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

Klaritin Improv Ensemble, founded in 2004 by Edward Rueda CC '05 and Ian Bateson CC '06 under the aegis of the Philolexian Society, changed its name to Sweeps in 2007. After Sweeps disbanded in 2008, members Maggie Lane (President) and Kate Smith brought in a new director, Thomas Anawalt, and together they founded the Alfred Musical Improv Troupe.

Alfred first performed in Fall 2008 with original members Thomas Anawalt, Katie Hathaway, Maggie Lane, Kate Smith, and Ben Weiner. The troupe is inspired in large part by the short-lived and much loved musical improv group at Columbia called Tea Party (2005-2006). Three members of Alfred (Thomas Anawalt, Kate Smith, and Will Snider) performed in the revival of Tea Party in Fall 2006]. Without the (blind?) trust of Tea Party members Mark Junek CC '07 and Nessa Norich BC '08, Alfred would not exist.

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