Since 2012, Dayton has had its own style of Improv with the Black Box Improv Theater. Owned by Justin Howard, Black Box is not just the only Improv Theater in Dayton, but the only one within the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Improv, short for improvisational theater, is a form of theater where the dialogue and material are performed on the scene. The first documented form of Improv Theater was in 391 B.C. in Rome.
Modern forms of improvisational theater, such as Second City in Chicago and the Groundlings in Los Angeles, have produced some of the most famous comedians today, like Amy Poehler of “Parks and Recreation,” Bill Murray of “Ghostbusters” and Will Ferrell of the “Anchorman” movies.
“Technically, Improv is a theatrical experience of actors not using pre-written dialogue, have to come up with whatever’s off the top of their heads while on stage,” said Howard. “The Theater is a host to activities such as sketch comedy workshops, classes on sketch comedy style writing and video productions for the military”.
Howard said he looks up to many actors and actresses to find inspiration.
“[I’m influenced by] comedic teachers Del Close and Charna Halpern of the IO Theater in Chicago. The cast of Black Box even contributed to a Del Close tribute show a while back,” he said.
Howard said many members of the Theatre hope to continue their careers in acting outside of Dayton.
“Beyond some starring in a few local commercials, nothing huge as of yet. Some have moved to cities where bigger Improv theaters are located. The thing is that some people think of Dayton as small but Dayton has a history of major things happening here,” Howard said.
Shows the theater hosts are “The Stack” which are four shows done by four of the theaters rising stars, “#Hashtag Womit,” two hours of improvised comedy and improvised musicals.
“In late April, the theater will launch its first online sketch show,” he said.
Howard said he hopes the community will enjoy local talent.
“If people come see and enjoy the improvised shows put on by local talent enough to tell others about the theater. I enjoy the fact that I was able to do that for them,” Howard said.
For show information or information on becoming a member of the theater, please visit Dayton Black Box Theater
Jimaur Calhoun
Arts & Entertainment Editor<