KINGSTON, R.I. — Oct. 31, 2023 — For those who need to combat midterm stress, consider alleviating it with a good, hearty laugh. On Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m., in Atrium 1 of the Memorial Union, URI’s improv troupe, Rhody Ridiculousness, will host its first performance of the semester. The troupe is a collective of students with varied experience—some in theater, some in stand-up comedy, and some new to improv—all working to define their comedic instincts and make people laugh. 

Attendees to the show are encouraged to participate in the improvisational games that will make up the performance, ideally showcasing the acting skills and comedy bits that members have been honing throughout the semester.

Lauren Gardner, a junior at URI and president of the club, says that “our returning members have really made amazing progress when it comes to finding their niches, and making high-risk choices on the fly.

“That’s the hardest part of improv,” says Gardner. 

Gardner serves on the executive board, along with: treasurer Fiona Quinn-Tierney, a senior; vice president Ella McNally and secretary Lea Ricci, both juniors.

Each skit contained within the show will be separated by games that direct the sequence of events, and impose rules that actors must follow while staying focused on the goal of generating some laughter. 

No registration is required, but students are encouraged to RSVP. Students, friends and family of club members, and the general public, are all invited and encouraged to watch and participate. Admission is free.

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 This story was written by Samantha Melia, a senior journalism and political science major at the University of Rhode Island and an intern in the Department of Marketing and Communications.