Made Up Theatre

Great grassroots improv theatre in Fremont! FREMONT, peoples! This group is on par with other improv troupes in the Bay Area. Even more awesome because every other week they switch between short form (a la Whose Line) and long form, which culminates in a fully improvised play! Looking for something to do on Saturdays? For the price of a movie, watch some hilarious live theatre!

A bit of a different take for my review of Made Up Theatre - I am NOT ONLY a fan of watching Made Up Theatre's troupe - Five Play Improv - perform their long form and their short form improv (via Saturday night shows as Five Play and with Laugh Track City) BUT ALSO a student improvisor with them since they began teaching classes and workshops. They make life more fun!

I took my very first improv class with Made Up Theatre (MUT) in Jan 2011. With zero drama, theater, and performance experience (maybe except for high school band and cultural/ethnic dances back in college), MUT has transformed my initial anxiety (and my somewhat misunderstood concept) about improv to a love for this fascinating craft. AND the unexpected BONUS - the improv community is a really fun community.  I enjoy the opportunity to spend a couple hours each week to be with a variety of people who are curious and interested in this craft of improv.

Made Up Theatre classes are affordable, fun, and helpful in learning and practicing life skills (e.g., listening, supporting, making choices, building relationships, being expressive, etc.). I feel like the instructors care about each person's development.  They are supportive and encouraging of students trying other forms of improv, which I think says a lot (in a positive way) about their wanting students to have a range of improv tools and skills from which to draw upon. They even host Make A Wish events, giving back to the community.  

THEREFORE, in addition to making Saturday nights your MUT improv show night, definitely consider going at least to one of Made Up Theatre's intro classes, day workshop, or student jams to experience what and how improv can make your life more fun. Oh yeah, and get on their newsletter mailing list and check out Goldstar for specials!

I expected just to take a Level A class and be done. Lo and behold, I'm starting my Level C class and couldn't be more happy about it. I've learned so much so far that I can apply to my daily life, in my career, and with friends and family. It's not so much about spitting out jokes and getting the punchline. That's what stand up comedy is for. Improv is unrehearsed, organic, and spontaneous. It's really about actively listening, working with your scene partner (the concept of "Yes and...") to create dynamic,  funny moments, and to understand relationships. If you're looking to break out of your shell, try something different, and meet new people, this is the place for you!

Also their Saturday night shows are, by far, too hilarious. They will leave you in stitches, tears in your eyes, and abdominal muscles cramping from all the laughing you'll be doing. There are two types of shows, Laugh Track City (1st & 3rd Sats) and Five Play (2nd & 4th Sats). Laugh Track City is similar to the show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" with quick, fun games. Five Play is a long form of improv that creates a story based on a suggestion from the audience. Both are wonderful!

Ben, Dustin, Sean, Bobby, and Karin are phenomenal in their craft. Make sure to check out a show and see them in action!