The improv troupe Post Dinner Conversation is a group of talented young adults who bring to the stage a unique style and what seems like a never-ending stream of improv games. They collaborate well together while giving the audience both dramatic and comedic spins on the games at play.
PDC was organized at the University of South Florida under the direction of Kari Goetz in 2012 has has come a long way. The non-profit production company claims The Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Monty Python, Adult Swim, South Park, Saturday Night Live and Whose Line Is It Anyway.
The first time I went to see PDC in Ybor, I was less than impressed. The stage was small which made there transitions on and off stage sloppy and they looked very disorganized.
But the next encounter was far better than I could have imagined. Beef O' Brady's on the USF campus had more than enough space as well as a very impressive stage for the PDC family to command.
The stage was well lit and the USF Bull was out in full force. PDC decided to try out some new material, like Half Life," when they start off a scene with three men, two of them are lovers and three minutes on the clock. The point is to keep replaying the same scene with less and less time (3 mins, 1.5, .75 seconds and so on). It was a wonder to see how the same things could happen in shortened time increments.
If looking to experience a taste of improvisation, seeing PDC perform is a great way to start. Make sure to throw out your own ideas and suggestions for the troupe to make sure you get the full on interactive experience. Expect every performance to be different, based on the audience you’re with and the ideas that are thrown out, some might just be the dumbest things you have ever heard. If you go in with an open mind, you will indeed find moments of sheer genius.
Catch PDC at J.J.'s Cafe & Bar in Ybor from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight. On tap will be long-form improv, including drink specials and food.
