There are several different types of comedy performances, including stand-up, sketch, improvisational and more. These performances tend to be good stress relievers for students, and for that reason, an improv group that has gone to more than 50 colleges across the country is coming to Grand Valley State University to host a show. 

This professional group of improvisational comedians is called Second Place Champions. The GVSU performance is free to the public and will provide students the opportunity to watch talented performers do a live show. This event is taking place Thursday, Sept. 14, at 9 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center Grand River Room.

The Second Place Champions are coming to GVSU prepared with plenty of experience under their belts. The group began touring colleges in 2010 and was soon picked up by one of the biggest college agencies in the country, Metropolis Management. They have also performed at the NACA Mid Atlantic Festival.

The event is being hosted by GVSU’s Spotlight Productions, and many students on campus are planning on attending. GVSU senior Kayci Marr, who is planning to attend the performance, keeps up with the Spotlight Productions page weekly and said she never seems to be let down. 

“I love their events because they are always entertaining, fun and something I can do with my Christian friends and can enjoy without going to the bar,” Marr said.

There is a lot of talk about the Second Place Champions going on around campus. A lot of students have never been to an event like this before and are planning on going with friends who can also experience it for the first time. 

“I think it’s a very wholesome way to let loose, for both the entertainer and viewer,” Marr said.  

Second Place Champions are famous for their relatable celebrity impressions, pop culture references and music.  The group also has featured members who have graduated from the best improv schools in the U.S. 

“I am most excited to see how people can perform on the spot when I know it’s something I could never do,” said GVSU student Micaela Petrucci, who also plans to attend.

Moreover, each show the Second Place Champions do is interactive. To make it even more entertaining, they take suggestions from the audience based on what they want to see and make sure it’s to their liking. 

Furthermore, for the audience’s benefit and the spirit of competition, the performers also do a “Champion of Champions” show where three improvisers compete to see who can get the most smiles, laughs and noise from the audience. 

For more information, contact the Office of Student Life at 616-331-2806.