Meet the HOO-MANS: Katie Currie
Our next instalment of Meet the HOO-MANS has us chatting with Katie Currie.
How’d you get into improv?
I'd always done theatre classes in school, but very rarely was I actually cast in shows. When I got to college (or Uni as you call it here in Aus), I kind of figured my engagement with performing was gonna change, especially being a Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology major. Then, I had a friend invite me along to an audition for the college improv troupe. I had no idea what improv was, and I almost didn't go because I was going to be late to the audition due to a bio lab class that overlapped. I ended up making it to the audition 10mins late, and had an absolute blast. In the end, I got a callback and my friend did not. Through that I found a beautiful community of fellow improvisors and comedians, and I just never stopped.
What made you want to join the Big HOO-HAA!?
I missed short-form improv, and didn't even realize there was anyone in Melbourne doing that until an ex of mine invited me to audition with him for Hoo Haa! continuing the trend, I got the callback and he didn't get on. We are no longer speaking, and I'm still in Hoo Haa.
Do you remember your first improv show?
Absolutely--in college, at the University of Colorado Boulder, there was this group called Umbrella Improv Initiative. It was started by one of the members of the college improv troupe Left Right Tim as a way to train improvisors who showed promise at auditions, but didn't make it onto the team. it was a 12 week class with 12 individuals, and at the end your team got the opportunity to perform a show that was made up of a mix of short form and long from improv. My team was named None of the Above, because we made a survey to pick a name and no one could choose so they kept selecting None of the Above. Thus we were born.
What do you love most about improv?
I get to play with my friends. Adults don't get very many opportunities to revisit childlike whimsy. This is that for me. It's dress-up, it's pretend, it's PLAY!
What makes an improv scene a great one?
When the players in it are trying their hardest to make each other look like GODS--just absolutely supporting the crap out of each other, setting up jokes for each other to knock down, and giving in to their silly little whims (as long as it isn't at the expense of someone else).
What’s the scariest thing about improv?
I'm terrified of singing. Improvised songs are so difficult, because you have to remember the chorus, think ahead to set up a rhyme, remember your character, dance, stay in rhythm, hear the MUSIC!? scary scary scary stuff. I also don't have musical training of any sort, so I don't understand what harmonies and melodies are, or how to do them. Editors note: Katie is an amazing improv songstress, don’t believe a word she says…
What keeps bringing you back to the troupe:
The vibe--everyone is just so nice, so fun, so great to be around, and i honestly see training and performing as another opportunity to hang out with my friends.
What's special about performing with this cast?
Everyone knows each other, which means we all know how to play in to each other's strengths and avoid each other's weaknesses. It's like having tons of inside jokes with your buds and constantly referencing back to them, except they are public and the audience absolutely has the chance to be in on them too the more shows they come to.
What’s the best thing about improv audiences?
How excited they get when they see their suggestion used-- to me, it feels like when you were a kid and your parent put your drawing or report card up on the fridge. they look so proud and you can tell they are quite tickled, giving themself a lil pat on the back for being brave enough to get involved.
Has improv impacted your life beyond the stage?
Very much so. It's made me funnier in conversation, more intelligent as a person, a fast thinker and quick problem solver, and it's constantly helping me build my people skills. I've always loved public speaking, but now I feel like i have and understand the tools i'm using to do it.
One word to describe your improv style?
Explosion. Editors note: you can believe this one.
Why should someone see our show?
It's unlike any other improv you'll see in the city, it's low stakes high reward, it's entertaining and engaging, and who doesn't wanna play some games?