EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – VICTORIA OLGUIN
Improvisation has been a big hit throughout the years, dating back to the early 4th century BC. The first form of professional theatre, however, began in the 16th century with what is known as “Commedia Dell’Arte,” which was an improvised popular comedy in Italian theatres. Over the years, improvisation has allowed actors to gain critical thinking skills, think on the spot and express their creative side. Those participating go into improvisation with bravery and the challenge of not using a script or any preconceived ideas. This forces actors to let go of the idea of perfection and structure and embrace themselves in an exciting challenge with many opportunities. Although society has accustomed people to fine-tune their every move, improvisation pushes actors to not judge themselves or plan a certain image for the world to see. Actors who participate in improvisation together are allowed to be creative, build confidence, think critically and celebrate their ideas all while working as a team.
Now, in San Antonio, the ComedySportz theatre is presenting a new role-playing show: “Monsternomicon”. The monthly show will be playing every second Friday at 10 PM for audiences 18 years or older. This brand new monthly-improvised show will be using the rules and creatures from “Dungeons & Dragons”, a fantasy tabletop role-playing game where players explore fantasy worlds together with each roll of the dice and storytelling. The role-playing show will be an interactive show that involves rolling dice and helping the party track down monsters. Using the 240-page “Monsternomicon” book for monster descriptions illustrated by Matt Wilson and Brian Snoddy, many are excited to see the show bring the monsters to life. The “Monsternomicon” book contains a two-page spread for each monster, which includes over 80 monsters with descriptions and information about what environment the monsters thrive in. Additionally, each creature contains art, statistics and abilities, as well as habits and specific acts in combat.
Actors turn to this book to see what it would be like to encounter a monster and identify how a specific monster behaves. Moreover, the “Monsternomicon” book provides players with different modifications and adjustments they can use on different monsters. There are also monster templates; with some being a little bit more general that could apply to a wide variety of types of monsters, while other templates are made for a specific creature. Lastly, the book gives players the treat of getting to know the book narrator, Prof Viktor Pendrake by providing his biography and statistics. When reading the “Monsternomicon” book, one will notice that most creatures were designed to be deadly, violent creatures. This will most likely result in a show filled with action, battle and adventure.
Students at St. Mary’s University have shared their opinion on the new show, specifically student actors. Senior math major Jorge Martinez acknowledged the struggles that can come about with role- playing, but also the opportunities. “I think a lot of people will think it’s silly when they’re given a role and will be uncomfortable with the role-playing aspect of it. I have not watched any role-playing shows but I’ve been stage acting for over 8 years! “I’ve [also] never participated in these types of shows before but would love to do one! I think it’s fun to pretend to be somebody you’re not. I think it can give people perspective.” To view the new role-playing show based on the game “Mosternomicon”, visit 11950 Starcrest Dr #210, San Antonio, TX 78247.