Half Moon Bay Comedy Troupe to Mix Drinks with Laughs this Weekend

Creating comedy is no laughing matter. It takes intricate timing, serious training and the courage to understand some jokes may only leave a blanket of silence in the audience.

Blue Blanket Improv of Half Moon Bay understands this courage because their challenging comedy comes without a script, set characters or knowledge of the next line. But for the clowning team, the challenge is what makes creating humor so fun.

“Audiences should expect uproarious laughter, a knee slapping good time,” said Kenny Bourquin of Blue Blanket Improv. “And a laughgasm if you dare?”

The improv troupe will be performing this Saturday at The Wine Bar in Princeton to toast to a night of good drinks and good comedy. Members of the audience enjoy the power of dictating the subject matter of each of the improv games for chuckles on their terms.

Founder Marc Samuels, a Half Moon Bay local, created the organization while living in San Francisco.

“Blue Blanket was founded on September 11, 2001,” he said. “That audition didn’t go terribly well. But people need to laugh, we need to be therapeutic for people.”

Samuels feels that the darkened day inspired a purpose for a local improv troupe. He then created a company in Half Moon Bay, as he wished to bring live theater to the community in a family-friendly environment.

“Obscene words get laughs but they’re not difficult,” Samuels said. “The audience should expect high energy, fast, furious and funny.”

Though the performance at The Wine Bar does have an entry fee, the troupe hopes that they can soon do free shows.

“Something happens to people when money gets involved,” Samuels said.

For comedy lovers, performances often have discounts. For example, if one brings three friends to the performance Saturday night they receive one ticket free.

However, those who are seeking a hearty laugh are rarely turned away for the inability to show the cash, Samuels said.

“Even if we lose money we don’t care,” Samuel said. “We just want to expose kids to live theater.”

The troupe also hosts workshops and scholarships for those daring to enter the mysterious and unpredictable world of improvisational comedy. Those interested need not be experienced actors or even looking to enter the theater world, Bourquin said.

“I think improv is known as very beneficial in the workplace,” he said. “At work, improv makes you more confident in public speaking and being quick on your feet.”

The scholarship program, which is dedicated to teaching high school- age students, is one aspect of Blue Blanket Improv that Samuels is most proud. The troupe provides a supportive environment for beginners and a testing environment for those who wish to be challenged.

One example of how the troupe hones their skills is the game "Interview in Reverse." The exercise requires intense focus as it requires the two participating actors to create a backwards interview.

“The reason why I like it so much is it’s so mentally challenging,” Samuels said. “You have to commit at such a level for it to work.”

Though it’s a bit tricky to explain, Samuels said it takes improv actors months before they can acquire the skills to actually perform the game.

For Bourquin, the favorite improv game is Survivor. Four actors begin a scene and slowly they are voted off the stage by the audience. However, the four original characters must still be portrayed.

“Basically, you have to have one actor playing all four parts,” Bourquin said.

If you’re curious to watch these games play out in hilarity and laughter make sure to catch Blue Blanket Improv this Saturday at The Wine Bar.

“If you’re just willing to come and let go you’ll have a great time,” Bourquin said.

This Saturday's show on August 13 is for ages 21 and over. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.blueblanketimprov.com.

To receive news feeds about Half Moon Bay and the unincorporated Coastside between Montara and Pescadero, visit Half Moon Bay Patch on Facebook and "like" us here. Follow us on Twitter here.