Ham Awry Welcomes Five New Members

Since its beginnings in 2005, Ham Awry Improv Troupe has not experienced the growth and success it has in the past 5 months. In January, with new found focus and commitment, the group began to book events all over Metro Vancouver. They have conducted workshops, performed in fundraisers, variety shows, sports events and of course, their biweekly free show titled ?Supervision Required!? With such speedy momentum, Ham Awry had no other choice but to quickly add 5 new performers to their stable.

?We were surprised by our success and it wasn?t long before we realized the seven of us were not going to be able to be everywhere at once? says Aaron Davis, one of the troupe?s founding members. ?It?s really fantastic to be forced into expanding our sable of improvisers? continues Davis. Today (June 1, 2008) Ham Awry has announced that they have expanded their members from seven to twelve to keep up with the demand of their new found success. New troupe members Angela Bell, Ryan Johnson, Scott Woods and Matthew Ross bring a variety of theatre experience and along with returning Ham Awry veteran, Richard Wiens will debut as early as Saturday, June 7th. The new troupe joins the old troupe (consisting of Aaron Davis, John Stuart, Martin Brochu, Brad Tones, Chris Cope, Harry Paring, Jennifer Moran and musician William Cardno) in showing Maple Ridge what improv comedy is all about.

?It started when we originally booked three free shows at the Ridge (Coffee Roasting Company). Within weeks, we were booked in variety shows and fundraisers all over Metro Vancouver? says Davis. Last month, Ham Awry announced that those original three free shows had been held over indefinitely. In addition to their private bookings, the troupe performs biweekly at the Ridge. ?Our Saturday shows at the Ridge are always free. We typically perform two sets, each about 50 minutes long with a short intermission? reports Davis. Their show consists of short improvised scenes based on audience suggestions. If it needs to be said, they are very funny too. Davis continues, ?We offer free shows to continue getting our name out there, to build experience and to give our community something other than CSI and unrealistic-reality TV to watch on a Saturday night. Our shows cross age and gender, giving anyone something to laugh at. We are also very grateful to Mitcheal at the Ridge for partnering up with us to make it all possible.?

The best way to find out what improv is all about is to experience it. Ham Awry Improv Troupe and the Ridge present ?Supervision Required!? every second Saturday night. The Cafe is located in the heart of Maple Ridge at 170-22470 Dewdney Trunk Road  and their next show is on June 7th. Seats for the 8pm start fill up quickly so getting their early is strongly suggested. Shows may contain some adult themes so parental guidance is always suggested. For more information, check out the website at www.hamawry.com or email the troupe at info@hamawry.com.  You can also find their group on Facebook.