Scott Kindschi, a volunteer advisor to the LU improv group and step-dad to a member, is no stranger to the stage, having started acting when he was only 12 years old. While at first he only acted because his friends were doing so, he found true enjoyment on the stage.

“I threw myself into it headfirst,” he said. Over the years, he was “fortunate enough” to portray almost every character in every show he wanted. From Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” (having played this role twice) to Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” to Fagin in “Oliver,” he has “had opportunities most would die for.”

“With more than 100 productions under my belt, I look upon my acting career with fondness and fulfillment,” Kindschi said.

Having so much acting experience, it only seems natural that Kindschi would go above and beyond by sharing his knowledge with those who want to learn. With the new improv group on campus just getting started, help is always appreciated and Kindschi is now a reliable source for the Lakeland University improv group.

But what exactly is improv? Kindschi’s answer was short but to the point: “Improv is spontaneous interaction between actors.”

Kindschi got into improv when he was in college, minoring in theater. When asked what he enjoys most about improv, he said, “creating the whacky characters that I hope people find humorous.” This is something that all improv actors do, create “out there” characters that people can’t help but laugh at. Though, there is a distinction from improv acting to regular acting.

“Traditional acting requires time and study of a script to create a character that can react believably in a provided situation. Improv is creating a character spontaneously that has to provide the same experience without the benefit of a script.”

When asked how he feels about helping the improv group, he said, “I have taught theater in the past and for me, this is another opportunity to assist in others’ learning environment.”

Charlie Krebs, improv advisor and associate professor of theater and communication at Lakeland University, decided to have Kindschi help with the improv group for advisement purposes, allowing him to help pave a smoother path.

To find out more abou the improv club, click here or contact Krebs at [email protected].