Phil Kotler is one of the mainstays of Bleach, a local improv comedy troupe that performs every Thursday night at the Vegas Theatre Company space in the Arts District. He’s been with Bleach for six years, and also teaches improv.
Who's taking improv classes?
I'd say half are people who want to be comedians. But the other half really just want to be more silly in life, be better self-expressed, be better public speakers. And so we get a lot of teachers or lawyers or people in those kinds of fields. Or just people who want to get out of the house and be around people.
What do you get out of it?
For me, it's the closest I get to just being a kid and playing, and it's the most present I am for really anything in this life. It's nice to not have to consider anything else that's happening, and be connected with one person or a group. It promotes active listening, not judging yourself, not judging others. It's allowed me to connect with people in a closer and more intentional way. I don't think there was anything that taught me how to listen well prior to taking improv.
Why do you think a city like Las Vegas needs improv theater?
Honestly, it all goes back to community. That's what I was most attracted to. I love just doing bits with people and being silly. The wit is high, people are in the moment, always trying to seek the fun. I see it every single cycle we do classes — people find their tribe through this artform. It's a safe space. You can trust that nothing's going to go south or be weird. I just think it's community, hands down.
