Say what you will about the fleeting nature of improv — which by nature changes with each live show — Say What?! has serious staying power.

Wichita’s longest-running improv comedy troupe celebrates its 25th anniversary at 7 p.m. November 15 at Wave with guest appearances by First Draft Improv, Parking Lot Sushi, and the Scallywags. Each opener will perform for 20-25 minutes followed by Say What!?, which will close the show with a performance of about 45 minutes.

Among the troupe’s members, Andrew Bennett, who founded it in 2000, still remains. Member Day Gray said the group has evolved many times over the years as people come and go.

“We don’t have a specific mission,” Gray said. “We simply start by bringing together talented people who enjoy collaborating with each other. Every performance — even every practice — is unique, because you can’t recreate that specific moment.”

The anniversary show will also be one-of-a-kind. 

“I’ve lived in Wichita since 1998, and in that time I’ve never seen an event like this one,” Gray said. “For 20 years, we were the only professional improv group in town. This show is not only a celebration of our longevity, but also recognition of the rapidly growing art form in our community.” 

Whet your appetite with an online performance of “Jibberish Murder.” You can also learn more about Say What!? and other Wichita improv groups from Cecilia Green’s story for The SHOUT.

General admission tickets are $25 and available at the Wave box office, 650 E. 2nd St., or online. 

— Anne Welsbacher is the performing arts editor for The SHOUT.

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