Bao Ge | April 2, 2026 |
We wanted to know more about the improv scene in Shenzhen, so we spoke with Steven Grunthal, a Shenzhen resident and member of an improv team called Domesticated Humans.
NowSZ: Hi Steven. Thank you for joining us! So let’s start with the basics. What is improv?
Steven: Improv is improvised acting. It’s a play that doesn’t have a script. We make up every line of the play on the spot, based on ideas we get from the audience. Until the audience gives us an idea, we have no idea what the topic will be, who the characters will be, or what will happen. Everything comes from the idea the audience gives us, and we make everything else up in real time.
NowSZ: Is it like stand-up comedy?
Steven: So the similarity is that we’re all performing on the stage to have a good time and share a few laughs with the audience. The difference is that stand-up comedy is usually one person telling jokes that they made up and wrote down in advance. Whereas improv is a group of people acting out a story that they make up on the spot. A few members of Shenzhen’s improv community also do stand-up sometimes. I myself enjoy watching some of Shenzhen’s great stand-up comics perform, but I don’t do stand-up myself.
NowSZ: How can you put on a play if you don’t know in advance what the topic will be? Don’t you need costumes for the characters and props and scenery?
Steven: All improvised. Our bodies are the costumes. We use mime to create imaginary props. We paint the scenery with our words. The audience goes along with it because they want to believe in the reality of the scene that’s coming to life just as much as we do. The only thing on the stage when we start is a few chairs.
NowSZ: How many groups do improv in Shenzhen?
Steven: There are currently two teams that I know of in Shenzhen. Over 大 Counter and Domesticated Humans.
Images by Ripple Qian
NowSZ: Do you only do improv shows? Never use a script?
Steven: Actually, I’ll be in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” on April 11, along with two other Domesticated Humans and a bunch of other really talented actors.
NowSZ: Wow! How can people get involved?
Steven: On most Saturday evenings at 8 pm, one of the groups I mentioned is doing a show. To see Twelfth Night on April 11 or Domesticated Humans on April 18, add StevenGrunthal on WeChat. To see Over 大 Counter’s monthly shows, add HeyBrianaAF on WeChat or scan their QR below. Briana also hosts monthly improv jams, so ask her about that! Also, if you’re a singer-songwriter and would like to perform an original song at an improv show, please contact StevenGrunthal on WeChat.
NowSZ: Oh, cool! Do you have musical performances too?
Steven: Yup! Domesticated Humans has been really fortunate to have some of Shenzhen’s super-talented songwriters perform at our shows. We listen to their amazing original songs, interview the musician, and then improvise a scene based on whatever interesting ideas come up in the song or interview.
NowSZ: Wow! So much talent!
Steven: For sure. There are some talented people in Shenzhen! I’m lucky I get to play with them!
NowSZ: We’re lucky we got to talk with you! Thank you so much!
April 2, 2026