CHRISTINA TAYLOR / Scroll

The Comeback Kids

Comic Frenzy is back after last semester’s cancellation of the group

Gloria Layton LAY04003@BYUI.EDU A&E Asst. Editor

Comic Frenzy, BYU-Idaho’s popular improvisational comedy troupe, is performing on campus again after becoming an academic class starting at the beginning of this semester.

At the end of last November, Comic Frenzy, neither a society nor an academic program, was prevented from performing on campus due to lack of proper administrative support. Roy Huff, Scott Bergstrom, Susan Whitfield, Kelly Burgener and Richard Clifford, administration and theater arts teachers, worked with Comic Frenzy members to reach a solution to the problem that stopped Comic Frenzy from being able to use BYU-I’s campus to perform.

“We struggled long and hard to find out where Comic Frenzy fit. We wanted it to get the best exposure and proper support,” said Richard Clifford, theater arts professor and the new Comic Frenzy adviser.

The solution came when they decided to have Comic Frenzy become an academic class where the students who participate get practicum credit for it.

“It has made a big difference in our mindset of how improv theater can be learned and taught and carried out. It is an art form that can be learned by anybody,” said Justin Love, a Comic Frenzy member and a junior from Idaho Falls.

Christian Busath, a senior from Elk Grove, Calif., and long-time member of Comic Frenzy said knowing that Comic Frenzy is now a class, he treats it differently.

“I think we treat it more professionally,” Busath said.

Students on campus are relieved that Comic Frenzy is back this semester.

“I was really disappointed when Comic Frenzy wasn’t allowed to be on campus anymore. It has always been quality entertainment. I’m glad they’re back,” said Brian Thorup, a junior from Paradise, Calif.