Frisco Improv Players like to make other people laugh until their bellies hurt, and then push for a few more giggles; plus some genuine snorts.
"There are no wrinkles in people's faces, just laugh lines," quips founder/director of the FIP troupe, Bob Zak, a retired Frito-Lay supply chain manager who discovered improv entertainment a couple decades ago at Four Day Weekend in Fort Worth when he attended a show there. He says afterward, he took their improv class; after graduating, he auditioned for and joined ComedySportz, which was then located in the West End in Dallas and is now offered in McKinney at The Comedy Arena.
Previously a standup comedian, Bob went on to perform with the ComedySportz team for about 200 shows over four years. He then launched his own FIP group by combining his humor prowess with a couple other talented performers, before holding an open audition to round out the team.
"I always liked to make people laugh through comedy and open mic nights," he recalls.
FIP's fast-paced improv is popular and suitable for all audiences, he says. "Many patrons thank us for our approach, saying they'd stopped going to other comedy clubs due to the language used."
This troupe also is available for team-building workshops, school celebrations, corporate shows, parties or special events for folks of all ages, and have performed for a wide range of audiences.
"It's an amazing achievement that four of our original troupe are still performing together. We stayed with it, had truly interesting rehearsals, and have such a good time while performing about six times a year now, after handling monthly shows for a decade," Bob states.
Alfred Arias, one of those founding FIP members, says improv comedy enabled him to create and share stories. "It's given me a voice, and has allowed me to be around some of the most talented artists in North Texas. It's been a privilege and joy to keep the show going for so many years."
He adds, "Come see our show. The world could use some laughter!"
"Improv provides a creative, winding journey with performers who allow everyone to shine," shares Roxanne Penz, FIP founding member, of Plano.
Evelyn Davis, FIP founding member who also lives in Plano, agrees, "Improv is an investment in trust of your fellow performers."
To maintain a solid stage presence, most comedians indicate it takes a combination of energy, creativity, charisma, open perspectives, timing, audience engagement and ability to stay calm. The skill of storytelling in improv also weaves in interesting adventures, discoveries or life's conflicts.
Bob, who also serves as president of the Frisco Theater board, says he offers an "Intro to Improvisation" course for $250, in which participants learn, practice and perform basic skills of improvisation: active listening, being in the moment, agreement and collaboration. "Whether you're looking to become a performer or a more effective communicator, listener and leader, you'll learn in a fun, supportive way," he adds.
The most recent course is being conducted through once-weekly Wednesday sessions from March 19 through April 23. Prior to the course starting, a free class preview was hosted.
At press time, Bob says he plans to offer the course again during this September.
Dallas resident and FIP original member Sherry Etzel says improv basics have kept her mental muscles flexed and even helped her to adapt and react to whatever situation comes her way in business and daily life. "It also reminds me of how important listening is when dealing with others. The troupe created great friendships through the art of performance and living in the moment.
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Frisco Improv Players is an improvisational comedy troupe based in Frisco. Founded in May 2012, the FIP crew specializes in clean, game-based comedic performances, similar to those seen on the syndicated television show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” They typically perform at the Frisco Discovery Center.