Written by M.K. Killen
Evan Schloss is challenging seasoned improvisers and recent graduates alike in a new horror-comedy mashup. This first-of-its-kind short-form show will take place on Saturday, April 26.
Want to Play a Game?
Schloss wanted to bring more game-based improv back to The Focus Theater while adding a twist to attract a new audience. Schloss and their partner, both horror movie fans, were brainstorming when the idea came about.
“What if it was 'Saw' short form, and we start eliminating players?” Schloss recalled.
Anna Eggleton and Dan Hopman were instrumental in getting the idea off the ground. Schloss explained that short form can sometimes feel jumbled or chaotic for audiences because it lacks an overarching narrative.
“As soon as it was named, it just felt easy and right. Everyone agreed it was a fun idea,” Schloss said.
As a group, the team realized they could tell a story throughout the show, creating games within a game. Schloss credits Hopman for his high-concept collaboration and other big ideas.
The ultimate question for Schloss was, “How do we get people invested in these players?”
The answer, they realized, might involve putting improvisers’ lives on the line…metaphorically, of course.
The show features both recent graduates of The Focus Theater along with veteran performers. The idea being that more experienced improvisers can help coach or direct nervous newcomers, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable on stage.
“Everything about this is silly and not actually too scary,” Schloss said.
Embrace Your Fears
Schloss discovered The Focus Theater around 2018 after moving back to Rochester. Friend and fellow collaborator, Jes Hughson, invited Schloss to a jam session.
Schloss had loved the idea of improv since first seeing the original British version of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” but always felt too intimidated to try it themselves. They immediately felt welcomed at The Focus Theater, where the inviting culture allowed them to realize that improv wasn’t as serious as they had thought.
Of their early days, “The environment felt safe enough to push myself and try it,” Schloss remembered.
They started taking classes at the theater and never looked back. Schloss now considers the Focus community one of their biggest social supports.
“I don’t get nervous before a show because I’m having fun with my friends, and no one is going to blame or judge me if we have a bad show,” Schloss explained.
Schloss hopes bringing short form back to the Focus’ stage with this fresh concept will both inspire a new generation of improvisers and provide exposure to those just starting out.
“We’re all just up there doing dumb stuff, and none of it matters,” they said.
Schloss encouraged those in the audience or those who haven’t tried improv to realize it’s not as difficult or scary as it looks. It can feel intimidating at first, but with repetition, it becomes more comfortable.
“The more you make a fool of yourself, the more the audience likes it,” Schloss assured.
Schloss promises “I Want To Play a Game” is meant to be silly, not scary. The show is just about people on stage having fun… and maybe losing a few limbs in the process.
“That could be the tagline of improv,” Schloss joked. “‘Improv: It’s not that scary!’”
Get in on the fun with Schloss and friends at "I Want to Play a Game" on Saturday, April 26th.