To Thine Own Self Be Amused

BOWLING GREEN, O.—The award-winning Improvised Shakespeare Company has toured the world over and now sets its sights on Bowling Green State University. The company will enthrall audiences at 8 p.m.  April 5 in Kobacker Hall as part of the College of Musical Arts Festival Series.

The group begins its shows by requesting suggestions from the audience. Then they take off, spinning tales of power struggles, star-crossed lovers, persons in disguise—all in traditional Elizabethan style and dress. The troupe does not rehearse beforehand, so each performance is unique. Wondering if the night ends in tragedy or comedy? So are they.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company, founded in 2005, frequently performs at the iO Theater in Chicago and has been named Chicago’s best improv group by the Chicago Reader and Chicago Examiner. The company has been awarded the New York Nightlife Award for Best Comedic Performance by a Group and recently earned the Ensemble of the Year title from the Chicago Improv Foundation. They have performed at Bonnaroo, the Piccolo Spoleto Fringe Festival and the San Francisco Sketchfest.

TimeOut Chicago says Improvised Shakespeare is “staggeringly brilliant” as well as “smart, sophisticated and downright hilarious.”

Susan Hoekstra, director of public events for the College of Musical Arts, said, "Not only is Improvised Shakespeare Company one of the top improv groups, many of my presenter colleagues have raved about the quality and the fun. You'll laugh, maybe even cry, but you'll certainly leave with a smile on your face as you enjoy this one-of-a-kind, on-the-spot creativity. "

To purchase tickets, call the Arts Box Office at 419-372-8171 or visit bgsu.edu/arts.