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Red Deer’s Bull Skit gang trucks out its best material

Best of Bull Skit shows run Thursday to Saturday at Scott Block
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The Bull Skit crew gets ready to perform three Best Of shows this week at the Scott Block Theatre in Red Deer (photo by LANA MICHELIN/Advocate staff).

They’ve done sketches about the TV show Survivor, so nine years on, the Bull Skit gang has learned a thing or two about staying on the island.

The local improvisors have weathered Central Alberta’s tough economy by staying on their toes and giving the people what they want — which means variety, said Jenna Goldade, artistic director of Bull Skit’s Against the Wall Theatre.

The troupe is set to perform its popular Very Best Of Bullskit show Thursday through Saturday at the Scott Block Theatre. They will bring back the characters, improvs, sketches and music parodies that have worked best at monthly mainstage shows throughout the ninth season.

Get ready for more Foul-Mouthed Baby (an off-shoot of the “F.U. Guys”), Leroy the Inbred Jedi in a Star Wars spoof, an inside look at the life of Barb from Stranger Things, and many other oddities.

The Very Best of Bull Skit Comedy will also feature musical guests The Dirrty Show (Thursday), and Paul Woida (Friday), JoJo O and the Woods (Saturday). Goldade said there will be a completely different line-up of comedy and music every night.

She admitted it’s been challenging to keep drawing crowds when many area residents don’t have a lot of disposable income. The thing Bull Skit has in its favour is that people always need a laugh, she added.

“Creatively it’s been really exciting, for us and the audience … I think we’ve been gaining momentum …”

The 15-member troupe, including veterans Amy Wood and Jeremy Robinson, have been performing on the Scott Block’s Centennial Stage weekly.

Thespian Fight Night/games shows, Bull Pen community participation nights, Survivor/Friday the 13th nights, and various specialty events, such as the Ladies Valentines Day Show, and Jeremy Robinson’s Stream-of-Consciousness Show have been attracting a diverse mix of people.

Younger audiences have been included with monthly Calf Skit improvised fairy tales.

Goldade noted that Bull Skit fans predictably gravitate towards the kind of shows they enjoy most. But her mission has been to reach yet untapped markets – which is why improvisational Shakespeare will be launched in June at the Scott Block.

As well, the group is looking at bring back its popular Shabby Abbey spoof of the Edwardian class system. And starting next month, the local troupe will be performing shows with a series of European guest stars. Improvisors from Holland, Finland and Slovenia are slated to take the stage in June and July.

For more information, visit www.bullskitcomedy.com.

lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com