The Woodlands High School Improv Troupe supports Local Charities

When Matthew Peters became the director of The Woodlands High School (TWHS) Improv in 2013, he wanted to not only grow audience attendance for the monthly improv shows but also get out into the community and give back.

“Our president at the time, Molly Much, brought up the idea of raising money for charity and it took off from there,” says Peters, who is department chair of TWHS Theater in addition to directing TWHS Improv. “Our first show for charity was for the Animal Shelter. We raised about $300 — we were elated!”

Over the next year, with each show supporting a different local charity, attendance grew from about 25 people in the black box theater to 150-200 people in the auditorium, and donations to charities reached into the thousands.

Now, 11 years later, TWHS Improv has raised more than $236,000 for local charities and helped raise awareness for important causes. Peters jokes, “I tell the kids that I want to raise $1 million dollars by the time I retire. So I don’t have to work for another 35 years, we have some work to do!”

Just as important for Peters as the money raised is the impact giving back to the community has on his students. “Sometimes we are so wrapped up in our own problems that we forget that there are others who need our help, and the improv troupe has allowed us to stop and think of others,” he says. “The best part for me is watching kids who are on the improv troupe go off into the world and continue to do good.”

While many think of improv as strictly comedy based, it is actually an important skill to learn. “Improv skills are invaluable in all facets of life, not just in the performing arts,” says Peters. “Improv teaches students (and adults) skills like adaptability, listening and speaking in front of any crowd. These skills are not only applicable in your daily life, but also in the business world when giving a presentation or leading a meeting.”

In addition to raising funds for local charities, TWHS Improv also performs at local events, such as Children’s Fest at the Pavilion and Sing-Off at Market Street. Each fall they host a one-day improv camp, open to students in grades 1-12, where they teach improv games and skills.

The troupe, which has been named State Champions at the Texas Thespians State Festival three times during Peters’ tenure, performs monthly shows featuring short-form improv and one long-form improv show each semester. Due to the closure of the auditorium at TWHS for repairs, all shows for the remaining season will be held at TWHS 9th Grade Campus, 10010 Branch Crossing Drive, The Woodlands. Tickets are $5 at the door, and all proceeds from ticket sales and concessions, in addition to other donations, are donated to the monthly charity.

The next show will be Friday, February 21, at 7 p.m., raising money for Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Endeavor (M-COPE). TWHS Improv is always looking for individuals or businesses who would like to match what is raised in a show or the season. If you are interested in matching a show or the season, or if you have a charity you would like to raise money for, reach out to Matthew Peters at mtpeters@conroeisd.net.

For a list of current TWHS Improv shows and TWHS Theater productions, visit twhstheater.com.

Source: TWHS Theater Booster Club

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