Some musicians start garage bands. Some humorists start improv groups. About five years ago, a group of SRJC students with quick minds and droll humor formed The World’s Biggest Comedy Duo (WBCD) in a Sonoma County garage.
The WBCD is a local improvisation comedy group in the style of the “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” TV show. WBCD’s approach involves a fast-paced series of one-to-two minute sketches – with a twist. The comedians can only speak in questions, call on audience members to provide sound effects or use “dead” bodies as props for different scenes. The audience’s suggestions often provide the setting, characters and subjects for the sketches.
Fans of the original U.K. or U.S. version of “Who’s Line” may remember the performers had a penchant for innuendos, but lacked freedom to fully express that edgier side of their talent. Without a TV network’s oversight, the WBCD has no qualms about going for the weird or risqué. “When the board is completely open, we will sometimes take a game or scene to almost shocking levels of indecency and silliness.” said founder Adam Aragon. “We don’t shy away from offensive or dark material.”
The choice of venue can also supply themes for shows, such as the “Geek and Cosplay” themed show at the Outer Planes Comics and Games at 519 Mendocino Ave on Aug. 25. Audience members were encouraged to dress as characters from their favorite comic book, science fiction or fantasy genre. The night’s improv sketches also followed these lines, including Star Trek officers arguing over proper phaser settings and audience-inspired super-hero “PMS Girl” fighting to save the world’s tampon factories.
The WBCD’s strength lies in the camaraderie of the troupe, with friendships extending beyond the stage. Improvisation brings out something, “Between mind vomit and intellectual interpretation,” said member Matt Cadigan. Members quickly discover the inner workings of each other’s personalities, and through that, their strengths and weaknesses.
This familiarity helps the players interpret actions and characters to keep the comedy rolling. “Improv is about staying one step ahead of the audience and on the same page as the person you’re playing with,” said WBCD co-founder Matlock Zumsteg.
Several players honed their craft by taking SRJC theatre arts courses like Elliot Fintushel’s Theatre Movement & Improvisation class. It paid dividends for these players’ roles in the comedy troupe. “(Fintushel) is a Zen Master, an incredible mind and an incredible improvisationalist,” Zumsteg said.
The class teaches students about creating stock characters to draw on, utilizing expressive physicality and listening to opposite performers. Improv acts work best when the players listen and react to one another, Cadigan said.
Along with founder Adam Aragon, the WBCD lineup includes cofounder Matlock Zumsteg, Matt Cadigan, Brandon Wilson, Sean Beering, Marc Azevedo, Rachel Smith and Ben Aren’t. Zumsteg performed in SRJC’s 2010-11 Theatre Arts productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Willy Wonka.
The WBCD will perform in the first annual Laugh Local Funny Fest on Sept. 29 at the 6th Street Playhouse on 52 West 6th Street. Tickets for students cost $10; regular admission is $14.
