This week’s Faculty Family Social Night featured two extra-special guests: Chase Brantley and Darius Emadi, improvisational comedians who delighted students and staff with their creative, kinetic style of comedy. They have performed at international comedy festivals and are both graduates of the prestigious Gaulier School in France, whose notable alumni include Emma Thompson, Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat), and Helena Bonham Carter. The event was made possible through funding from an LAS Impact Fund grant requested by a teacher who had seen this act at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and wanted to share this unique experience with the LAS community. 

Brantley and Emadi presented a bespoke, student-friendly version of Brantley's show Don Tobberman: Ping Pong Champ in the BlackBox Theatre for an audience of more than 70 students and staff. Blending improvisation, clowning, and audience participation, the performance quickly drew everyone into the action. Playing the role of a legendary ping pong champion, Brantley “competed” against the audience in a fully mimed match. With imaginary serves and volleys, both performers and spectators acted out dramatic athletic movements, complete with sound effects mimicking the “pop” of the ball hitting the paddle. Laughter and smiles filled the theatre as the match grew increasingly dramatic, with Brantley even sprinting offstage and back again to score a point. 

Adding another comedic layer, the performance shifted into a rapid-fire simulation of flipping through cable television channels, moving seamlessly between sports such as diving, karate, baseball, and basketball. Brantley’s ability to switch between characters and physical styles in seconds kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout. Audience members jumped into the silliness and pretended to slam dunk baskets, swim like a shark, and even pretend to go on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin. 

LAS was thrilled to host Chase Brantley and Darius Emadi for an unforgettable evening of creativity, camaraderie, and humor. Thanks to the enthusiasm and initiative of our faculty, and with the support of the LAS Impact Fund, we are able to bring world-class cultural experiences directly to campus for our entire community to enjoy.