On Saturday September 13 the historic stage of the Elks Theatre will host a night of laughter unlike any other. The Interlopers, a one-night-only comedy event, will bring together the best of two worlds: sharp-witted standup comedy and the wild, unscripted joy of improv theatre. At its core it’s more than just a comedy show — it’s a collaborative experiment that unites local talent, out-of-town improvisers and seasoned standup comics to create a performance that is unpredictable and electric.
The evening begins with the grounded rhythm of standup, featuring two familiar voices in Arizona comedy, Matt Santos and JC Anderson. Both comics bring their unique comedic sensibilities to the stage, offering audiences the kind of sharp observations and well-crafted punchlines that make stand-up such a distinct and powerful art form. Together, Santos, with his conversational style and Anderson, with his quick wit and high energy set the stage, entertaining the audience with their crafted material before the evening expands into something looser, louder, and far less predictable: improv.
While standup offers structure, the heart of The Interlopers is its improvisational troupe. This dynamic ensemble represents a unique collaboration between local pro performers from the Prescott Improv Collective and seasoned improvisers from Los Angeles, brought together under the vision of producer and performer Matt Conde of Elevated Acting. All hosted by Lizabeth Rogers, who directs the Prescott Improv Collective (that’s me!)
The Prescott Improv Collective has become a cornerstone of the local comedy scene, drawing on the city’s vibrant performing-arts community. Members Cassi Hallam, Randy Skidmore, Clay Smith, Ashly Wolfe and Logan Wolfe bring a wealth of creativity and chemistry to the stage. Having performed together for years, their timing, trust, and playful rapport create a foundation for scenes that can zigzag in any direction.
Adding to this homegrown lineup are two Los Angeles-based improvisers: Russ Gooberman and Jason Andre. With extensive backgrounds in improv and sketch performance, they inject a fresh dynamic into the group. Their professional experience in larger comedy markets ensures that the show balances local flavor with big-city polish. Together this ensemble represents the true spirit of improv: diverse voices, collaborative energy and the willingness to leap into the unknown.
Behind the curtain, as well as right in the middle of the action, is producer Matt Conde, a performer himself. Through his company, Elevated Acting, Conde has championed projects that stretch beyond traditional theatre, creating opportunities where performers can take risks and audiences can discover something new.
In The Interlopers Conde has built a show that reflects his passion for collaboration. By combining polished standup sets with unpredictable improv, he ensures that no two segments feel alike. The evening is designed as a shared experience, in which the audience’s suggestions, energy, and laughter become part of the performance.
The pairing of standup and improv might seem unusual, but in practice the two forms complement one another beautifully. With standup audiences can relax into stories, observations and crafted punchlines. Improv, on the other hand, thrives on chaos and immediacy, pulling audiences to the edge of their seats as they watch scenes develop from nothing more than a shouted suggestion.
The Interlopers offers variety and surprise. Audiences never settle into one rhythm for too long, and the contrasts make each segment stand out more vividly. The laughter comes in waves, some expected, some completely out of left field.
The Elks Theatre itself provides the perfect setting. Built in 1905, the theatre has hosted everything from vaudeville acts to film screenings to community productions. Its lovingly restored interior, vintage architecture and old-world charm add gravitas to every performance, while remaining intimate enough for comedy to land with immediacy.
For one night in September the theatre’s grand stage will transform into a playground for comedians, improvisers and audience alike. The result will be a performance that cannot be repeated or replicated, a singular night of shared creativity and joy. By the end of the night, the audience will have experienced something rare: the precision of standup, the chaos of improv, and the exhilaration of seeing performers work together in real time to create comedy from nothing.
The Interlopers will play on September 13 at the Elks Theatre downtown. For tickets or info, visit prescottelkstheatre.org or call 928-777-1370.
