Inside the art of improv with Cal Poly’s ‘Smile and Nod’ team
On a Wednesday in the Constructions Innovation Center, a group of Cal Poly students huddle together and cheer with beaming smiles. The huddle signals the end of an hour-long rehearsal full of laughter and hysterical theatrics.
Come Saturday evening, the same group takes the Philips Hall stage to perform in front of a live audience. Known as Smile and Nod, Cal Poly’s improv team provides its members with a welcoming space, offering opportunities to collaborate and build a bond like no other on campus, all thanks to comedy.
Smile and Nod members Zach Berston, Hue Lykes, Alex Hayden, Grace Bennett and Raghav Bhasin sat down to discuss the art of improv and how it works.
“Every single show is made up there, on the spot, every time — which is a very beautiful art form because every time it exists just in that moment and then never again. And then, the next time, the same thing happens,” Berston said.
All members agreed that what keeps improv exciting is that it is completely different every time it happens.
“I think a lot of people are dissuaded from seeing theatrical productions because they think that theater isn’t their thing, and I get that,” Bennett said. “I think improv is in such a great sweet spot where we provide a lot of comical relief and funny things to watch without it being overly repetitive or entirely predictable every time.”
Bennett also said improv shows rely heavily on the audience, as performers take suggestions from the crowd throughout the show. This makes it so that the performances are actually improvised, as performers base their characters and actions on what the audience says.
“That makes the audience feel even more included and draws them in,” Bennett said. “It’s a whole simultaneous production with the people on stage and the people watching it.”
Getting involved in performances like these may seem daunting, but the team explained how on-stage improv is just like having a conversation.
“People think it’s some secret: ‘Oh, you have to be super funny and know jokes on the spot.’ No, it’s really just talking. Just about sometimes really silly things … but you just talk, that’s it,” Bhasin said. “If you can hold a conversation, you can do improv.”
The group chemistry is part of what makes Smile and Nod’s performances worth watching. The group emphasized how the atmosphere is one of the most welcoming they have been a part of, comparing it to a family rather than just a group of friends.
“Just in the one quarter I’ve been here, everyone has been so incredibly nice and just willing to bring you in and try to teach you so you’re comfortable to try to find your groove,” Hayden said.
With a shared love for comedy and making people laugh, the members of Smile and Nod have a strong dynamic on and off the stage. They have a “Bigs and Littles” system to match up group members, allowing everyone to have a steady support system when joining.
“When a new person joins the team, over the course of a single quarter, we go from total strangers to, like, this person could probably be my best friend. I know so much about them and have so much love, care and respect for them,” Bhasin said.
No prior experience is needed to try out for the team. Some members did improv growing up and in high school, while others joined on a whim at Cal Poly. When someone makes the team, they do not perform until the end of the quarter to give them adequate time to practice and get familiar with the team, the group said.
They also explained that being nervous is normal, and even the longest-standing members have nerves going into a show — but that is part of the fun.
“Don’t be scared about failing, because failing is kind of the point. It’s what makes improv so funny … Mistakes are what make improv what it is,” Bhasin said.
The group said it’s important for performers to put themselves outside of their comfort zones and learn how to manage awkward situations humorously.
“It is an incredible skill to be confident when put into new situations and still try your best to thrive in every one of those situations. I think improv is especially good for that,” Hayden said. “Everyone cares and wants to see you have fun and learn how to do this thing.”
The members also said how being quick and self-assured is something that assists them in social situations in their daily lives, school and work opportunities.
“Improv helps with a lot of other aspects of your life … It helps with my confidence and it is just a useful skill to have at your disposal,” Lykes said.
Smile and Nod hosts public workshops for those looking to try improv every Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. during the academic year. The best place to keep up with Smile and Nod’s upcoming shows and workshops is on Instagram, @smileandnodcp.
Grace Bennett is a journalism junior and DJ for KCPR 91.3 FM.
