Fairfield’s “On the Spot” improv group took home second place at Boston’s annual Beanpot improv competition. Photo by Marissa DePalma/The Mirror.

“Can I get some inspiration in the form of a location? A kitchen appliance? A board game? Anything … anything at all!”

Welcome to the world of improv — where audience members scream suggestions at the on-stage improvisers, be it in response to their need or something more obscene.

The weekend of Feb. 27, Fairfield’s own On The Spot (OTS) improv troupe trekked to Boston, where it was one of the nine troupes participating in the annual Beanpot competition.

Directed by Yvonne Conybeare and stage managed by sophomore David Nevins, OTS joked its way into the judges’ hearts and rolled home with second place. In addition, Andrew O’Shaughnessy made quite the impression at the competition and received the Sportsmanship Award.

You might have heard of On The Spot or may have even been fortunate enough to watch one of its shows this year. If so, then you are aware of the form — improvising an entire hour-long play (this semester in the style of Shakespeare). At the Beanpot, OTS did things a little bit differently — short form improv. The troupe had to create hysterical 60 and 90-second long scenes with strong relationships and dynamic goals in the hopes of impressing the judges. They were judged on skill, story and entertainment, and if they really struck a funny bone, they received bonus points from a guest judge.

On The Spot qualified for the semi-finals after doing scenes performed in the styles of 80s teen comedy, super-hero, mafia and kabuki. Improvising these scenes, OTS beat out Clark University’s The Peapod Squad and Guerilla Improv from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The Peapod Squad qualified for the Wildcard, which they later won. In the semi-finals, OTS played Gordon College’s Sweaty-Toothed Madmen and, victorious once again, advanced to the finals, where they played friends from Clark.

After a difficult final round, where OTS condensed a Shakespearean five-act play into 10 minutes, OTS lost by four points to The Peapod Squad’s spectacular, and hysterical, spoof of an after school special. The Biz Markie-chanting Peapod Squad has won the Beanpot several times prior to this year’s competition. Having only competed in the Beanpot twice, making it to the finals is a tremendous accomplishment for Fairfield. Next year, OTS plans on taking home first place.

On The Spot consists of eight improvisers: Alexandra Burke ’11, Kyle Duggan ’11, Christina Dunne ’13, Jenn Martin ’10, Andrew O’Shaughnessy ’11, Tom Saporito ’12, Zachary Tesoriero ’11 and Amanda Xeller ’11. Try-outs for the troupe are in September; don’t miss your chance to be a part of something amazing!

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