I Made This Headline Up On The Spot

Every student’s nightmare is having to do a presentation in front of all of their peers, and having to make up the information on the spot. Though this is may cause panic in many, there is actually a club based solely around the art of spur of the moment acting.
Noah Leaptrot and Riley Hackford-Peer are the co-founders of the improv club at Highland, called Superbear. Both Leaptrot and Peer have previous experience with improv before coming to Highland, which has helped them gain traction, having fifteen members already join.
“[Riley] goes to a conservatory at the [University of Utah] that does improv, and I did improv at one of my old schools for two years. When I went to Highland, I asked around for an improv club. There wasn’t any, and the drama teacher recommended that I start one,” Leaptrot said.
The group has had multiple performances so far, even collaborating with other high schools. One performance was organized with Skyline High school’s improv club, as well as the club from the Salt Lake School for the Performing Arts. SPA’s small theatre was almost completely packed with people, both students from the three schools, and teachers. Despite this fact, the performers did not reflect feelings of anxiety, but instead maintained smiles and confidence throughout the presentation, while also keeping the audience chuckling.
Though Highland’s improv club has only existed for less than a year, they already have big aspirations when it comes to improv.
“We haven’t been around long enough to enter any competitions, but we are thinking of going to Murray High’s seventh annual improv festival, and we might do something there,” Leaptrot said.
The improv club isn’t Highland’s only popular club. There’s also Highland Mock Trial, the Indoor Climbing Club, and Highland International, to name just a few. Though all of these organizations meet in the rooms of Highland teachers, the clubs are all student-made and organized.
Starting a club as a Highland student is a relatively stress-free achievement- that is, if you’re willing to make the trip to the office to pick up a club form. The only teacher involvement needed is a signature from any Highland teacher willing to become a club advisor and give up their room for a few days every month. Conversely, joining clubs is just as easy. Club Rush happens at the beginning of every year, during both lunches. Students design posters and flyers to advertise their club to onlookers, who can then pick up a form to join. Clubs are a great subject to mention in a resume or college application. Additionally, clubs can be a great way for students to make good friends and get involved at Highland.
“We’re supportive of each other. There’s no judgement when it comes to improv. You have to really put yourself out there to be able to stand up in front of people and just make something up off the top of your head. It’s good that all of our members are supportive of one another,” Leaptrot said.