Comedy Wars looks for laughs

By Angela Case

Published Dec. 11, 2009

Every Wednesday, MU improv group Comedy Wars performs an hour show in Bengal Lair to help relieve students of their Hump Day blues.

The group's last show of the semester will be at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday in a fresh location, Jesse Wrench Auditorium.

The group's Wednesday shows drew bigger crowds this semester than they have in the past, Comedy Wars captain senior Kyle Ayers, said. Ayers has been a member of the group since his freshman year.

Performer Austin Huff said many audience members are the same people who return week after week.

"We love new people, but the regulars are our favorites," he said. "The regulars get our inside jokes and they learn about our characters. They're always the biggest laughers."

Huff said the five-person group might add three new members next semester to ease the transition when three of its members graduate in May 2010. Huff said the three future comedians have been practicing with the group.

"Practicing with them this semester is really helping with our chemistry," Huff said. "I don't think there will be any difference. They're so funny and talented."

Ayers said he's optimistic about the group's success with its new members.

"They're funnier than we are," Ayers said.

Besides adding the potential new members, Comedy Wars isn't making any changes next semester. Leann McLaughlin, who has been a Comedy Wars member for three semesters, said the group plans to hold its annual canned food drive and will perform at Relay For Life. Previously, the group has also performed at events such as freshman orientation. Huff said the group never declines requests for performances from organizations, such as Mizzou After Dark.

The group prepares for performances by practicing together every Sunday. Ayers said the practices consist of discussions, games, and character and scene work. On performance days, the group meets about an hour before the show to "hang out and get focused," McLaughlin said.

Each comedian has a unique way of preparing for performance. Huff's routine includes some rest and a lot of caffeine.

"I try to be well-rested, then I get a double shot from Starbucks," Huff said. "I try to think of as many random things as I can, just to get my mind free and thinking about everything."

The group's close-knit chemistry helps keep the show running smoothly when one of the performers falters in coming up with a joke.

"We're creative people," McLaughlin said. "We've developed a trust with each other, and I always know someone will help me."

Huff said he sometimes uses physical comedy to disguise onstage mental blocks, and sometimes uses a line that's not necessarily funny in order to move the scene along and set up a joke for another performer.

"You'll have those times of panic," Huff said. "That's where the team comes in."

Huff, a strategic communications major who has been a part of the group for three semesters, said the Comedy Wars experience would help him in his future career.

"You have to think on your feet and know pop culture referencing," he said.

Huff didn't join the group with his career in mind.

"I just love to make people laugh," he said.