High schools bring friendly competition to winter play

Buffalo Grove and Prospect high schools' Theater Arts Programs will present a humorous theatrical competition for this year's winter play with Comedy Sportz High School League.

Students from Buffalo Grove and Prospect high schools will participate and compete against each other at each of the performances, which take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, at Prospect High School, and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9, at Buffalo Grove High School.

As part of the interactive, 90-minute show, two teams compete for the audience's laughs in comedy scenes, songs and games based on audience suggestions. At the end, the audience chooses the winner.

Comedy Sportz High School League teaches students the art of improvisation, allowing each performance to be different and unique.

All District 214 schools are working with Comedy Sportz professionals throughout this school year. Improvisation teaches life skills like communication, teamwork, and being resilient in the face of failure, said Buffalo Grove co-director Beth Wells.

"Our students will be working in improv comedy teams and developing an entertaining evening of sketch comedy," said Wells. "Teachers from both schools will be involved in the fun as well, participating in games with students throughout the show."

Prospect's director Jeremy Morton said this opportunity gives District 214 students the chance to work with professionals and grow as individuals.

"Improvisation is a skill that will help those that range from our most dedicated fine arts students to those who have never participated before," said Morton.

"This life skill is an art form, and I am thankful that we are permitted to work on this craft that can help our students no matter their career pathway."

Tickets are $7 at the door. Online tickets for any of the four shows include a service charge and may be purchased at bghs.d214.org/tickets or phstheater.com. All seating is general admission.

The box office opens 30 minutes before curtain time. Cash and checks are accepted at the door. The performance runs approximately 90 minutes, which includes a 15-minute intermission where concessions are available for sale.

For information, call Buffalo Grove's house manager Eric Garneau at (847) 718-4071 or Prospect's house manager Sandy Ghilarducci at (847) 718-5222.