LEARN AS YOU GO. The Valley Heights Forensics team had the amazing opportunity to work with Ross Taylor of Second City Touring Company, and has also performed at The Kennedy Center and Lyric Opera. Originally from St. James, Missouri, Ross studied theater at the University of Missouri. Ross teaches improv classes at the Second City and Annoyance Theater in Chicago, and performs weekly shows at the Annoyance Theater with Missed Call and Tuesday Musical Improv. The workshop was sponsored by Marshall County Arts Cooperative and the workshop took place at the Waterville Opera House. His knowledge and experience was very beneficial especially to the IDA teams.
Improvised Duet Acting (IDA) is a forensics event which challenges the performer's mind. In IDA, two partners get randomly chosen characters, a setting, and a situation. They are given 30 minutes to create a four to seven minute skit. Tyrel Wager, a senior on the team said, “I learned how to get into an improv mindset, and learn how to make a story out of a randomly chosen character, setting, and situation.” Tyrel and Kayla Bigam, also a senior, enjoyed working on IDA exercises so much that they have decided to give it a try during competition.
Forensics is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. Janelle Medina, a junior, really enjoyed the fact that she could get out of her shell and get more creative with her acting skills. Janelle has participated in the IDA category before but she was still able to benefit from Ross’ advice. Valley Heights Forensics is very grateful to MCAC and Ross Taylor for this opportunity to learn and apply new skills to their acting no matter what event they are competing in!
Article By: Audra Steinfort