Leilah Huttner
The Red and Blue teams play against eachother in a match to raise money for a good cause!
The Yorba Linda High School Comedy Sportz High School League team recently channeled their love for comedy into helping those in need! Proceeds from their last match went directly to support the rebuilding of Elliot Arts Magnet School’s Theater that the Eaton Fire destroyed. Ava Mobraten, one of the Comedy Sportz Managers remarked “The fire hitting this close to home, it just felt right to give back in a way that showed support and love” (Ava Mobraten). This donation will hopefully preserve the school’s arts program so students can continue being creative through arts programs they love after such a tough loss.
Even though the team donated towards this cause, that wasn’t all the team was in for. They hoped they could display how laughter can unite people in the deepest of darkest times! The more people in the seats, the more laughter will come from the audience. This can remind the audience that a community’s true value rests in paying it forward and lending a hand to those in need during such hard times. This proves that even small groups can make a real difference! “We’re such a small part of the YLHS community and a Comedy Sportz family that we have shown that even little groups can make a big difference,” noted Ava (Ava Mobraten). This improv team’s work should remind everyone how much action and passion can join hands and do the most incredible and touching work. It is not about money at all; it is about demonstrating to the rest of the world how community and compassion can combine to create impactful causes in times of crisis or hardship. And even if the Comedy Sportz high school league time didn’t donate money, just a simple laughable night of improv could become something huge when people set themselves onto worthy causes.
ComedySportz isn’t just a club for these special students; it’s almost a second home. It is so many student’s way to express themselves freely in the arts. “ComedySportz gives me this incredible sense of freedom,” contributes the other manager, Addy Shoup (Addy Shoup 12). “Sometimes it’s hard to make friends or find a space where you can just be yourself. But here, I know that I’m being supported by other people. Who cares if they’re laughing at my joke because it’s so bad? It’s funny.” Comedy Sportz is so much more than just improv, it’s a space where students grow, gain confidence, and share joy through laughter. “Being a manager has changed how I see things. When you love something, you want to share it with others,” Addy said. “Seeing freshmen come in nervous and then grow into themselves is the best part.”
The bond formed in this Comedy Sportz high school league goes deeper than the stage. So many players get to know one another and learn to trust and lean on each other, creating something together they wouldn’t have been able to achieve alone. Comedy Sportz is so much more than improv, comedy, a sport, or a competitive game. The Comedy Sportz Yorba Linda High School league grows friendships and life long lessons that will stay with the team long after graduation.
If you’ve never been to a ComedySportz match, now’s your chance! Their next one is April 25th at 7:00 PM, and tickets are just $5 at the door. Each and every show is unique because the audience gets to participate by either shouting their ideas or getting called on. It’s a night of laughter, entertainment, and pure joy. And who knows, you might leave not only entertained but maybe even inspired at what can be accomplished when a group of high school students give it their all. Go see a game because comedy isn’t all about laughs. It’s about bringing people together and making a difference!