Forget weeks of rehearsal and color-coordinated costumes. Away with the University's tradition of a cappella or string quartets. The University's newest student performance group does something different, something spontaneous.
Impromptu Performers, founded last fall semester by first-year College student Joshua Blackwell, provides a novel kind of performance group for University students, one traditionally found in venues other than the typical theater or concert hall.
"I want to bring New York street performance here," Blackwell said, "and I want to create a strong network that artists can use to publicize themselves."
The club typically puts on three or four 15-minute performances every week, each featuring a single artist. The performances are held at various locations across Grounds, Blackwell explained, allowing different groups of students to see the shows. Blackwell hopes the club will eventually hold performances in dining halls.
First-year College student Pete Polomski, who joined the group shortly after its inception, described it as a collaboration of musical and vocal artists working together to "get individual artists ... the publicity they want." Blackwell explained that although the artists perform individually, the club does encourage "improving and giving each other tips."
Performers "embrace the identity of being crazy," Blackwell said. The artists not only seek attention, they demand it by wearing flamboyant costumes during their acts. Students may see performers in several costumes, including "X-Men's" Wolverine and the Super Mario Brothers.
"We're willing to look ridiculous to get applauded and make it to the top," he added.
Polomski, the club manager and videographer, records many of the artists' performances and posts them on the club's YouTube channel to bring more exposure to its members.
The artists of Impromptu Performers, however, are not merely seeking publicity, Blackwell said. "It's about [the artists] and we want them to shine. I couldn't find any opportunities [to perform], so I made my own. We want to provide an opportunity because people don't think of artists when they think of U.Va. We want to start that movement."
Polomski agreed, noting, "We wanted to start something a little different than the a cappella groups."
Blackwell and Polomski are not the only ones who believe the University is in need of greater musical variety.
First-year College student Alison Lanshe said, "[Impromptu Performers] definitely catch your attention. It's good to see something other than a cappella."
Perhaps what sets Impromptu Performers apart is not only its bold style of performance and music, but also the variety of skills within the group.
Blackwell said this semester the group is moving to expand and will be holding auditions.
"We're really looking for the craziness and courage to get out there and go for it. That attitude is rare," he said.
Polomski noted students do not have to perform if they choose to join the club.
He explained, "I'm not an artist, I do video. I get to do what I love. [The club] is a great opportunity, and it gives everyone a chance to get noticed, whether or not you perform."
Blackwell and Polomski said the Impromptu Performers plan to host various open-mic nights and begin making hard copies of the artists' work this semester.
"I hope to one day make [the club] just as big as any of the other organizations on Grounds," Polomski said.
Read More
An ode to running
By Malone Morchower | YesterdayIn addition to providing me with opportunities to connect with others around Grounds, I really value the way that running immerses me in time and place.
Khul Ke Nacho — a celebration of free-spirited dancing
By Malaika Rehman | 2 days agoThe sea of attendees wearing desi attire and dancing joyfully throughout the night was a reflection of the thriving Pakistani community in and outside of PSA.
Holding onto every grain in the hourglass
By Mai Hukuoka | 3 days agoNow that I’m back at school, I have made it my mission to take note of the sneaky passage of time.
