Spotlight on RU Theater: A 4 Effort

Founded in 2004, A 4 Effort is a student group dedicated to short-form improvisational comedy.

Credits: Most recently, the group opened for Ben Bailey, the host of Discovery Channel's "Cash Cab." They also opened for such comedians as Nick Thune as well as comedy groups such as the "Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company," and the world-famous sketch group "Derrick Comedy."

Members: The A 4 Effort troupe includes University students John Bender, Emily Lowinger, Jordan Gochman, Bryton McGrath, Alex Puhalla and Dan Conroy.

Style: Their improv is based on games with predetermined structures similar to the ones played on the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? Because all the parts of A 4 Effort's show are unscripted, the games start with a suggestion from the audience. Each joke, pun and pratfall is made up by the group members on the spot. The group attributes its ability to create hilarious and cohesive scenes to cooperation, practice and a strong group bond.

A 4 Effort will be holding its end-of-semester show on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 9:30 p.m. in Scott Hall, Room 123. Tickets are $2 for students with RUID and $5 for regular admission.