On Sept. 25, the Advanced Theater classes held their first improv show of the year. As usual, friends, fans and family members paid to get in. Instead of putting the money towards their own budget, though, they used it to support the fight against PKD, or Polycystic Kidney Disease. For some actors, the disease hits home.

“My grandma and my uncle have PKD. My mom had it before she passed away, and PKD doesn’t skip generations, so there is a chance I could have it,” Jessica Sellers (11) said.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a disorder in which fluid-filled sacs, called cysts, grow in the kidneys. These cysts can cause many medical complications like high blood pressure and kidney failure.

“I talked to [Mrs. Pam Neth, English] about doing the show for PKD and she supported me all the way as well as everyone [did] in my group and the other. They supported me and wanted to do their best to help,” Sellers said.

Not only was the night an opportunity to give back, but it was also a night for actors, both returning and new, to take the stage.

“[The show] was my first time performing improv, but not my first time onstage. Before going onstage, I was scared, but once my foot hit the stage all of my nerves disappeared,” Hannah Aulinskis (10) said.

The next improv show is Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. in the LGI.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Members of the group “Play On Words” display their shirts to the audience. The improv show took place in the LGI on Sept. 25.