Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe - RBIT

RBIT’s Triple Crown Weekend

Flafrazia — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:25:50 +0000

RBIT returns this weekend for a trio of shows that proves there is still plenty of life in the ol’ frog yet!

On Thursday, May 16, join us at Pittsfield’s Berkshire Museum, as we venture into the crazy world of PechaKucha Nights. Kids, this is what Powerpoint dreams are made of… Originally created in Japan, PechaKucha is a presentation in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (six minutes 40 seconds in total). Members of RBIT will attempt to improvise using the format… and here’s the rub: we won’t even know what the images are until we start! Should be pretty wild…. here is a past RBIT performance, to give you an idea:

PechaKucha Pittsfield #6 starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door, free for members, PLUS there’s free adult beverages thanks to Wandering Star Craft Brewery. Learn more at the Berkshire Museum website.

The next day, Friday, May 17, we’ll be back at Lee’s Spectrum Playhouse for our monthly dose of hilarious improv… we’ve been working on our act, so expect some new surprises! Show starts at 7:30 pm., and tickets are $10, $5 for students. Thanks, as always, to the Spectrum for making it possible, and while you’re there check out their Good Purpose Gallery, and support the fine work and lovely space of the Berkshire Visual & Performing Arts Center. For more information or to pre-order, contact Kyle at 413.394.5023 x 12, or
kgoldman@cipberkshire.org

Finally, your ever-lovin’ improv pals will be taking part in the Annual Sandisfield Cabaret Night on Saturday, May 18, starting at 7 p.m., at the Sandisfield Arts Center. Join in the fun for this lively evening showcase of local talent–from ballerinas in drag to classical cello, rock and roll, choral works and more! Tickets are $10, with all proceeds from the show benefitting the Arts Center.

Well, you can’t say we weren’t trying to bring the funny this May… spring is in the air, comedy is in bloom, and we hope to see you soon!

Related Links:

Spectrum Playhouse

Berkshire Museum

Sandisfield Arts Center

And on the 8th Day, God Created RBIT… and it was good!

Flafrazia — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:05:30 +0000

Hard to believe that the hills have been alive with the sounds of the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe for nearly 12 years now. Founded in June 2001 by Berkshire County native/actress Alex Trainor and her Marymount Manhattan classmate Frank La Frazia, RBIT has been delighting audiences across New England and Eastern New York with a fun mix of theater games modeled on the teachings of renowned improv instructor Keith Johnstone. Through audience participation, RBIT’s mission has been to create engaging scenes which explore the boundaries of theater improvisation.

Many talented troupe members have come and gone over the years, and this month we sadly must bid farewell to Mr. La Frazia, who in many ways has been the glue keeping RBIT’s frog joints in motion all these years. We wish our Brooklyn-bound, leather pants frolicking friend all the best, with thanks for many hilarious memories.

Ok, this is sounding like a Hallmark card… here’s the dealio: RBIT has a show this Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, Massachusetts. Stay “loyal to the Royal” and join us for an evening packed with side-splitting laughter! Seriously, come on out… this might be our last show for awhile… so let’s break frog legs, and celebrate the coming of spring (visions of tiny, randy frogs reaching their vernal pool come to mind). Dare to be ordinary, dare to be ordinary… Go RBIT!

For ticket information, contact Kyle at the Spectrum box office: kgoldman@cipberkshire.org /413.394.5023 ex 12

Spectrum Playhouse website

March Madness!

Flafrazia — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:32:55 +0000

Do ya feel lucky? O' Buddha has spoken!

RBIT returns to the Spectrum Playhouse on Friday, March 15, for another LOL performance! Wear your festive green in honor of St. Patricks Day and the Berkshires premiere cultural improv group, or squeeze into your best leather pants in honor of our esteemed leader, Frank “Peace Frog” La Frazia… any way you look at it, luck will be on your side!

Show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to order tickets, visit the Spectrum Playhouse website.

RBIT ❤s You!

Flafrazia — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:06:00 +0000

Curtain call! Photo courtesy Spectrum Playhouse.

We’re showing the love this month with TWO improv gigs in Berkshire County!

First up, we return to Spectrum Playhouse on Friday, February 15, for a little post-Valentines love fest. Bring your sweetie or stop by solo (we won’t judge), and get ready for some hearty laughs. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Next, RBIT takes part in the 10 x 10 Upstreet Arts Festival on Sunday, February 24, with a special musical gig at The Colonial Theatre. We’ll be doing 10… count ‘em… 10 unscripted short musicals, accompanied by sound stylist Carlton Maaia. Can it be done?!? We’ll attempt to pull this off in the Colonial’s garage (or “gair-age” as our friend Dave T used to say). You can buy advance tickets here.

Happy Valentine’s Day y’all… you make us look good!

Ring In The New Year… RBIT style!

Flafrazia — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 01:55:03 +0000

Happy 2013 everyone!

We know, you’ve already broken your new year’s resolutions… but here’s one that should be easy to keep: see more RBIT shows. Luckily, we have you covered. Here’s this year’s run-down (so far):

*The Spectrum Playhouse, Lee, MA

Friday, January 18, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

*UNICO Dinner: NAMI Fundraiser

(featuring RBIT)

ITAM, Pittsfield, MA

Thursday, February 7, 2013, 6-8 p.m.

*The Spectrum Playhouse, Lee, MA

Friday, February 15, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

*RBIT @ The 10 X 10 Festival

The Garage at the Colonial Theatre, 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA

Sunday, February 24, 2013, 3-4:30 p.m.

Mark those calendars now… we look forward to seeing you soon!

Buddha Says: Give Thanks with The Gift of Comedy

Flafrazia — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:23:59 +0000

Before you settle into your Thanksgiving holiday, sharing food and political arguments (make that knock-down fist fights) with friends and family, join us for our final RBIT performance for the year this Friday, November 16, at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, Massachusetts.

Yes, our troupe is breaking out all the comedy fixings… and the best thing about improv is that you get to share in the fun! The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are still just $12 general, and $6 for students. For more info call Mother Kyle at 413.394.5023 ext. 12.

We know, turkey makes you sleepy… but the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe is guaranteed to keep you fully stuffed, without all the drowsy after effects! THANKS to you as always!

October Surprise

Flafrazia — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:47:08 +0000

Folks, once again the “lamestream” media shows their true agenda. RBIT has received several letters over the past few weeks from fans asking… “Is it true? Everyone in the improv troupe is balding?” After some investigating, we discovered that The Onion has again been spreading their hateful lies in an article printed in their September 8, 2012 edition. In an effort to set the record straight, berkshireimprov.com contacted the author, a Ms. J. Brown who responded: “RBIT? I’m done with them. There is absolutely no connection between your improv group and the comedians pictured in the article… having said that, you should have listened to my advice to buy stock in Rogaine. I’m only telling it like it is.”

With so much to lose (including hair) in this current election season, RBIT wants to assure its fans that you will always be treated to the finest, unscripted comedic mayhem from our talented group of players (in various stages of hirsuteness). Stop by the Spectrum Playhouse this Friday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m. to see our hair-raising skits for yourself. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $6 for students (cash or check at the door). To pre-reserve, call 413.394.5023, ext. 12.

Remember: RBIT is “American’s Premiere Cultural Improvisational Troupe” ™, and if you don’t find us funny, then you hate the middle class.

www.bvpac.org/2011/12/comedy-improv-nights-with-rbit

Monkey Business

Flafrazia — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:38:44 +0000

Ever wanted to improvise like the pros? Now’s your chance! Join RBIT troupe member Neil Von Flatern for an Adult Improv class that will be held at the Pittsfield Family YMCA on Monday nights, 7:30 to 9 p.m., September 10 through November 19. Neil takes a fun and easy-to-understand approach to teaching, and looks forward to getting more people involved in the theater style of improv comedy! Visit the Pittsfield YMCA website for more details and to sign up.

And a head’s up… RBIT will be back at Lee’s Spectrum Playhouse on Friday, September 21, starting at 7:30 p.m., for more unscripted comedic mayhem. Come play with us!

RBIT is bringing the heat this July

Flafrazia — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 17:06:29 +0000

This July the funniest thing in the Berkshires is heating it up at their two favorite spots: Freight Yard Pub in North Adams and The Spectrum Playhouse in Lee.

On Friday July 13th, come on over to the Freight Yard in North Adams, have some food, drink, and improv comedy. The comedy is only $10, the food and drink depends on your hunger and thirst. Show starts at 8:00pm.

Then on Friday July 2oth, RBIT is back at The Spectrum Playhouse for another night of improvised fun. 7:30pm show time and tickets are only $12. This will be our last show with Dave Weetabix Thrasher; come out and support this Brit before he goes oversees again.

RBIT is back? Oh Boy!

Flafrazia — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:28:11 +0000

Bat Boy loves some RBIT!

RBIT returns to the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, MA, this Friday, Jun 15, for its monthly dose of comedy jams done SO-CO style! You’ve heard the rumors, come see for yourself… it’s the Berkshires premiere cultural improv troupe! Show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $12 (cash/check). Call 413.394.5023, ext. 12 to make reservations… you won’t be sorry!