Local Theatre Enthusiast Planning Improv Group, Hosting Meet and Greet

Calling all local comedy improv actors …

Eric McAnallen is working to bring comedy improv to Ellwood City through his community-based troupe Driftwood Dramatics.

The group is looking for actors in Lawrence and Beaver County and surrounding areas that would be interested in helping start an ongoing show to be rehearsed and performed in Ellwood City.

No experience is required to participate, but actors must be at least 18 years old. An organizational meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00 PM at Fitzgibbon Meadery (536 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City).

“It will be a meet and greet,” McAnallen said. “We will go over some basics of improvisation for new people and maybe play some improv games.”

McAnallen said Driftwood Dramatics began in 2018 and was made up of a talented group of volunteers who did one play of audio dramas before the COVID pandemic hit. He said the group hasn’t done anything since then but is looking to revive the theatre … this time in Ellwood City.

“The goal is to do improve once a month,” he said. “Have the community come and watch the shows.”

He has been doing theatre for well over 30 years—his first show on stage in Lincoln High School when he played one of the leads in Greece as a sophomore. First show outside of a school production was at Red Barn Theatre. He has a degree in creative writing and studied playwriting at Carnegie Mellon. He has experience in improv, radio, and comedy.

McAnallen also owns Fitzgibbon Meadery, LLC on Lawrence Avenue and plans to use the extra space in the mead hall as the group’s “stage.”

“We have a big room,” he said. “And Ellwood City is lacking in theatrical things.”

He believes the meadery will be a perfect spot for the theatre and attendance might possibly cost a minimal fee.

“Improv doesn’t require a lot of space or props. I think people tend to think theatre requires a big stage and lights. All you really need is actors.”

McAnallen reflected on Shakespearean actors who would travel with only their acting talents in tow until they were able to become a fully established theatre.

“It was very little props and sets. Theatre has become almost television.”

McAnallen hopes to bring back the basics of focus on the acting. And since the group will meet and perform at the meadery, when the troupe hosts a night of improv, attendees can also enjoy a glass of mead.

“I’ve always wanted to start a theatre. Now I have a building that I own and have the ability to do some theatre there. Once we get established, we can do stuff over in the park and in the Community Plaza.”

McAnallen hopes that the group takes off and that in the future they will be able to do stage greetings and readers theatre and stand-up comedy.

He said he has a core group of actors interested who have been onstage and do have experience, but those interested in improv or new to improv are always welcome. He said there is always something to learn in the creative process.

“A lot of the fun of theatre is making mistakes and watching the audience laugh.”

Follow Driftwood Dramatics on Facebook and visit the website. 

For more information about the event, contact McAnallen at info@driftwooddramatics.com.