Glassworks Improv.
Here’s what you need to know: Glassworks Improv is an improv team. Glassworks Improv consists of Alex Raney, Elliot Heinz, and Mack Hastings. Glassworks Improv started in 2013, well, kind of.
It really started with two best friends hanging out with each other and playing games. I can’t be sure, but it was probably in Mack’s basement, or Alex’s backyard. They were grade schoolers. It was probably juice-fueled.
This is before it was called “improv”, back when it was just called, “messing around” or “inventing games” or “using the limitless power of the imagination to create whole worlds and people and stories.” It was just what they did. In a lot of ways it is what they still do.
Cut to high school, enter Elliot Heinz and the Memorial Improv team. The duo quickly became a trio, and through Amber Dernbach’s (Memorial High School, Shambles Improv) coaching they focused this power trio into a laser. Like, a really really strong, giant laser that can cut through tons of stuff AND change colors at the same time. Think LCD soundsystem.
They took workshops with Second City heavyweights like Craig Cackowski (Drunk History) and Rick Andrews (The Magnet Theater). They shared the stage with touring indie bands like Laarks, The Heart Pills, and Wealthy Relative and improv groups like Son of Story, Chaos Lifeguard, and Counter Productive Lover. They even built a theater in their basement that now features not only other improv groups, but touring bands as well.
There’s a reason bands are drawn to playing with Glassworks. Like the best bands and improv groups, they bring both a frantic energy and a focused poise to every performance. Like Philip Glass (their namesake), they can find energy and new life in repetition, in variation. They walk these lines without fear, as friends. The fun that they have on stage is palpable. Yes, every performance is different, but they are linked by a common bond, one forged through years of playing together, whether as friends or as serious improvisors. It is beautiful and youthful and fragile and perfect.
There is an authenticity to each member that comes across with each performance. They started as friends, and have carried this into adulthood. Now they are touring and building a name for themselves. There is a hunger there, not a hunger for fame or money, but a deeper, truer hunger - the hunger of young artists. They want to be the best at their craft that they can be, they want to wring from themselves any bit of talent and leave it onstage, forever in search of the perfect show. Even just the search for a perfect moment. It is powerful to behold. Also it is funny.
When I asked the members what they wanted me to say in this write-up, the main point that Mack brought up to me was simply this, “We want people to always see us having fun and never faking it.”
Everything I write after that seems redundant and less meaningful, so I’ll try to keep it brief. Go see this group. Now. If improv is about truth, then these young men are prophets and truth tellers. You don’t walk the other way when a prophet comes to town, you run to them, or get hit by giant fireballs.
- Ian Jacoby
Here’s what you need to know: Glassworks Improv is an improv team. Glassworks Improv consists of Alex Raney, Elliot Heinz, and Mack Hastings. Glassworks Improv started in 2013, well, kind of.
It really started with two best friends hanging out with each other and playing games. I can’t be sure, but it was probably in Mack’s basement, or Alex’s backyard. They were grade schoolers. It was probably juice-fueled.
This is before it was called “improv”, back when it was just called, “messing around” or “inventing games” or “using the limitless power of the imagination to create whole worlds and people and stories.” It was just what they did. In a lot of ways it is what they still do.
Cut to high school, enter Elliot Heinz and the Memorial Improv team. The duo quickly became a trio, and through Amber Dernbach’s (Memorial High School, Shambles Improv) coaching they focused this power trio into a laser. Like, a really really strong, giant laser that can cut through tons of stuff AND change colors at the same time. Think LCD soundsystem.
They took workshops with Second City heavyweights like Craig Cackowski (Drunk History) and Rick Andrews (The Magnet Theater). They shared the stage with touring indie bands like Laarks, The Heart Pills, and Wealthy Relative and improv groups like Son of Story, Chaos Lifeguard, and Counter Productive Lover. They even built a theater in their basement that now features not only other improv groups, but touring bands as well.
There’s a reason bands are drawn to playing with Glassworks. Like the best bands and improv groups, they bring both a frantic energy and a focused poise to every performance. Like Philip Glass (their namesake), they can find energy and new life in repetition, in variation. They walk these lines without fear, as friends. The fun that they have on stage is palpable. Yes, every performance is different, but they are linked by a common bond, one forged through years of playing together, whether as friends or as serious improvisors. It is beautiful and youthful and fragile and perfect.
There is an authenticity to each member that comes across with each performance. They started as friends, and have carried this into adulthood. Now they are touring and building a name for themselves. There is a hunger there, not a hunger for fame or money, but a deeper, truer hunger - the hunger of young artists. They want to be the best at their craft that they can be, they want to wring from themselves any bit of talent and leave it onstage, forever in search of the perfect show. Even just the search for a perfect moment. It is powerful to behold. Also it is funny.
When I asked the members what they wanted me to say in this write-up, the main point that Mack brought up to me was simply this, “We want people to always see us having fun and never faking it.”
Everything I write after that seems redundant and less meaningful, so I’ll try to keep it brief. Go see this group. Now. If improv is about truth, then these young men are prophets and truth tellers. You don’t walk the other way when a prophet comes to town, you run to them, or get hit by giant fireballs.
- Ian Jacoby
Bios
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/7/1/21715330/1386523010.jpg)
Alex Raney
Eldest member, philanthropist, retired lifeguard. Alex hunts for hearts when he takes the stage. He's lean, mean, and dreamy. Seriously, he has a ten book encyclopedia set of his dreams. He bought it online like a real adult. Edited and illustrated by George Lucas. You a mofo, G-Luke.
Eldest member, philanthropist, retired lifeguard. Alex hunts for hearts when he takes the stage. He's lean, mean, and dreamy. Seriously, he has a ten book encyclopedia set of his dreams. He bought it online like a real adult. Edited and illustrated by George Lucas. You a mofo, G-Luke.
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/7/1/21715330/1386522994.jpg)
Elliot Heinz
Percussion gun, Eagle Scout, allergic to peanuts. Elliot brings his A-game and epipen wherever he goes. Can't reach something in a high place? Elliot, the tallest member of Glassworks, will get it down for you. He's unafraid of danger and willing to give his life for his Cherokee ancestors.
Percussion gun, Eagle Scout, allergic to peanuts. Elliot brings his A-game and epipen wherever he goes. Can't reach something in a high place? Elliot, the tallest member of Glassworks, will get it down for you. He's unafraid of danger and willing to give his life for his Cherokee ancestors.
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/7/1/21715330/1386523023.jpg)
Mack Hastings
Basketball wizard, roller coasters, power ball. Mack recently learned how to brew a perfect cup of iced coffee. Catch him hosting trivia night at local bars and slamming dunks at the YMCA. Need a late night pal to eat breadsticks with? Mack will be there for you with fresh jar of marinara.
Basketball wizard, roller coasters, power ball. Mack recently learned how to brew a perfect cup of iced coffee. Catch him hosting trivia night at local bars and slamming dunks at the YMCA. Need a late night pal to eat breadsticks with? Mack will be there for you with fresh jar of marinara.
What do we do?
Glassworks Improv specializes in the art of long form improvisation, which greatly varies from its more commonly known counterpart, short form improv (Who's Line Is It Anyway? style). We put together an entire performance on the spot based off of one audience suggestion. There is nothing planned ahead of time. Seriously, nothing. Each show runs anywhere from 30-60 minutes based on the venue we are performing at.
Glassworks Improv specializes in the art of long form improvisation, which greatly varies from its more commonly known counterpart, short form improv (Who's Line Is It Anyway? style). We put together an entire performance on the spot based off of one audience suggestion. There is nothing planned ahead of time. Seriously, nothing. Each show runs anywhere from 30-60 minutes based on the venue we are performing at.
Glassworks Improv was established in May of 2013 in Eau Claire, WI. We specialize in the art of long-form improvised theater, creating an entire performance on the spot based on audience suggestions.
With a combined 10 years of performance experience, we feel ready to make our mark.
You never know what you're gonna see, but we promise to make it unique and entertaining!
With a combined 10 years of performance experience, we feel ready to make our mark.
You never know what you're gonna see, but we promise to make it unique and entertaining!