On Monday, July 26, 2010, WAM Theatre co-hosted a Theatresports Tournament Fundraiser with NEW STAGE in Pittsfield, MA at the NEW STAGE Performing Arts Center at 55 North Street (above the Beacon Cinema). RBIT, the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe, and MOPCO, The Mop and Bucket Improv Company from the Capital Region, ‘faced off’ in a friendly Theatresports Tournament to raise funds for WAM Theatre’s November production of Sarah Ruhl’s contemporary farce ‘Melancholy Play’, which will take place at NEW STAGE.

I had the idea to ask RBIT and MOPCO to participate a few months ago. I thought since WAM is based in both the Berkshires of MA and the Capital Region of NY, it would be fun to have improv troupes from each region face off against each other. I knew both troupes had experience with Theatresports and so, when they both agreed to participate, I was thrilled. Little did I know what a success it would be!

It completely SOLD OUT. Nicki Wilson, artistic director of NEW STAGE, and Leigh and I were beyond thrilled! We had to bring in extra chairs-a great feeling. It was such fun to stand there in the room seeing all these people having a blast, including our three celebrity judges; Daniel Klein, Seth Rogovoy and Megan Whilden. Leigh and I both commented afterwards that the atmosphere in that room was exactly the kind of energy we want at WAM events: lots of laughter, audience members from all over engaging with each other and the performers and everyone having a great time together all for a good cause. We created a community together in that room and everyone could feel it. It was awesome to have representatives (performers and audience members) from other theatre companies present; Walking the Dog, BSC, BTF, Oldcastle, Shakespeare and Company, Main Street Stage, plus others I’m sure I’m forgetting. It was also amazing to see WAM/NEW STAGE/RBIT/MOPCO fans all coming together to join in the fun! A great, great event all around.

Needless to say, we are all hoping that RBIT and MOPCO decide to face off again next summer as we’d all love to see if RBIT are able to hold on to their win (by a mere two points) or whether MOPCO will be able to mop the floor with RBIT!!!

Thanks to everyone for an incredible night.

Written by Kristen van Ginhoven, co-Artistic Director of WAM Theatre. www.kristenvanginhoven.com