N.I.T.W.I.T.S. Take the NTC Stage, Nov 16

If you haven't seen the N.I.T.W.I.T.S. lately, you should check them out at Newnan Theatre Company on November 16 (8:00 pm, tickets just $5.00).

"November 16 will be our holiday show," said Drew Turner. "We're celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, Columbus Day, Hanukah, and any other red letter day you can think of!"

"For every show, we change the format, we choose different hosts, and we are always trying new games and fun themes," said N.I.T.W.I.T. and Volunteer Coordinator Mary Caroline Moore. "For example, at our October 12 Halloween show, we invited the audience to come dressed up, and we played a lot of audience participation games."

"We put questions and secret passwords on our N.I.T.W.I.T.S. Facebook page," added Moore. "Whoever says the password gets a discounted ticket. Wear your N.I.T.W.I.T.S. shirt."

"If you bring something weird as a prop, we'll make a game of it," added Lyons. "But no beartraps!"

According to Jeff Allen, "If you don't have fun, we return your money!"

The fame of the N.I.T.W.I.T.S. has spread beyond Newnan. The group has already performed several times as special guests at Whole World Improv in Atlanta, most recently on October 29.

N.I.T.W.I.T.S. membership changes occasionally, but this fall's troupe is a core of seasoned players: Daniel Lees, Drew Turner, Mary Caroline Moore, Jeff Allen, Justin Jessel, Melanie Jessel, Robbie Kirkland, Beth Lyons, Tony Daniel, and William Pratesi.

The N.I.T.W.I.T.S. welcome new members. Adult improv players in training are called D.I.M.W.I.T.S. The N.I.T.W.I.T.S. also conduct a Half-W.I.T.S. internship program for middle and high schoolers, which will start up again in January of 2014. The Half-W.I.T.S. class will give their first public performance in June 2014.

"The Half-W.I.T.S. program has been very successful," said Lyons. "We've had great attendance, and we're hearing a lot of buzz about people who want to sign up again. The program runs from January to June every year."

"The Half-W.I.T.S. meet on the N.I.T.W.I.T.S. show dates, basically once a month," explained Robbie Kirkland, who directs the N.I.T.W.I.T.S. "This schedule provides the ultimate improv experience. The Half-W.I.T.S. learn how to perform improv, to prepare for a show, to usher guests, and get to see a free show in the bargain. We hope to have the same Half-W.I.T.S. returning this coming January."

"The N.I.T.W.I.T.S. are ever metamorphosing," said Lyons. "Our shows are always new and different, so please come back and see us again."

To purchase tickets, visit Newnan Theatre Company's web site at www.newnantheatre.org or visit the box office before or after any performance. The theatre is located in historic downtown Newnan at 24 First Avenue.

Story written by Joan Doggrell, who teaches English at West Georgia Technical College.

Pictured: The N.I.T.W.I.T.S. at Whole World Improv in Atlanta on October 29. Left to right: Drew Turner, William Pratesi, Justin Jessel, Jeff Allen, Mary Caroline Moore, Robbie Kirkland, Beth Lyons, Tony Daniel, Melanie Jessel, and Daniel Lees.