These seven men aren’t afraid to make their own improv games. Or share the responsibilities of directing. Or strip down to their boxers and perform.
They’re called ArACkA, and their comedy is spreading virally and by word-of-mouth. This time around, you don’t want to get immunized…it’s best to sit back and let their comedy infect you.
The troupe started in the fall of 2007 after some roommates decided they wanted to perform improv together. Since then, members have left to pursue their careers and further their education. Others were added to maintain a well-rounded group of gentlemen.
“We’ve created stuff from the ground up,” performer Scott Arel said. “We don’t hold auditions. We pick, like, a lot of people who see it from the outside – it’s important to the health of the entire thing. We pick very carefully.”
“I like surrounding myself with people who make me laugh and I make laugh,” said Robert Colomberti, the newest ArACkA recruit. “(Practicing is) never something I dread, like an obligation.”
Augie Artiles, one of the original members of ArACkA, writes down improv games.
ArACkA specializes in short-form improv. They even invent a lot of their games and write sketches to go along with their shows. When the troupe had its first show in Ocala, four people came out to see it. During their fourth show, about 50 people were there to support them.
Augie Artiles, one of the original members, remembers thinking: “Whatever we’re doing, it’s f—ing working. Word-of-mouth. Not only are the same people coming back, but they’re bringing their friends.”
The group prides themselves on their charity shows and events, especially for organizations like the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. They also are proud of how ArACkA has grown, especially within the past year.
They have stickers, shirts, a Web site, a podcast and an ArACkA calendar, to name a few of their promotional items. The year has provided them with numerous shows on campus as well as traveling opportunities.
What contributes to their successes? Trust. And the bonds they’ve formed with each other.
“I would like to think that when we do a show, it comes through that we’re all really close friends,” said performer Matt White.
“The trust level that we have is unparalleled,” Scott said. “Whatever garbage comes out of my mouth on stage, if I’m having a good day or bad day, it’s going to be picked up by one of these guys.”
When other troupes have a rotating cast or rely on a president/director figure, ArACkA does things a little differently.
The ArACkA cast. (Back, from left) Scott Arel, Augie Artiles, Rich Camillucci and Chris Mullet. (Front, from left) Robert Colomberti and Matt White. Tim Anderson is portrayed on the chalkboard.
“When we have a decision to make that’s important to the group, it’s everyone or no one,” Scott said. “At the end, if somebody doesn’t like it, we get over it and don’t do it. I feel that’s hard to find.”
“We always make it even,” Scott added. “We always make sure each of us has face time, an equal opportunity to perform.”
Besides hanging out with each other and building group mind, the other moments ArACkA performers cherish is when fans approach them and compliment the show.
“That was a good feeling to know that I did well, that someone actually enjoyed what I did,” Matt said.
The group still hopes to grow and to “keep rolling.” They are setting their sights on helping the Gainesville improv community blossom. Their vision is for Gainesville to become a mini-Chicago, or a well-respected hub for improv.
Until then, they’ll continue to improve and rag on each other.
“This is something we all really, really love to do,” said performer Rich Camillucci. “A lot of us are involved in much more than just ArACkA. We pretty much try to be involved in as much as we can to fill that insatiable appetite.”
“What?! Insatiable appetite?” Performer Chris Mullet started to laugh at his phrasing.
“F— you,” Rich retorted.
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Here is ArACkA performing one of their original improv games, “Million Dollars”, at the Roxy Theatre in Miami:
