Even though I try to stay composed in public, I love comedy.
It’s refreshing.
Watching others act silly has always been a secret hobby of mine.
Watching my friends and fellow thespians rehearse for the new Fringe Fest 2015 show titled “The Sketch Comedy Show” was an amazing experience.
The show debuted Tuesday night and the final performance will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday in Room 2005 of the Palumbo Academic Center.
I didn’t expect such a variety – ranging from water flavored water commercials to rock phones, to drunken dogs to Starbucks in purgatory. The audience will be surprised and engaged.
A cast of five actors with stage manager Mary Stephens will definitely entertain the most serious of individuals.
Mary Kate Carroll, one cast member, said she likes that she gets to act silly.
As the English dramatist, Sir Peter Ustinov puts it, “Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.”
On the topic of comedy, the actors and director learned that it’s different from the drama they’re used to.
Will Atonfack, who wrote for and performs in “Sketch Comedy” said he learned that comedy is not easy.
“But to be a good actor, you don’t always have to be comfortable,” Atonfack said.
Acting is harder than it looks – especially comedy.
Even on “SNL,” the actors do their best to stay in character, but at times, comedy gets the better of them and they burst into laughter.
Watching the cast rehearse, I am confident that they will pull it off and stay in character.
This is Michael Fujito’s first time directing and performing something original.
All the sketches are written by Gannon thespians bringing many perspectives of what constitutes comedy.
Fujito claimed it was a lot of trial and error, but he enjoyed the experience of putting together a show and learned that there is more to it than just performing.
“Directing was something I was a little intimidated by, but also excited for,” Fujito said. “It feels interesting to have something original produced. I’ve realized that everything is going to be fine.”
As a fellow director in the Fringe Festival, Fujito’s struggle is understandable.
It’s taxing to direct and perform at the same time
This is a challenge he chose to undertake and overcame with flying colors.
“It’s great,” he said. “Each sketch has its own special place in my heart.”
It’s amazing to watch a play, a sketch, anything when those involved are fully committed and are giving it their best.
The cast of this show is doing everything they can to make it funny and believable.
Stephens adds flair to the whole scene; interacting with the audience and the cast in a very surprising manner.
All should come see the show.
ROMAN DENISYUK
