Contact: Eric Boucher
E-mail: comedy@phantomsheep.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHAT: “LaughCrafters, Comedy Improv” Show
WHO: HCC improv students alongside Phantom Sheep Players
WHEN: Friday, December 17th, 1999, 8PM
WHERE: Leslie Phillips Forum, (main stage “C” building)
Holyoke Community College, Holyoke MA

        Quick wit and funny talent will take the stage in a free show presented at the HolyokeCommunity College forum on December 17th. Students of the “Comedy ImprovWorkshops” presented by Phantom Sheep Comedy Productions and sponsoredby the HCC drama club will be performing alongside the Phantom Sheep Playersin a fun showcase of scenes and games all based on audience suggestion.
        Students metafter their normal classes each Monday night over a ten week period, focusingon such skills as character movement, scene building, and comedy structurein the forms of exercises and games. Finally, the students will be ablefurther their experience as they invite a live audience ready to laugh!
        The series,in its second season, was taught by Eric Boucher, founding member of thelocal comedy guild “Phantom Sheep Productions” and HCC alum (94). Ericwas also often assisted most weeks by fellow colleagues Jeff Tingley andJon Gill. “Also new to PSP is our great talented friend Kate Chaconas,who will also be making her improv debut with us in this show, which of course we are very excited about” Gill noted. This semester, the sessions brought the return of many students who were able to fine tune their skillsand learn new ones, as well as welcoming a few new faces who were eagerto jump in, all of which will also be featured in the show. “Everyone is really sharp with a lot to add to the group. They play hard and most importantly they have fun, “ said Tingley. “And I have fun on stage with them, or offstagewatching them”.
        Phantom Sheep(PSP) is most known for producing family entertainment such as many ofthe live shows at Riverside’s (now Six Flags New England) Frightfest andtheir college tour of satire sketches and improv comedy games. The group also often conducts corporate and college workshops training team work and character creation in the form of comedy improv. “Our goal is to strengthenand utilize quick thinking , widen abstract thought, emphasize team focus,and trusting other players’ ideas,” said Eric Boucher, PSP founding memberand workshop instructor. “Students end up building self-confidence in theirown talent and of course have a lot fun!”
        Last spring,the PSP Improv Jam sessions” series ran a similar show at the end of thesemester open to the public. Many family and friends were there to enjoythe improvised scenes and games. “We all had a blast last semester and I’m honored and excited to be back offering this series again,” adds Boucher.This semester’s show will be held in a larger space with a larger stageand the troupe promises to offer plenty of new and innovative material.
        The show willstart at 8 PM and will be held at the Holyoke Community College Leslie Phillips Forum. Admission to the performance is free and open to the entirepublic. For more information, people are free to contact PSP directly viae-mail at info@phantomsheep.com. Cast lists, show pictures and information can also be found on the troupe’s website at www.phantomsheep.comMembers of the troupe will also be on hand before and after the show tomeet guests and offer further information. “I am really proud how theseregulars have been working together,” said Boucher. “They all are puttingin some excellent hard work. This is going to be a great time!”.