Trapped In A Rumor Improv

Specialties

We are an Improv Company based out of the East Bay that performs improvisational community theatre. We are live, unscripted, & unpredictable. If you’ve ever seen ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ then you already know a bit of what we’re about. Short form improv is comprised of brief, unrelated scenes with actors who are spontaneously called onstage & then given games or characters to play out on the spot. Now here’s where you come in. Most of the time we take our leads from the audience, so a smart and sassy group is key for a great show. Keep in mind that performances of Trapped In A Rumor are PG-​13 unless otherwise advertised. When you come to see us be prepared to participate. We’re counting on your suggestions, your laughs, & your luster. What happens next is anybody’s guess.

A smart and sassy audience makes for a great show, as we take our inspirations from you, so when you come to see us perform, be prepared to make suggestions, to laugh & to have the time of your life!

History

Established in 2009.

In Febuary of 2009, Joe Saam formed Trapped In A Rumor (TiR). Joe was looking to branch out from the Improv he’d been doing, focusing on shortform improv and, due to its history in Concord, exploring the Harold form. Joe chose four players to start TiR. They developed material in rehearsals and used the best pieces for their first show only a few weeks after forming. The first show drew about 15 people and it grew from there.

Before long, auditions grew membership in the troupe to nine performers. As the troupe grew, so did attendance, nearly filling Under The Sun Studios. Looking for more exposure, & more time to perform, TiR left it’s home in Concord.

On December 15, 2009, the Town of Danville agreed to co-​sponsor Trapped In A Rumor Improv, providing them rehearsal space and the town’s Village Theatre to perform shows.

In the 2010 year, Trapped In A Rumor Improv performed all of its shows for charities, raising more than $ 5400 to support 12 charities including ARF & The Hume Center.

Meet the Business Owner

Joe S.

Business Owner

Joe Saam is an experienced improviser and instructor who teaches and performs in the Concord, Danville area. Previously, he performed and taught with Rumor Has It Improv in Concord. To this day, Joe continues to study improv and recommends Truth In Comedy and Improvise: Scene from the Inside Out to anyone looking to get into improv.

Joe begin his theatre career at De La Salle High School, performing rolls in 12 Angry Men and South Pacific. Joe continued his theatre work behind the scenes, working with the props and sets before being made the stage manager his for his senior year. In college, Joe was a crew member for a musical version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, called Rock ‘n’ Roll Twelfth Night.

In 2009, Joe decided to create a troupe that would perform in a similar style to what people see on Whose Line Is It Anyway. In 2009, Joe was overjoyed to have started Trapped In A Rumor. Joe will tell people that «you couldn’t ask for a better group of improvisers, people or friends.»