Joey Scoma

Player Since: 2008

Day Job: Provo City
Hometown:

Favorite thing about CSz:

When no one is looking you like to:

Biggest Influences:

Best Advice for People who want to learn improv: I took the beginner workshop that fall and worked my way into the player practices. I've been performing at ComedySportz Provo for 2 years this November!

What brought you to Comedysportz? In summer 2007, I attended a Yellow # 2 show with a lovely young lady named TeAnna and I fell in love...with ComedySportz

Do you have a background in music, play any instruments? I don't have any musical training but love musical improv especially Rogers and Hammersing.

Which musical game is your favorite? Rogers and Hammersing.

People come see you at ComedySportz when they want to be entertained... what do you do to be entertained? The only thing that's more entertaining to me than ComedySportz Provo is a casual conversation with my siblings. They're all a bunch of pants-peeing crack-ups.

Lots of the players here at ComedySportz are also involved in acting and film are you? There have been a couple opportunities to perform in community theater (A Flickering), a short film festival (When We're Helping We're Happy) and for the LDS Church YouTube ad (Becoming Provident Providers).

When was your first inkling that you were funny? The first time I made a captive audience laugh was in kindergarten for parent's-night. I added a few extra 'you's to the end of "Skinny Marinky Dinky Dink" and the crowd went wild. In 5th grade I started doing stand-up behind the portable class rooms during recess. Word caught on and soon the entire school was sitting at my feet. I didn't know half the references I used and neither did my audience by they all laughed anyway. I did impersonations of Bill Clinton and I even had to deal with hecklers (like John Michael Harris). The recess ladies worked as crowd control. Now I'm in ComedySportz!

Have you ever been scared on stage? I felt stage fright before every show for a year.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

It is such a huge honor to perform with my fellow players. I'm funnier today because of them.

September Player of the Month!!!! Christopher Robin Miller

Player Since: It's been a while... 2003?
Day Job: Actor, Director
Hometown: West Peabody, Massachussetts

Favorite thing about CSz: Wearing sweats on stage. SO COMFY!

When no one is looking you like to: Shower

Biggest Influences: The Muppets, Carol Burnette, Jack Lemmon

Best Advice for People who want to learn improv:

Don't try to be funny and SCENE DRILL!

What prior stage/performing experience did you have before joining ComedySportz

I have been a professional singer, actor and dancer for almost 3 decades before ComedySportz. I did a lot of Musical Theatre and some television as a young man.

I started studying improvisation in 1998 working with Lincoln Hoppe in The Garrens and thenThe Skinny Lincolns for about 5 years.

What brought you to Comedysportz?

We were grandfathered into CSz when Lincoln moved to LA.

It seems you always shine during the musical improvs. Do you have a background in music, play any instruments?

I play enough piano, guitar, bass, saxophone and drums to look like I know what I'm doing for about 5 minutes

Which musical game is your favorite?

Actually, Musical Chairs. It has the potential to be amazing or really suck!

People come see you at ComedySportz when they want to be entertained... what do you do to be entertained?

I like to speed-walk past old people and small children. It makes me feel superior.

Lots of the players here at ComedySportz are also involved in acting and film. Are you?

Yep.

When was your first inkling that you were funny?

I was always amazed at funny people. When I was young I used to just steal material from Sesame Street, Sony and Cher and SNL.

When I told somebody something that was really upsetting to me and they laughed,

I discovered that I just had to be real and most people will laugh at how ridiculous I am.

Have you ever been scared on stage?

I call that "That old familiar feeling."

Is there anything else you want us to know?

I like Gift certificates to The Cheesecake Factory. They're like prison money.

August Player of the Month

Player Since: Summer 2008
Day Job: 6^th grade school teacher
Hometown: Orem, Utah

Favorite thing about CSz: It’s a different performance and experience every time you play

When no one is looking you like to: hit kittens

Biggest Influences: my wife and kids—they keep me going in everything I do. Oh, and Leonardo Dicaprio.

Best Advice for People who want to learn improv: Do not be afraid to fail in what you try and do. Go with what is natural and don’t try to bring the funny. The only time I am funny is when I am not thinking I am.

What prior stage/performing experience did you have before joining ComedySportz: Totally name dropping here, but I am a member of the Hale family and I have been on the stage since I could talk. At first it was required of all the grandkids, but eventually I learned to love it and I have been on stage ever since. I also teach the youth theater workshops at Hale Center Theater Orem.

What brought you to Comedysportz? I have been a long time friend of Curt Doussett and he convinced me to give it a try. I love him and hate him for it.

It seems you always shine during the musical improvs. Do you have a background in music, play any instruments? I shine in the music? That’s sweet—a lie, but still sweet. I was in an A cappella group in high school called “Men Without Pants.” We would perform in assemblies wearing tuxedo tops and boxer shorts. Not that manly of a memory.

Which musical game is your favorite? I love “Rosetta Song” because I can sing in gibberish. It covers up my suck.

People come see you at ComedySportz when they want to be entertained... what do you do to be entertained? I love reading a good book—young adult novels are my favorite (minus Twilight of course) and getting lost in a good movie. Just saw “Inception” and my mind still hurts. I love doing anything with my kids—they are always entertaining.

So, I've seen you play on the red and blue teams but also caught you in the zebra stripes a time or two? Yes, that is correct. Thank you for pointing that out.

Lots of the players here at ComedySportz are also involved in acting and film are you? As I mentioned before, I live at the Hale but also dabble in film here and there. I had small parts in “The R.M.,” “The Home Teachers,” and my claim to fame “The Buttercream Gang” as Gang Member Number 2.

When was your first inkling that you were funny? Still waiting for it.

Have you ever been scared on stage? Every time I perform. I think when you lose that fear you lose the rush of why you are doing it.

Is there anything else you want us to know? Yes.

Player Since: 1999
Day Job: Scrapbook Supplies Salesman
Hometown: Orem, UT

Favorite thing about CSz: Ooh, I like the tortellini, but that's just me.

When no one is looking you like to: Sniff random objects

Biggest Influences: Bill Murray, Steve Martin, My Dad

Best Advice for People Who want to learn improv: Trust your instincts on stage and don't be a "you-know-what"-bag to other performers.

What prior stage/performing experience did you have before joining ComedySportz? Junior High School roles in 'Tom Sawyer', 'Joseph and the ATD', 'The Pied Piper', 'Tied to the Tracks', and 'Ducktails and Bobbysocks'.

What brought you to Comedysportz? Joseph Draschil and destiny

It seems you always shine during the musical improvs. Do you have a background in music, play any instruments? I've always loved choir. My first real exposure to music was when I learned to play trombone in Jr High. I'm obsessed with karaoke.

Which musical game is your favorite? Probably 'Greatest Hits' or 'Rogers & Hammersing', although 'Rosetta Song' is really growing on me.

People come see you at ComedySportz when they want to be entertained... what do you do to be entertained? Consume BYU sports, play with my iPhone, fishing, basketball, karaoke, Billy Joel, little brown packages tied up with string...uhh, what were we talking about?

So, I've seen you play on the red and blue teams but also caught you in the zebra stripes a time or two? I like to ref. To me, reffing is kind of like teaching the lesson in Elders Quorum. I enjoy it from time to time, but too much of it makes me nauseous...And sometime people fall asleep. Seriously though, it requires a little more thinking than I typically like to do on stage and sometimes it starves my insatiable ego.

Lots of the players here at ComedySportz are also involved in acting and film are you? I have never been in a real movie, and I don't aspire to do so. Screen acting isn't really my bag. I don't know. I guess Stage Improv is just kind of like my soul mate, you know? Everything else just falls a little short. Don't tell my wife I said that.

Is there anything else you want us to know? I have a wife, Katie, and two daughters, Lucy and Claire. We're expecting our third next Spring.

MARCH 2009 Player of the Month!

Shaun Johnson

Player Since: April 2007
Day Job: Bus Driver
Hometown: Pleasant Grove, UT

Favorite thing about CSz: Having an outlet for my stupid thoughts

When no one is looking you like to: Pretend that the carpet is hot lava and I can't fall off my bed or I'll die.

Biggest Influences:
Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Jackson, my family and many close friends

Best Advice for People Who want to learn improv:

- Be "YOU the improvisor", not somebody else. Everyone has their style and will perform best if they embrace that.

What brought you to Comedysportz?

- I thought the shows were great and I realized that I was just as attention hungry as all the guys doing the shows...

It seems you always shine during the musical improvs. Do you have a background in music, play any instruments?

- Yes, I love music. I play the guitar and I arrange acapella music sometimes. Most of my theater experience is with musicals and I really love a well-improvised song that makes the audience think, "That MUST have been planned!"

Which musical game is your favorite?

- I enjoy most of them. But I really like "Rodgers & Hammer-sing"

People come see you at ComedySportz when they want to be entertained... what do you do to be entertained?

- Well doing Comedy Sportz is quite entertaining for the players, as well. But like most players, I love movies. And just the simple company of good friends.

So, I've seen you play on the red and blue teams but also caught you in the zebra stripes a time or two? Is playing harder or being the referee? Which do you like doing more?

- Both jobs have their challenges. Being a referee gives an interesting perspective on the show and I really enjoy it. But ultimately I enjoy playing more because I like getting involved in the improvs.

Lots of the players here at ComedySportz are also involved in acting and film are you?

- I'm not into the whole film scene so much. I'm just going to school and trying to have a good time while I do it. As much as I would enjoy doing more film acting, it's just not my focus. We all have to follow our own destinies. It just happens that my destiny is Business Marketing with a Spanish minor...I feel depressed now...

Is there anything else you want us to know?

- When I was 4 years old, I was choking on a penny and my dad picked me up by the feet and shook me upside down til I spit it out. I almost died.

February 2009 Player of the Month!

Jake Van Wagoner

Player Since: 2005
Day Job: Student
Hometown: Grand Junction Colorado
Favorite thing about CSz: Trying new things
When no one is looking you like to: smell the earth
Biggest influences: Matt Griffith and Jordan Huslig

How did you get involved with ComedySportz? I had friends that I was doing a play with that got me stuck in ComedySportz

Have you always wanted to be a entertainer? I honestly used to get thrown in the principles office every day from 1st-5th grade because i was crazy about making my class fellows laugh. SO yes.

In improv what style of games are your favorite to play (ie. musicals, guessing, scenes, etc.)? I love musical games the most probably but I also really enjoy just doing straight up free-range scenes. It is rewarding to get from the first line to the last line of a scene and make everything tie together.

So you like music? Who do you listen to? John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Kansas, Led Zepplin, George Harrison, The Beatles, Josh Groban,

Do your improv skills enhance your day to day life? If so, in what way(s)? I love how much my improv skills help me. I am not a fake person by any means, but i enjoy adapting myself to the people i am talking to, and that helps a ton with improv.

We heard you are apart of the local film scene! If you could pick your dream job on a feature film what would it be? I am really shooting to become an actor, cliche? I know, but i am learning how to be a director also so if i suck at acting i can fall back on directing.

January Player of the Month: Mel B!

Player Since: Feb 2003 (Off and on, since I was at grad school in Philly for a few years in there.)
Day Job: Speech-Language Pathologist, part time instructor in Theatre Dept. at BYU
Hometown: San Juan, PR (Believe it or not, I'm actually a quarter Puerto Rican.)
Favorite thing about CSz: The boyz and the laughs. I'm adding years to my life by the week.
When no one is looking you like to: Lick the bowl
Biggest influences: Miss Piggy, cuz she never gives up...c'mere, Kermie... Oh. And my mom.
Best Advice for People Who want to learn improv: Don't try to be funny. Focus on good improv skills like listening, responding, adding, etc. The funny'll come.

When did you first know you wanted to be involved with the theater?

I can remember saying in 2nd grade that when I grew up I wanted to be a famous singer or actress. Now I'm both!

You're a speech pathologist. Do any attributes of improv help you with your job and vice versa?

Oh, man, totally. I actually truly dislike planning, so it's really nice that doing things on the fly comes pretty easily. And in reality with a caseload of 85 kiddies and at least that many reports a week to write, who has time to plan? Occasionally, I'll also whip out an improv warm up like Zip Zap Zop to get my students' chops goin' and they love it.

Do you enjoy doing long form improv (like the Yellow #2 show) or short form (ComedySportz Main event) more? Why?

Oooh. Is this a trick question? Well, okay. You caught me. I came to CSz for the long form shows. I love 'em. Yum. Yum. I love building a story or just really sinking my teeth into a scene that could go for who knows how long. I love the patience and the creating and the who knows what's going to happen next. I also love the moments when we just all seem to be on the same wavelength, we listen, we follow, we give, we take, and brilliance occurs. It's truly delightful. I have to add, though, short form is awesome too. I think I was just intimidated by it in the beginning--the pressure to be funny FAST! But the truth is, if you just listen and respond by adding information, the funny just comes. I've never really considered myself a funny person.

In fact, I originally started doing improv 10 years ago because it was an audition I didn't have to prepare for* (see earlier comment re: distaste for preparation), not because I thought I was funny. I had no expectation of getting into the group*, which I did, but I had promised myself I'd go to any audition that came up to get more experience. It was way out of my comfort zone and my realm of thinking as an actor in training, but it worked. They picked me. Yay! And I LOVE doin' it.

*Sketch/Improv group called The Garrens at BYU

For every women improver at CSz there are seven men. What are the pro's and con's of usually being the only woman on stage?

Pro: The kisses. Con: The kisses. Pro: Less emotional who-ha (ladies, why are we so dramatic?). Con: Um...let me think for a min. Pro: A safe walk to my car after the show. Con: Well, I really can't think of any more cons, except maybe that since I rarely play with girls, when I do it's almost weird. Really, the boyz are great and I just love hangin' with them in and out of ComedySportz. They are delightfully talented people who know how to find the humor in life and share it with others. (The girls do too, I just don't get to see them as often!)

What is your favorite game and why?

Hmmm...so many to choose from... I think I'd have to say Acronym Panel. I just love character games and this one has the added challenge of finding acronyms that match that character. Yummy. It's like eating a juicy peach without a napkin--challenging, and you might drip a little on your shirt, but it sure does taste good.

Anything else you'd like to say?

Thanks for the love! Keep laughing and keep coming. Oh, and iphones are awesome. I just caught up with an old friend AND listened to an episode of This American Life without having to take my gloves off, while shoveling my driveway, with only the simple touch of one button. Beautiful.

Thanks, Mel B.

December Player of the Month: Travis Reynolds

Although Travis has only been performing with ComedySportz for about a year and a half, he has proved to be a crowd favorite time and time again. We sat down with Mr. Reynolds to get a little depth into his improv life.

Player Since: 2007
Day Job: High School Teacher
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Favorite thing about CSz: Entertaining people
When no one is looking you like to: Read or cook. I am a pretty quiet guy when nobody is around.
Biggest Influences: Family, 10 of us and each has had an unique impact on my life.
Best Advice for People Who want to Learn Improv: Laugh at yourself and be confident even in the most awkward moments.

Were you always funny growing up?
As a young man I was constantly trying to make people laugh. It was a real high for me to see people smile and be entertained. I was eccentric and over-the-top goofy at times but it taught me to take life one laugh at a time. As a bragging point, I was named "Most Funny" in my graduating class in high school. That being said, I believe the question answers itself.

What is the biggest sturggle for you in improv (if there is one)? The theatrical side of improv is my biggest struggle. I love to be funny but improv has taught me that funny is often found when you aren't even trying for it. Creating a believable and lovable story in an improv scene is equal in importance to the comedic quality of the scene.

Who influences you the most at CSz? One of my favorite aspects of this type of comedy is the diversity of comedic styles. Every show is a new experience and new opportunity to learn or observe something from my fellow ComedySportz players. Each of us contributes his or her own version of funny and, when the chemistry is just right, it makes for brilliant moments of comic genius.

What type of games do you enjoy the most (you can name some specifically)? I really enjoy character games, music games, and two team games. I don't believe there is one specific game which I enjoy more than any other. Improv comedy has a way of changing your view on a particular game; one night it is harmoniously hilarious and the next night the audience is on the edge of shouting expletives and voting Democratic.

You have been sighted as a Will Ferrell look-a-like/act-a-like. How does that make you feel? I consider Will Ferrell one of the premier names in comedy in the last several years and am certainly flattered if a person compliments me by my similarity to him. Although I admire and respect his comedy, I never think about him or attempt to mimic his style during the shows. I guess we share a common interpretation of what is funny and deliver our comedy accordingly.

Does teaching have an affect on your improvising and vice versa?

Teaching certainly builds a comfort with being in front of groups and develops your improv skills and wit. I humbly believe if I am funny enough to entertain a crowd of ornery, hormonal, and extremely critical teenagers I should be able to get a chuckle out of just about any crowd. I love my profession as an educator and have found comedy and laughter to be key ingredients in reaching a teenage audience and creating a meaningful relationship with my students.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I love the people who visit ComedySportz and share their time with us. It is a jealous pleasure of mine to be on stage, but without the kind, friendly people who allow us to entertain them it would be a rather boring business. So, thanks.

Thanks YOU, Travis.

ComedySportz LA vs Provo

November 21st and 22nd marked a day in CSz Utah history.

Three performers from ComedySportz LA challenged Provo to a comedy battle that couldn't be refused.

D, Myles, and Andre (left to right red-LA) took on

Mark Berrett, Jeff Blake, and Matt Mattson

(left to right blue) Friday night

and Mike Bailey, Will Rubio, and Jake Van Wagoner on Saturday night.

From their foriegn games like Triple Feature, and Timeline, to our signatures such as Boo-Yea!, and Hey Baby, both nights were filled with laughs and holly geez moments that only a group from LA could deliver.

We are deeply honored to have such talented people visit the valley.

Until next time LA, keep on entertaining and

may the improv be with you.

First Feast Photos 2008

Take a look at these photos of some of our gifted actletes who played early pioneers at Thanksgiving Point's First Feast event.

CSz Players on Fox Utah

Joel and Scott, two of CSz Utah's finest actletes, were featured characters on Good Day Utah. Eating and chatting with Big Budah, Govenor William Bradford (Joel) and Myles Standish (Scott) discussed cuisine and habits of early pioneers at the First Feast (the event Thanksgiving is based upon).

Check out their video here:

http://www.myfoxutah.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=7892573&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=5.2.1

(sixth and seventh video on the side bar)

Or see them at the Thanksgiving Point First Feast on November 21st, 22nd, or 23rd:

Get tickets and all the info at http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/

Have a fun and Happy Thanksgiving, from ComedySportz Utah!

Halloween Report 2008!

On October 24th and 25th, hundreds of people, many in costume, came to our annual Halloween shows. Witches, wizards, Mickey n Miny Mouse, a waitress, a 'leaf blower' and more crowded the stage as prizes and awards were given to the person/pair that dressed the best.

Our performers had a blast and we'd like to thank everyone who attended.

Until next year, keep a hauntin' Utah!

November Player(s) of the Month: Tom and Tanya Quinn

Tom and Tanya Quinn are one of the many couples that play together at ComedySportz. They live together in Heber, Utah and have been doing improv comedy for a combined total of 11 years! We sat down with them for a minute and asked some emotionally sundering questions.

Tom

Player Since: March 2001

Day Job: Ferrier (horse shoer)

Hometown: Heber City, Utah

Favorite thing about CSz: the Sat. 12:00 a.m. show

When no one is looking you like to: start fights with smaller, weaker guys and kick them between the legs when they’re not looking either.

Biggest Influences: the little devil and little angel on my shoulder

Best Advice for People Who want to learn improv: While performing, never admit mistakes. After the show, fess up and learn from all of them.

Tanya

Player Since: 2004

Day Job: Cook

Hometown: Bakersfield, CA

Fav thing about CSz: The audience; I love performing when people are there.

Who is your hero/heroine? Dorothy Gale. She went all the way over that rainbow.

Where would you like to vacation and why? Yosemite, every time.

Tanya

How did you get involved with improv?

I have always loved the stage. When I was little I would stand up on the fireplace and demand the room’s attention. My goal was to command it, but I would settle for demanding. I never grew out of it. I performed with a high school improv troop and then began a theatre degree.

Tom

You left CSz Utah for a while, what's the story behind that?

We moved to Jackson Hole for a year to work on the river and to start an improv club of our own.

Tanya

What scares you about performing?

What if, while in the middle of a really funny scene, I get a paper cut and the vampires in the audience all attack me?

Tom

Is there a difference between Provo crowds and other audiences you've performed for?

They all look the same in the dark. I don’t like to look at the audience during a show, I have nervous bladder syndrome.

Tom

What is your favorite game and why?

Patty Cake, because everybody wins.

Tom

Name an embarrassing moment you had at CSz.

I once demanded that a man in the back of the room stand up and be recognized as one of the judges. He refused, and when I said that he must, several people in the audience let me know that the man was in a wheel chair.

Tanya

Women+Improv Comedy=What?

36X24X36

Both

What's it like performing with so much family: Pat, Ben, and each other?

It’s like our family reunion every time. There’s the awkwardness as we try to catch up; food, a lot of food; and Ben always ends up with his shirt off rubbing his belly.

Tanya

What is an area you wished you were better in--improv wise (gibberish, guessing, singing)?

Makin’ stuff up.

Either

When did you guys meet? Whats your love story, in essence?

I met Tanya while looking for a different girl at an apartment complex. Ever since that night we’ve been emotionally married, technically married too, but we don’t put too much weight on out-dated conventions like marriage or women’s rights.

October Player of the Month: Will Rubio!

Maybe one day Will will grace us with an interview...one day.

Halloween Shows 2008

Our annual Halloween shows are on October 24th and 25th at 8:00pm and 10:15pm, both nights (sorry, no shows on October 31st). In these shows, players play games that are Halloween themed--like Camp Fire Story or Monster Advice Panel-- along with games that are scary for the performers to play--like MOUSETRAP!. So come and laugh ALL your guts out. You'll be screaming for more when the lights go out this October.

September Player of the Month: Mark Berrett!

After a summer hiatus, the Player of the Month Feature has returned with a CSz classic, Mark Berrett. Growing up in Orem and joining Comedysportz in 2001, Mark Berrett can uproar crowds with his simple observations and solemn characters. We asked him a few questions about his Improv life.

Do you have a history with performing arts? If yes, what makes improv different from most theater?
I haven't done a lot of performing other than improv, but I would say it's the amount of "writing" that is done by the performer at the time of the performance. Also, improv has so many moments that are created just for you and the audience that is present that night, and then they're gone.

When did you first fall in love with improv?
During my first improv with Randy Tayler at the audition for the Garrens. And I fell in love with Randy, too, in a manly sort of way.

What brought you to Comedysportz?
Many of my friends were already performing at ComedySportz. And it's all about friends, people. All about friends. Don't forget that. Write it down.

You have said before that another reason you came to Comedysprotz was its long-form show, the Yellow # 2 Show. Is there a big difference between long-form improv and short-form improv (such as our regular Comedysportz shows)?
I wouldn't say there's a BIG difference, but they feel different, like wool and cotton. Long-form is wool. Wool comes from a sheep. Cotton is a plant. But you can wear them both. I once heard someone say long-form comes from the gut. It's true. And from sheep. Long-form also requires me to remember more stuff. But really our long-form show also has some short-form that just doesn't fit in the ComedySportz format, so I like to call it our experimental show. We do it on Thursdays. At 8:00. Only $4 bucks.

What was an embarrassing Comedysportz moment?
One time I forgot my lines. Ooops.

Any advice for our readers?
Take a ComedySportz player to lunch. Also, lose yourself in the service of others.

World Championships!

This year four of our very own comedians participated in the annual Comedysportz World Championships. Held in Portland, Oregon, this year, our team was in competition with over 30 other Comedysportz clubs. Provo made it to the championship match which is always held against the hosting city. Matt Mattson, Will Rubio, Mark Barret, and Mike Bailey (left to right) had the audience in uproar with their 'Last Second Expert' objections and Matt Mattson's classic 'Randy Newman'. Give these guys kudos if you see them around town or in our very own shows this weekend!

If you have Facebook account, check out this video:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/video/video.php?v=520430401459

May's Player of the Month: Todd Freestone!

Todd isn't one to draw attention to himself on stage. But if you're lucky enough to see a show when Todd is in the cast, you'll notice that he's usually the smartest/funniest/most clever person in the room.
Todd was gracious enough to answer a few questions for the blog.

How did you get into ComedySportz?

Actually, one of those high school buddies, Josh Hiatt, got me started with ComedySportz. He was doing shows and invited me to start doing the workshops, so I did, and one thing led to another, and now I'm here. Before then I had always thought about doing ComedySportz -- I'd come to shows when I was in high school. I doubt that I'd ever give it a shot if Josh wasn't doing it.

You're not a crazy-super showy player--your humor is subtle. One player called you a "comedy sniper." What are your feelings about your sense of humor compared to other players?

I'm pretty comfortable with my sense of humor, but it did take time for me to accept that I'm not a high energy player and that I probably never will be. A lot of the crowd falls in love with the witty, energetic types, which initially made me feel that I needed to find a way to emulate their style. But great performances really come down to being yourself and finding your own niche.

Has your science background helped your comedy?

Yes and no. Science requires creative and conceptual thinking, which is very helpful in improv. Science is also about understanding relationships and explaining them well, which is what also makes a good scene or story. However, science is heavily dependent on procedures and reproducing similar results under similar conditions, which completely opposes that which happens on stage.

When did you first feel like you were in your element on the CSz stage?

The first (and perhaps the last) time I felt like I was in my element was about two years ago. But I find it a good thing to not be in my element much because if I were in my element I would get complacent and resort to a style of improvisation I'd feel comfortable with.

The most exciting stuff that happens on stage usually happens when we're stretching ourselves and doing stuff we're afraid of. Also, the more I concentrate on being at my best, the more self-conscious I become, and I tend to close up. For me, going on stage with a mindset that I'll blunder allows me to be more natural.

Any on-stage horror stories you wish to disclose?

I don't really have any on-stage horror stories. I am a little OCD, so I do get spooked out a little bit when I touch the carpeted stage with my hands, or if I get some hair from a wig in my mouth.

What have you gotten out of ComedySportz?

More than anything, I've learned a lot about myself. Some of the things I've learned have surfaced in this interview, such as the importance of being yourself and being comfortable with who you are. Along with that, I've come recognize strengths I never was aware of.

April's Player of the Month: Scott Champion!

Born in Edmonton, raised in Alberta, this Canadian transplant has been with ComedySportz since 2000. He currently works as the office manager at CSz in addition to doing freelance design and consulting gigs. We knew where he works, so it was easy to have him sit down so we could pick his brain.

You've been with CSz for a long time.

Yeah. But I live here. I didn't come here to go to school.

When did you move to Utah?

I was seventeen. My dad got a job at BYU. My whole family's here, so when I go home for Christmas I have a long drive all the way to Orem.

How did you get involved with ComedySportz?

Long story short: I was the arts editor at the UVSC student newspaper and had heard about ComedySportz. I went to a show at the Wrapsody and it knocked my socks off. I knew I had to do it. But by the time I was available the Wrapsody closed, and ComedySportz disappeared for a few months. It popped back up at the Hale Center Theater. I took the workshops in the summer of 2000 and by September I did my first show at the Hale.

What was your first show like?

Honestly, I don't remember much. I know that I begged Curt to be in a show because I had a girl coming whom I wanted to impress. She ended up being a no-show.

That same girl, however, did come to a show at the club we now have when it first opened. We were playing object freeze, and someone brought a glass domed light fixture from their car. For some reason I put it on my head and it shattered. I stood frozen on stage as blood poured down my face. I don't know which was worse: her not coming to my first show or having her watch me be taken to the emergency room. Either way, I was in agony.

How many shows have you done?

Hundreds. I have no idea of an actual number. And they all kinda' turn into a blur. Every now and then someone who's seen a show will come up to me and make a reference to something funny I (apparently) did. I don't doubt that I did it, but it's impossible to remember everything.

What do you mean?

Improv is a disposable medium: it goes just as fast as it comes. It's of the moment. That's what makes it magical. It's kinda' like toilet paper.

What has been the best thing that has come from doing ComedySportz?

Honestly? I wouldn't have had the opportunities that I've had had it not been for people I met who perform at ComedySportz and work in the local film scene. I wouldn't have been able to do what I've done and, to some extent, am still able to do. Does that make sense?

Sure.

I've also made some incredible friends. Lifelong friends. Quite a few people I would totally rescue from a burning building.

Any advice for our readers?

No.

Ladies' Night at ComedySportz!

Once again ComedySportz will have its semi-annual Ladies' Night on Saturday April 5 at 8:00. That means if you have two X chromosomes, you get 2 for 1 admission!

The 2 for 1 offer isn't available online, so you need to call the ComedySportz office at 801.377.9700 to make your reservation (mention the promotion to get the discount), or you can print out this page and bring it with you when you come to the door.

Remember that Ladies' Night is good for the 8:00 SHOW ONLY. (So really, it's kinda' like Ladies' Hours, but that sounds weird.)