Improv Kids to burst out Saturday night

Those Improv Kids are back again, raring to show off their fresh skills in the art of public appearance with improvisation.

They have been working with Gerry Orton and Dave Fabrizio for a couple of weeks, sharpening those skills of performance on the run. A drop-in to rehearsals - if you can call improv rehearsals - is like watching whirlwinds at play.

The kids are given an assignment by Orton - "Tell us where you are without words, just action" - and they leap joyfully into the challenge. Their enthusiasm is infectious; they clearly are having fun and enjoying the challenge. They are divided into teams and they huddle over their choice of site.

One team of five or six opts for a bowling alley. One by one they lift, aim and roll imaginary bowling balls down an imaginary alley. They whoop and holler with each roll of the ball, mimicking strikes and spares.

Another team picks a petting zoo. One girl crouches like a cat and hisses at each team member as he or she comes up to pet. All six teams act out their settings, and the rest of the group jumps to identify the site.

Orton, a veteran of improv, keeps things moving; after all, their show is Saturday at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St., at a 7 p.m., and they will invite challenges from the audience. It's a production of the Wildhorse Children's Theater and the museum. Tickets are $5 at the door.

This is billed as a "fun night of improvisation games, music and workouts." While the audience is encouraged to participate, it's the kids' show. Prepare for a lot of action, dazzling displays of improv and a chance to see kids truly enjoying something special.

Improv Kids

Grace Bayliss, age 9

Aiden Bhilharz, age 13

Bethany Mindrum, age 14

Dylan Shirey, age

Melissa Coyle, age 16

Jayme Foremaster, age 15

Shelby Gutierrez, age 13

Kyra Conway, age 11

Challen Wright, age 10

Shannon Flaherty, age 12

Kasia McKay, age 14

Mysha VanStraten, age 14

Kaci Fasteband, age 14

Dave McComb, age 16

Henry Wilson, age 10

Victor Favoro, age 13

Isabella Favoro, age 11

David Sando, age 10

Alexis Brannocke, age 14

Christian Greenmas, age 10

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.