Improv Comedy coming to Rio Rancho

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho Creative Crossroads (RRCC) is starting an Improv Club, beginning with a free workshop Jan. 25 at Star Heights Recreation Center.

The Improv Workshop will begin at 3 p.m. and be the first of a 12-session series. Each improv class lasts three hours.

Facilitating the class is Rick Quest, whose background includes a plethora of improvisation classes in college and mental health counseling.

Improv is acting without script and has been taught at prestigious schools such as Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) and The Groundlings.

“It’s spontaneous comedy. It’s a free flow of ‘yes and,’ which is the main principle that goes with improv. It’s a matter of accepting what reality is — and what you are given — taking that, working with it, and creating something in the moment,” Quest said. “It’ll have its own unique flavor particular to Rio Rancho.”

Besides developing acting skills, improv builds confidence, self-expression and public speaking. It also teaches people how to listen, work together and that it is “OK to make mistakes.”

“I found that there was a comfort that came with knowing that you can make mistakes and that other people can take those and do something with it,” Quest said of his own experience with improv.

A few notable actors with improv backgrounds include Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Kristen Wiig, Aziz Ansari, Zach Woods, Aubrey Plaza, Keegan-Michael Key and Lisa Kudrow.

Founded in 2013, RRCC is a nonprofit organization that is also responsible for the Rio Rancho Players Community Theatre.

“Rio Rancho traditionally doesn’t have a lot of art programs, so that’s sort of what my organization has stepped in to fill,” said Neal Shotwell, founder and board president Neal Shotwell. “The improv is a new piece of the puzzle.”

Registration is required for the upcoming workshop, and those interested can register at rr-cc.org.

Star Heights Recreation Center is located at 800 Polaris Blvd. SE.