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Blackout Improv
Formation2015
TypeTheatre group
Purpose Improvisational comedy
Location
Website www.blackoutimprov.com

Blackout Improv is an improvisational comedy theatre troupe in Minneapolis, Minnesota. [1] Founded in 2015, the cast is completely black. Topics of monthly comedy performances include standard improv audience suggestions as well as a special focus on civil rights issues like police brutality, white privilege, and cultural appropriation. [2] Blackout Improv responded to the shooting of Jamar Clark [3] as well as the acquittal of police officer Jeronimo Yanez after the shooting of Philando Castile. [4]

Blackout founded the Black and Funny Improv Festival [5] with the intent to bring more people of color to the Twin Cities improv theater scene. [6] Blackout Improv regularly performs at HUGE Theater, Mixed Blood Theatre in Cedar-Riverside, Minneapolis, and other venues throughout Minnesota. [2]

Blackout's founders are Alsa Bruno, Joy Dolo Anfinson, Andy Hilbrands, John Gebretatose and Kory LaQuess Pullam. [7]

References

  1. ^ "Blackout". Phoenix Theater Minneapolis. Archived from the original on September 25, 2017. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  2. ^ a b Gibney, Shannon (December 2017). "Brave Black Workshop". Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.
  3. ^ Hewitt, Chris (July 28, 2016). "Blackout Improv strives to shed comedic light on what's not so funny". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  4. ^ Combs, Marianne (September 20, 2017). "At Blackout Improv, comedy wrestles with tragedy". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  5. ^ Preston, Rohan. "Blackout Improv troupe shows sparks of genius in New Griots Festival at Guthrie". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  6. ^ Ross, Jenna (March 24, 2017). "Black comedian crusades to diversify the Twin Cities improv scene". Minneapolis Star Tribune. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  7. ^ Improv, Blackout. "Blackout Improv". Blackout Improv. Retrieved 2024-03-26.