The Improvoholics[1] have been have been performing live since 1995 with their own brand of short form improv comedy, including many original games created exclusively for their audiences. They are currently one of the longest-performing improv troupes in New York City. Founded by William McEvoy, the aim was to create an ensemble that would embrace those aspects of traditional improv comedy which audiences are seeking; spontaneous belly laughs borne out of a mixture of classic games; surprising twists on familiar formats; innovative new games of their own invention; all bound together by audience suggestions and a lot of the unexpected.
The current cast of four has been performing together since 1998, and have a shared history that extends beyond the stage. Two of the group’s original members, Joe Carapella and
Michael Silva, have been performing and studying together since 1990. Ellen Reilly began studying along with Carapella and Silva in 1997, joined the cast shortly thereafter and Amy Fiore came on board in 1998. The Improvoholics can boast an impressive roster of over 30 improvisers who have performed with them over their history. The current cast members are the beneficiaries of all that talent, experience and joy in performing.
The Improvoholics [2] have created performances for a myriad of different private shows; from surprise birthday parties where the host becomes the star to corporate training workshops that build trust and encourage creative thinking, and welcome the challenge to design a show that fits anyone's needs. Clients and shows have included:
• Baruch College - Student orientation performances with specific focus on how the skills needed to perform improv relate to success in school and business
• AllianceBernstein - Surprise entertainment for corporate training week
• Redbook Magazine - Professional business training to promote creative thinking
• ABC Student Tours - Improvisation workshop for theater students visiting NYC
• YM-YWHA of Northern New Jersey - Performances used as a fundraiser for local
pre-school
• New York University - Welcome show for interested students at The Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life
• Hearst Publications - Corporate sales training during annual meeting for Victoria Magazine
• Kingsborough Community College - Performance for incoming freshman during student orientation, designed to address the experience and fears of starting school
• Punchline Entertainment-Performance at youth club in Southern New Jersey for teenage audiences
...among many others.
Past members of The Improvoholics include:
o Anne Bailey (then Kelly) (1995-1996)
o Karen Blood (1995)
o Jeaux Remick Brown (1998-2001)
o Frank Campanella (1995 - 1997)
o Lori Funk (1998)
o Stephanie Goldman (1997-1998)
o Brad Gore (1998)
o Jeanine Greene (1995-1996)
o Michael Hagen (1995-1997, 1999)
o Kristine Herschman (1996)
o Andrea Johnson (1998-1999)
o Steven Konigsberg (1995-1996)
o Michael Levine (1995-1996)
o Phil Mansfield (1997-2001)
o Susan Mario (1997)
o Jeannine Mercurio (1995)
o William T McEvoy (1995 - 2000)
o Steve Miller (1997-1998)
o Winter Miller (1998-2000)
o Kathy Monahan (1995-1997)
o Bethany Pagliolo (1997-1998)
o Christopher Rozzi (1995-1997)
o Silvana Rugilo (1996)
o Ellen Schinderman (1997-1998
)
o Bart Shattuck (1998)
o Sydney Steinhardt (1997-199
8)
o Kantad Svendsgaard (1995 - 1997)
o Erica Veit (1999)