Jaley Hoyt

Every time I look back on Grave Matters I have mixed feelings. I am very proud of this show, yet also think that I could have done so much better. This was a structured improvisation show under Dr. Allan's Advanced Performance class. The cast was given a setting, a plethora of props and costumes, a general relationship, and a really loose plotline for every scene. However, there was no script. Every scene was different, every time we did it. Rehearsals were hard because sometimes we would have a good joke that we could never do again, or we would get too into our own heads and start scriptwriting. Grave Matters had a lot of really good, very genuine moments. It also had a lot of awkward, bad moments.

Our setting was a graveyard, which opened up opportunities for family drama, quick escapes, or simply a groundskeeper going about their work day. This show was so very challenging, and I had to force myself to go into every rehearsal with a completely clear mind. Because of Grave Matters I have improved in a lot of aspects. When I act, I now listen more, and react better, instead of just going on stage and saying my lines. I would love to do a show like this again, yet at the same time I prefer the safety of a set script.