As the holiday season approaches, Pleasanton’s Creatures of Impulse improvisers return with their annual Holiday Shorts at the Firehouse Theater, from November 29 to December 2.

“I’m happy that we’re doing it in winter cause then we feel the coldness in the air. I like doing shows that match with the energy of the seasons,” said veteran Creatures of Impulse member Sruthi Kumar (‘24).

Holiday Shorts rehearsals began in the first week of November. Members play improvisation games and practice different scenes based around the Christmas genre.

“After each of our shows, we check in, ‘cause improv is a continual process. We’re always learning and growing, so we’re always doing notes, always figuring out how to improve,” said Creatures of Impulse director Lou Cooper.

Audience suggestions become the main topic of each new scene. “Cleaning the chimney,” “decorating gingerbread houses,” and “hot chocolate” are a few of the many possible requests from spectators. 

“When it comes to holiday-themed shows, I try to stick with the topic as much as possible. The overarching genre is ‘holiday,’ and so whatever you stereotypically associate with holiday, I try to get into my head. I also try my best to listen to my improvisers more during warmups, so that I’m more aware of what’s going on,” said Kumar.

With audience suggestions as the scenes’ basis, improvisers quickly adapt and respond to each situation to deliver an entertaining show. In games such as ‘Slips of Paper,’ improvisers incorporate audience-written prompts, made before the show, into their dialogues.

“A lot of people think [improv is] about being funny. But in reality, you just have to make your other improvisers look good, think on your feet, and just make the show work,” said Greta Wogsland (‘25).

This year’s Holiday Shorts was Cooper’s first solo-directed Creatures show, and all of the cast members worked hard to create an enjoyable performance. Elf Jr. and other holiday-themed shows are also coming soon to the Firehouse Arts Center.

“My favorite part is honestly just getting to watch them perform and [getting to watch] all of their hard work pay off and all of my hard work pay off. The beautiful improv and art that we create together is just so magical,” said Cooper.