River City Improv

River City Improv is an improv comedy troupe based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The group is an alumni group affiliated with Calvin College. The troupe gives regular public performances in West Michigan, and travels the country on behalf of Calvin College to support the fund raising efforts of regional alumni chapters and to help recruit high school students. The group comprises Christians and prides itself in creating humor and wit without being offensive.
History
In the fall 1993, founding members Rick Treur and Jeanne Leep found themselves alumni of both Calvin College and its improv team. With the help of a few friends and fellow improvisors, River City Improv was formed as performing group with the intention of performing monthly for the greater Grand Rapids community.
The first public performance, in February 1994, had an impressive audience composed of 12 friends and family. With several years of persistent advertising and performing, the group built a following that regularly filled its 125-seat theater space located at 10 Weston in downtown Grand Rapids. In order to accommodate its growing audience in its existing space, members of the group committed to performing 2 weekends a month, and later 2 shows per night. With an additional load of private performances, the group decided to move to a larger theater space and only have one performance per night. For a few years, River City Improv continued to test its audience by performing in several different locations, settling on the 440-seat theater in the Ladies Literary Club in downtown Grand Rapids, literally around the corner from its original location. RCI performed there until the Spring of 2005. In the fall of 2005 RCI moved to Wealthy Theatre, a historic theater in Grand Rapids, for almost two years, with its audiences following along. In the fall of 2007, RCI returned to the Ladies Literary Club after the historic structure was purchased by Calvin College.
In order to keep the groups Calvin College connection, summer public performances are held in the (air-conditioned) Gezon Auditorium on Calvin College's campus.
Tenth Anniversary
It's an interesting fact that the average lifespan of an improv troupe is less than one year. So when River City Improv reached the 10-year milestone, members thought it would be appropriate to celebrate. In February 2004, RCI gave its 10-year tribute performance with improvising, dance and multimedia to a standing-room-only crowd of 1200+. RCI members past and present were invited to perform on stage and celebrate at the following reception.
Performance style
River City Improv performs what is commonly referred to as 'short form' improvisational comedy. Similar to Whose Line is it Anyway, shows comprise several skits/games which rely on audience suggestions and some form or structure. Occasionally shows open with a dance number, sketch comedy or even 5-minute tributes to various movies, television shows and other pop culture.
Current members
Rick Treur director, founder (1993)
Russ Roozeboom (1993)
Wendy Nance (1993)
Tracey (1993)
Michele Dykstra (1993)
Marty Wondergem (1995)
Adam Mollhagen (2001)
Todd Herring (2001)
Melissa Rozeboom (2004)
Mike Ryskamp (2005)
Dave Lyzenga (2008)
Jeff VanHaitsma (1996, 2009)
Alumni Members
Jeanne Leep founder
Mary Jane Pories
Bob Dekker
Marc Evan Jackson
Nathan Vandenbroek
Leah Carpenter
Joel Veenstra
Davy Tyson
Teresa TerHaar
Judi DeJager
Matthew Sahr
Kirsten Kelly
Dan Voetberg
Kiff VandenHeuvel
Christopher DeJong
Beth DeVries

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