Clippings from local media:

Michigan Tech Lode -- late January, 1995


"Student Ensemble Fosters Creativity"
• Michigan Tech Lode -- Friday, March 17th, 1995
  
  "The Troupe Brings Their Unique Brand of
  Theatre to Fourth Annual Campus Show"

  Peninsula News -- Friday, April 7th, 1995
  

  "Troupe Performs at Calumet Theatre's
  Family/Children Series"

  The Daily Bull -- Thursday, March 21st, 1996
  

  "The Troupe Brings Fresh Laughs to Michigan Tech"

  Michigan Tech Lode -- Friday, May 2nd, 1997
  

  "Improv Group Hit's Walker Theatre Next Week"

  Michigan Tech Lode -- Friday, May 16th, 1997
  

  "Sixth Annual Comedy Show Parody's Television"

The Michigan Tech Lode, Friday, March 17th, 1995:

The Troupe Brings Their Unique Brand
of Theatre to 4th Annual Campus Show
by Tressa Schultz
Lode Staff Writer

Based on a traditionally conservative campus, the Troupe is anything but conservative. As MTU's only improvisational acting group, they have been known to bring nearly any subject to life on the stage.

Now they are at it again. With nearly two months of practice and brainstorming under their belts, the Troupe's 4th Annual Campus Comedy Show promises to have their audiences laughing in delight.

Founded six years ago, the Troupe is the only comedic group of its kind on Michigan Tech's campus. Directed by Sue Stephens of the Fine Arts Department, the group meets regularly to developtheir improvisational style of comedy. For three nights every week, Walker Theatre is full of laughter as the members practice the art form that is elgendary for being one of the most difficult.

Their main focus this time of year, though, is their annual campus production. Once again, in keeping with tradition, the members have developed the sketches themselves. Brainstorming is random, with each person contributing ideas as they come into their heads. The result is a show that illustrates the humor of everyday life, taking events and occurences common to all of us and making them seem a bit less problematic or a bit more silly.

According to Stephens, the Troupe has been working ont heir ideas for the Campus Show for about two months now, with the most intense work being done since Spring Break. She says that even though their style is improvisational, the comedy still needs to be polished a bit. For the most part, Stephens lets the members dow hat feels right to them -- what they believe is funny is kept, what isn't is out.

The basic motto of the group seems to be, "If it's not funny, don't say it," as one member said at the beginning of rpactice Wednesday. Going through their routines, the members offered suggestions to improve their already entertaining skits. With a variety of creative minds, the ideas abounded and changes were made. Nonetheless, the distinctive style of improv was there -- keeping the audience wondering what is going to be done or said next.

This annual production is a popular one on Tech's campus, selling out both nights alst year. Witht he creative styles and animated personalities that developt he sketches, one can understand why. Over ten sketches are planned along with a few surprises for this year, bringing the total length of the show to nearly two hours.

It's going to be two hours well spent. With shows on Thursday, March 23rd; Friday, March 24th; and Saturday, March 25th; there are plenty of opportunities to experience this comedic extravaganza. The shows are nightly at 8:00pm (early enough to even get in a little studying). So if you enjoy live comedy or are just looking for a break fromt he normal student life at tech, go see the show. It is well worth the time.

Ticket prices are $7 for general public, $5 for senior citizens, and $3 for students, and they are available at the SDC Central ticket Office or the Memorial Union Building Box Office.