Have you ever heard of sold-out theater shows with no script, no rehearsals, and absolutely no production materials or set designs at all? Sounds absurd, right? After all, praiseworthy shows often take years to perfect. SPIT (Silly People’s Improv Theater) Manila redefines this expectation, garnering well-deserved popularity over the years with just pure extraordinary talent.
SPIT Manila is a premier improv theater group in Asia who have been performing all over the world since 2002, making them the longest running improv group in the country. As a part of Third World Improv, the Philippines’ first and largest improv school, most of their cast members are instructors to children, professionals, and even senior citizens. In 2012, the group also established the Manila Improv Festival where local and international acts perform to celebrate this artistry.
Photo from SPIT Manila
To many, their brand of storytelling might seem like surface level spontaneity, but it is a different masterpiece of its own. It’s not really about being funny, but more so about quick thinking, collaboration, and letting go with uncertainty. These skills make improv valuable not just for entertainment, but ultimately to help people become the best versions of themselves, no matter the role they may be playing in life.
This form of theater is no news at all though, as one of the earliest accounts of its use dates back to 391 BC. With no script to base from, performers collaborate among themselves as the characters, plot, and dialogue completely unfold in real time, with the help of their audience’s suggestions. This spontaneous performance requires a lot of improvisation hence the term, “Improv”.
Now, how did it become such a hit among Filipinos? There may be a number of reasons, but Filipinos simply love to laugh. From top-grossing comedy films, gag shows, to lighthearted sitcoms, we all patronize anything and everything that tickles our funny bones. Improv, however, brings about a fresher take on these comedic media we’re known to love.
Photo from SPIT Manila
Given its unpredictability, every show by SPIT Manila keeps audiences enthralled, clueless of the possible outcomes they are bound to witness. What adds to the fun is the unmistakably witty banter with tasteful jokes that are sometimes even sprinkled with trivia and sociopolitical anecdotes. They’re funny, all for the sake of art and harmless fun.
SPIT Manila’s contribution to the improv scene has made theater more accessible to Filipinos, making their rising popularity an essential component to improving the appreciation for theater and art in general in the Philippines.
To learn more about improv or support SPIT Manila, you may visit thirdworldimprov.com, or follow their social media accounts.
Are you a fan of SPIT Manila? Let us know in the comments below!