Soiree Seoul presents improv jam

Members of Jam Improv Seoul act out a scene at Casa Amigo in central Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood. Courtesy of Agnes Lee

The Soiree Seoul is returning after a brief break with its third-ever event, this time turning the spotlight on improv comedy.

Members of Jam Improv Seoul will take the stage at Casa Amigo in central Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood this Saturday. They'll also be joined by a few live music performances.

The Soiree Seoul was founded last year by Paul Soren, taking inspiration from Busan's Liquid Arts Network. The two organizations co-hosted a Liquid Screen event in Seoul early this year. It and the previous Soiree event have been held at Casa Amigo in central Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood.

According to Soren, Taco Amigo owner Wayne was the one who suggested Soiree host an improv event.

"Since The Soiree wants to experiment and cover many different aspects of artistic expressions, his idea seemed to be a natural progression for us," Soren told The Korea Times. "This way, not only [do] we get to expand our reach but also keep the audience guessing too. It's a fun way for us to grow and expand."

Soren himself enjoys improv comedy, citing Canadian actor and improv comedian Colin Mochrie as a hero, but it wasn't until recently that he tried his hand at improv.

"As a person who had dealt with many unexpected situations in a classroom environment dealing with kids, I thought I would be good at thinking on the spot — I was quickly proven wrong," Soren said.

"Ever since, I have a whole new level of respect for those who are good at it. Because not only do they have to come up with ideas right away, they have to deliver those ideas naturally, with impeccable timing, tone and volume."

Members of Jam Improv Seoul strike various poses on stage at Casa Amigo in central Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood. Courtesy of Agnes Lee

Jam Improv Seoul was created in 2022 by Brad Curtin and Ken Drenen.

"We wanted to do some improv closer to the center of the action in Haebangchon or Itaewon on a weeknight," Curtin said. "Also we felt an improv group that allows everyone to perform in shows lets all the members reach their full potential. Raising money for local charity causes too was important to us. Then every time we perform we feel good making others happy and helping out great causes."

So far, it has raised money for an orphanage, flood victims in southern Seoul and the homeless at Seoul Station.

Audience participation will be part of the performance, according to organizers.

"The audience will have a number of opportunities to contribute to our scenes and games," Curtin said.

At some points, spectators will be invited to shout out suggestions for what the actors do next. Curtin mentioned they will play one crowd-favorite game called "Lines from a Hat," in which audience members write down lines of dialogue that the improvisers have to use in a scene.

Improv is one part comedy, one part performance art and one part game. It invites audiences to have fun along with the performers, who are put to the task of following the rules of the game while also entertaining everyone.

"Improv is a good activity for all kinds of people. Even [if] you don't like to act, it is still fun to watch," CJ Hsu, a Jam Improv Seoul member from Taiwan, said.

Jam Improv Seoul meets every Tuesday to practice together.

"I went to the practice for the first time about last October," Hsu said. "I was very nervous, but people were friendly. I felt welcomed and just started going more."

Hsu and the others emphasized that newcomers are always welcome to get on stage with them, and no experience is needed.

June Oh performs at the Liquid Screen event organized by The Soiree Seoul and Liquid Arts Network, Jan. 6. Courtesy of Chris Kweon

"We welcome all people. We encourage new people to join. Without them, Jam Improv Seoul can't continue," Toby Kim said. "Everybody has some type of habit or pre-form. As we 'train' newbies, we learn from them as well. It's a two-way interaction."

Improv can also help train participants' social skills, helping them overcome stage fright as well as become better listeners.

"I think it helps me pay attention when people are talking," Hsu said. "Oftentimes in life I don't pay enough attention to people's emotions when they are talking or I don't remember the details of the conversation. In improv, I will need to learn to do that. I hope I can get better at that because I want to be a good communicator."

Also performing will be musicians June Oh, Bruno Song and Gabriela Lo Basso.

Admission costs 15,000 won and comes with a free drink. One-third of the door price will be donated to the Korea Unwed Mothers Families Association.

Follow @the_soiree_seoul or @jamimprovseoul on Instagram for more information.