The Young Professionals Present Impulse Improv

After last season's sold-out shows, Impulse is ready to take the stage again to create fast-paced comedic scenes and games-all based on audience suggestions! No scripts, no costumes, and no pre-planned scenes. Get ready for quick wits and lots of laughter.

"Impulse 11 is STACKED with talent," said Director Jay Flewelling. "Half of the troupe has been working together building chemistry and refining their craft for three years with Impulse." Flewelling directed Impulse last year and has also assistant directed the show for many years.

"Working with the YPs is a joy because they start out being top performers but have ravenous drive to improve," said Flewelling. "YPs work harder, listen harder, put in more hours than any group or comedian I know of in the larger Portland comedy scene, and that work shows up on stage in a big way."

Directed by Jay Flewelling and assistant directed by Blake Wales, the show features eight Young Professionals: Bryce Duncan, David VanDyke, Devlin Farmer, Emma Fulmer, Emma Stewart, Hank Sanders, Nate Gardner, and Onar Smith. Additional support provided by Isaac Ellingson (Production Assistant), Katie Smith, and Sylvia Grosvold (House Managers).

Jay Flewelling (Director)

Jay is a Portland-based comedian and this is his second year directing Impulse. He showcases his broad comedic prowess in several different rodeos around town and festivals across North America. Jay is not only a cast member of Curious Comedy Theater but also performs in the power house troupe, J Names (SF Sketchfest, Out of Bounds Comedy Festival). He has been featured on NPR's LIVE WIRE!, Kevin Allison's RISK!, Mortified, and has performed with Kevin McDonald (The Kids in the Hall) and Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?). Jay's one-man storytelling shows, Work Shmerk and Please Underestimate Me, received rave reviews from The Oregonian, The Portland Mercury, and The San Diego Reader. Having learned everything he knows from Jake Michels, Jay is back to tackle the high talents of Impulse 11.

About the Young Professionals Company

The Young Professionals Company is comprised of dedicated theater students ages 14-18 who have been selected to participate in a year-long mentoring program where they receive advanced training

through exposure to a wide range of college-level workshops and professional development. Each season, the company presents three shows and other public performances. The Young Professionals Company is dedicated to building a supportive community of theater peers, providing them with resources, information, and professional on-the-job experience.

About Oregon Children's Theatre

Founded in 1988, Oregon Children's Theatre has served well over two million children, teachers, and families. Its mission is to create exceptional theater experiences that transform lives. OCT is Oregon's largest non-profit professional children's theater company and a resident company of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Performances are held weekdays for school audiences and on weekends for family audiences. OCT serves more than 120,000 children of all ages each year. OCT offers numerous school services including study guides, teacher professional development opportunities, in-school workshops, and an extensive outreach program. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the Educational Theatre Program provides free touring productions that promote healthy living. OCT's year round Acting Academy offers theater classes for children ages 3-18 and Young Professionals Company.

www.octc.org

Photo Credit: Blake Wales

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