MSU Theatre Presents Unpredictably Fun ‘Unscripted’ Improv  

MSU Theatre Presents Unpredictably Fun ‘Unscripted’ Improv  

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre presents “MSU Unscripted,” a completely improvised production, showcasing the talents of the department’s first-year students, where audience members are invited to participate by offering suggestions when called upon. The spontaneous “MSU Unscripted” performances are scheduled for Nov. 21-24, 2024, at Studio 60 in the MSU Auditorium with each performance offering a unique blend of classic and innovative improv games to connect the audience and foster new friendships.

Four people standing on the left of the photo with both their hands raised. In the middle is a man leaning back on the ground with one of his legs crossed and on the right of the photo is a woman itting on the ground with her legs crossed staring and pointing at the four people who are standing.
Director Sarah Hendrickson (far right) with some of the student cast members of “MSU Unscripted” as they improvise different scenarios and scenes. (Photo by Robert Reid Goodson)

“The personalities of our newest students come together like a puzzle…there isn’t a script; the performers are making everything up off the top of their heads,” said Director Sarah Hendrickson, MSU Department of Theatre instructor, improviser, actress, and producer. “We strive, in the Department of Theatre, to help students push the boundaries of discovery to become artists and find the humor in things whenever possible.”  

The “MSU Unscripted” production is an annual tradition that first began 18 years ago and has become a favorite part of the MSU Theatre first-year student experience for its spontaneous creativity, talent, and the fun that comes from improvisation. The show also breaks through barriers to genuine friendships because of the camaraderie and trust built from on-the-spot performances under a time limit.  

“One of my favorite principles of improvisation is the idea that there are no mistakes, only opportunities to explore a new idea.”

Sarah Hendrickson, Director and Theatre Instructor

To prepare for “MSU Unscripted,” the student cast has been improvising different scenarios and scenes.

“One of my favorite principles of improvisation is the idea that there are no mistakes, only opportunities to explore a new idea,” Hendrickson said. “Improv comedians are constantly looking at given circumstances with a new perspective and working as an ensemble to achieve a common goal.” 

Performance Dates and Times: 

  • Thursday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m.   
  • Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.  
  • Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.  

Tickets

Tickets for “MSU Unscripted” can be purchased online at whartoncenter.com/events/detail/msu-unscripted, in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, or by calling 517-432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON. 

Ticket Pricing:

  • General Admission: $20  
  • Seniors and Faculty: $15  
  • Students: $10   

For more information on this show and other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit whartoncenter.com/events/category/dept-of-theatre. 

Categories: Performance / Production / Student / Student / Theatre / Visual Arts, Arts Administration, and Performing Arts