By Jonathan Edmondson
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Library Auditorium, a generally serene and intimate venue, was packed with students on Sunday, Sept. 21, for the first Mixed Signals show of the year.
The Mixed Signals are the College’s only improv-theater group, currently consisting of eight diverse members who put on hilarious performances throughout the school year. The troupe relies on each other to create dynamic skits with contagious energy.
Their performances never disappoint, for their varied comedic skills appeal to a wide variety of audiences.
Each of their shows is a series of different improvisational games, usually basing them around audience suggestions. In one skit called “The Dating Game,” three contestants vie for the love of one of the troupe members — senior Shannon McGovern during this performance. The twist, however, is that each of the contestants has a weird quirk, which they take from audience suggestions. One was a serial killer, one had an affinity for tuna fish and the last had unrelenting hot flashes.
Junior Steven Munoz is the new president of the group.
“It’s been a really awesome year so far,” Munoz said. “The troupe works really well together, and we hit our stride quickly this year. Being that there are only eight of us right now, it feels like we are super in-sync with each other.”
Another popular skit during the night was Half-Life, in which Munoz and senior marketing major Garrett Verdone performed a scene in two minutes, then repeated that same scene in one minute, 30 seconds and so on.
The troupe consistently gets a lot of laughs during each performance and has a strong and passionate following. Some members are even recognized just walking around campus.
Being the first official show of the new school year, the Signals performed for the first time without four members who graduated last spring.
“It definitely feels a little strange without the four people who have moved on, but it is also exciting and invigorating to have such a small troupe,” Munoz said.
A majority of the Mixed Signals are also currently involved with other theatrical productions on campus, including McGovern in All College Theater’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” and Munoz starring in TCNJ Musical Theatre’s fall musical “Rent.”
Each of the eight members bring a diverse background to each show, creating a truly unique performance every time.
The troupe, which is looking to expand its membership, will be holding auditions in October.
“We can’t wait to have new members, though, and we are definitely ready to see what new talent can bring,” Munoz said.
