TWHS Improv Troupe making a difference one laugh at a time

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Students at The Woodlands High School are using their theatrical talent and comedic wit to not only entertain audiences, but to raise money for charities, striving to make a difference one laugh at a time.

Since last year, members of the TWHS Improv Troupe have put on a performance each month, with the proceeds going towards a particular charity. The troupe, made of 16 high school students and led by TWHS theatre teacher, Matthew Peters, performs skits and different games in front of a live audience, similar to the hit television show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. During each show, the students entertain the audience through family-friendly improvisational theatre, where the dialogue, actions and characters are not scripted, but are instead formed as the improvisation happens in present time.

“The kids came up with an idea of doing all of our shows for charity, and we have been really successful,” said Peters. “I am really big into trying to help out in the community, and the kids get really excited when we raise money for charity. One of the rewarding things is that these students are learning about what it means to be a good citizen and helping others who are less fortunate than they are.”

Last month’s show was in honor of the late Robin Williams, an actor and stand-up comedian known for his work all over the world, inspiring many. For the performance, each student got to dress up as one of Williams’ characters he portrayed throughout the years.

“When Robin Williams passed away, one of my students called me and said that our first show of the school year should honor him,” said Peters. “It meant a lot to the kids to be able to recognize someone that they all looked up to. It was really neat for them to honor him and appreciate the work that he has done for the comedy community. A lot of these students want to go into comedy, so to be able to honor and remember one of those legends was huge for them.”

With over 200 in attendance, the troupe raised $1,700 in donations from the event that went towards an English charity that Williams endorsed, known as Comedic Relief. The mission of Comedic Relief is to “drive positive change through the power of entertainment.” Money raised through this charity goes towards helping end hunger and poverty all around the world, including building schools and providing food for people in 3rd world countries.

“It is great seeing the students getting excited about the work that they are doing and feeling that sense of pride that they get in front of an audience when they make them laugh,” said Peters. “I always tell them that if they are not having a good time, then we aren’t doing it right.”

For their next show, the TWHS Improv Troupe will perform on October 17, with all ticket sales and donations going towards the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Tickets are $5 each or $3 if attendees wear an Improv Groupie t-shirt, but of course other donations are always welcome. Those interested in attending can also check @TWHSImprov on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for opportunities to win free tickets. The show will begin at 7pm in The Woodlands High School senior campus theatre, located at 6101 Research Forest Drive.

The TWHS Improv Troupe entertains for the enjoyment of the audience while supporting a good cause. They not only get to do what they love, but they make a difference while doing it. Following the words once said by Robin Williams, “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”