Improv Team Q&As: Abby Berlin
What made you decide to join Improv?
“When I was little, [alumni] Emily Toppen used to babysit my sister and me. Occasionally, over the summer, she would host improv practices and we would end up being a practice audience for them. After that, I always loved going to the shows and decided to try out with my friend.”
What is your favorite Improv memory?
“My favorite memory from Improv has to be hanging out with everyone on the Chicago trip each night. We would all come back from the show and hang out in the hotel. It was a lot of fun to just mess around and do dumb stuff with each other. I also remember [sophomore] Sofia [Hargis-Acevedo] stepping in some guy’s pee in the subway, which was hard to forget.”
Why should FHC students join Improv next year?
“I think the Improv team is a perfect way to try out theater without having any prior experience. While my sister has always been involved in plays and musicals, I’ve always stuck to trying different sports. This year, I decided to try something out of my comfort zone, and along the way, [I’ve] made so many great friendships with everyone on the team. It also helps a lot with public speaking and being able to think on your feet.”
What is the most entertaining Improv game, and why?
“My favorite improv game has to be “Freeze.” It’s basically where two people go up and do a scene. If you want to change it, you clap your hands, yell freeze, tap someone to take your place, and then you have to start a completely new scene with the person left. I like the fact that the entire group plays and you get a chance to run through many different scenes with many different people.”
Who do you think is the funniest person during Improv this year?
“I mean, the political answer would be to say we’re all incredibly funny (because we are), but if I’d have to pick just one, I’d go with [senior] Benji [Zorn]. The thing I admire most about him is how incredibly random he is. He always thinks out of the box, and you can always depend on him to have an entertaining scene.”
If you had to eat at any restaurant every single day what would it be?
“Easy—Little Bangkok. It’s right across from Forest Hills Foods and has the best Thai food I’ve ever eaten.”
What’s a song that reminds you of your Improv experience?
“A song that reminds me of my improv experience would maybe be “Vienna” by Billy Joel, I think it’s a perfect metaphor for embracing change. Even though at first, I was a little hesitant about trying out, it was one of my best decisions. I’ve never seen myself as a very funny person and was worried that I would absolutely suck. I’m proud to say how far I’ve come these past months and can’t wait for my future theatrical pursuits.”
Why should people come watch the show?
“People should come watch because it will be the hardest they laughed at any show they have ever seen! It’s an amazing group of creative and funny people, plus it’s the perfect chance to do something different for a change.”