American Improv Comedy Returns to the Brooks for a Night of Laughter to Celebrate the Growth of Improv in North County
(Oceanside) June 2, 2024 – American Improv Theatre who helped launch improv in North County is returning to the Brooks Theater on June 15 at 7:30 pm with a fun, talented cast of improvisers to help Oceanside Theatre Company celebrate becoming North County’s home for improv comedy.
“A little over a year ago, there was no improv in North County,” said Improv at the Brooks director Chris Shurland. “We brought in Bay Area-based American Improv Theatre to introduce audiences to improv here and they were extremely well received. I am excited to have them return to help celebrate our growth.”
American Improv Theatre was founded by Jeff Ringgold who has over three decades of experience with improv and acting after being trained and mentored by comedy legends such as Jonathon Winters and Del Close. Ringgold is happy to return to North County with a fun cast that is sure to entertain audiences. “Oceanside audiences are some of the most fun we perform in front of.”
The show will be fast-paced and highly interactive with fun games similar to what you might find on the long-running show Whose Line is it Anyway. “Everything is completely made up on the spot based on audience suggestions, so no two shows are the same,” said Ringgold.
Improv at the Brooks has expanded from a single monthly drop-in class in 2023 to four levels of seven-week classes. “Our improv program has not only expanded with adults, but with children and teen classes as well,” said Oceanside Theatre Company’s Managing Director Alex Goodman. “It is incredible to see how rapidly the improv community at the Brooks has grown.”
After a brief intermission in July, our classes will resume in August. “I am looking forward to the future with new classes, new teachers, and an exciting new narrative show I’ll announce soon,” said Shurland. “I am so appreciative of all of the people that have made Improv at the Brooks their improv home. Their support is the cornerstone of our success.”
Improv Classes resume in August. A full list of offerings can be found at https://www.improv-at-the-brooks.org.
About Oceanside Theatre Company
Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident professional theater company operating the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a focal point of the Oceanside California Cultural District (OCCD). OTC’s mission is to produce professional theatrical, visual art, and musical productions for the entertainment and enrichment of the community, present educational opportunities in the arts for children and adults, and provide a safe, public venue for expansion of artistic endeavors in North San Diego County and greater Southern California. OTC produces a four-show mainstage theater season and a Music Series as well as music, theater, poetry, dance, film, and cultural events and classes in both the 198-seat main theater and adjacent Studio 219. Additionally, OTC is the steward of the Brooks Theater Gallery featuring revolving art exhibits year-round. An important part of OTC’s mission is inspiring and sharing the arts with local youth through the Youth Theater Program, which includes Summer Theater Camps, a Fall Youth Theater Program, and onsite After School Theatre Outreach Classes at local elementary and middle schools. To learn more visit www.oceansidetheatre.org or follow OTC on Instagram and Facebook @oceansidetheatrecompany