Local improv comedy group Running with Scissors (not to be confused with Augusten Burroughs' family of lunatics) brought some improv action to the Comedy Connection this weekend.

I've always considered improv the highest form of comedy.

Stand-ups have the luxury of an often well-practiced set of jokes (not that that really makes it any easier) and the only time the audience gets involved is when said comic decides to mock someone in it (not that there's anything wrong with that).

But improv is off-the-cuff, unplanned, dynamic.

It's like the difference between following a recipe and mixing five randomly selected items from your fridge in a pan and baking up the concoction.

Sure, with a recipe you know exactly what you're going to get. And who doesn't love a well-prepared green bean casserole?

But there's something thrilling about that random goulash. It could go either way: an evening of debilitating stomach cramps or you, rightfully accepting your place as America's Next Top Refrigerator Chef.

Running with Scissors improv relies on suggestions from the audience for each skit. You might be asked to supply a location (someone always yells "gay bar") or a personal issue (yes, yes, "Tourettes" is very original).

If you're brave enough to volunteer, you might get to guide the skit with your own injection of comic brilliance. Or at the very least, make funny noises as a "Jeopardy" buzzer.


But Running with Scissors improv isn't entirely blind comedy. They have the benefit of having some ridiculously funny people in charge.

Thus the result will always include some belly-shaking laughter. Or at least some chuckling, if you're one of those prudishly reserved people.

If you missed the improv this weekend, don't punish yourself (seriously, put down that stapler). You can catch a FREE Running with Scissors comedy event at Flask Lounge, Portland on Feb 18th at 8 pm.

Running with Scissors showcases the improvable comedy of
Rachel Flehinger [also of Acorn acting class fame] and Tuck Tucker and Dennis Hunt [also of C.I.A. improv fame]. Brent Askari [also of Mad Horse Productions fame] also sits in on occasion.

FMI: Running with Scissors on MySpace