36 hours of improv comedy

FSU's own improv troupe looks to break world record for longest continuous show

The members of Oncoming Traffic, a comedy improv troupe, are going over some ideas for their show April 16 where they will try to break the record for longest continuous improv comedy. Photos by: Aaron Pagel

by Ted Stratton April 12, 2004

While their weekly performances often leave audiences aching with laughter, Oncoming Traffic has yet to accomplish their biggest feat -- breaking the world record for longest continuous performance. But April 16 the stage is set for them to do just that.

"It's going to be an insane trip," sophomore Aaron Pagel said. "Staying up for 36 hours is going to be insane, but at the same time trying to perform and entertain people, its going to be a fun challenge." A fun and probably exhausting challenge is exactly what the members of Oncoming Traffic have taken on, all in the name of charity. The troupe, made up of FSU students, has its sights set on breaking the world record for longest continuous improv comedy show.

Participants know the show will be hard work, but with all profits going to St. Jude's Children Hospital members are willing to take on the challenge. "I'm looking forward to the whole thing," improv veteran Lindsay Urban said. "It will feel so good at hour 35 that we made all this money for charity and we are almost finished doing exactly what we set out to do."

The current world record, 35 hours, is held by STS Seven Improv out of Seaside, Fla.

"I'm kind of anxious because two hours of improv is exhausting, so to do 36 consecutive hours is kind of crazy," sophomore Kevin Boyle said. "I lose sleep over it. Honestly, it's kind of ironic."

One thing that does bring a little comfort to the troupe members is that they will not be tackling the record entirely on their own. Oncoming Traffic has already secured donations and sponsorships from area businesses such as Jimmy Johns, Java Heads, Brueggers Bagels and Red Bull.

"Red Bull is going to give us a barrel of product for the show to help us last all 36 hours," Boyle said. Oncoming Traffic has also attracted the attention of FSU's film school.

"We are having a documentary film crew doing a documentary on the show," Boyle said. "Two students from the film school made this their project and have been filming us; they will be at the show too."

Because the audience plays such an important role in the creation of improv comedy, it is probable that several audience members will contribute to making improv history.

"When people show up they become a part of the show as well," Pagel said. "They give suggestions and become a part of the games. They are going to be just as much a part of the show and the cause as we are."

Sophomore audience member Ann Schreiber echoed these sentiments moments after being called on stage at a recent Oncoming Traffic performance.

"It was hilarious," Schreiber said. "It was exciting and a really good time. I think the 36-hour show will be amazing."

For the members of the show it's not so much about setting a new world record. "I'm just really excited about making a lot of money for St. Jude's," Urban Said. Organizers know that keeping everyone involved in the process energized and upbeat during the long, one and a half day comedy marathon might be a challenge in itself.

"I just want to keep everyone happy," Oncoming Traffic founder Curtis Parks said. "That's the most important thing for me. I want the cast happy, the audience happy and St. Jude's happy."

Those who attend the 36-hour show can expect to see some new games and skits never yet attempted by the troupe. "We are going to do a lot of new forms never done before," Parks said. "We are going to try and do an improv talk show, and in the morning try and do a morning show."

For these young improv specialists having fun and making people laugh is a top priority. "I want to spread as much comedy around as possible," Boyle said. "I would love to run around this campus in a clown suit just to get people to smile."

Although it's not guaranteed if clowns will be appearing at the record-breaking show, troupe members do promise it will be an unforgettable time. "I can't wait," senior Vinny Sharma said. "It's going to be hot."

The record-breaking show will run from Friday, April 16 at noon, until Saturday, April 17 at midnight. The show will be held at the Lab Theatre located on the corner of Copeland and Lafayette Street.

For the most up-to-date information, one may check the troupe's Web site at www.oncomingtraffic.net. Information on sponsoring the event is available by contacting Kevin Boyle at 445-6110.