face and a dream in his heart, Tim alone created Timprovolution (later adapted by the ensemble to Improvolution). WIth notebook and pencil at the ready, Tim always has an opinion whether you like it or not. If he didn’t take a note about it, it didn’t happen! With a never ending sense of play, this highly excitable, scrappy young man is always willing to fight for his team members. How much is that doggy in the window?!

What is there to say about Minnesota’s own Carol Thompson that hasn’t already been shouted from the mountain tops? “Two steps too far” barely describes this lady’s outlandish sensibility. She weaves an intricate tapestry of eccentric characters and unheard of scenarios. Often playing inanimate objects and physical manifestations of metaphysical concepts, her most notable characters include the H1N1 virus, the gold ghost, the moon, and Lady Valium. In touch with her body and others’, Carol doesn’t let the confines of space-object restrict her. She’s got no strings to hold her down!

Dana Blasingame

The prodigal son of Improvolution, Dana Blasingame, is reborn like a phoenix from the flames. After migrating to who knows where, Dana heard Improvolution’s mating call and returned to her Improv flock. This flighty songbird from Spokane, Washington first graced our stage three years ago with her don’t-give-a-hoot attitude. You won’t call “fowl play” on this little tweetheart. Sail on, silver bird!

biographies