MOPCO claims the Improv Crown. They are based in Albany.
At first glance, the announcement of MOPCO vs. RBIT seems like it might be a strange contest between a cleaning company and a bunch of sloppy frogs. Of course, if you proposed such an idea, both MOPCO and RBIT would fill in the missing details in the flash of a polywog’s tail. It is hardly the least likely subject that either improv company has tussled with on stage.
Defending the honor of the Berkshires is the RBIT who say the crown belongs to them, they are the genuine royals, accept no substitutes.
What it actually happening is a “one night only” Theatresports Improvisation Tournament on Monday, July 26. Since it is on a night when all the Berkshire theatres are dark, you can bet there will be plenty of feisty actors in the audience, egging them on.
So here’s the deal behind the event. WAM Theatre and NSPAC have joined forces to host this first ever improvisation throw-down between The Mop & Bucket Co. (MOPCO), “The Capital District’s Premiere Improv Comedy Troupe” and The Royal Berkshire Improvisation Troupe (RBIT), “The Funniest Thing in The Berkshires”.
These two heavyweight improvisation champions are prepared to face off in a friendly ONE NIGHT ONLY Theatresports tournament in the name of a good cause.
All proceeds raised from this event will go towards Women’s Action Movement (WAM) Theatre’s production of Sarah Ruhl’s Melancholy Play, to be performed at the NEW STAGE Performing Arts Center (NSPAC) in November 2010. A portion of the proceeds from Melancholy Play will in turn be donated to the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.
Come witness what promises to be a hilarious and improvised evening of theatrical mayhem, which the area’s top comedic talent has promised to do their very best to keep suitable for all ages. It seems the bleeper has the night off too.
The NEW STAGE Performing Arts Center (NSPAC) is a new theatre space at 55 North Street, Pittsfield, MA (above the Beacon Cinema. The performance is Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 7:30pm with tickets priced at $15. Call 413-418-0999 to purchase tickets
About WAM Theatre
WAM Theatre (WAM = Women’s Action Movement) is a new theatre company based in the Berkshires and the Capital Region of New York State, which uses theatre to take action for women and girls worldwide. Inspired by the book ‘Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide’ by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn, WAM Theatre was founded in 2009 by professional theatre artists Kristen van Ginhoven and Leigh Strimbeck. WAM’s philanthropic mission is two-fold. First, to create professional theatrical events by, with, for and about women and girls. Second, to donate a portion of the proceeds from those events to organizations that benefit women and girls worldwide. www.wamtheatre.com
About NEW Stage:
NEW STAGE Performing Arts Center (NSPAC) is the latest addition to Pittsfield’s downtown arts district. Located at 55 North Street in the beautifully renovated space directly above the Beacon Cinema, NSPAC is a venue for performance events – from the traditional to the avante garde. It is NSPAC’s mission to offer local and visiting artists a place to stage plays, dancers to choreograph, musicians to perform, playwrights to showcase and directors to stage readings. In addition, NSPCAC will offer an array of family events and classes in the arts to enrich the local community. NSPAC is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2010 by Nicki Wilson. http://newstageperformingarts.org
MOPCO: http://mopco.org
RBIT: http://royalberkshireimprovtroupe.blogspot.com
