By: Jaylen Robinson; Contributing Writer
Photos by Alex Allen

On Sunday, Feb. 16, the University of South Alabama’s Improv USA club lit up Laidlaw Performing Arts Center with two free-admission shows that left the audience roaring with laughter and delight. Titled “Love at First Laugh,” the evening was a blend of love, comedy, and spontaneity.

The club’s talented ensemble included Allison Brown, Matthew Cogevich, Cat Copenhaver, Josie DiCapua, Thomas Diep, Wes Genard, Dylan Hearin, Harper Higdon, Lilly Johnson, Trevor Miller, Kelby Smith, and Ari Theodore. The crew took to the stage to perform a series of carefully crafted and funny games. With audience suggestions fueling the creativity on stage, the performers seamlessly shifted between fictional characters and off-the-cuff scenarios, ensuring that every moment was fresh and full of surprises.

The evening kicked off with a quirky dating game that set the tone for the night. In a format reminiscent of a zany dating show, actors embodied roles such as a “Care Bear” contestant, a “Minecraft Villager,” and a surprise character named Ernie, who was a bachelor seeking a match for love. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Bert, the game opened with the question, “What will we do on the first date?” One contestant cheekily responded, “Take you to the Outback,” while another promised to “help you and take care of you.” However, the game took an unexpected turn when one character, boasting of a life spent in the spotlight and on the move, was humorously unmasked as a serial killer, prompting a mix of shocked disbelief and laughter from both the cast and the audience.

Next up was “New Choice,” a game that allowed the host to dynamically alter the flow of the sketch by calling for a fresh start whenever the scene needed a dramatic pivot. Centered around the theme “Shirt Brothers” The ability to reset and reinvent the scene on the fly added a layer of unpredictability that kept everyone on their toes.

Prop Game was next, where a seemingly normal scene quickly descended into chaos. With the scene set in a bunker, cards drawn onstage directed performers to use the prop they randomly selected.  These random props led to clown honk noises, the distribution of a mystery pill, and an unexpected nod to a “Blade of Truth” storyline.

In the Divorce Court segment, four performers divided into two teams to debate random causes. One team fought for being short, while the other team defended “Incredibles” character “Bomb Voyage.” With the audience serving as the jury, the discussion grew lively and full of witty banter, ultimately leading the judge to declare the team Bomb Voyage—the one with the most hilariously outrageous arguments—as the clear winner of the debate.

In the final act, the audience was invited to play along in the Honeymoon Slideshow Segment. Players would freeze in a pose, as if in a photograph, while the slideshow hosts attempted to explain what the audience was seeing. The evening’s grand finale was a rapid-fire montage that journeyed from a mock kidnapping to an explosive “boom” moment, ending in a ring pop proposal that perfectly captured the night’s blend of romance and riotous humor.

“Improv is a barrel of laughter,” said Alison Brown, president of Improv USA. “We hope you have love after the first laugh.”

Cat Copenhaver added, “For me, it’s all about letting loose and goofing off to hear the audience laugh with you,” a sentiment that encapsulated the night’s infectious energy.

A night to remember, “Love at First Laugh” was an immersive experience where love, comedy, and creativity collided. Improv USA once again demonstrated that when talented performers and a supportive audience come together, the result is nothing short of magic.The next time you’re in need of a good laugh, consider attending an Improv USA show. These shows happen frequently throughout the semester, so keep up with their performance schedule through their Instagram page, @improvusa.