Actors from Reno’s local theaters went head-to-head for the first time ever in the Improv Olympix tournament. Four teams battled it out on the Good Luck Macbeth stage Feb. 20-22, with only one prevailing as improv champions.
Each night, two teams faced off ‘til it was down to a winner. On the first night, Good Luck Macbeth’s team “The Ladies That Brunch” came out victorious against Brüka’s team, “Free Radicals.” On evening two, Reno Little Theater’s “J.A.M.” (Just Ask Melissa) improv team beat out Reno Improv’s “Better Strangers.”
For the finale, it was between Good Luck Macbeth and Reno Little Theater. The team captains took turns creating improv challenges, then the two teams performed a scene based on the prompt and audience suggestions. The judges rated each performance on a scale from 1 to 5.
By the end of all of the challenges, the two teams were tied 88-88. The competition went into sudden-death, and each team had to perform a two-minute scene of a five act Shakespeare-inspired tragedy. Taking a one point lead, the cast form Reno Little Theater came out victorious.
The finale was full of hilarious antics, unexpected twists, and some good-old improv. The audience interaction was at a peak, and the performers on stage worked well off the high energy.
The purpose of the event, beyond a weekend of fun, friendly competition, was to fundraise and support the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Awareness. An information booth was set up and a short speech on the topic was given mid-show.
If you were a part of the unlucky bunch who missed out on this show, no need to fret. The theaters plan to make this competition an annual occurrence, so keep on the look-out for the 2021 edition.
Hosted by Tim Mahoney
Scorekeeper: Amelia Giles
Tech Director: Derek Nance
Judges:
- Night 1: Kaya Stanley, Carrie Lynn, Joe Montelongo
- Night 2: Anna Christie, Jessica Daylove, Ian Sorenson
- Night 3: Emily Skyle-Golden, Sophie Moeller, Evonne Kezios
Good Luck Macbeth Team (The Ladies That Brunch):
- Christopher Daniels (Team Captain)
- Stacy Johnson
- Joe Atack
Brüka Team (Free Radicals):
- Mary Bennett
- Jennifer Rae
- Leslie Newcomb
Reno Little Theatre Team (J.A.M. Just Ask Melissa):
- Ryan Costello
- Bryce Keil
- Libby Bakke
- Scott Hernandez
Reno Improv Team (Better Strangers):
- Justin Kavanagh (Team Captain)
- Chris Thigpen
- Kaity Librada
- Diana Martin
