By KJ Burns, Managing Editor
Newman University’s improv troupe, the Sloppy Joes, will begin its new season at 7 p.m. Friday in the Jabara Black Box Theatre.
The first show will not have a specific theme but will introduce the troupe’s new members. Admission is free.
The Sloppy Joes perform short-form improvisational comedy, creating scenes and games based on prompts from the audience.
“We make it up as we go. We act without a script and hopefully it’s funny,” said senior co-captain Deqlan Mitchell.
The troupe currently has seven members, including new members Gwyn Sutton, sophomore, and Jess Carroll, freshman, who joined through auditions earlier this semester. The group typically has 10 members and is still looking for students interested in improv and acting.
Mitchell said the group plans to continue experimenting with new ideas this year. One planned show will feature a mock court where performers argue about pet peeves and disagreements submitted by the audience.
The group also plans to hold another outdoor show and a Valentine’s Day-themed performance that will likely be based around the dating show “Love Island,” Mitchell said.
Sloppy Joes also holds two PG-13 shows and two R-rated shows each semester. The homecoming show and senior sendoff are planned to be held outside in Founders Plaza.
The troupe drew more than 130 people to its senior sendoff last year and about 120 people to its Valentine’s dinner-date show, Mitchell said.
Last year, the group also experimented with an alumni show with 24 performers and an outdoor show held at night.
With Mitchell and fellow co-captain Maxwell Masem both graduating this year, the group will also have to select new student leaders for future seasons.
Mitchell said having a full group of 10 members would give more students the opportunity to participate and help the troupe continue trying new ideas.
Those interested in joining should email either Mitchell or Masem.
PHOTO: AJ Bonilla, Staff Photographer
