Massive Improv

Massive Improv is exactly what it sounds like — improv on a massive scale. While most improv companies perform short skits, Massive Improv goes on for half an hour or more. “What we do is called long-form improv,” says co-director Michael Garcia. “It’s closer to unscripted theater than anything else.”

Unscripted theater of the absurd, you might say. During each act, an improv team gets up on stage, takes a one-word suggestion from the audience and then improvises for 30 to 45 minutes based on that word. “The words that make for interesting shows are the ones that have multiple meanings,” says Garcia. “One time we had ‘whales.’ That ended up with people being trapped inside a whale, but they were also from Wales, and then the Wailing Wall came up.” 8 p.m. Avant Garden, 411 Westheimer. For information, visit www.massiveimprov.com. $5.
Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., 2008