Colin Mochrie's HYPROV is Coming to Raue Center for the Arts

Raue Center For The Arts will welcome Colin Mochrie of "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?" with "HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis" featuring master hypnotist Asad Mecci. Come together as two masters of their crafts unite for a totally unique comedy experience at 8 p.m. on November 13, 2020.

From the brilliant minds of improv legend, Mochrie and master hypnotist Mecci comes a brand new, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, side-splitting show where 20 volunteers are hypnotized on stage, whittled down to five of the best who do improv scenes with Colin Mochrie WHILE THEY ARE STILL UNDER HYPNOSIS. What can possibly go wrong? Come and see for yourself!

"When we tried this for the first time on stage, I was absolutely petrified. Then I thought, 'let's just see where this takes us,'" said Mochrie. "Adding in the element of hypnosis to improv really allows people to let their guard down and have fun in a scene. They're certainly the most interesting stage partners I've ever had!"

"I've been hypnotizing people for 20 years, but when I studied improv I had an epiphany: hypnosis could unlock the comedic genius in everyday people and turn them into pros," said Hypnotist Mecci. "You never know which participants will go under hypnosis and for how long. But that's part of the show and what adds to the laughs."

The show begins with Mecci welcoming twenty volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. He whittles them down to four or five of the most susceptible and then brings Mochrie out to improvise with them--while they are under hypnosis. In the hands of two experts, and solely crafted from the audience's uninhibited unconscious mind, each show is an entirely original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience.

30 volunteers are needed to fill 20 stage seats. Those interested in participating in the interactive show must sign-up in advance through the Raue Center link provided in the confirmation email after tickets are purchased. Volunteers must present both proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show to participate on stage.

HYPROV (pronounced hip-rawv) was co-created by Mochrie and Mecci in 2016 at Toronto's Second City. After working it out on stage, they took the show on the road to Just for Laughs London, Just for Laughs Montreal, and the Edinburgh Fringe where it was received with rave reviews in 2016 and 2017. The duo set out on a 50 city tour in 2019 and performed across the U.S. and Canada before the pandemic caused them to postpone seven dates.

Tickets start at $45 and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. For more information, visit rauecenter.org.

Raue Center now requires masks for all patrons 2+ and proof of vaccination or negative covid test within 72 hours to attend Raue Center shows and events. For more information visit rauecenter.org/covid/ For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

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