Charleston’s improv scene is no secret, but did you know we’ve also got a troupe of high school comedians, The Fighting Gnomes?
Started in 2001 by the Charleston County School of the Arts Theatre Department, the troupe is composed annually of eight to 12 students instructed by Theatre 99er George Younts. And for three years, the Gnomes have partnered with Theatre 99 and the South Carolina Theatre Association to host the Improv Tournament for South Carolina High School Students during the North Charleston Arts Festival. On May 4, watch some 50 students from around the state compete in a double-elimination competition judged by local theater pros. You might see a Will Ferrell or Kristen Wiig in the making.
High School Improv Tournament: Saturday, May 4, noon-3 p.m. Charleston County School of the Arts Black Box Theatre, 5109 West Enterprise, North Charleston. Free. (843) 529-4990, x. 26210
