Actor to team up with comedy group for improv show

PROVO — LDS film star Kirby Heyborne will be joining the local improv theater group, the Thrillionaires, for its inaugural performance at the Covey Center for the Arts.

Heyborne is best known for his roles in many LDS films, including "The Singles Ward," "The RM," "Saints and Soldiers," "The Best Two Years," the mockumentary "Sons of Provo" and, most recently, "The Singles Second Ward."

The Thrillionaires, a 25-member theater improv group, will be appearing regularly at the Covey Center. Each performance will feature a rotating cast of five or six members of the troupe. Audience members are invited to choose the plot and characters, and even contribute props for the performance. The Thrillionaires then put together fully improvised musicals and plays, complete with accompaniment.

After more than two years of performing together as the Thrillionaires, troupe members are both experienced and serious about the art of improv. "They have it down to a science and regularly teach workshops," said Thrillionaires producer Lisa Kuhni. "They are actors instead of just comedians, because to them, improv is something more. In fact, the Thrillionaires call themselves the next step in the evolution of improv."

The end result of this serious study is anything but serious.

"The shows are always hilarious," said Kuhni. "And the humor springs from reality, which is funnier than just comedy can be."

As well as presenting funny situations, the Thrillionaires are concerned that every audience member feel comfortable with the humor.

"We keep it clean so that everyone can enjoy it," said troupe member Jake Suazo.

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If you go . . .

What: Thrillionaires improv show

Where: Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W. Center, Provo

When: 8 p.m. Jan. 18

Cost: $10

Phone: 852-7007

Web: www.coveycenter.org