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Zenprov Goes Out Laughing with Finale Show, “Happy Ending”Sedona, AZ. After 15 years and more than 130 live performances, Zenprov Comedy is calling it quits. Don’t miss their finale aptly titled “Happy Ending” on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Fisher Theatre in Sedona.
The show brings together original founding members Derek Dujardin, Mary Carder, Betty Testa, Shaeri Richards, Shaunn Cochran, Chris Redish, and Dr. Linda Roemer with fresh talent Nathaniel Montgomery, Nick Shank, and Ryan Rice. It is an eclectic, multi-generational ensemble, with performers ranging from their thirties to their seventies.
“I originally chose the name Zenprov to capture improv at its highest form,” said Derek Dujardin, founder and director of Zenprov Comedy. “It’s those rare, transcendent moments when the art of improvisation takes over. It can feel like an out-of-body experience—watching a scene unfold effortlessly. The mind is blank, yet fully present, and something surprising, funny, and profound arises on its own.”
Besides the Zen-meets-improv philosophy of play, the thing that sets Zenprov apart is that the troupe isn’t just a group; they are a group of true friends. They celebrate birthdays together, take trips, and host dinners and backyard jams with musicians and fellow improvisers. That genuine heart connection shows up on stage.
“We don’t exactly operate with healthy physical or emotional boundaries when we perform,” Dujardin admits. “We’ve shocked more than a few guest improv instructors with scenes that might get other players kicked out of class—or sent straight to HR. But that level of trust creates a sense of deep safety and palpable warmth you can feel in every performance. So, we get away with a lot that other groups couldn’t.”
The troupe wants to honor former members Mike Burdick and Tony Carito, who have since passed on. They also thank Patrick Schweiss for giving them a platform to perform in Sedona over the years. “The Mary D. Fisher feels like home, and we will miss performing there. Patrick has always had our back,” said Dujardin.
With that, the troupe will let Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director of the Sedona International Film Festival, have the last word on the group: “Zenprov is the funniest improv troupe in Northern Arizona. People were laughing so hard their cheeks were hurting.”
The Mary D. Fisher Theater is located across the street from the Harkins Movie Theater at 2030 St. Rt. 89A, next door to BMO Harris. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and concludes around 9:15 p.m. Beer, wine, and snacks are available in the lobby. Tickets are $16 pre-sale or $18 the day of the show.
https://sedonafilmfestival.com/event/zenprov-comedy-happy-ending/
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Event Venue
Mary D. Fisher Theatre, 2030 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336-5407, United States
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