I’ve been introduced to the world of improv and it’s been thrilling. My third show in Austin, “A Fine Affair”, was an original play set on the backdrop of a Cotillion. The storyline follows a chain of circumstances that leads to the belle of the ball going missing while the family is left to pick up the pieces.
The comedic tragedy explores the dynamics of a misshapen family brought together for a common purpose: the coming of age of a daughter whose intended sabotage ultimately leads to her unintentional death.
I played the mother of the saboteur and deceased: Elenora Jean Davis, the pious, upright counterpart to her atheistic father. Comedy ensues.
Something I found unique about this production was the technical aspect of incorporating mild comedic improvisation and working collaboratively alongside the writers. Director-writers Ryan Darbonne and CC Hinojosa encouraged us to contribute to the dialogue freely as we saw fit. It felt as though I had a hand in developing my character and my impulses were on full display.
The Coldtowne Theatre features a small stage and close backstage quarters, which allowed for tight-knit humor with the cast between scenes. The show ran for four weeks and my favorite aspect was incorporating new improvisational techniques the cast taught me from their own training in warm ups.