Lexi Pappas ’12 in Los Angelos, CA
“I was awarded an Undergraduate Research Grant through the college to research a self-designed project comparing scripted versus unscripted comedy in Los Angeles this winter term. The grant covered the cost of living and all the many shows I saw, but I funded my own way to taking six improv, film, and sketch comedy writing classes through The Upright Citizen’s Brigade and The Second City, two of the best improv and sketch comedy companies in the country. I traveled to Hollywood each day for class, and then back again at night to see various professional sketch and improv shows. I was able to create my own sketches and see them performed, as well as perform improv on the same stage as the professional improvisers do. Being in Los Angeles was incredible, and I cannot explain how much this off-term meant to me. I learned that the best way to produce quality comedy is to be myself on the stage and also through my writing. Going to LA was a life-changing experience, as I was surrounded by people much older and more experienced in acting and writing than me. I would not trade my off-term for anything, but it was always nice to know I had Dartmouth to look forward to, and I am incredibly happy to be back in Hanover!”
Sarah Schewe
