The improv and sketch players of Bull Skit Comedy are raring to entertain again, after two long pandemic years.
The Red Deer company has a lineup of special events for this spring and summer, including a giant “Zombie Tag” game through the downtown, a Freak Show Fundraiser, Calf Skit performances of Three Little Pigs for tots and families, and various workshops.
While a slower start-up had been envisioned and “these shows don’t feel like baby steps,” Bull Skit Comedy’s executive director Jenna Goldade is excited to get back in front of audiences on a more regular basis.
As a mother of two young kids, Goldade really enjoyed having more family time during the pandemic. No deadlines offered a breather from the past decade in which Bull Skit Comedy pulled off 452 shows and workshops — an “incredible” pace, she added.
But after so many years of being part of the company she co-founded, Goldade began to miss the connections she made. And as a creative person, “it was the hardest thing to have no outlets for your creativity,” she admitted.
Bull Skit Comedy performed a few projects when COVID rules allowed, but the company had to cancel two full seasons due to lockdown restrictions.
Last month, Goldade launch an impromptu show on the theme of feminism that was well received by a half-sized crowd, due to distancing protocols. It got her and other players stoked to proceed with a line-up of new projects. These are:
- Maestro Improv shows will be held on April 23 and May 28 at the Scott Block Theatre. Randomly chosen improvisers will do scenes under the guidance of directors, in a competition-style show. Audience members judge their performances and the last player standing wins the Maestro title. (Goldade said participants of afternoon workshops held the same day by Shaun McKinley of Loose Moose Theatre will get a chance to join this challenge.)
- On the mornings of June 11 and 25, Calf Skit shows for the whole family will be put on outdoors in Heritage Park, just north of the Red Deer Public Market. An improvised version of Three Little Pigs will be performed with music by Craig Gomez. Goldade said she’s “super excited” about this one as there was so little for families to do over the past few years. She hopes to make the admission free as Bull Skit is approaching corporate donors.
- A giant “Zombie Apocalypse” game of tag will be played in downtown Red Deer on Father’s Day, June 19. Speed, cunning, negotiation and bribery will be needed to come out “alive” from this foot race (no car, bike or e-scooter use are allowed). Participants will be chased by “zombies” between various checkpoints. The goal is to collect the cure for zombie disease before you are tagged.
- A Dark Carnival: Freak Show Fundraiser for Bull Skit Comedy will be held July 9 at Bo’s Bar and Stage in Red Deer. Described as a one-of-a-kind spectacle, this combines improv/sketch entertainment with the audience’s power to inflict “tortures” (such as eating dry oatmeal or walking on Lego) on the players through additional coin donations for the cause (over the $50 entry price.)
Anyone wanting to try out their talents on stage can sign up for four-week sketch Bull Skit Comedy and workshops for beginners and intermediates. Various programs will start next week, on April 24, 25 or April 26.
Goldade said she’s really hoping to be able to launch a regular Bull Skit Comedy season this fall.
For tickets and more information about these events, please visit Bull Skit Comedy’s Facebook page.
