Improvisational comedy looks easy. You might think to yourself that you could do it, perhaps if you've watched an episode or two of Curb Your Enthusiasm, or the ever-popular Whose Line is it Anyway? But just watching G.I.T. Improv perform at the Bell Tower Theater this past Saturday night, I could tell I wouldn't be able to keep up.

The Quad Cities-based troupe was in top form for their 15th show at the beautiful Bell Tower Theater on Asbury Road. It was my first trip to this staple of live entertainment, and it certainly won't be my last. I'm already planning on picking up tickets to G.I.T. Improv's 2023 show next November, and maybe a few other shows in between.

Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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One of several compelling elements about improv is the fact that the show you see on any given night won't ever be seen again. G.I.T. Improv plans the games they'll play, but they need an engaged audience and their many ideas to bring them to life. At one point that night, they even modeled a bit based around an audience member's wild and wacky day.

As a result, the crowd leans forward, contributing to the madness on stage. It's truly a one-night only experience.

This particular troupe, comprised of Brian Heffernan, Sarah Walton, Scott White, and leader Jeff Adamson, exhausted themselves in delivering quality entertainment. They breathlessly kept up with the audiences many suggestions, and made sure the laughs were loud and frequent.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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A performance of this caliber needs a quality venue. You probably know better than me how quaint and warm the Bell Tower Theater is. Located on Asbury Road, the cozy theater is located in the basement of a large building. Theatergoers can indulge in a beverage (alcoholic and non) as well as some light snacks and candy while they watch the entertainment unfold.

Bell Tower Theater has become such a fixture for G.I.T. Improv that their site even mentions it:

We also have an open run at The Bell Tower Theatre in Dubuque, Iowa, performing to consistently sold out audiences for over a decade, were featured performers at Green Bay Improv Festival, So ILL Comedy Festival, and headlined the Compass Improv Festival in St. Louis for back-to-back years.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
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Lining the walls of the theater are images from past plays, including productions put on by local grade-school and high school kids. The Bell Tower Theater prides themselves on offering a plethora of different entertainment options during any given year: comedies, dramas, religious productions, and obviously, improv comedy.

G.I.T. Improv was my first experience seeing live improv comedy. The group comes highly acclaimed, and travel all over the Midwest performing for church groups, schools, banquets, and more. "No wallet is too big for us," Jeff said with a wink and a nod when informing the crowd of the services they provide. Learn more about booking G.I.T. Improv here.

2023 season tickets to the Bell Tower Theater are now available to purchase as well! Find out more information about upcoming shows and how you can grab your season tickets here!

Photo Credit: G.I.T. Improv
Photo Credit: G.I.T. Improv
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See you same time next year, G.I.T.!

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