'Taste of LVP' Gives Improv Peak at Chappaqua Library

The was on hand at the Chappaqua Library Thursday evening to give a group of middle schoolers a glimpse into what it offers.

The instructors got the kids to immerse themselves in several eccentric skits, including "hiya!" where they put their hands together, their arms out and pretended to strike each other in a circle, shouting out in a way reminiscent of martial arts classes.

Other routines included "universal panelist," where Artistic Director Stephanie Kovacs Cohen stood behind a group of kids seated in chairs, had one kid start talking about a given topic, then with a quick poke to another, had the next person continue the sentence, which usually resulted in comical non sequiters.

The goal of the event was to introduce theater and improv comedy to the kids and show what the Pleasantville-based group does. It was spearheaded by Alex Friedland, a Chappaqua Library volunteer and LVP member.

"The kids are the impetus for the programming here at the library," said Zahra "Z" Baird, the teen librarian. When he spends time at the library, Friedland is a "volunteen" who helps Z. The library and LVP are two of his biggest passions, said Z.

Friedland was presented with a certificate of appreciation at the end of the event.

LVP's community ties mean that it has one foot in Pleasantville and the other in Chappaqua. The current organization is the result of a 2009 merger between LVP and the former Chappaqua Drama Group, which once performed community theater. Its Chappaqua ties, which include drawing members from the community, will live on in the form of a future product geared towards older customers - the LVP name is primarily for kids and teens. Its planned name will be the Chappaqua Main Stage, according to Curt Nielsen, who is still treasurer of the Chappaqua Drama Group's operation.

LVP mainly draws in kids from Pleasantville, Chappaqua and Briarcliff Manor, although it has members from further out, including Mount Kisco and Katonah, according to Kovacs Cohen.

Video of "hiya!" is attached.