Theatre

Audience participation was a fun part of the March 10 show, according to Times reporter Aubrey Gibavic, who is standing behind IMPer Dan Ellis (left). Ashley Peters (right) is being manipulated by another person from the audience. Photo by Danielle Zerbonne

The Windy City beckons

By Anna Marie D'Addarie - March 22, 2006

WIMP returning to the stage is big news, but the reason for the reunion is the really big news. WIMP is performing with IMP on Friday night to help raise money for IMP's trip to the Chicago Improv Festival (CIF). IMPers are the only teen troupe asked to perform at the festival later this spring.

IMP is the Martha's Vineyard teen improv troupe, who have been working with Donna Swift under the Troubled Shores Inc. mantle. IMPers perform Island-wide, year-round with a heavy performance schedule each summer at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury.

On March 10, Annie Finnerty and other IMPers donated their talent to raise money for Habitat and Hospice of Martha's Vineyard.

Chicago will be their kind of town when IMPers work with CIF's artistic director Mark Sutton, see all the festival shows by veteran artists, attend workshops, perform as an apprentice team, and receive intensive training in this performance art.

According to Ms. Swift, "Our goal is easily attainable. Four thousand dollars to send our kids to this [festival] is an opportunity of a lifetime."

IMP and WIMP performance, Friday, March 23, 8 pm, Katharine Cornell Theatre, Spring Street, Vineyard Haven. Tickets: $10 at the door; $5 in advance at Island Entertainment, State Road, Vineyard Haven. For more information call 508-939-9368 or visit www.troubledshores.com.