Lawrence University Theatre Department

And now, for something completely different. Improvisational comedy steps into the spotlight for four performances of the Lawrence University theatre department production of “Finding the Laughter (Again).”

Performances are scheduled Feb. 2-3 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. in Cloak Theatre of the Lawrence Music-Drama Center, 420 E. Collge Ave., Appleton.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of improvisational shows and performers, such as “Who’s Line Is It Anyway” and the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, an ensemble of 11 students will perform a half-dozen sketches based on topics suggested by the audience.

The production is an off-shoot of an improvisational acting class taught last fall by visiting instructor Bo Johnson, a veteran performer and teacher with ComedySportz in Milwaukee as well as First Stage Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. This will be a reprized version of an improvisational show first performed by Lawrence students in 2003.

Tickets for “Finding the Laughter (Again)” are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens and are available at the Lawrence University Box Office, 920-832-6749.

A young girl’s disappearance and the fate of eight friends who survive her will be explored in the Lawrence University theatre department production of Naomi Iizuka’s “Language of Angels.”

Performances are scheduled Nov. 17-19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. in Cloak Theatre of the Lawrence Music-Drama Center, 420 E. Collge Ave., Appleton.

First performed in 2000 in San Francisco, “Language of Angels” follows a group of working-class friends who are haunted by the disappearance of a young girl in a backwoods cave in North Carolina. The small-town tragedy provides a vehicle for a chilling mystery of fate and redemption.

“I am constantly fascinated by the question ‘why live theatre?,’” said Kathy Privatt, associate professor of theatre arts and director of the production. “This play answers that question with sound, lights, movement and a story that dares you to explain away what you saw.”

The production, which includes strong, adult language that may not be suitable for chilrden, features an original sound score written by senior Bryan Teoh. Annette Thornton, postdoctoral fellow in theatre arts, served as movement coach for the out-of-time sequences in the production.

Tickets for “Language of Angels” are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens (LU students, faculty and staff are free) and are available at the Lawrence University Box Office, 920-832-6749, or at the door (based on availability).