A Philosophy of Performance
Written By Joseph Daylover |
“Live performance is co-creation,” says Jessica Levity, creator/host of “The Utility Players,” a Reno-based Improv comedy troupe. Levity used active hand gestures and a direct gaze to describe the “right-now energy;” a vibe that is ever-present at their comedy shows.
The audience gets an experience wholly unlike watching something funny on TV or at the movies. Utility Player shows typically consist of a series of Improv exercises, which are two to five minute scenes, spawned by audience suggestions. Music and Stand-up comedy are also woven into the show.
While on stage, her six Improv comedians laugh at themselves, which sends a message of humility. This force has the ability to break down walls. “The audience lets go of their inhibitions because they’re watching my players do it so easily,” Levity adds. Also, TV usually offers the past-tense, rehearsed and perfected, while live Improv happens organically, right before their eyes. “Audiences respond to the courage it takes to be funny on the spot.”
Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, the 25-year-old Levity has a diverse background. Early on, she played the saxophone and did Theatre acting in middle school. Her first performance came at five years old, in a Dance recital. Being a Sagittarius, she always loved the spotlight and exploring the deeper meaning behind performance.
She earned a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin, in addition to studying Metaphysics and New Thought principles.
While in college, Levity performed her own stand-up and Improv, played Emcee for Madison’s lone Comedy Club, and wrote and acted in comedic sketches. After arriving in Reno in 2008, Levity launched her one-woman show, “Metacomedy and The Art of Coming Out,” a “humorous and inspirational lecture about self discovery and the meaning of life.” From there, “The Utility Players” would represent a synthesis of those various genres, as their moniker refers to a baseball player able to perform multiple positions well. In building the troupe, Levity says, “I wanted to co-create with talented people that I admired.” The seven-person troupe is made up of local comedians, actors, and also Levity’s friends from Wisconsin and Cincinnati.
In addition to friends, Levity’s influences include “Whose Line is it Anyway?” and Eddie Izzard, as well as Wayne Dyer. This unique blend of Inspirational Philosophy and Comedy fuels Levity’s aspirations on stage. Since 2009, “The Utility Players” have performed at the Studio on 4th, Seven on West and other local Theatres. The multi-talented group brings Levity’s eclectic background full circle: “The Utility Players bring Love, Light, and Laughter into the world.”
Levity, with her Sagittarian philosophical bent, explains further how laughter plays an important role in our lives. “It uplifts us and that is inherently satisfying,” she said. Laughing allows one to take life’s challenges with good humor. Levity concluded the interview by highlighting the metaphorical significance of Improv, “Life is a game, and we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously. Laughter raises our vibration through letting go, and this creates a palpable energy that can only be found at a live show. Without an audience, there would be no show, and everyone benefits from the process of co-creation.”
“The Utility Players” currently perform at the Good Luck Macbeth Theater at 119 N Virginia Street.
For more info, visit the Utility Players online at www.utilityplayerscomedy.com.
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