Dayton’s Black Box Improv Theater celebrates holidays with comedy, music

The Black Box Theater specializes in comedy and music. Photo courtesy of Autumn Arrone of Akiphotography.

Credit: Autumn Arrone of Akiphotography

Credit: Autumn Arrone of Akiphotography

The Black Box Theater specializes in comedy and music. Photo courtesy of Autumn Arrone of Akiphotography.

For lovers of comedy and the holidays, Black Box Improv Theater will present its third annual holiday show Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16.

The performance will be split in two. The first hour will be a regular improv routine performed by the group Midwestern Beef on Friday and Don’t Panic on Saturday. At 9 p.m., a completely improvised, hour-long holiday musical will begin.

Kevin Carter, co-owner of the theater, explained the structure of the performances.

“Normally the first hour we do stories from the audience and we take that information and we start doing things based off of those stories,” Carter said. “(In) the second half we ask the audience for the name of a play that’s never been performed before, and they can make up any play and that’s what our music is about. Everything is made up on spot — even the music.”

Patrons can attend either the improv routine or the musical. The musical will feature a cast of five to seven people.

Some of the owners of Black Box Improv Theater, (left to right) Bryan Lakatos, Othalia Larue, Kevin Carter, James Fritchman and Garret Geilenfeldt, outside the intimate comedy venue. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Carter said the holiday show is typically family-friendly but still advises parental discretion due to the nature of improvisation. There will also be a full-service bar and guests can take drinks outside the theater due to the troupe being affiliated with Dayton’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. Also, patrons are allowed to bring food to the show but no drinks of any kind are permitted.

A Black Box Improv comedy performance. Photo courtesy of Autumn Arrone of Akiphotography.

Credit: Autumn Arrone of Akiphotography

icon to expand image

Credit: Autumn Arrone of Akiphotography

Carter also emphasizes the community aspect of this annual endeavor. He noted all the performers live in Dayton and the company, which he describes as a “Dayton type of theater,” is locally owned.

HOW TO GO

What: Black Box Improv Theater’s Holiday Improvised Musical

When: Dec. 15-16; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday’s performance is sold out.

Where: Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. Third St., Dayton

Tickets: $20

More info: Visit daytonblackboximprov.com

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