Cibola has it’s very own comedy troupe. That, you might have known. But did you know how it started, or why we have it? And what does the S stand for? To find answers, I interviewed the leader of S-Troupe, Mr. Jones.
Who started S-Troupe? Why?
S-Troupe was started by a Cibola teacher named Travis Lytle. Why? I don’t know. My best guess would be a need for comedy performance that falls outside of the style of performance that is provided by the Drama program.
Why did you take over after Mr. Lytle left?
I was asked by some students who had been part of of S-Troupe asked me if I would sponsor the group because they didn’t want it to go away. I was unable to say no.
What, besides writing comedic sketches, do your students do?
Students produce and direct each of their own sketches. They collaborate with one another in order to put on a show. We also have students working the lights, video and audio.
What do students learn in the production of S-Troupe?
You might have to ask them what they feel they learn. I would hope they learn to collaborate, work together as a team and find humor in as many scenarios as possible. I know many of them learn to think on their feet. You have to be able to improvise in the moment when things just aren’t going right and lines are forgotten.
2025 will be the 20th anniversary of S-Troupe, do you have anything special in mind?
Not at this time. We just want to put on 3 funny shows each year.
What does the S stand for? Why was it included in the name?
The S is a secret. Seniors find out at our end of year banquet each year what the S actually stands for.
Do you think more schools should have programs like yours?
Absolutely. That would be awesome. Not just because it is a unique style of performance, but it would be so fun to support and interact with other programs.
Do you have any plans to help kickstart a new program in a new school? Would you be open to the idea?
I don’t have any plans of that nature. If someone reached out to me I would love to help, but honestly life is busy, and one S-Troupe is more than enough to occupy me and the troupe’s time. Also, while I would love to see this type of troupe at other schools, each should have their own style, culture and traditions that make them unique to their school.
How can someone get involved in S-Troupe?
You have to write your own material and perform an audition. It is a competition, and there are no guarantees. We typically have auditions in May once we’ve wrapped our performances for the year.
And that’s it! I hope you have enjoyed reading about one of our most unique clubs. And, if comedy is your thing, be sure to audition come May. Until then, enjoy the upcoming shows, Coogs!
