Skinny Improv debuts on Park Central Square

If comedy is hard, improvisational comedy seems impossible. “Improv” is unrehearsed, free-form, interactive comedy. The best-known example of the style is probably the British TV show – and now its American version – “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

In the past decade, the Park Central Square area of Springfield has gone from a ghost town to a viable downtown. A number of great restaurants, coffee houses, nightclubs, a recording studio and businesses have breathed life into the neighborhood.

One thing seemed to be missing, though.

Comedy clubs are easily found in every major metropolitan area, and while Springfield has a few, there wasn’t one downtown. Until Oct. 22.

That’s when a local improvisational troupe called The Skinny Improv opened its club at 205 Park Central East.

Almost.

Frantically trying to get ready for opening night, the group found out that afternoon that certain aspects of the building were not up to city code.

So what did they do?

Improvised, of course.

The show was moved to The Abundant Life Center (the old Fox Theater), and while that venue is not the most conducive to this kind of comedy the Skinny Improv proved an entertaining bunch who have obviously studied their craft.

Group leader Jeff Jenkins says, “We take our comedy very seriously.”

Jenkins, who points out he’s not in charge but tends to be the emcee and spokesman, started the group in 2002. The Skinny Improv performed at Evangel University, doing two shows a month. After developing a large following the Skinnys felt the need to get their own space.

Jenkins points out that the group does “family friendly” improv.

“We don’t curse, we don’t do sex jokes. That’s just something we’ve chosen to do. I don’t think you have to be dirty to be funny,” he says.

As a fan of Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor, I’m no stranger to “blue” humor. But Jenkins’ point is well-taken. Great comedians from Jack Benny to Eddy Izzard have proven that irony and comedic insights can work without resorting to the obscene.

The Skinny Improv involves the audience to a great degree. Upon arrival, attendees are encouraged to write a phrase, thought or direction on slips of paper.

Midway through the set, the Skinnys incorporate the audience’s input into a skit.

Another audience participation device comes at the end of the show when the group gets a volunteer from the audience to describe the weirdest, worst or most memorable day of his or her life. They gather the facts and then build a routine.

When asked about The Skinny Improv’s influences, Jenkins’ youth becomes apparent. He cites comedians such as John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chris Farley and Mike Meyers. It is hoped that, as the group matures, they will reach back and discover great ensembles such as the Marx brothers, the Three Stooges and the company of comics that made Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows” such a great success. Monty Python’s Flying Circus and The Kids in the Hall come to mind as well.

The most famous improv organization in the world is Chicago’s “Second City,” a company that has provided “Saturday Night Live” with a large percentage of its personnel over the show’s 28-year history.

Steve Eiffert, partner in E-Squared, a Springfield based video production house, led Springfield’s last improv group, “Evening Edition,” in the late 1970s. Eiffert studied under “Second City” guru Del Close, and he knows how hard it is to make comedy look easy.

“Good improv has to be really topical,” Eiffert says.

Jenkins agrees. “Being aware of what’s happening in society, culture, politics ... reading ... A well-read improviser is a good improviser. You have more tools.”

If I have any complaint about The Skinny Improv’s show, I think that Megan Fitzgerald is underused.

A female perspective is essential to topical comedy and the group would do well utilizing Fitzgerald more and might even consider adding another woman to the cast.

The group is confident their club will be ready to open by the next scheduled date, Nov. 5.