By: Patrick E. Phillips ~Arts & Entertainment Editor~

Xavier University’s resident improvisational comedy group, Don’t Tell Anna (DTA), has had to make a lot of adjustments due to available performance space over the past year.

Despite its challenges, DTA is still going strong, bringing laughter to its growing crowds.

Senior member and President of DTA Kyle Isaacs shares his experience with the group, giving an inside look at the challenges the group has faced and how DTA plans to move forward.

Xavier Newswire (XN): As a member of DTA for a couple years, how has the group changed since you joined?

Kyle Isaacs (KI ): Generally, our format has not changed that much. We’ve had about eight members both years. We still do a show about every three to four weeks.

XN: What is a regular rehearsal like and what techniques do you work on to rehearse improvisation?

KI: A lot of it is working on what can make a scene better whether it’s building location, character development or making an environment.

While you might not notice on the surface level, they help set the scene up and ultimately make it more enjoyable for an audience.

XN: Does each member of DTA have a specialty in improvisation, such as supporting a scene or initiating a scene?

KI: We all work really well with each other.

Personally, I feel like I’m good at supporting. Sometimes it’s nerve-wracking thinking of an idea in advance. I like motivating and supporting my scene partners.

XN: Last year, DTA had specific location for its shows. Could you walk us through some of the struggles DTA has encountered this year with space reservation?

KI: We’ve tried Thursday night shows in the CLC, but it’s not ideal. We have done a few shows in the GSC Atrium, and it echoes and the sound doesn’t travel very much.

We have also done a lot of shows in the old cafeteria. It’s a nice, big space, but it’s not a performance space. If the audience can’t hear, then they’re not going to get the full enjoyment of the show.

XN: How have you tried to overcome these space issues?

KI: We’ve talked about reserving Gallagher or the CLC extending hours on certain weekends. It’s all still in the works.

Xavier University has been very supportive as they can be.

There are a lot more pressing issues going on, so we understand it’s not the biggest thing in the world.

XN: How do you see the group growing next year?

KI: I think it will be pretty similar to last year in terms of the group size and dynamic.

I’d like for us to develop smarter, more applicable humor to our improvisation, so that we’re not just making raunchy jokes.

XN: What’s your favorite part about being a part of DTA?

KI: Really, I just love the camaraderie.

It’s so awesome to see the new members become your best friends.

The scenes we do in our practices are hilarious. If it bombs in practice, only seven people see it, so who cares? It’s my way to get away from life-struggles.

The next DTA show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Cintas Atrium, reservation pending.