Improv Playhouse promises to continue classes, shows

March 1 represented the 20th anniversary of Improv Playhouse Theater and Training Center in Libertyville.

In early 2000, when it opened its doors, founder and Executive Director David Stuart was guided by a vision to place performing arts principles and creativity as priorities in his new community of young and adult artists, outreach programs and corporate contacts.

Guided by the principle of "Yes/And," Stuart built a small program of improv classes into an organization whose footprint has expanded through those 20 years into the Tri-State area, with its primary hub out of Lake County.

Little did everyone realize, that two weeks following its anniversary celebration, the state and nation would be shut down by COVID-19. Now, in the midst of a health crisis, IP's intention is to continue and to develop that service during these times of immense need.

Improv Playhouse is "Yes/And-ing" its way through this major crisis.

"Art heals and connects. The arts strengthen and improve intellectual, social, and life skills, helping students of all ages flourish in today's dynamic and uncertain world, and provides a therapeutic community for growth and reconnection," Stuart said.

"We are taking steps to be around for our communities right now, when the curve flattens and life gets back to normal. We survived a few crises in our 20 years. I am trusting that with the right steps, a devoted professional staff and a loyal community of patrons, we will power through this with focus, financial prioritizing and a community that heals.

"I am not going to say that this has been, or will be, easy ... We at IP, and everywhere, are called to act with intelligence and compassion, and to build and cherish community. Improv Playhouse wants to support our staff, our local student thespians, and to foster our partnerships throughout and well beyond this crisis, because we believe that art itself creates and stimulates culture," Stuart said.

Several of its youth musical theater programs were able to complete their final performances before Stuart and his staff shut down the facilities and programming.

Its teen "Elite" performers were literally in their final dress rehearsal of "Legally Blonde" when a local school district communicated its restriction of use to outside groups.

"I scrambled through that night and found a terrific stage for the teens to perform on and families to celebrate their final shows. That was March 12. Our smaller programming wrapped up that weekend."

And then decisions had to be made. Prior to the state of Illinois shelter-in-place mandate, Stuart and staff immediately postponed all ongoing classes, performances and workshops.

"We then engaged in vigorous brainstorming in online staff meetings to create an interactive and productive platform for our presently registered students in all areas of programming," he said.

Improv Playhouse is pivoting to online instruction. Its youth rehearsals will run online, along with several adult and youth stand-up and improv classes, Live Action Role Play workshops and stage makeup classes, among others.

How do you improvise online?

"We shall see," Stuart said. "Improvisation and rehearsals are as much about building community and human connection. This experiment may prove to be both the high touch catalyst our communities desperately need, as well as productive engagements which will result in great celebrating when final productions and class showcases are launched in late spring.

"And we are moving forward with all of our performing arts camps this summer," Stuart said.

For the past several years the training center at Improv Playhouse has approved thousands of dollars in class/workshop scholarships for students.

"This year, the impact COVID-19 will have on our community can't yet be fathomed. We want to keep students and social sites experiencing hardship engaged in our classes and present at our performances," Stuart said.

A recent tax deductible fundraiser was launched to meet this financial need for staff support and continual programming. IP's Outreach program hopes to offer discounted or entirely free performances to libraries, schools, and community centers.

"When these sites of communal learning reopen their doors, we want to be there, no holds barred, to instill fresh hope with live storytelling ... when a family, school, student or site experiences financial challenges, we offer them full or partial scholarships.

"We intend to increase our discounted tuition and contract offers in response to these troubled times."

IP's Community Outreach and Education, a 501c(3), has established its COVID-19 Relief campaign. Donations are tax-deductible and will help their entertainment professionals meet coronavirus-related expenses. A donation button can be found on the top of its website homepage, www.improvplayhouse.com.

"With the help of our communities, we can ensure that our doors can stay open, and that our students and audiences of all ages can keep creating joy," Stuart said.

"Our motto is 'Entertain, Educate, Elevate.' In the foreseeable future, we also see our theater focusing on laughter and joy to heal," Stuart said.

"We want every student, teacher and community partner who seeks their creative community to find Improv Playhouse available and thriving. Help us make it possible."