For the first time in their 25-year history, the legendary improv duo BASSPROV is bringing their iconic show to Indianapolis! Though both performers are proud Hoosiers, but believe it or not, they’ve never performed the show here. That changes this December when Mark Sutton and Joe Bill finally bring BASSPROV to Indy for a one night only performance and day of improv workshops.
BASSPROV has been hailed as one of the most intelligent and heartfelt improv duos in the country. The show takes place in a “boat” where Donny Weaver (Sutton) and Earl Hinkle (Bill) sit, fish, and talk about life. They may look like a couple of good old boys drinking beer, but what unfolds is smart, funny, and often surprisingly moving.
Audiences around the world have praised BASSPROV for its unique mix of character work, storytelling, and emotional honesty:
“Critic’s Choice” – Chicago Reader
“Hilarious” – Chicago Sun-Times
“Chicago’s Best Comedy Group” – Bass Ale Comedy Competition
“Outstanding Improv Duo” – Chicago Improv Festival
I’ve seen BASSPROV multiple times over the years. I’ve also had the honor of studying with both Mark and Joe. Joe when he visited Philly some years ago for DuoFest. I actually had classes with Mark though. This was at the Annoyance in Chicago. He was my level 4 teacher and has been one of my favorites since. One of the things that influenced me was not just what he taught, but how he taught it. His classroom management was something that stuck with me. If you’ve had me in class you may see the source of that influence when you take Mark’s workshop.
If you’re working your way through classes with Crossroads or any other theater in town, I can’t recommend both seeing BASSPROV and taking their workshops enough. If you take both workshops you can save $10 too. It’s taken them 25 years to do a show in Indianapolis. Who knows how long until they come back – so don’t miss out!
SHOW DETAILS
📆SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH @ 8PM
📍 IF Theatre Black Box, 719 E St. Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (map)
💲$15 – $18
🎟️ CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
DUDESICAL WILL BE OPENING THE BLOCK!
Before BASSPROV takes the stage, Dudesical will get the crowd warmed up with a fully improvised musical comedy! Jon Colby and Will Pfaffenberger will get your suggestions and then the rest of the musical journey is on them (and their talented accompanist). The characters, the story, the songs, the choreography – all made up on the spot and will never be seen again! Don’t miss your chance to catch the opening and closing night of a brand new dudesicle musical!
Before they hit the stage, Joe Bill and Mark Sutton will each lead a 2.5-hour improv workshop at IF Theatre on Saturday afternoon. These sessions are a rare chance to learn directly from two of the most respected teachers in the craft.
CAN YOU TAKE ME HIGHER?
🕛 Saturday, December 6 | 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
👤 Instructor: Mark Sutton
In this workshop, you’ll dig into what “heightening” really means. It’s not just being louder or faster. You’ll learn how to explore and raise the stakes in your scenes through repetition, physical commitment, and true discovery.
🎟️ CLICK HERE TO ENROLL NOW
THE FIRST 30 SECONDS
🕞 Saturday, December 6 | 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
👤 Instructor: Joe Bill
The ending often lies in the beginning. Joe Bill will help you make your scene openings stronger, more playful, and more connected. You’ll learn to listen with both focus and feeling and discover how comedy and story emerge naturally through connection.
🎟️ CLICK HERE TO ENROLL NOW
Meet the Instructors
Joe Bill
Joe Bill is widely regarded as one of the best teachers of scenic and duo improvisation in North America. A founding member of Chicago’s Annoyance Theater, he’s performed in or directed more than 60 shows and taught at iO Chicago and The Second City Training Center. He co-created Bassprov and has toured the world performing and teaching with some of the best improvisers alive.
Mark Sutton
Mark Sutton is a founding member of The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago and one of the most respected improv teachers working today. His direct, personal approach has inspired thousands of students over his 40-year career. Alongside Joe Bill, he’s one half of Bassprov and has been a festival favorite across North America and beyond.
