Here at Millikin University, wit and humor go hand-in-hand to create the enthusiastic and laughable scene that is Math Club—Millikin’s student-led improv group.
Contrary to what the name might lead you to believe, Math Club is nothing short of a good time, leading performances filled with laughable scenes and captivated audiences.
For those who don’t know, improv is a form of theatre where actors perform scenes on the spot, entirely without a script. However, while their jokes may be spontaneous, their performances are not. Successful improv requires trust within the group. Behind each performance, Math Club dedicates hours to their practices, where they work on improving their team-building and collaboration in order to refine their sets, which are composed of their audience-approved games.
“We’re focusing a lot on just working cohesively and building strong bonds with one another so that improv doesn’t feel so scary,” sophomore musical theatre major and Math Club co-president Henry Ward said after their latest show. “I think for a lot of people, it can be a really anxiety-inducing art form because they need a plan. It’s a lot easier to come up with a plan on the spot when you are really well connected with the people and you know what their strengths are.”
It’s clear that improv as an art form is nothing less than complicated. From the quick and creative thinking under pressure to overcoming pre-show anxiety, it’s obvious that improv, and the people who perform it, are something to be respected.
The group’s individual and group commitment is clear, and their dynamic is filled with positivity and support, which strikes up constant laughter.
“My favorite part about Math Club is, honestly, the people,” freshman theatre major and Math Club’s newest addition, Nolan Evans, said. “They’re all just hilarious to be around. They’re all weird in the greatest way possible.”
Through their shared laughs in rehearsals and on the stage, Math Club brings joy and fun-filled laughter to Millikin’s campus, something increasingly rare to come by.
“For this year, a goal for myself would be to leave a lasting impact,” Evans said.
The club’s members utilize improv as a source and a tool for expression here on campus. In a time where insecurity is common and confidence hard to find, improv offers a refreshing source of expression, energy, and creativity.
“I think that Math Club is one of the more important groups on campus,” Ward said. “I think it’s really important for people to just get on their feet and say something without inhibition. It’s really easy for people to be closed off.”
But with improv, all is forgotten as they take the stage—living and acting in the moment, engaging with their audience and each other.
Without a doubt, Math Club is a joy to watch and deserves the respect and attention they receive. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and keep up to date with their future performances.
