ComedySportz provides laugh for SHS students

Two years ago, senior Megan Yen and some friends saw an improvisational comedic group called Comedy Sportz during a Media Arts Program trip to Los Angeles.

“We really loved it and thought, why not bring it back to Saratoga?” Yen said.

This was the spark that brought the group to SHS where they are now performing annually for MAP fundraisers. This year the group performed at the McAfee Center on Jan. 12.

Since last school year, the MAP program has been organizing ComedySportz events in order to help fundraise money for its programs and facilities.

However, Comedy Sportz isn’t a normal standup comedy show or routine. According to senior Mark Van Aken, it is an improv show in which two teams of actors compete for the audience’s love.

To promote the show, many teachers, MAP teachers in particular, offer their students extra credit for going to the ComedySportz show.

“I went to the show because Mr. [Tony] Palma was offering extra credit if we went, but I really enjoyed the show and I’m glad I went,” sophomore Bobby Vithanage said.

The show has definitely caught the eye of SHS students since the comedians have been doing it in 2010.

Comedy Sportz saw a modest crowed this year as approximately 175 people filled the McAfee for the show.

“The first time I saw it, I saw it with friends, the second time at the MAP hosted ComedySportz and my most recent time and third time was with the marching band. Every time I've seen it, I've loved it,” Van Aken said.