Fort Hamilton’s Improv Team competed for the very first time against numerous performing arts schools in New York City, with a strong start. They ended up winning the citywide competition, which consisted of different improv routines and games, each assessed by a panel of judges.
Some of the games included Beads on a String, which involves creating an entire story based on one sentence; Four Corners, in which different contestants are randomly paired together with different themes to inspire their improvised acts; and more.
According to the members of the improv team, the competition was a success, not just because of the Improv Team’s victory, but also because of the chance to forge bonds with students from other schools. “My favorite part of competing was probably meeting new people from other schools,” said Kyle Sharadovsky, a member of the improv team. “Although we didn’t talk to a lot of the others, it was fun getting to know the ones that we did talk to. It’s a completely new environment, and definitely stressful, too, but it was nice that we all got along even if we were competing.”
Although the art of improvisation can be nerve wracking, many of the members said they barely felt anxious. “To be honest, at any given point in the competition, I did not once feel scared,” freshman Miya Zhu explained. “It’s utterly pointless to be intimidated in a competition where you have to stand out and make the crowd yours.”
Sharadovsky agreed, noting that, “Although we weren’t too confident about winning, and even when we did make mistakes, Mx. Shields and Ms. Dawud believed in our abilities.”
While the Improv Team only has one round of their competition left this year, that is not where their ambitions end. Sharadovsky stated that the Improv Team plans on starting a separate improv club as well, for both members and enthusiasts to exercise their skill. “Most likely next year will be when we turn it into a club,” added Zhu. She also added that the team plans on competing out of state next year.
The final round of the competition took place in late May, and the Improv Team won in the league. Because East Coast finals were not held this year, however, the Improv Team will have a spot reserved for them in the finals next year.
