about

8th Floor Improv is an improvisational comedy group at the Ohio State University. We are Columbus Ohio's Premiere Improv Comedy Troupe, focusing primarily on long-form improvisation. Our cast is made up of Ohio State students from a variety of majors. We perform regularly at the US Bank Conference Theatre in the Ohio Union and at various locations on campus. 

8th Floor has also performed at corporate events and special charity functions, and our members have performed at many locations all around the country (including the Fracas! Improv Festival in Los Angeles, CA, and the Del Close Marathon in New York City). 8th Floor members have had the opportunity to study with The Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Annoyance, and iO. Ultimately, we strive to provide Ohio State-- and the Columbus OH area-- with a unique brand of entertainment.

8th Floor, Fall 2010

shows

8th Floor's shows are 100% improvised. This means that we come up with our scenes on the spot. No scripts. No pre-set roles. No limit to the amount of possibilities.

Traditionally, performers recognize two different types of improv: short-form and long-form. Short-form improv consists of improv games, similar to those seen on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" In long-form improv, the performers incorporate an audience suggestion to construct a series of scenes, which may or may not be related.

8th Floor performs regularly in the US Bank Conference Theater located in the Ohio Union  (check back regularly for exact dates). These shows consist of two long-form sets, a fan-favorite game of Dream-Nightmare, a brief intermission, and your favorite short-form games. The show usually lasts an hour and a half.

In addition to these monthly shows, 8th Floor performs regularly at residence halls around campus. These shows consist of both long-form and short-form improv and usually last anywhere from 1-2 hours.

8th Floor is constantly looking for new and interesting ways to entertain, so check the site regularly for special show announcements.

8th Floor Improv is comprised of two long-form improv teams: The Lil' Dumplings (Kevin Bauer, Brittany Belland, Ben Hollinger, Aaron Nemo, Nate Varrone, Jessica Scherer) and The Incumbents (Dan White, Dave Rafailedes, Cory Frame, David Olszewski, Rainey Fleming, Xavier Dunson, Eddie Greenblat).

Do you have questions about our shows? Interested in having us perform for you? Feel free to contact us.

history

8th Floor Improv was formed in winter of 2004 by six friends on the 8th floor of Stradley Hall. Their goal was to create an environment to learn and perform improv comedy at the OSU main campus. In its first year, the group performed eight shows for Residence Halls and Dining Halls around campus. From this humble beginning, 8th Floor shifted its focus to become more professional by holding auditions and increasing cast size, securing an office at the Ohio Union, and seeking out a wider variety of venues, on and off campus. 8th Floor's second year witnessed great beginnings. Through performances for Relay for Life, OSU Forensics, and Buckeyethon, 8th Floor began contributing to the students of The Ohio State University. Through performances at OSU branch campuses, 8th Floor began an ambition to extend its talents abroad. Securing a venue at the South Campus Gateway Theater, 8th Floor began performing weekly. In 2010, 8th Floor began performing regularly in the US Bank Conference Theatre in the Ohio Union.

Bellwether Improv Festival

Formerly known as Improvfest, the Bellwether Improv Festival is an annual festival to celebrate improv and encourage collaboration among the college improv scene. Taking place in the spring, some of the finest college improv groups from the Midwest convene on one stage for a weekend of live comedy. The event is no longer a competition, instead focusing on showcasing each school's unique style of comedy. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and-- above all-- very funny.

Follow Bellwether on Twitter for updates @OSUBellwether !

Is your college improv group interested in participating in the next Bellwether Improv Festival? Let us know! Contact us here.