Photo By Mary Hautman
Emilee Copus, a senior at Ohio University, can change her entire personality in an instant. While on the stage, she transforms from a teenage girl to a hairdresser to a hipster pony in the blink of an eye. She’s a multitalented, quick thinking chameleon whose presence fills the room. Copus is the president of OU Improv and performer in Black Sheep, Inc., making her versatility the key to putting on a good show.
Copus has participated in the theater since middle school. She acted in musical theater in addition to doing improv. She honed her improv skills at a local theater in Pittsburgh, called the Saltworks Theater Company, under her mentor Dale Harris, who she cites as one of her comedic influences, along with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Harris helped her get over her initial anxiety of performing improv and helped her discover her love for the craft.
“At first, [improv] really scared me but he taught me how enjoyable and hysterical it could be,” she said. “That initially sparked my interest and I’ve loved it ever since.”
During her freshmen year at Ohio University, Copus found out about Black Sheep, Inc. at the Campus Involvement Fair. The next week she auditioned and got a part in the troupe. Now she serves as president of OU Improv, an umbrella organization for troupes Black Sheep Inc. and Six to Midnight, which was added to the organization last year.
OU Improv is time consuming, with two to three practices a week to prepare for a 40-minute show by each troupe on Thursday night. Both groups perform long form improv, which focuses on character development and the need to recall past scenes. Copus is a seasoned professional and doesn’t consider the constant need to think quickly a challenge.
“It becomes second nature, especially after doing improv for so long” she said. “Also, it’s easier the more you trust your fellow players.”
All the practices and time working as a troupe brings the group together. Copus describes Black Sheep, Inc. as a big family and has made great friends with her fellow players.
“If I’m having a bad day, an improv rehearsal with everyone will instantly brighten my day,” she said. “They make me laugh so damn hard and I’m just happy to have known all of them.”
Besides making new friends, Copus has learned new improv skills from being a player in OU Improv.
“I’ve learned the importance of thinking on your feet and just ‘going for it,’” she said. “I know that my improvisational skills will come in handy in the future. I’ve also learned the importance of listening and taking what your partner gives you.”
Copus graduates this year and she’ll apply her skills in the near future, although not in a theatrical way. She will graduate with a degree in media studies with a certificate in African International Studies.
“I hope to pursue a career in the non-profit sector post-graduation, particularly in HIV/AIDS or international relations,” she said. “I would enjoy focusing on outreach and awareness.”
For now, Copus can be found auditioning and performing with her fellow players. Their weekly shows take place in Bentley or Morton Hall Thursdays at 9 p.m..