After a pandemic-induced hiatus, Springfield Improv is back to making the Queen City laugh in person, in a brand-new space.
You can see that space, Springfield Studio 1, when Springfield Improv presents “One Night Only” Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m.
“It is a musical comedy with a different theme each month,” said owner Seth White. “This month, of course, will be Valentine’s themed. The show begins with suggestions gathered from the audience. Those suggestions inspire the performers who create a one-hour musical.”
Shows, classes went virtual during pandemic
White and his crew are thrilled to be returning to live audiences. The loss of the ability to play to them safely led to the closure of Springfield Improv’s rented theatre space downtown in 2020, after six years of hosting shows, classes, poetry slams and more. Like many businesses, the improv troupe had to innovate.
“We switched to online shows and classes,” White said. “We ran a few shows online and did some classes through Zoom. As anyone who has had to switch to remote work knows, things are not the same on a computer screen as they are live and in person, so we are very happy to be back in front of live audiences and holding in-person classes.”
Springfield Improv moved into Springfield Studio 1, run by David Carr, in October of 2022 and officially returned to in-person shows and classes. Located in an old warehouse — at 1300 West Poplar St., near Kansas and Chestnut expressways — it is a mixed-use space with rooms for theatre performances, classes, gatherings, podcasting and more.
Springfield Studio 1 can hold more than 50 people for shows and its classroom space can easily accommodate 20 people.
That’s good news for White, who teaches improv classes and workshops for Springfield Improv.
“We also are doing shows for private groups and have recently performed at churches, business events and school events,” White said. “Our current Level 1 class filled up and we had to turn people away, so it is suggested that people sign up early for the next one.”
Each show is one-of-a-kind
Thanks to the nature of improv, Saturday night’s show will be one-of-a-kind. That’s where the name “One Night Only” came from.
“Every show is different and will never be repeated, so they are each around for one night only,” White said. “We use recorded tracks and make up brand-new lyrics for each song in the show. So each show is improv, a comedy and a musical all rolled into one.”
Can’t make it to February’s show? Don’t worry. There will be more chances to catch Springfield Improv.
“In March, our musical show ‘One Night Only' will be taking a month off and in its place, we will have a one-time variety show featuring performances and improv called ‘Fems & Thems,’” White said. “In April ‘One Night Only’ will return.”
Want to go?
What: “One Night Only” musical improv from Springfield Improv
When: Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
Where: Springfield Studio 1, 1300 W. Poplar St.
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
For more information: Visit Springfield Improv’s website, or find them on Facebook.
