How does an improv comedy troupe warm up? There’s laughter, as one might expect. But, in the case of 6Chix, there’s also a dance party, spurred on by some of the best female empowerment anthems of all time.
The anthems are working. 6Chix is the first all-female troupe to ever compete in the College Improv Tournament National Championship (March 14). In addition to Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Tyler and Beyoncé, 6Chix has a cheerleader in David Storck, the troupe’s coach and professor at Savannah College of Art and Design, which sent three teams to the finals of regional college improv competitions this year.
David was trained by improv maven Amy Poehler at Upright Citizens Brigade. He took her class three times in order to master the techniques of improv comedy, and then ran Gotham City Improv. Now he teaches performing arts students like the members of 6Chix: Rebecca Huey, Lucy Groeber, Gabrielle Hespe, Sawyer Greenberg, Caroline Huey and Emily Updegraff.
According to David, the tools of improv comedy are more essential than ever to film and television.
Hollywood has finally figured out how to use improv and it’s taking off. – David Storck
At their final rehearsal before departing for nationals, David picks two topics for 6Chix’s next warm-up: brunch and flowers. Gabrielle sits between Caroline and Emily, holding simultaneous conversations about each topic. The exercise keeps the players agile and improves their focus and ability to listen. It also keeps them chuckling, but these games build serious skills.
Improv artists are now highly sought after for writing and acting jobs in the entertainment industry, yet most colleges only teach a traditional approach to performing arts. So college thespians possessing well-honed improv skills are as rare as breakthrough female comedians. Indeed, the members of 6Chix had not experienced the benefits of improv until they came to SCAD.
The 6Chix are in a position to possibly be trailblazers and pioneers from the college world for women in comedy. – David Storck
The 6Chix want to be known first and foremost for their craft, and emphasize that forming an all-female troupe was more a matter of availability rather than a decision to exclude men. But they cite the success of talents like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph, which encourages them to challenge the notion that women aren’t as funny as men.
Watching where Amy Poehler was a couple of years ago, and knowing where she has been, it’s amazing to see she still kept with it. She stuck in there and kept driving forward and now they’ve all opened this great door for us. – Caroline Huey
Though recently formed in fall of 2014, 6Chix will disband after nationals. Three of the members, including Lucy Groeber, who will spend her final quarter in an internship with The Groundlings, will graduate this spring. Regardless of where they land, it’s certain their connection, forged through the power of saying "yes" to improv and one another, will remain strong.
Watch 6Chix perform in the College Improv Tournament via livestream at 5 p.m. EDT on Saturday, March 14.
