“Anytime/Anywhere: The Piven Improv Series,” takes root this February. For close to a month, Piven Theatre Workshop students and alums will showcase their acting and improvisational chops, talents developed while taking classes at the 43- year-old theatre company founded by Joyce Piven and her late husband, Byrne Piven.
“Anytime/Anywhere…” will feature its resident Piven Theatre Improvisation Ensemble. Other collaborating troupes will include students from its youth ensembles, The Young People’s Company and Performance Project, and members of PEEP, which serves adults with developmental disabilities.
High school senior Justine Ivanov is planning to major in theater at Northwestern theatre. She took her first Piven Theatre Workshop class four years ago and says the training facility is, “…an artist’s dreamland. The workshop offers more than just theatre games. You’re taught to take risks, to fail, to deepen and to be confident all the while doing so.” Of the improv show she says, “What I love about improv at Piven is that it doesn’t have to be funny. We’re playing with a lot of different Piven techniques, which enables us to create dramatic and comedic pieces all within one set. It’s a whole new spin on improv.” She adds that she “… cannot wait until there is an audience to share our work with.”
Audiences will see both kids and adults get their synapses spinning. Artistic Director Jennifer Green has “curated” the best content, and a different set of troupes will take the stage each night, making each performance a unique experience.
“Anytime/Anywhere” runs from Feb. 7 through March 1 at the Piven Theatre Workshop, located in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street. Tickets are available at 847-866-8049 or www.piventheatre.org.