False Profits' last show of the semester was held Saturday

From smashing pies into each other’s faces to spraying silly string at one another, False Profits gave its audience plenty to laugh about during its second comedy show of the semester Saturday night.

The politically themed show, titled “Fall’s Prophets,” was intended to poke fun at the recent elections using several different styles of comedy, including improvisation, standup and sketches.

Toward the end of the production, the members of False Profits introduced their own original concept, known as “Clownprov,” into the last long-form piece.

This idea challenged the players to intervene in a scenario by using props on improvisers who were currently engaged in a scene and not paying attention. The stage got messy as props such as whipped cream, silly string, water and confetti were flung about the room.

“We want to show our audiences something new every time,” said senior director and co-founder Kenan Bateman.

Although the turnout for Saturday’s performance fell short of the sold-out show that the False Profits hosted in October, junior and president Eric Clayton said the smaller audience allowed for a more intimate experience.

The group is always looking for new ways to improve their shows and reach audiences on new levels. Both Clayton and Bateman said one of changes that False Profits is debating for next semester is to only have one big show with several smaller experimental shows added throughout the spring.

“We would like to try things we’ve never tried before to see if they are more advantageous for us artistically,” said senior and director of instruction Marcie Maier.

Split into two groups — the Profits and the Disciples — the group members collaboratively work to come up with ideas for each of the different comedic styles.

“It’s just us wanting to be immature together for two to three minutes,” Maier said.

Clayton said False Profits is a unique organization because there are many different minds coming together.

Encompassing students of a variety of majors, years and social groups, the troupe’s diversity helps it engage new material and develop interesting material.

“We’re not afraid to take risks in our shows,” he said.

While the Profits make up the core of False Profits, the Disciples serve as the group’s incubator team.

A group of 12 aspiring comedians, the Disciples auditioned for the Profits but are in a training period until they become Profits themselves. Instead of participating in the larger shows, the Disciples spend a semester learning comedy techniques from the Profits. They will be hosting their own free show on Sunday at 7 p.m. in Carroll Hall.

“We just try to bend the forms of comedy and have as many ways to show our talent as possible,” Clayton said.

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