By Caleb Day
Returning Grand Rapids Community College students received a morale boost Wednesday by way of an improv comedy show. No Outlet, a local improv troupe, performed in the Raider Grille as part of Welcome Week.
Despite the subzero temperatures and biting winds blowing through campus, the Raider Grille was downright toasty thanks to the kitchen ovens and dozens of students.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” said troupe member and GRCC student Eirann Betka. “It’s going better than we hoped, we’re getting a lot of fun suggestions from the audience.”
Contact info: facebook.com/nooutletimprov
Dog Story Theater
7 Jefferson Ave SE
Ticket prices: $12 adult/ $8 students and senior citizens
She wasn’t kidding either. When asked how they were feeling for a sketch called “Emotions,” audience responses ranged from “cold and pissed off” to “menstrual rage.” No matter the absurdity, the performers took the suggestions in stride, improvising each sketch with unprecedented enthusiasm.
No Outlet began as a four member troupe in 2009 and has since grown to a full outfit of seven. The original four were captains of the Aquinas College Improv Troupe, In Case of Emergency. After graduation, they decided they missed performing and so formed No Outlet. The current lineup has been together for over a year and a half.
If you missed the show this Wednesday, don’t worry, No Outlet appears regularly at the Dog Story Theater off of Jefferson Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. They will be performing there at 8 p.m. on Feb. 1 and again at 3 p.m. on Feb. 2 as part of the Lake Effect Fringe Festival.
