Ding! And scene. Performing arts teacher Mark VanDerzee rings a miniature bell to end the competition as the audience erupts in laughter. Performers drop into splits and hide under the stage, their commitment and comfort during the scenes demonstrating Needs Improvment’s close-knit community and enthusiasm.
On May 15, Needs Improvment welcomed back alumni spanning from the class of 2006 to the class of 2025 during their Old School vs. New School Battle. The alums (old school) battled current students (new school) in a series of improv games, which were scored by audience voters based on storytelling, loyalty to the prompt, overall entertainment and x-factor.
The competition lasted several rounds, and ended in a close victory by the New School, with a final score of 93-91. But the night didn’t end there. There was also a senior send-off to commemorate the last performances of the senior class, led by VanDerzee.
According to Junior Isabel Olive, who was on the New School team, the seniors had a huge impact in the class this year.
“They all put themselves out there so much. Not just in scenes and not just in terms of the class. They go out of their way to make everyone else feel like every word they say is useful,” Olive said. “I just felt like I was a part of this class. I didn’t feel like it was juniors and seniors. It just felt like one group. It was phenomenal.”
Senior Charlotte Hintz, Needs Improvment’s co-captain, said that her time on the team has had a great impact on who she is today.
“I was a little bit more shy at the beginning. Improv really helped me grow in confidence. You literally just throw yourself out there, especially [in] connecting with these other people. I’ve grown so much closer with them. It’s been a lot of fun,” Hintz said.
VanDerzee said that the seniors demonstrate kindness, humility, and the qualities of a good person and ensemble member.
“Theater’s awesome, and improv is awesome. I view it as a vehicle for how to be a good human. How we listen intently to each other, how we actively respond, and how we contribute meaningfully to a group and ensemble. I think that’s what it’s about,” VanDerzee said.
Hintz said that her improv scene alongside the alumni was special because she had known some of them since her freshman year.
“It’s pretty nostalgic because you see the alumni who are on the other side of what we’re going through. And they come back, but it’s different because they’ve gone through so many more life experiences than I have,” Hintz said. “So I’m like, ‘that’s what I’m going to be like,’ but it hasn’t sunk in yet.”
VanDerzee said the Needs Improvment community brings alumni back, and will hopefully do the same for the graduating class.
“I think [the battle is] a really appropriate way to end, and I think it is made more special by the alums being here because not all of those folks are doing theater,” VanDerzee said. “In fact, many of those alums are not doing theater, but what they learned and the community that they built here were valuable enough that they come back.”
