Meet the HOO-MANS: Ryan Patterson

Our Meet the HOO-MANS series will introduce the cast members behind the Big HOO-HAA! and the many different skills and experiences they bring to the troupe. First up cast member since 2019, Ryan Patterson.

Getting Started

How did you first get into Improv?

When I was in high-school I loved watching Whose Line Is It Anyway, I would improvise songs in music class but I didn’t do any comedy improv until I was at university studying theatre at Fed Uni. The first improvisation I performed was Commedia Dell’Arte, a form of theatre that uses stock characters, mask, and scenarios to make up a show. All of the dialogue was improvised. When I graduated I took a bunch of improv classes, learning as much as I could. I took classes at Impro Melbourne, Improv Conspiracy and, of course, the Big HOO-HAA! as well as heaps of master classes and intensives whenever I could.

What made you want to join the Big HOO-HAA!

I used to come and see the Big HOO-HAA! when it was performed at the Portland Hotel, back in the year (talks inaudibly into hand). What I loved about the show was the variety, lots of games and songs. I also loved that you really got a sense of the actors ‘ personality as part of the show. You found yourself having favourites and really barracking for them. I loved that show was really funny, and that the performers were really good at what they do.

Were you naturally confident on stage or did improv help build that?

No, I was, and am still really, a shy guy, but learning improv certainly gave me some confidence. I’ve always been able to get into ‘performance mode’ which is basically faking it ‘til you make it. One of things that really helps me is knowing that my scene partners have my back.

ABOUT PERFORMING

What do you love most about improvising?

I love that improv is disposable and special at the same time. Every scene only exists once, which makes it feel unique - but it also means we can let it go. If a scene goes brilliantly, we can treasure the memory. If it crashes and burn, well the only the witnesses are in the audience and we can lock the door to ensure no one tells the tale.

What’s your favourite type of scene to perform?

I love song prov. It’s one of the major reasons I wanted to join the troupe.

What’s something that audiences misunderstand about improv?

Sometimes there’s an assumption that we just rock up on the night and muck around. But the truth is we train pretty hard to get good at what we do.

TROUPE AND COMMUNITY

What keeps you coming back to this troupe?

I’ve been a member of the HOO-HAA! since 2019. I love the troupe because of the people I get to play with, some of the most talented and hilarious humans in Melbourne. I also love the variety in the show - no two shows feel completely the same.

What’s the best thing about improv audiences?

It’s like a fun party. But we also have a hard out at 10pm so we don’t overstay our welcome.

SHOW MEMORIES

Do you laugh during scenes?

I try not to, but sometimes it’s very difficult. One of my favourite things about our show is that when we’re not performing on the stage we’re watching other players do their thing. I do laugh then. The other day I laughed so hard at Holly Bohmer’s antics I had to leave the stage for a bit. I like to laugh, it feels good.

FAST ONES

Favourite Games?

Genre Roller-Coaster, Stone-age Shakespeare and Oscar Winning Moment.

Songprov - Terrific or Terror?

Terrific

Favourite Audience Suggestion Category?

Either Genre or Historical Period

Long form or Short form?

Can’t we all just be friends?

Favourite Improv term?

Yield. (I feel like a Knight in a duel every time).

Your style of improv in one word?

Mischief.

Finally

Why should someone come and see a HOO-HAA! Show?

Every show is different, the cast is amazing and it’s a fun thing to do on Friday Night with a bunch of pals.

See Ryan performing Friday Nights at the Big HOO-HAA! at the Motley Bauhaus in Carlton.