Dicks & Jane (Ds&J), Hawai'i’s newest independent improv troupe and special guest, R. Kevin Garcia Doyle, perform an improvised evening of entertainment to officially welcome in the New Year on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at a “secret location”.

The performance will be a two-hour event spontaneously created by the performers based on audience suggestions. With original and classic short-form games (improvised games, like those seen on Whose Line is it Anyway?) and long-form pieces (improvised vignettes that tell stories), there’s sure to be something for everyone.

The two long-forms for the evening will be, a two-person long-form called Ajar, starring Jennifer Waihe'e and R. Kevin Garcia Doyle, and Ds&J’s signature form Karma. Karma is a conglomeration of ideas and concepts imparted by many acclaimed improv teachers. Meant to be a source of entertainment for all audiences, Karma is a long-form that explores causal links between relationships. The actions and inactions of each scene's characters affect the characters that follow. This long-form is guaranteed to be unique, thoughtful and not-to-be missed.

Ds&J is a troupe made up of six improvisers regularly inspired by audiences at Laughtrack Theater Company in downtown Honolulu: Squire Coldwell, Monica Coldwell, and Jennifer Waihe'e, and three different varieties of John hailing from; Hawai'i (John Waihe'e), Seattle (John “Jay” Polk), and New York (John Schemitsch). Together, they make up Ds&J, a rare improv group that enjoys performing forms that are both visceral and cerebral. Special guest appearance will be by R. Kevin Garcia Doyle, Hawaii’s own improvisational guru and father of improv, responsible for most things improv in Hawaii.

For “secret show” information; email, tweet, facebook, find, and friend. No cover charge at the door or tickets needed, tips are appreciated and will go to allow the performers to perform their original form, Karma at national festivals in 2011.

For more information about Dicks & Jane and the secret location, please e-mail Monica Coldwell at improvhobby@gmail.com.

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Vinylite, Hawaiʻi’s newest independent improv troupe debuts at Laughtrack Theater Company on Saturday,  August 28, 2010 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. They will be presenting the improvised long-form Close Quarters.

Originally conceived and created by 18-year improv veteran and Chicagoan, Noah Gregoropoulos, Close Quarters is a standard form for advanced improv classes and troupes throughout the United States. Close Quarters is a long-form that explores space, time, and character. All the scenes take place around a specific event, inside a 30 minute time period, and within walking distance of the other characters. Everything performed on stage is “improv” – it is spontaneous, non-scripted, and completely inspired by audience suggestions. Each show is guaranteed to be unique and a one-time event not-to-be missed.

Vinylite is composed of six Hawaiʻi improvisers taught and coached by Chicago improviser, director, and author of “Guru: My Days with Del Close,” Jeff Griggs. The cast members of Vinylite are: Former Loose Screw members, Monica Coldwell, Squire Coldwell, and Jennifer Waiheʻe; along with John Waiheʻe IV of Chocolate Squirrel; and former In Yo Face Improv members, Scott Hanada and Larissa DLG. Nielsen.

Laughtrack Theater Company is located on 1123 Bethel Street, directly across from the Hawaiʻi Theatre. Shows are every Friday and Saturday, 8pm and 10pm. Tickets are $10 general, $8 for student and military with valid I.D. and can be purchased at the door 30 minutes prior to show time or online at www.laughtracktheater.com.

For more information about Vinylite performances, please contact Larissa Nielsen at (808) 780-7376 or by e-mail at improvlove@gmail.com.

For more information on Laughtrack Theater Company, please contact Co-Owner, Kim Potter at (808) 384-3362 or email her at kim.potter@laughtracktheater.com.