Improv Troupe Creating a Christmas Play on the Spot on Nov. 29

The Southside Sidekicks, an improvisation troupe at Southside Theater Guild in Fairburn, has spent the last few weeks in some of the most challenging rehearsals since the group formed. They are practicing how to create a roughly 90-minute Christmas-themed play from audience suggestions in a Mad-Lib style letter to Santa. Sometimes the laughs are jolly, but other times the cast feels as out of sorts as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“A lot of this group has performed together for several years now, so the chemistry is probably the best it has ever been,” said director Lenton Lees. “That has allowed us to start introducing long form improvisation into our rehearsals and shows, but this is the biggest challenge for us thus far.”

Most Sidekicks shows operate a little like the popular television program, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The games are short and snappy and the jokes come fast and furious. In long form improvisation, the players go deeper with character and collaborate with their castmates on creating, shaping, and sustaining a story. Audiences often marvel at how suggestions are folded into the show and how the cast can think so quickly, keep the story straight, and still make people laugh so hard their sides hurt.

The Sidekicks have seen their audiences grow over the years and each cast member has had their share of memorable performances and jokes. Lees is thrilled at the growth he has seen from the group.

“Everybody likes getting a laugh, but I’m starting to see the cast set each other up for success far more than looking out for themselves,” said Lees. “That’s key in a show like this.”

Southside Sidekicks shows are mostly appropriate for all ages. The group steers away from using profanity, but loves good jokes or wordplay that often sails over younger heads. 

The Southside Sidekicks will present “Santa’s Naughty List” on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door and refreshments will be available for purchase.

For additional information, visit stgplays.com.