Local actress teaches the art of improvisation

Adreanna Boucher says when she was younger she was “definitely not a very outgoing and fun-loving person,” but a high school drama class helped her face her fear and gave her an outlet to express herself.

“Part of the way that I’ve become more confident myself and I’m able to do the stuff I do is because I put myself out there,” she said.

“Improv really has helped me with that because every time I go onstage to perform I’m nervous … but I still get onstage and I still do it and I always have fun so it helps you to come out of your shell.”

Boucher went on to pursue acting, directing and playwriting. She has since formed her own improvisational comedy troupe, Off the Cuff, hosts open improv nights at her home and performs with her troupe around P.A.

Now she’s passing on the discipline of improv to others. In March she was invited to lead a weeklong improv workshop for Grade 10, 11 and 12 students at Wesmor Community High School.

“I was so nervous. I thought, ‘These kids are going to hate me,’ but by the end of the week they were sad that it was over and the teacher actually said that it was some of the best attendance that she’s ever had in class,” Boucher said.

“At the beginning of the workshop they were very quiet and hesitant and only a couple of them really wanted to get involved and by the end of the week almost everyone was involved in some capacity.”

Boucher said she’s been asked in the past about hosting improv workshops for the public, and following a positive experience at Wesmor she decided to do just that. Boucher’s Do Something! Improv for Anyone workshop will be held in the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library auditorium on Saturday, Aug. 12. The deadline to register is Aug. 10.

Boucher said the day-long workshop will cover acting skills, body movement, voice work and the rules of improv and the elements of a good improv scene. It will also include improv games, like the ones Off the Cuff performs at its shows.

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Got to go:

What? Do Something! Improv for Anyone workshop

Where? John M. Cuelenaere Public Library

When? Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission? $50 per person, $30 for those with a student I.D. Tickets available from Adreanna Boucher at 306-961-3369 or through the event’s Facebook page