Alfred

The Alfred Musical Improv Troupe focuses on both long and short form improv comedy. The name Alfred is taken from the way the group themes each performance according to a different Alfred from history. For example, previous performances have been opened by both Alfred Pennyworth, butler to Bruce Wayne, and Alfred Hitchcock, the filmmaker. The troupe's musicians switch off with each other, ensuring that everyone sings and improvs during performances.

History

The group's origins lie in the Klaritin Improv Ensemble, founded in 2004 by Edward Rueda CC '05 and Ian Bateson CC '06 under the aegis of the Philolexian Society. In 2007, it changed its name to Sweeps. The name referred to an improv edit, in which a person runs across the stage, clearing it, and starting a new scene.

Sweeps last performed on December 7, 2007 as the opening act to Chowdah's holiday show. The performance included "a domino chain of improv skits complete with reference to broken families, broken chia pets, peanut butter blasphemy, and linear references" and one Bwog commenter was moved to reflect, "At least Sweeps was funny" .

Sweeps disbanded in 2008. Members Maggie Lane CC '09 and Kate Smith CC '09, hold-overs from the previous long from improv comedy troupe Sweeps, along with Thomas Anawalt CC '09, then founded Alfred.

Membership

Alfred members past and present include: Thomas Anawalt CC '09, Will Cybriwsky CC '12, Claire Halberstadt BC '09, Katie Hathaway BC '10, Maggie Lane CC '09, Kate Smith CC '09, Will Snider CC '09, Ben Weiner CC '11, Kendale Winbush CC '12