With all of the stress surrounding exams and papers, what better way to push it aside and relax for a night than laughing until your sides hurt?
On the evenings of October 21 and 22, Ohio State students were invited to attend the third annual Bellwether Improv Comedy Festival held in the US Bank Conference Theater of the Ohio Union.
The free event, which was a collaboration between the Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) and 8th Floor Improv, showcased a unique variety of improv groups. With teams from a total of 10 different colleges including Ohio State, Case Western, Georgetown, and Harvard, as well as a collection of professional groups, laughter was certainly plentiful.
Teams performed what is known as “long-form” improv: a collection of various scenes stemming from a single word that is given by the audience.
Though one might expect nothing but chaos, performers skillfully managed to link together hilarious scenes with even a word as eccentric as “raptor.”
Cory Frame, a third year OSU student and the Marketing Director of 8th Floor Improv, began doing improv his freshman year when he was accepted into the group. He expressed nothing but positive feedback for the event.
“I’m ecstatic with the outcome of tonight,” he said. “We worked very hard and planned a long time. We also want to give a big shout-out to OUAB for making this possible.”
Amongst the group of performers was Ohio State alumnus Matt Starr, 23, who now works in television production in New York City. Matt, who came as part of the newly formed team Galahad, enjoyed his return to Ohio and the opportunity to contribute to the festival.
“It’s a pleasure to be a part of it and perform with so many great teams,” he commented. “I [also] love coming back. I’m a Buckeye through and through, so it’s always nice to come home to Ohio State.”
Audience members seemed to be just as pleased with what the evening had to offer.
First year student Michaela Nardo said, “Bellwether was an enjoyable experience that had me laughing the whole time. It was so funny the first night that I went back the second night and had an even better time.”
Ohio State professor Joy Reilly, who has attended every year of the festival, also did not leave disappointed.
“I think Bellwether is terrible fun; it’s a wonderful celebration of comedy improv. I was also very proud of the OSU students and alums. I really hope this continues to be an annual event,” she said.
Pictured: The professional group from Chicago, Pudding-Thank-You