Learning to trust: Improv at Laughtrack Theater

by Doyle Moeller

doyle moeller / KA LAMAKUA

What was your graduation experience? Given the prompt "graduation" the improv troupe Muslin Hamster began with monologues of their own experiences. Co-Owner Shannon Winpenny explains that she dyed her hair bright red so that her mother could see her. The theater takes pride in never performing the same skit twice, so expect to see a wide variety of skits when you visit.

Hidden in the heart of downtown, directly across from Hawaii Theatre and among the optometrists and the cafés is Laughtrack Theater, a welcome break from the predictable. 

doyle moeller / KA LAMAKUA

Observe: the power of the power tie. Muslin Hamster members
Shannon Winpenny and Scott Hanada act out a scene in which
Shannon goes from doubting Scott's ability to get a promotion
to being overcome with desire for him because he is wearing not
just any power tie, but one that Donald Trump himself wore.

The lobby, featuring a wall painted with a group portrait of its founding members, is visible from the street. Beyond that wall, the theatre beings to take shape. The set is minimal, with the only props usually being a pair of stools. The stage, as well as the space, is small, but co-owner Kim Potter says it can seat up to sixty-five.

Once the show begins, it becomes clear why everything else is toned down: the actors provide the color and excitement. Muslin Hamster, one of the many groups performing at Laughtrack, works without any signals or cues, relying instead upon each other's ideas and trusting each other to support their ideas."

For learners, Laughtrack offers classes for all ages, with students ranging in age from eleven to eighty-three. Advanced classes often become performers for the theatre, and even people who want to learn a new skill or just have some fun are welcome.

"Our classes are for anyone who wants to try anything," says Laughtrack co-owner Shannon Winpenny. When she says anything, she literally means anything can happen: she explained that most, if not all long-form improvs start with an “idea generator” in which actors get a chance to feel out whatever subject the audience shouts out. 

In one performance, the prompt offered to the group was "graduation," so each member gave a short monologue about their graduation experience while elements from the monologues found their way into the scenes in interesting and unexpected ways, like a Nintendo DS played during graduation turning into playing Tetris on a wedding day, complete with a Lithuanian bride who enjoys the Russian music.

doyle moeller / KA LAMAKUA

How can you keep a straight face when you're so happy? After a solemn walk down the "aisle" Muslin Hamster members Larissa Nielson, Shannon Winpenny, and Scott Hanada break the guise and express their joy at graduaiton.

Larissa Nielson, another UHM graduate and the second regular member of Muslin Hamster, says the thing she learned most from improv has nothing to do with theatre - she says she learned how to accept herself. To her and to many others at Laughtrack, that's what makes improv so awesome.

"In this house," says Muslin Hamster member and UHM graduate Scott Hanada, "it's all about love and support."

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Laughtrack Theater - located at 1123 Bethel St. - holds shows every Friday and Saturday, at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door, and the theatre offers a 20 percent military and student discount. Outside food and drink are welcome, though ID's are checked for those bringing alcohol. For more information or tickets, call (808) 384-3362 or visit http://www.laughtracktheater.com/.