IMP presents Collidescope

Required viewing for thoughtful humans

What is a "movement improv" show, exactly? To (pseudo)quote one of the great philosophers of our times, Homer (Simpson), "Well, it's not quite a dance, and it's not quite like improv, but man...!!!...hahaha... so to answer your question, I don't know." IMP's Collidescope is as delightful and entrancing as it is unconventional and form-defying. In the most reductive sense, the premise is simply improvisational theater inspired by an audience member's personal family anecdote, but without any words. And yet, that... doesn't fairly capture the experience of it. The omission of dialogue is in no way diminishing or subtractive, but rather, like Daredevil's lack of eyesight, an opportunity and an imperative to tune into the deep, nuanced, sublime, visceral, and indescribably rich language of the movement of the human body -- many bodies, in fact, of all shapes and sizes. This troupe so adeptly explores the interplay between our ancient animal bodied roots and our modern incorporeal emotional psyches that I feel confident recommending it as very nearly "required viewing" for anyone wishing to undertake a thoughtful, comprehensive, and meaningful study of the human experience. Don't miss it!

Joyful Chaos

I love the way this cast uses so many different styles of physical storytelling, and how many different directions the show takes you in. I was surprised and delighted to see comedy, romance, some lovely dance, and some just pure chaos all within one show. It is a wildly talented cast and it is clear that they are all having a great time playing with each other onstage. Highly recommend!

This group makes magic

Watching this group work is fulfilling on so many levels. The trust and creativity that enables the work onstage is mesmerizing. I could have watched them for hours. One of my favorite aspects (and there were many) was the skilled integration of the light and sound into the performance. It’s an aspect of improv I hadn’t considered previously, not being terribly experienced in the art. Well done, all.

Movement Master Class

Really fun show. I LOVED all the different ways to tell a story without words. They created relationships, characters, and situations with only their physical bodies. I've seen the show a few times and like good improv there is no comparing one to another. I also loved the name Collidescope which invokes the toy with all the crazy light spinning but also their bodies flying through space and connecting - which at it's core is a really basic human need. This quote just really brings home what these actors accomplished, "For us, the kaleidoscope symbolizes ever changing and endless possibilities contained in the human experience. Like the kaleidoscope, each one of us has unique patterns and characteristics." Catch it this weekend, its a genuinely wonderful human experience.

I love this show so much

I've seen it a bunch of times and i want to see it a bunch more times. They find a semantic freedom in movement that takes the audience places words can't.

Crack-ups and Kangaroos

This show is just joy personified. When someone says “movement improv,” my first thought generally goes to interpretive dance. There was a moment of that in this show (to IMMENSELY humorous effect), but mostly it’s very funny people being funny and lovely and vulnerable together - just silently (with backing tracks). The performers even made each other laugh, which made the whole performance feel safe and warm, like a big hug. The talent is huge, the ensemble is inspiring, and the experience is grand. I’m hoping to catch it a second time before it closes.

Sometimes Words Get in the Way

Words are beautiful but sometimes we forget how the human body can tell an entire story with as much if not more emotional depth. The cast has the skill and chemistry to take its audience places without uttering a word and your hour passes in a blink.

Movement worth a thousand words (or more)

An incredibly unique improv show for those of us who love watching beautiful, poignant and often silly theater that will surprise and delight you. It is clear that each member of the vast brings different skills and perspectives to this show - and it's honestly amazing how well the blend such a variety of voices into a cohesive show that never fails to inspire me. They will leave you wanting more....which is great because every show of theirs is a inspired by your suggestions which inspire a different collection of scenes and themes. I CANNOT wait until my next opportunity to see Improvement Movement Project.

So much fun!

I wasn’t sure what to expect from movement improv, but this show was awesome and I loved the humor and storytelling that this cast was able to tell sans words.

5 Kitties for these Cats!

This show is different than anything I’ve ever seen! Things kick off with a story from an audience member, and from there, it goes so many wonderful places! The performers convey so much emotion and character just through physical movement, and they seem to have a really strong connection as a group. I loved that the audience (and performers) never know what kind of music is going to come on next. See this show at least once! I’m planning to go again since it’s different every time.

Louder than Words

Following the bouncing ball of inspiration between and among this exceptionally talented collective of physical performers will recalibrate your mirror neurons, feed your soul, and invite your inner child to come out and play.

This show scratched every itch!

I could have watched this for hours! I wanted to go join in! It looked so fun! Don't miss it!

Too cool

A truly magical experience and visual story telling performance style