Scared Scriptless
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Scared Scriptless is an improvised comedy show performed by the Court Jesters every Friday night at the Court Theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand.The show was established in 1990 and is currently New Zealand's longest running comedy show.
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[edit] The Show
Scared Scriptless is hosted by an MC along with anywhere from 4 to 10 players a muso (a musician who improvises the backing music) and at least one technician/stage manager (who operates the lights and sound). Players and MCs are all members of the Court Jesters and rotate frequently.
[edit] Format
The format for the show can change from week to week but is mainly focused on shortform improvisation including Micetro™, Theatresports™, Gorilla Theatre™, themed performances as well as variations on these and original formats devised by the Court Jesters. Scenes are based on suggestions from the audience and often challenges/rules (also called "handles" or "games") from the MC.
Scared Scriptless is often performed on the set for an existing play rather than having one of its own. In some cases, some rudimentary furniture may be used. Similarly, players do not use any props or costumes relying instead on mime and physicality. The exception is when the MC may bring along props or costumes for special scenes/games or to fit with the theme of the night.
A Scared Scriptless show runs on average for 90 mins.
[edit] Performance Times
When it debuted in 1990, Scared Scriptless was staged at 11pm on Friday nights at the Court Theatre.
At the beginning of 2006 the start time was moved to 10pm, still keeping it as "late night" improvised comedy, but more accessable to a wider range of the public.
