Nothing covert about performers' love for comedy

Darcy Murray (centre) is a member of the Covert Theatre, a community improv group that likes to laugh.

One's a doctor, another works as a barrister and there are several teachers, a builder or two, a software developer and a chemical engineer in their ranks. What they share is an addiction to improv theatre — the kind that requires a quick wit and equally quick thinking.

Every week, performer Nik Edwards, software developer Mike Witt, executive and leadership coach Tamara Androsoff and builder Darcy Murray join a group that numbers up to 50 people, aged 22-68, to play.

They're part of the Covert Theatre, a group that exists to make and perform high-quality improvisational theatre and help developing performing artists take their talents to the next level. The Covert Theatre itself came out of one of New Zealand's most successful comedy ventures, the Improv Bandits who have been around for 21 years.

Founder Wade Jackson wanted to pass on the enjoyment he got from making improv — the fun, the laughter and the creativity — to those in the community who didn't necessarily want to give up their day jobs. Jackson says the improv scene has never been stronger.

Each of Covert Theatre's members has made a show and these are now being staged as part of a Winter Season of Improv.

Why do they do it?

Edwards, who works mainly as an educator at MOTAT, says it's partly to challenge himself and to learn new skills; Witt says it's about connecting with people and Murray describes it as a way of expressing creativity which is part of being human.

"I used to go and watch [improv theatre] and thought it would be fun to do and, two years later, I'm still doing it," says Androsoff. "You get to get out of your everyday life and play, and how often, as adults, do you get to that without being arrested?"

Jackson himself terms it active mindfulness because it demands performers be completely focused on what they're making — and just what they're making is being revealed through a series of midwinter performances, now under way.

Although each performance hinges on audience suggestions, there are various themes and tropes to use when creating a performance: the faux catastrophe, the pick a path or scenes involving characters being stuck in certain situations.

"You're asking for something from the audience," says Jackson.

They describe it as a healthy addiction with Witt saying the weekly classes are the highlight of his week and Murray terming it the best stress relief around.

Lowdown
What: Covert Theatre Season of Improv
Where & when: Tiny Theatre, Garnet Station; until September 29.
See coverttheatre.com for full programme