By Borislava Panayotova

If you like to act and be original, the newest addition to the long list of TPA clubs is perfect for you. Improv Club is for anyone and everyone willing to join. Improv is short for improvisation. During meetings, students play games and practice thinking on the spot while being surrounded by friends.

Zoe Lenz, founder of the club, says her inspiration for starting the club comes from her parents. Her parents own a theater, National Comedy Theater, where they do shows every Friday and Saturday. She says, “Improve is so much fun. It’s a learning experience . . . It’s a way to unwind.”

Joining Improv Cub helps with quick thinking and public speaking. It helps to calm nerves by not giving pressure on studying lines. Zoe’s motto is “There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.” This quote describes what improv is mostly about.

During meetings, students play a variety of fun games. Some games are Zip Zap Zop, Bippity Bippity Bop, I Am The Kind Of, and others. There are three different types of exercises: warm ups, exercises, and games used in shows.

Improv does come with rules. One of the most important rules is to never say no. Some other rules are to always say yes and add something and don’t ask questions. Now that may be surprising, but you shouldn’t put weight on your partner by asking questions. There are about four rules, so it’s not anything much.

Zoe is extremely proud of her improvisers. She loves helping them achieve their best. She also hopes that her parents can become mentors to the young improvisers.

Improv Club meetings are Thursdays in the Zelman Center. For more information you can talk to Zoe or Ms. Heyer, Improv Club’s  patron.