IMPROVISED BUFFY Returns With Anti-Violence Project Fundraiser

After taking January off, the gang is back on February 5th for a second season in the East Village's Under St. Marks - or, as they call it, "The Bronze". This month, the Scoobies are donating half of their proceeds to the New York City Anti-Violence Project, which provides direct support to survivors of hate crimes.

Perhaps best described as "live fan fiction", Improvised Buffy invents a non-canon episode of the cult 90s television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer on the spot. Each episode is totally improvised, fully plot-driven, and based on a story contributed by the audience. Most of the actors are already assigned a character, notably Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles, but there are a few wild cards who can land onstage as anyone from the Buffyverse. Fan favorites include Drusilla, Anya, Oz, Cordelia, and (of course) the show's vampiric love interests, Angel and Spike.

Much like the show it's based on, Improvised Buffy is largely comedic until it isn't, when you suddenly find yourself tearing up over the emotional plights of their duster-clad female Spike (Dana Kaplan-Angle) or openly sobbing over Giles's (Justin Harris) fatherly love for his slayer.

That said, you don't have to be a die-hard fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer to enjoy this show. Likewise, you don't have to be a die-hard fan of improv comedy. Many come for the television references or 90s nostalgia, but stay for the ironic humor, silly scenarios, and surprisingly compelling stage combat.