By Eva Trieger in Ramona, California
How good are you at thinking off the cuff? Do you find you can adlib easily, or do you prefer to have a scripted interaction? Scripps Ranch Theatre teamed up with Deb Zimmer’s improvisation group for an afternoon of zaniness and fundraising. The proceeds of the two-hour show benefited the Alzheimer’s Association, San Diego/Imperial County chapter.
With a degree in Theatre Lighting Design, Zimmer is no stranger to the stage. In 2012, she was volunteering at Patio Playhouse when their Youth Improv teacher moved to Florida. Zimmer hopped into the role and drew on her knowledge of comedy television show “Whose Line is it Anyway?’ She found she enjoyed the experience and even launched a few kids who grew up to become professional comedians, but in the back of her mind, Zimmer knew she wanted to start a group for adults. This kernel germinated and became Improvability.
The full troupe of Improvability consists of four women and four men. These talented folks are gifted with quick wit, an excellent sense of timing, good humor and the desire to make people laugh. Deb Zimmer, Director, works closely with Henry Heller to create fun “games” involving Chris Braden, Chris Lange, Rosie Pappas, Peggy Schneider, Amy Zimmon and Ian Boyd. These games frequently require audience participation both in suggesting ideas, props, personalities and occasionally in joining the cast on stage!
One unique facet of Zimmer’s improv group is their commitment to raising funds to combat Alzheimer’s. Curious to learn more about her ties to the neurodegenerative disease, the director shared that she lost both her father and her mother to Alzheimer’s, in 2004 and 2014 respectively.
In 2017, Zimmer met Sarah Granby, the organizer of a local annual walk to end Alzheimer’s. The walk, held at Kit Carson Park in Escondido, became the backdrop for Zimmer’s own team, Malushke’s Minions. The team’s tee shirt recalled Zimmer’s mom with a print of her face on the shirt. The U.S. Pointer study evaluated over 2,000 subjects and discovered specific lifestyle interventions that are believed to slow the progression of dementia and may even prevent it. These findings sparked an enthusiasm to raise money for more research.
Each June, The Longest Day, “a do-it-yourself” fundraising event, urges people to create their own way to raise money. Hence the organization is now “Do What You Love to End Alz.” The organization uses funds to end Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia. As their website says, “New Name, New Look, Same Mission.”
Zimmer’s merrymakers are clearly close friends and their simpatico and synergy is evident. When they have an upcoming show, they rehearse weekly. They exercise their funny bones with skits such as “Almost Jeopardy” and enjoy incorporating a Madlib’s style song.
In our telephone interview, I asked Zimmer if one has to be an extrovert to do improv successfully. The answer surprised me. She said, “No. In fact it can help you get over being shy.” When asked how one could break into improv, Zimmer encouraged interested parties to attend Patio Playhouse’s weekly class, Off the Cuff, on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm. Everyone is welcomed; no previous training required.
Improvability is always looking for new places to bring its unique comedy show and continue to raise money to fight this insidious disease. The eight folks on stage appeared to have but one goal, and that was to prove that laughter is truly the best medicine and can cure whatever ails you! Deb Zimmer may be reached at Improvabilityzimmer@gmail.com.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the coverage of the arts.