Daniels studied comedic storytelling at the Second City Film School in Chicago and started taking improv classes at the Black Box in 2014.
“Improv is different in that it’s very much a team sport. Everyone on stage is there to support you. Before we go out on stage we have a little ritual where we go around and tap each other’s backs and say ‘I’ve got your back’. It’s a reminder that once you get onstage, you won’t be up there doing this alone. You have good ideas and I won’t let you fail.”
The idea of Galentine’s Day is inspired by a bit from comedian Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, on the sitcom “Parks & Recreation.”
“If you take Valentine’s Day as romantic love,” said Daniels, “Galentine’s is platonic love between female friends, and supporting the women around you. We’ve taken that idea and for two nights the show is entirely run by women. It’s only female-identifying performers on stage all night. Women helping women get more stage time.”
There will be two opportunities to see the show — Feb. 7-8. Doors both nights open at 7:30 p.m. with performances beginning at 8 p.m. and running until 10 p.m.
The evening will be broken up into different segments, including interviews with (willing) audience participants, a gameshow, and a segment called “Groundhog’s Day”.
“You ask for a common word, phrase, or exclamation and that becomes the first line of every scene. An example is ‘Get off my lawn!’. Every single scene has to start with someone saying ‘Get off my lawn!’ and then you figure out what the rest of that looks like,” she said.
“I host a gameshow called ‘Spot On’. Ahead of the show I write different prompts and the performers have to do their best not knowing what is on the cards. I haphazardly assign points and the audience votes on a winner,” Daniels said.
At the end of the night there will be a champagne toast to women.
“We all have different jobs, backgrounds and walks of life. It’s a big coming together moment for women.
“Galentine’s is such a fun time of year. It’s become a girl’s night out. Everyone wants to focus on romantic love, but it’s that reminder courtesy from Leslie Knope — or Amy Poehler — that women still need other women to support them. It’s not just you out here on your own. Galentine’s is that yearly reminder that at the end of the day we’re all here to support each other and have a good time," Daniels said.
Tickets are available on the theater’s website for $20 with a champagne toast included.
For those interested in trying improv, spring classes begin in March. Three classes for various experience levels are available in an 8-week session.
HOW TO GO
What: Galentine’s Day 2025
Where: The Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. 3rd St., Dayton
When: Doors at 7:30 p.m., show 8-10 p.m. Feb. 7 and Feb. 8
How: Purchase $20 tickets at www.simpletix.com/e/galentines-day-2025-tickets-199287
More info: blackboximprov.com
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