The Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center is thrilled to announce that Chicago-based improvisational comedy legend Liz Allen will be bringing her brilliant talent to help fundraise for the ACWL-Nuveen. Not only does Ms. Allen have an award named in her honor, “Liz Allen Excellence in Teaching Award”, at “Chicago’s Best Improv Comedy” iO Theater - she also co-wrote the book Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser. In addition to her stage work, Liz worked on Mike Birbiglia’s excellent 2016 feature film Don’t Think Twice as a coach for The Commune, the improv ensemble at the heart of the movie. Amidst all these achievements, Liz has found time to develop her one-person show Tonight I’m My Mother which she will perform at The Playhouse at White Lake on Friday, May 5 at 7:30PM. She will also be teaching her Having Fun While Collaborating Workshop on Saturday, May 6 from 10AM to 12PM. Ticket sales from both of these events will help fund ACWL-Nuveen’s commitment to the White Lake area and West Michigan to provide accessible, affordable and diverse art opportunities for all ages.
When asked what audiences can expect of her one-person show, Liz explained that it contains some serious themes. “My mother struggled with addiction and that is not a light topic,” said Liz. “I try to deal with it in a light-hearted manner.” And with regards to her workshop the following day, Liz said that people who want to attend but are worried that they’re not funny enough should keep in mind that improv isn’t really about being funny. “It is not stand-up. You don’t have to write jokes. You don’t have to find the punchline. What you have to be willing to do is be honest, listen, absorb what’s going on around you and reflect it. The pressure to be funny needs to be taken off the table as soon as possible.”
You won’t want to miss this special event that provides an opportunity to enjoy watching an improv legend work her magic live, and support community arts programming at the ACWL-Nuveen. Tickets for Liz’s one-person show Tonight I’m My Mother can be purchased here for $20. Tickets for her Having Fun While Collaborating Workshop can be purchased here for $20. People who sign up for Liz’s workshop on Saturday can get a discounted ticket for her performance on Friday night for $10.
For more information you can stop by the ACWL-Nuveen – 106 E. Colby Street – call us: 231-893-2524 or email Director Erin Peyer – nuveen@artswhitelake.org.
Check out the below video to hear Liz’s interview with ACWL-Nuveen’s Marketing and Events Coordinator, Ian Martin.