Soleil Kohl on Katarina Kojic

Dear Katarina (and the whole PhotoProv cast),

What a delight to see one of my first performing loves, improv, in a brand new light. Entering the space, I always get excited when the preshow (which usually has audiences chatting, fumbling through bags, using the bathroom, etc) makes a wonderfully magical promise, and gives us something to look forward to. I loved getting to sit with everyone while they slowly realized the QR code on screen was for them. Everyone started sorting through their photos and picked ones that spoke to them. I saw seat neighbors sharing with each other and giggling at the silly selfies, dog photos, and vacation pics that called to them. I glanced at someone nearby and saw they had texted a friend and told them, “I’m at this show where I have to pick a photo, and look at this one I found” with their selected snapshot attached. This kind of community building was happening before the show even started, and the giddiness in the room was palpable. I love that the audience was given this meaningful time to reflect, connect, and get a little glimpse into each other’s nostalgic memories.

I was so curious how the photos would actually be integrated, and seeing them each time on a rotating carousel creating a game for the audience to play–to really see who is in this room with us and all their special memories. Then the whole improv set was truly lived by the quote in your show description: “what if we could step inside a photo and let our imaginations run wild?” These photos out of context may mean nothing to me personally, but knowing that they were special to the other audience members made seeing them get brought to life so delightful!

I have seen so much improv, and I’ve never seen suggestions given like this! As an improviser myself, I also always love when I see a cast that plays well together with a lot of harmony and support for one another. Each and every one of you gave such generous offers, built on each other, and led each scene with a gentle care for the audience’s suggestions. I could tell that everyone in the audience felt very supported, and their photos honored. No one felt like their photo would get ‘roasted’ or made fun of, and the humorous parts of them were pointed out organically, and lovingly. It was very clear everyone in the cast was taking them as precious gifts to hold.

Thank you for showing us that things like improv can still continue be reinvented, and that humor, care, kindness, and connection can coexist.

-Soleil

Katarina Kojic is the Performer/Director of PhotoProv.

Soleil Kohl is the Producer/Performer of Don’t Kill Daisy.