“This is our favorite show of the year! Monsters, aliens, and cranky vegans who have sworn off sugar— it will be a bloody-funny good time,” said Derek Dujardin, director of Zenprov Comedy. “And this is our first show back at the Mary Fisher Theatre in nearly eight months, so our audience can look forward to many new, never-before-seen games.”

One of the new games involves the troupe improvising from a cult-classic horror film like “Halloween,” “Friday the 13th,” or “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” One member must read from the script exactly as it is written, while the rest of the cast will improvise what they think might come next, not knowing what film it is!

Jessica Mitolo, an Associate Artistic Director at famed Second City in Chicago, coaches Zenprov Comedy. “I work with improv troupes from all over the world, and Zenprov is one of my favorites. Since 2020, I’ve enjoyed coaching them through a creative renaissance. They are a true ensemble that inhabits that sweet spot of being silly and insightful. A joy and a treat not to be missed.”

“People were laughing so hard their cheeks were hurting,” said Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of the Sedona International Film Festival. Now in its 15th year, Zenprov Comedy is a local Sedona favorite that taps into the rich source material that comes from living in a place steeped in spiritual seeking, UFOs, vortexes, self-help gurus, radical vegans and confused tourists lost in roundabouts.

If you’ve never been to one of their live performances, Zenprov Comedy is similar to the popular improvised TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The troupe performs a mix of fast-paced, short-form improvised scenes created in the moment based on audience suggestions and Chicago-style, long-forms such as “The Harold,” “The Motel,” and “The Armondo.” Unlike sketch or standup comedy, nothing is scripted or prepared beforehand, so it’s never the same show twice.

Zenprov Comedy embraces the Del Close method of improv acting, emphasizing the “group mind” that mysteriously develops during a performance. Miraculously, the player’s minds fuse together to create a “super mind” where they practically finish each other’s sentences—and often do. Laughter ensues.

The super minds of Zenprov Comedy are Derek Dujardin, Shaeri Richards, Shaunn Cochran, Chris Redish, Betty Testa, Dr. Linda Roemer, Nathaniel Montgomery, and Mary Carder.

Zenprov wants you to know their shows are rated PG-13 and are seldom politically correct. Sometimes, imaginary people die or say things they later wish they were dead.

The Mary D. Fisher Theater is located across the street from the Harkins Movie Theater on 2030 St. Rt. 89A, next door to BMO Harris. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and concludes around 9:15 p.m. Beer, wine, and snacks are available.