Alaina was a performer with Rapid Fire Theatre from 2015-2021
Alaina’s journey with improv began with the University Improv Group (UIG) in 2013, which she only joined with the purpose of making friends. It was a success!! As an added bonus she fell in love with the artform and was able to travel with the UIG to improv festivals from Winnipeg to Vancouver. She joined RFT in 2015 as a performer until 2021 when her career in rehab medicine took her to Kamloops! She values the community she has made through Rapid Fire and is constantly inspired by her castmates on and off the stage.
The people I work with constantly inspire me, on and off the stage.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH RAPID FIRE?
I didn’t get involved with improv until I was attending University. I went to a meeting at the University Improv Group (UIG) because I wanted to meet more people at school. Little did I know that I would fall in love with improv AND meet some of my best friends. Through the UIG, I got an audition with Rapid Fire and now I get to make up crazy fun stories every week with some of the best people in this city.
WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL IMPROV SCENE?
Listening. All you have are your scene partners to create the world for your scene. When you all are listening to each other, the scene feels like it is building itself organically. That is a beautiful thing.
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS YOU CAN OFFER AUDIENCE MEMBERS ABOUT GIVING SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVISERS?
Yell loud and proud! Suggestions are needed for improv to happen, so fire off whatever comes to mind. You may want to take a brief moment and consider if you want to see a scene about your suggestion. If not, then pick another thing to shout out.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT SHORT FORM VS. LONG FORM AND VICE VERSA?
I find short form has a higher energy. You can take big risks in the scene with the knowledge that it is not a long scene. These scenes are so much fun to watch and to play. In long form your choices need to be sustained for a longer time, so they should be rich and offer more to be discovered. It is an opportunity to delve deep into a story and discover where it will go.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR IMPROV STYLE?
I feel that I am story-driven improviser. During a scene, I focus on what it needs to tell a story that makes sense and is enjoyable to watch. I love doing scenes that are positive and have strong characters.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT ON STAGE?
The first time I did a long form set was for the University of Winnipeg’s Improv festival. I was so nervous to be on stage for what seemed to be an infinite amount of time (in reality it was only 20 minutes). The scene about a family reunion in the woods and it was the first time I felt immersed in the story that we were building. I couldn’t believe how fast time flew by and I understood the benefit of having time to unpack one story.
WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF RFT?
I work as a Heritage Interpreter at the Legislature telling all sorts of true stories about Alberta’s history to tour groups. I love being outside! Camping, hiking, canoeing, climbing, running, skating, x-country skiing are all things that bring me great joy.
HOW DOES IMPROV COME IN HANDY IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?
Improv is applicable to my day-to-day life in every way! I has helped me practice how to think clearly when put on the spot and to trust my impulses. It has shown me how to approach a challenge with positivity and openness rather than a negative attitude. I have come to find that humour opens up a dialogue and is one of the best tools to bring people together.
DESCRIBE WORKING FOR RAPID FIRE IN A SINGLE SENTENCE:
The people I work with constantly inspire me, on and off the stage.