The History of IMPROVment

In the of Fall 2001 and Spring of 2002, Matt Greenfield and Bart Keyes tried to resurrect the People's Improvisational Society (PImpS), which was (as far as they knew) the only improv troupe that Case had seen. The new group was small, lacked experience, and didn't seem to have much interest in developing to a performance-level troupe.

Nonetheless, in the Fall of 2002, that group, along with Nick Hanek's newly formed troupe, the Make-You-Laughers, staged a dinner theater murder mystery directed by Greenfield. This failed miserably and both groups ceased operations.

In the Fall of 2003, however, Matt approached Bart suggesting that they try again, taking the best of the PImpS group, but this time adding some of the talent that had been part of the Make-You-Laughers (this included, among others, the Class of 2006 theatre majors, who generally had good amounts of performance experience and ambition). The first rehearsal of this new incarnation, known as IMPROVment, of performers started rehearsing that fall. The first performance was held in the Eldred Black Box Theatre on Case Western's campus. Attendance was sparse, drawing in an estimated 15 people. However, the troupe had officially found a permanent home for the wide majority of their shows. The newly formed troupe had three shows that Fall, with attendance generally ranging from 15 to 25 people.

By the Spring of 2004, Bart Keyes had taken over troupe operations and Matt assumed his duties as host. That same semester, an aggressive advertising campaign began that resulted in a dramatic increase in attendance (this is when people started standing behind pews and sitting on the stage).

In the Fall of 2004, IMPROVment held auditions for the first time and added several new members. This now allowed IMPROVment to perform even more often because they never had to worry about being short on cast members. An aggressive advertising campaign continued, proving that the huge turnout from the previous Spring was no fluke. That year, an estimated 18 shows were performed. IMPROVment also ventured out of the Black Box, performing at such campus venues as Strosacker Auditorium and The Spot.

In the Spring of 2006, IMPROVment extended it's hold on the national improv scene by earning well-deserved accolades at the Chicago Implosion Improv Festival. The following year, in the Spring of 2007, IMPROVment took first place at the Ohio State Improv Festival held in Columbus, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, IMPROVment had its First Annual Date Auction. The Fall of 2008 saw IMPROVment's philanthropical side with it's First Annual Charity Show working in conjunction with The Children's Miracle Network.

IMPROVment continues to see its popularity on the rise as they now perform over 40 shows a year. The history of IMPROVment will continue to grow over the next few years and many to follow.