Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

The Black Box Improv Theater

Local Women Set To Bring Adaptation Of “The Vagina Monologues” To The Stage

By

It’s hard to imagine what was going through author Eve Ensler’s mind on October 3, 1996.

Standing front and center on the HERE Arts Center stage in New York City, Ensler performed an episodic play she wrote titled The Vagina Monologues.  The show was supposed to be centered on interviews Ensler conducted with over two hundred women; questions were primarily on sex and relationships.  As Ensler got deeper into her conversations with these women, she began hearing horrific stories on sexual abuse and violence.  What was originally Ensler’s vision- to “celebrate the vagina” – The Vagina Monologues has become a movement to stop the senseless violence against women around the world.

On February 18-20, the women of the Black Box Improv Theater in downtown Dayton will be added to the list of those who will have performed the award-winning play.  How to show goes is each member will step onto the stage and present an already prepared monologue.  The subject matter will contain stories that involve love and sex, but also heavier subjects (rape, female genital mutilation) as well.

The women’s participation of this show is also in support of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and to support local organizations.  “This is an important issue for everyone. An average of three women are murdered every day due to domestic violence.  I think we can all agree that violence against women and girls must stop,” said Black Box performer Libby Scancarello, who is producing and directing the show.  “I’ve produced this event twice before to raise money for local organizations. I am happy to be presenting it again with the women of this theater, who are so talented and diverse.”

For the local adaptation of The Vagina Monologues, all of the proceeds will be going to The Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County, Inc.  Established in 1979, the shelter helps provide assistance for any woman man, with or without children, who lack a safe, stable place to live.  Victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, domestic violence, along with homeless individuals and families are offered immediate housing and protection.  “We’re grateful for Libby and this team of women,” said Barbara Holman, Director of the Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County. “The women, men, and children we serve will benefit in critical ways from the proceeds of this show.”

Seventeen years later – internationally performed, along with a television version produced by HBO – Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues has become and still continues to be one of the most powerful plays ever.  With the women of the Black Box Improv Theater’s show, it should be undoubtedly become a staple each year.

Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at daytonblackbox.com. There are three showtimes to choose from:

  • Saturday, February 18, 2pm

  • Sunday, February 19, 8pm

  • Monday, February 20, 8pm

The Black Box Improv Theater is located at 518 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402.

The Black Box Improv Theater – A Taste of Chicago in DYT

By Leave a Comment

Justin Howard had a vision to offer Dayton something unique, cool, entertaining – a taste of Chi-town in the DYT. And he’s had quite a trip to get here. Introducing The Black Box Improv Theater.

After graduating from Tipp in ’01, Howard headed to Wittenburg as a football player. An injury took him out of the game and landed him with his first opportunity as a dorm R.A. One of the perks of the job is priority registration, and he decided to take advantage of it. After hearing that the most popular class is Improvisation for the Theater, he decided to give it a shot.  One class and he was hooked.

Chicago-style Improv

You know Chicago style pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and even Chicago style grammar guides. When his wife took a job in Chicago, it was time for Howard to learn Chicago-style improv. After his intro class in college, plus some experience writing, teaching and directing, Howard wanted to continue his artistic pursuits. He plugged into iO (formally Improv Olympic) to learn about the classic Chicago-based long-form improvisation style.

Opening night cast included David Michaels, Beth Conley, Kristen Howell, and Black Box founder Justin Howard

Most people are familiar with the “Whose Line…” style of improv where funky characters, witty one-liners, and quick responses are the goals. In this “short form” improv – the scenes come alive in an almost sporty way – encouraging  winners among the cast for who can be the funniest. Long-form values the funny, but focuses on the story, so it’s more laughter based on the surprise of where the characters go and less of the shock-factor. Often there’s no story at all in short-form (just jokes); the story in long-form is woven among many characters and carries the full length of the show. Howard explains it as, “a completely improvised one act play, complete with multiple characters each with unique relationships often intertwining in ways that seem like they were written ahead of time.  This is different from short form improv where a set of rules dictate a specific scene that begins and ends before a new set of rules dictate another scene. In short, we’re going to get on stage, start improvising and about an hour later you walk out saying “there’s no way they made that up” but we did.”

“Dayton is a Blank Slate”

According to Howard, the history of innovation exists today, but Dayton is still being redefined. He believes the arts are one of the strengths of the region and he’s excited to bring his unique form of improv to Dayton. Beyond the opportunity to help re-define Dayton as an arts town, Howard was attracted to the excitement, vibe and spirit of the downtown area. He and his wife recently moved from the suburbs to a house in the Oregon District where they get to enjoy accessibility of walking to work, restaurants, and the theater. Personally, he’s excited to be downtown, but there are great business benefits, too. Now, improv will be one of those walkable downtown destinations.

Howard also noticed immediately the great support of the Dayton community.  He’s found a home at the Cannery District on Third where the owners and fellow businesses have been really supportive. He’s excited by the feeling that residents, businesses and community volunteers all seem to be invested in his success as it plays into the success of our region. Whereas the ‘new thing’ is a big deal for a short time in some communities, only to be cast aside when the next fad comes along, Howard sees Dayton as a community where long-term relationships are developed.

How to go:

Long-form improv is new to Dayton, and Howard is excited to provide entertainment and education (classes forming soon!) available now.  Tickets are $9 and can be purchased online or at the door for their 9:30 PM shows on Fridays and Saturdays.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waHPvnU7Ch4′]