Jackson Free Press

Theater enthusiasts in Jackson have seen improvisational groups come and go. There was Capital City Improv and Glue. Then there was no one.

A new improvisational group in town, Off-Kilter has no shame in letting loose. I sat in on one of their rehearsals and laughed immensely at both them and the crazy games that they play.

Vanessa Kenyon, 23, who has performed with the group for two months, says, "You can definitely expect to see people doing things that normal people are afraid to do." For example, you will see actors making up stories on the spot or pretending to be any number of objects or people.

There is a range of different actors—17-year-olds all the way up to 40-year-olds—performing. All of the members have different backgrounds in acting: Some have a lot of experience, while others don't have much.

No matter their age or experience, Off-Kilter welcomes new members, especially those who have always been curious but have never dabbled in improv.

Opie Cooper, founder of the group, says, "Anyone is welcome to play with us. It costs $20 to become a member and work on the classes. This cost is just to know that they're taking it seriously."

Although they do have rehearsals, nothing is scripted in improvisational games. Rehearsal is only necessary for the actors to become familiar with the games and discover where their talents lie. Some actors are good with characterization while others are good at facial expressions or physical humor.

One game is driven by question. There are two separate groups of actors, and they're given nothing but a scene. For example, a pawnshop. The trick is that they can communicate only through questions. "How much can I pawn this for?" The other actor might say, "How much do you want?" The question asked back by the other actor has to relate in some way to what the first actor asks. The first one that cannot reply with a question is out. The next actor steps up and starts with another question.

The audience is very much involved in every show. Someone in the group will say, "We need a made-up action movie from the audience." The audience gives them ideas, and then the improv actors are off, spinning a straightforward scenario into something both absurd and clever.

Some people go to the classes and realize that improv is not for them. "That's OK," Cooper says. "We always need help during our shows, and we like to keep them involved." For example, the group is always looking for help with running the sound system and taking tickets.

Off-Kilter is an open group, and they do everything they can to help new members let go. Richard Lawrence, 43, says, "If you just relax and have fun, you'll surprise yourself with what you can do. And it will build your confidence."

Rehearsals are every Sunday at 4 p.m. Because Off-Kilter does not yet have a permanent space for performances or rehearsals, they sometimes perform at the Capri/Prix Theatre, but they'll pretty much go anywhere that won't run them off.

We're not looking to make a million dollars. We just want a permanent home and the opportunity to perform for 10 people or more," Cooper says.

Certainly, the group got off to a good start. Their first performance took place shortly after Hurricane Katrina at Highland Village, and they raised over $3,000 for disaster relief.

Cory Drake, 30, a graduate of Belhaven, says, "I'm just hoping that we can make up for where Capital City Improv and Glue left off: Intellectual humor but a family show." Off-Kilter's shows are all rated PG.

Off-Kilter is also interested in getting live bands to open up for their shows, and they would like to get people from Madison and Rankin Counties involved as well.

Off-Kilter performs June 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. at Club Ice on 209 S. Commerce St. Call 601-540-4755 for more information.