Spotlight on Sarah Kirwin

Sarah Kirwin has performed in hundreds of shows over the years. Sarah has also written and performed for 8 Bovine sketch shows. She was also a writer/performer/producer for 3 independent sketch shows including the show, "Divided By Whoopie", which was an official selection at the Chicago Improv Festival and Chicago SketchFest. Sarah was also a member of the The Box Fans an all female troupe which was the first Colorado group to be an official selection at the Chicago Improv Festival. Sarah has been teaching improv at the Bovine Metropolis for over 10 years. She directed, "Misfit: The Musical", and has also directed for the Sanscript Players and Complete the Whole Set. She has appeared numerous times on film, television and radio. Most recently performing and writing for Starz/Encore movie channels. Sarah currently performs with the improv groups; Dishwater Blondes, La Gay, OCSS, Spike and Sarah and Saul Improv.

How were you first introduced to improvisation?

I was very shy growing up and had never really done any kind of performance. When I was 18 I worked up the nerve to answer an audition ad for a Denver group named TheaterSports. I thought we were going to write plays. It was short form improv. I was there and I was too scared to try something else. So I stayed.

So many students enjoy and are motivated by watching you perform, who did you enjoy watching as you working up through the improv ranks?

I remember the first time I saw Jill Bernard perform. I remember wondering how a performer could be so daring. She's my improv hero. She is one of those performers who just amazes you with every performance. She's the smartest player I've ever seen and her characters are insanely real. I wish she were gay. In Denver my favorite performer has always been Michelle Miracle. She is without a doubt the funniest person I've ever known. I was lucky enough to see her perform tons and I learned a crap ton about performing watching her do stuff onstage. I wish she were gay.

How would you define a good improv scene?

As a scene that makes you forget it's a scene.

You have performed in so many shows and participated on numerous teams over the years, are there any experiences that stand out for you?

The first time I kissed a man was onstage. It's a horrific memory. One time I was a dead body and my friend sat on my chest during a scene. I thought I was going to die but I didn't want to interrupt the scene to say, "I'm going to die." So I just dealt with it. I don't recommend doing that. No scene is worth dying for. And having a cast member die would probably mess up the show more than breaking character would.

After years of teaching and performing improv, how do you prevent things from becoming stale or routine?

I don't know.

What is your advice for students that have graduated from a training program but want to continue to improvise?

Audition. I know we all hate to do it but it's how we get on shows. Make sure you continue to learn. No matter how long you've been doing this art form there are always ways to improve yourself as an improviser. Find people who you dig and start a troupe! There are plenty of venues around town with open spots for shows. Produce!