Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre will feature the largest cast in the history of the department’s first-year student showcase when MSU Unscripted takes the Studio 60 Theatre stage in the MSU Auditorium building Nov. 30-Dec. 3. This year’s MSU Unscripted cast includes 30 first-year Theatre students, the most ever for the first-year showcase, which began 17 years ago.

This night of comedy will feature MSU students performing a mix of classic and new improv games. Every performance will be completely different because everything will be made up on the spot, or “unscripted,” inspired by audience suggestions.

“One of my favorite principles of improvisation is the idea that there are no mistakes, only opportunities to explore a new idea,” said Director Sarah Hendrickson, MSU Department of Theatre Improvisation and Acting faculty. “Improv comedians are constantly looking at given circumstances with a new perspective and working as an ensemble to achieve a common goal. We strive, in the Department of Theatre, to help students push the boundaries of discovery to become artists and find the humor in things whenever possible.”  

The 26 student performers, all freshmen Theatre students, have been placed on five different teams. Each team will perform twice over the run of five shows.

The performers have enjoyed preparing for the show and are looking forward to the MSU Unscripted performances. The following are what they are saying about the show:

Chisom Anwunah: “I’ve had a really fun time with this. Usually, I feel anxious while doing improv, but this is a really great group of people that supports one another.”

“Unscripted is my favorite part of the week! It allows me to hang out with the most creative, talented, and kind individuals while creating beautiful art and lots of laughter.”

Anastasia Breen

Anastasia Breen: “Unscripted is my favorite part of the week! It allows me to hang out with the most creative, talented, and kind individuals while creating beautiful art and lots of laughter.”

Kyle Jedrusik: “Unscripted puts a smile on my face every day!”

Iris Widlansky: “Unscripted has been such a great opportunity to make new friends and have so much fun!”

Performance Schedule and Teams: 

• Thursday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.  
  Teams: Vampires for Hire and Blue’s Line Is It Anyway 
• Friday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m.  
  Teams: Gavin & The Chipmunks and Orange.
• Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m.  
  Teams: Blue’s Line Is It Anyway and Purple Reign 
• Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m.  
  Teams: Vampires for Hire and Gavin & The Chipmunks 
• Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m.  
  Teams: Purple Reign and Orange. 

Ticket Prices: 

• General Admission: $20  
• Seniors and Faculty: $15 
• Students: $10 

For more information on the show and other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit: https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/category/dept-of-theatre.