Once Upon A Time…
…a few years ago, one of the founders of Lyp Schtick decided to enroll in classes at Chicago’s famed Second City Training Center for improvisation. Except there was one minor glitch. When Beth Muehling arrived, she couldn’t bring herself to go through the front door.
Visions of legendary comedy performers such as John Belushi, Mike Myers, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, John Candy, Catherine O’Hara, Tina Fey, Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert swirled through her head. The history and reputation of such a prestigious theatre would be enough to make anyone hesitate. But luckily, it was meant to be.
“The first time I drove up, my partner was with me and I couldn’t walk in the door,” Beth said. “She literally picked me up by my shirt and kicked my butt in the door.”
Over the next 16 weeks, Beth would commute from Lincoln to Chicago on the weekends to learn the art of comedy improvisation. Talk about commitment! Upon her return, Beth began to teach improv classes at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. This is where Beth met Shelly Griess, and together they formed a performance troupe that today is known as Lyp Schtick.
Over the past few years, Lyp Schtick has performed in countless venues throughout the Midwest. From bars and taverns to spacious ballrooms, Lyp Schtick has kept audiences laughing and asking for more. Although the performers in the troupe have changed over the years, Lyp Schtick continues to grow stronger with age.
There are many applications for improvisational concepts – both in entertainment and in personal development. In addition to performing, Lyp Schtick also teaches improv classes, conducts corporate training workshops and books private events and parties.
Troupe Members
Photos by Kevin Ricky at Trigger Happy Productions – See his portfolio!
Beth Muehling
Beth has been an actor and director in Lincoln for over 30 years. (Does that give away her age?) Being the oldest person in this group has its pros and cons. She definitely has more life experience; she just can’t remember them all. Being a founding mother has its rewards. All the fun of playing with the yunguns, filling them full of candy and sending them home for their families to deal with. “I always wanted to be a teacher… who knew the subject would be humor?”
Shelly Griess
Shelly Griess was born a small child in Lincoln, NE where it’s illegal to ride oxen after midnight. She graduated with a Bar Fly Anonymous degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Lighting and Design. After 7 years, Shelly dove into the luxurious world of desk jobs. While living the dream of spreadsheets and bad coffee, she honed her acting skills to a fine No. 2 point and has become a traitor to techies everywhere. She enjoys Culinary Forensic Toxicology and bubbles.
Paul Durban
Paul is a veteran actor, singer and director who has performed in countless productions. Actually, they probably could be counted, but he stopped after he ran out of fingers. Originally from the L.A. area, Paul moved to Lincoln a few years ago to pursue his love of less traffic. He is still adjusting and arrives unfashionably early for all his appointments. Paul’s favorite food is guacamole. It’s also a fun word to say when your mouth is stuffed with guacamole.
Kyle Lorenz
Kyle currently works as a freelance theatrical scenic designer and set builder. Kyle attended college in Concordia, NE. There he studied Theatre Performance and Communication in the Theatre Arts. Kyle’s been known to tickle the ivories at times and also plays piano. An amazing linguist, Kyle can say “May I have another drink please?” in 17 different languages – all using a French accent. He is an expert in the art of full contact origami.
Noelle Bohaty
Noelle works for The University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a lecturer of dance and also instructs dance at Hart Dance Studio. Although a Nebraska native, she studied philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, modern dance, and children’s studies & acting at Washington University in St. Louis. In her spare time she wrote her thesis on time management and how to overachieve when in college. According to her Facebook profile, she really likes dance. (you think?)
Nick Jester
Nick Jester studied music at UNL for two years and is transferring to Columbia College Chicago in the fall of 2011 to pursue contemporary music, improv, and comedy. Nick is in the local band “Second Wind” who just released their first, self-titled album. He will also be releasing a solo effort if he plays his card right. In the summer, Nick resides in his parent’s basement, which is seriously just like having his own place, so it’s not weird!
