Every other Thursday at Chapman University, laughter spills out of Irvine Lecture Hall, drawing in curious passersby and recurring fans to watch the latest Improv Inc. show. This club, although welcoming, has increased in popularity over recent years, making it competitive to join — yet rewarding for those who take the risk.
For many freshmen on the team, auditioning for Improv Inc. was their first leap into putting themselves out of their comfort zone in college.
“When I got to Chapman, I was incredibly nervous … but I think definitely being part of improv has kind of opened up my world,” freshman writing for film and television major Oliver Pardo said. “It has introduced me to a lot of new people, and the confidence to introduce myself to new people.”
For many freshmen, the initial nervousness is a shared experience. The transition to college comes with uncertainty on all fronts — with new environments, unfamiliar faces and the search for a sense of belonging from the day of arrival. Improv Inc. becomes more than just a club for new members, it serves as a space where students can begin to navigate those changes in a supportive environment full of laughs.
“When I first got to Chapman, it was obviously scary, but now I’m much more involved and I feel I have found my place here,” freshman writing for film and television major Lily Benensohn said. “Whenever I try a new game for the first time, I step out of my comfort zone, but I enjoy trying new things.”
As students grow more comfortable, the challenges of being a new member slowly start to turn from something scary into opportunities for growth. Being a part of Improv Inc. takes significant effort; one has to remain confident, quick on their feet and respond to prompts on a moment’s notice.
“I always worry that something I do may not be funny enough,” Benensohn said. “But I’ve learned since joining that not everything you do will be perfect and to try your best, trust your gut and that the team has your back.”