'Destroy Comedy' At The Mental Ward Theatre

 "Go Furthur," says Robbio, "Those two words drive us to make daring choices. It's our mantra." As the Improv Export Co.'s Artistic Director, Robbio leads his actors into creating original sketches that spring improvisations. Their first revue, entitled Destroy Comedy, is currently in previews at the Mental Ward bar & blackbox theatre.

The fourth incarnation of Destroy Comedy debuts this Saturday, June 30^th. A few of the scenes from this all-new show feature a fight between two crepe makers, a bum pitching a pyramid scheme, and hunchbacks obsessing over Taylor Hicks. After the sketch act, the performers spin audience suggestions into improvised scenes.

Robbio follows the Second City model - that notorious temple of satire where actors Bill Murray and Tina Fey got their start. Chicago's Second City is surrounded by a community of writer/performers that draw talent scouts like hawks.

And the Improv Export Co. is building their community in South Florida with open auditions on July 1^st. Actors who make the cut will be trained in the Harold, a 25 minute improvised play inspired by a single suggestion. Then the actors will be divided into teams and given regular performances under the company's banner.

One thing that separates the Improv Export Co. from other improv troupes is their focus on each actor's individuality. They encourage opinionated characters that play smart instead of going for easy laughs. Like a laser-guided missile, the Improv Export Co. aims for the laughs grounded in truth, believing that truth is far funnier than fiction.

"We may have improv in our name," Robbio notes, "But we're really doing theatre."

The next performance of Destroy Comedy is this Saturday, June 30th at the Mental Ward bar & theatre, 1931 S. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 9pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, $5 for students. 21 and up.

The Improv Export Co. holds their open call audition Sunday, July 1^st. Signup in advance by emailing a headshot and resume to auditions@improvexport.com or by calling the Improv Export Co. at (954) 980-1369. Actors will undergo a series of rehearsals that lead to regular performances under the company's banner.

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