HOWARD COUNTY, MD — It takes quite a bit of nerve and gumption to stand on stage and perform improv, but 24 brave students from across the Howard County Public School System will do just that Jan. 17 at a special show open to the community. All County Improv will perform at Smith Theatre at HCC at 7 p.m.

"We will be performing a 90-minute improv show, combined of short-form and long-form improvisational games," Lauren Tobiason, theatre director at Hammond High School, told Patch. High school students audition in May of the previous year per recommendation by their theater teachers. Then they are selected to be on the improv team by the directors of the troupe, which includes herself, Pete Bergen and Bobby Henneberg. Students who aren't graduating can participate for another year, and this year, there are 12 returning students, said Tobiason.

Eligible students must have taken a theater class or been involved in a school production. This year's improv troupe consists of all juniors and seniors, although sophomores have joined in the past. Freshmen aren't eligible. The students rehearse weekly for two hours, practicing the structure of the games and skills of improv, such as active listening, saying yes and making strong character choices. "Students will be playing a variety of different games using prompts from the audience like a location or relationship to create a scene they've never played before. It is fast paced and fun. Improvisation takes quick thinking, confidence and teamwork and it's awesome to see these students work together to create something with the audience's help that has never existed before and won't exist again. It's a wonderful escape and it's very entertaining. Attending live theater events reminds us of our connections to the world around us. Laughing with a room full of strangers is joyous," said Tobiason.