An Improvised Homecoming Celebration

Current members of Shenanigans plan on welcoming former improvisers to join them in creating a show completely made up in the moment that changes each night for a homecoming special.

“It’s really just a chance for us to get together and play with people that we love,” said Dan Buck, associate professor of theatre.

Alumni will be welcomed back home as they take part in creating this one-of-a-kind show. 

Over the past 15 years, Shenanigans has accumulated around 80 alumni, and the groups current and former members will join forces to put on a show celebrating both the legacy and the future of Shenanigans.

“It's a form of acting. I think a lot of people forget that it's much more similar to theater than it is to stand-up comedy,” said Garrett Wheeler, senior biology, pre-med major and current coach of Shenanigans. “And in my opinion, [improv] is the most pure form of theater because it’s so spontaneous.”

While many believe this form of theatre is complex, improv is simply theater without a script.

“Improv is just making it up as you go along. It doesn't get much simpler than that,'' said Buck. “Improv is [a group of] trained people who are quick on their feet, telling stories together.”

During the show, these team members demonstrate their talent for quick thinking and improvisation which are skills that can be used in all aspects of life, including most careers. 

“Shenanigans has definitely helped in my career now. I’m a high school theatre teacher, so I am able to use a lot of games and exercises I used to do in Shenanigans,” said Laura Harris Hicks, alumni and former coach of Shenanigans. “Improv pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me a more confident person.”

Improv has proven to be beneficial in the personal lives of many Shenanigans members.

“If I'm super busy, I should probably drop Shenanigans, because that's a time commitment. But even though I like go and do that for four hours a week, it's still somehow ends up being more beneficial to me, because it's just a way to like steam off and have fun with friends,” said Wheeler. “I definitely think laughter is the best medicine.”

For only $1 admission, Homecoming visitors and current Lee students are welcome and encouraged to attend this event to help celebrate and honor former Shenanigans alumni while enjoying and improvised show. 

These shows will be preformed in the Lee University Dixon Center on Nov. 4 at 10 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 9 p.m. To learn more, visit @leeshenanigans on Instagram or contact Dan Buck at dbuck@leeuniversity.edu.