Back Alley Productions invites all locals looking for a laugh to check out its new improv comedy series, being held each Wednesday night this summer at the Mars Theatre in LaFayette.
The series is the brainchild of Madison Smith, one of the production company's directors, who founded the newly formed Battlefish Improv group.
"She thought it would be not only a fun exercise, but a fun evening for people," Back Alley Executive Director Kaylee Smith said of her sister.
Since beginning June 13, the improv group has brought attendees an entirely unscripted show conceived in the moment.
"Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But it's hilarious no matter what," Kaylee said.
The troupe performs using organic longform improv, an improvisational structure where actors rely on verbal prompts from the audience to create a narrative. Anything from "zoo" to "telegram" to "eyebrows" is fair game.
"The story just goes down a hilarious rabbit hole," Kaylee laughed. "One night we went from [the word] 'zoo' to a magical forest somehow. It builds on itself."
While other forms of improv might give the actors time to pause or create their own monologue before the story begins, organic longform does not, challenging the performers to dive right in with no delay.
However, Kaylee added, since the improv group's seven members consist of actors already experienced due to their work in prior productions with Back Alley, the stories are cohesive.
"Even though it's a free show, it's not an amateur show," she said.
Kaylee believes the show sets itself apart from Back Alley's other productions because the audience gets to see the creative process unfold firsthand.
"When you do improv, you get to see the birth and creation of a story right before your eyes," she said. "The people who are up there, they're not just the actors, they're the writers and directors and scenic people, because in that very moment, this idea comes to the stage. They create it right before your eyes, and it's this huge, wonderful story."
At the moment, the group performs exclusively at the Mars, but that could change based on the series' reception.
"If they take off really, really well, who knows, you might see them around," Kaylee said.
The free show will continue every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. until mid-August. Because of its unscripted nature, the show is recommended for those age 18 and above.
Those interested in attending can reserve a seat by visiting bapshows.com or calling 706-621-2870.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.