Those historically left out of the world of improv comedy have a new opportunity to get involved in Milwaukee’s growing scene.  

The Interchange Theater Co-op, a community-run improvisation theater and school, has established a scholarship for classes, specifically encouraging people of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people to apply.  

“Milwaukee is unfortunately very segregated, and there is a large white population at our theater and other theaters in the area,” said Vince Figueroa, education director at the Interchange, located at 628 N. 10th St. “So the challenge is: How do we reach out to those other communities to get them to come perform with us and see and learn and embrace the thing that we love?” 

The scholarship aims to address this challenge. 

‘A really valuable art form’

Figueroa gives all the credit for the scholarship, called the New Voices Improv Comedy Scholarship, to his colleague, Mia Serafina, the Interchange’s community and culture director. 

Serafina grew up in Milwaukee but performed on improv teams in less-diverse parts of the state. After returning to Milwaukee after college in 2021, she reconnected with Latinx performers and was reminded of how isolating a lack of diversity can be for an improv performer of color

“I think accessibility to improv helps with people recognizing that it’s not just for one group of people. It’s a really valuable art form, but without points of accessibility, it’s hard to find your way there,” said Serafina. 

“We just want a fuller presence at our theater,” she added. 

The scholarship covers the $200 cost of a class, removing a financial barrier to entry.

“I know people who want to take classes in the scene at various theaters but unfortunately can’t,  just because of the cost,” said Michael Kittelson, an LGBTQ+ comedian who performs at the Interchange. 

A more diverse group of performers also reduces other barriers, Kittelson added.  

“As a gay man, going into maybe a group elsewhere that might mostly be straight, that could be intimidating for me – not just talking about an improv group but just like a group that I’m not used to,” he said. 

All about improv

The Interchange offers five core courses to help individuals learn different aspects of long-form improv.

Improv, short for “improvisation,” is where performers create characters and dialogue on the spot. 

People may be familiar with improv from popular television shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” which debuted in the U.S. in 1998 and ended its most recent run in February. 

But there are different types of improv. 

While “Whose Line” features short-form improv – quick, one-off scenes often based on audience suggestions – many improv classes, including those at the Interchange, provide training in long-form improv. 

Long-form improv involves performers creating a series of interconnected scenes, which allow for richer characters and more sustained narratives.

“There’s just something so freeing and exciting about walking onto the stage and discovering what the scene is going to be, discovering who your character is going to be, helping your scene partner discover who they are,” said Figueroa. “So it’s its own unique art form.”  

A more diverse group of performers creates stronger comedy in general, he added.   

“You say ‘improv’ and some people have this standard image of four middle-aged white guys in flannel doing improv,” Figueroa said. “So when you get other people who don’t look like that … there might be some other references that you wouldn’t think of or connections you wouldn’t necessarily make.”  

For more information

People interested in the scholarship can apply online. 

The next deadline to apply is Dec. 20, with classes beginning on Jan. 13. 

Those with questions can email education@interchangetheater.com. 

MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee man charged with shooting and killing a teenage boy at a bus stop on the city’s south side back in October is now in custody. A warrant for his arrest has been issued since Nov. 11. 

Prosecutors have charged Christian Martin with one count of first degree intentional homicide, use of a dangerous weapon. 

Back on Oct. 28, the teenage boy was waiting to catch a bus to school along with two other friends. It was around 11 a.m. when prosecutors say 18-year-old Christian Martin, upset over a breakup with a girl this past summer, shot Nelson Manuel Lopez Correa in the head. 

The 15-year-old was rushed to Children’s Wisconsin, but he never regained consciousness. The teen died three days later. 

Nelson Manuel Lopez Correa

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Case details

According to the criminal complaint, around 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 28, a Milwaukee police officer was in the area of S. Caesar Chavez Drive and W. Greenfield Avenue on routine patrol when they observed a large crowd gathered. 

Per the complaint, as the officer approached the area, he saw a male on the ground who had been shot in the head. 

According to prosecutors, a male approached police at the scene and indicated that he was with the victim prior to the shooting. The witness claims he went to the victim’s house before school that day and when he arrived, the victim was with a female he knew (witness 2). Eventually, the three of them left the victim’s house and walked to the bus stop. 

Upon leaving the victim’s house, the witness claims they saw a man standing on the corner and witness 2 stated words to the effect of, “what is he doing here?” The three of them continued to walk, and while doing so, the man, later identified as Christian Martin, approached their group and walked behind them. 

Shooting at 16th and Forest Home, Milwaukee

The witness claims witness 2 began arguing with Martin while the witness and victim walked ahead.

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Once they got to the bus stop, the witness says he walked to his aunt’s house a block away to check the bus schedule, then returned to the bus stop. While re-approaching the bus stop, the witness heard a gunshot and saw Lopez Correa fall to the ground. 

The witness told police he did not see where Martin or witness 2 went, he just ran up to Lopez Correa to check on him and saw him bleeding from the head. The witness claims he then ran back to his aunt’s house to tell her what happened, and then returned to the scene until the police arrived. 

As the scene investigation progressed, a female subject identified as witness 2 walked into Milwaukee Police Department District #2 to report that she was a witness to the shooting. She provided the following information — she claims that morning she went to the victim’s residence before school. While waiting, another male showed up. The three of them then decided to catch the bus to school. 

According to the complaint, as they left the victim’s house, witness 2 claims she observed a man she knew standing on the corner. She identified the subject as Christian Martin. She indicated she had known Martin since July, and they briefly dated, but broke up. Despite breaking up, they have maintained contact with one another. Witness 2 stated Martin texted her as recently as Oct. 27.

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Per the complaint, witness 2 further explained that after seeing Martin, her group continued to walk and Martin joined their group, walking behind and was continuously mumbling under his breath. 

She told police she heard Martin mumble the victim’s name. While they walked, witness 2 began talking with Martin about how they cannot be together. She indicated that at one point Martin grabbed her and punched her in the side, then continued walking with the group. Upon arriving at the bus stop, she claims Martin stood there a few feet away. She indicated that suddenly, while she and the victim were looking up the street, she heard the gunshot. 

Witness 2 said she did not know what to do, so she ran west towards the gas station and eventually to a friend’s house to contact her mother. Martin also ran from the scene, according to the complaint. 

If dining out for Christmas or finding takeout to bring home is on your wish list, some area restaurants and resorts are ready to help. Here are a few locations offering Christmas Eve or Christmas Day specials for dining in or taking home. Advance reservations and orders are required at most restaurants.

ARIA

Saint Kate’s signature restaurant is open for dining from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. A special prix fixe Christmas menu is priced at $79 per person, or guests may select from items on the regular menu. For reservations, call (414) 270-4422 or visit OpenTable.com. Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave

Bar Louie

The Brookfield Square restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight Dec. 24 and 4 p.m. to midnight Dec. 25, offering a four-course dinner for two priced at $75. Guests may pick one bar bite to share, a choice of soup or salad for each person, a choice of entree per person, and one dessert to share. Choose from select options such as the Citrus Grilled Salmon or Parmesan Crusted Chicken, and finish the meal with the restaurant’s signature cinnamon doughnut holes. Bar Louie also will offer burger specials, so guests may order a craft burger with fries or tots for only $8. Reservations are not required, but you may call to reserve a table: (262) 505-6319. 95 N. Moorland Road, Brookfield

Benny’s Cafe

Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Christmas dinner specials include prime rib ($31) with baked potato, roast duck ($24) with dressing and mashed potatoes, baked ham ($18) with mashed potatoes, ribeye ($29) with baked potato, Atlantic salmon ($20) with broccoli and rice, and coconut shrimp ($18) served with french fries. All dine-in dinners include soup or salad, a glass of wine or beer, and dessert. Walk-in customers are welcome; no reservation required. Call for takeout orders at the drive-thru window. (414) 431-0004. 5354 S. 27th St.

Emerald City Catering

Pre-order the whole meal or a la carte items from the menu for Christmas. A la carte items available to order include roast beef in gravy, beef tips, baked ham, roast chicken, uncooked Polish sausage, cooked stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, macaroni and cheese, corn and rolls. See menu online at emeraldcitycatering.com/hollidays, or call (414) 672-3434. 3555 S. 13th St.

Lowlands Group

Christmas Eve brunch will be served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24 at all grand cafes, which includes all Cafe Hollander locations, Cafe Benelux and Centraal Grand Cafe & Tappery. Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club, 7700 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, will serve brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All restaurants will close at 3 p.m. and remain closed on Christmas Day. Reservations are not required. lowlandsgroup.com

Maharaja

The east side Indian restaurant is open Dec. 24 and 25 for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner service from 5 to 9 p.m. A special Christmas buffet is available during lunch hours for $35 per person. Reservations and takeout orders can be placed online at maharajarestaurants.com or by calling the restaurant during business hours: (414) 276-2250. 1550 N. Farwell Ave.

Mason Street Grill

The downtown restaurant offers both its regular menu and a special prix fixe Christmas menu from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 24 and 1 to 8 p.m. Dec. 25. The holiday prix fixe menu is priced at $81 per guest and features prime rib with herb whipped potatoes, pancetta Brussels sprouts, and a choice of dessert. Private dining rooms are available for family gatherings. Call for reservations, (414) 298-3131, or visit OpenTable.com. 425 E. Mason St.

The Melting Pot

A special holiday fondue is offered for Christmas Eve from noon to 8 p.m. Pricing is $65 for adults and $30 for children under 12. The set menu features one cheese fondue, a salad, entree and a chocolate fondue. The entree choices are either the Holiday Feast of teriyaki-marinated steak, vanilla rum chicken and apple rosemary pork; or the Holiday Fusion of teriyaki-marinated steak, vanilla rum chicken, salmon and shrimp. A lobster tail ($19) or center-cut filet ($28) may be added to any entree. All entrees include seasonal vegetables and signature dipping sauces. Call for reservations: (262) 782-6358. 19850 W. Blue Mound Road, Brookfield

Mo’s Irish Pub Wauwatosa

Pre-order a to-go meal or dine-in on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A special dine-in dinner of turkey or ham, with all the traditional sides, is priced at $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for children 12 and under. Call for reservations. The pre-order To Go Family Style meal ($159.99) serves 10 to 12 people and is available for pickup. Place your order by Dec. 22 by calling (414) 774- 9782, or email events@mosirishpub.com. 10842 W. Blue Mound Road, Wauwatosa.

Odyssey

The Menomonee Falls restaurant is serving breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations and takeout are available; call (262) 255-3036. N82 W15380 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls

Old Town Serbian Gourmet Restaurant

The restaurant will open for dining at 5 p.m. Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Christmas specials and regular menu items are available. Reservations required. Call (414) 672-0206 or visit oldtownserbian.com. 522 W. Lincoln Ave.

The Packing House

Call to reserve a table and order from the full, sit-down Holiday Dinner menu. Dining hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 24 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 25. No takeout or to-go orders will be available. Call (414) 483-5054 or visit packinghousemke.com. 900 E. Layton Ave.

The Pfister Hotel

A Christmas Celebration Brunch is offered in the grand ballroom from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 25. The buffet includes an assortment of fresh seafood, Wisconsin cheeses, carved meats, omelets made to order, individually customized pastas, holiday salads and starters, an array of entrees, and desserts. Brunch includes a mimosa or bloody mary. $95 for adults, $35 for children 3 to 10 years old (tax and service charge will be added to all reservations). Reservations are required with full pre-payment via credit card. thepfisterhotel.com, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.

Steak House 100

The West Allis chophouse will offer its full menu on Christmas Eve from 4 to 8 p.m. House specialties include ribs, pork chops, rotisserie chicken and a seafood, chicken or beef tenderloin shish kabob. For reservations, call (414) 727-2222. 7246 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis

Tre Rivali

A standard breakfast menu is available from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 24, and a Christmas Day buffet is offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 25. Buffet pricing is $85 for adults and $35 for children under 12 years of age and includes complimentary coffee, teas and sodas. The buffet features an artisanal cheese and salami board, waffle bar, assorted toasts and spreads, chive and creme fraiche scrambled eggs, fresh fruit platter, fregola and white bean soup with kale and sausage, Caesar salad, prime rib of beef, Tuscan roast pork, Brussels sprouts and whipped potatoes. Reservations can be made online through OpenTable or directly to the restaurant by phone: (414) 291-3971. 200 N. Broadway

Ward’s House of Prime

The restaurant is open for dining from 4 to 8 p.m. Christmas Eve, or pre-order a prime rib dinner to-go, or just the meat for the holidays. The Dinners To Go menu is available in servings for one ($65), two ($125), four ($250), five to eight ($400), and a whole dinner serving nine to 12 ($625). Dinners include au jus and creamy horseradish, house salad, mushrooms, mashed potatoes and corn. Just the Meat prime rib is available in portions of a quarter ($200), half ($300), or whole ($525). Pick up orders from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 25. Order online at wardshouseofprime.com or call for reservations: (414) 223-0135. 540 E. Mason St.

Apple Holler

The Racine County farm offers a full Holiday Take-Home Dinner, a Holiday Dinner Add-Ons menu, and homemade pies for pickup. Pre-order an individual dinner or a group-size dinner serving four to six people. The Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Ham Dinner ($38.95 individual, $189.95 group), the Turkey Breast Dinner ($39.95 individual, $199.95 group), and the Prime Rib Dinner ($49.95 individual, $249.95 group), all feature mashed potatoes, bacon mac and cheese, apple-bread stuffing, honey-glazed carrots, sweet potato casserole, cranberry-orange relish, dinner rolls and apple butter, apple pie, and Apple Holler apple cider. The Holiday Dinner Add-Ons menu includes additional meat and sides, doughnuts, cornbread, apple pie bread and cider. Homemade pies are priced at $8.35 each and include a variety of fruit, berry, cream and seasonal specialty pies. Pick up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 through Dec. 24. Order online at appleholler.com or call (262) 884-7100. 5006 S. Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant

The Abbey Resort

The resort on the shore of Geneva Lake will offer a Christmas Eve dinner buffet and Christmas Day brunch and dinner buffets in the 240° West Restaurant. The Christmas Eve buffet is served from 4 to 9 p.m. for $75 per person. Christmas Day brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $50 per person. Christmas Day dinner buffet is served from 4 to 9 p.m. for $75 per person. Children (ages 5 to 12) are $25. Call (800) 709-1323 for reservations. View the menus online at theabbeyresort.com 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana-on-Geneva Lake

Grand Geneva Resort

The resort offers multiple dining options on Dec. 24. A Christmas Eve brunch buffet will be served in the Geneva ChopHouse from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and in Ristorante Brissago from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with complimentary champagne and mimosas. Pricing is $85 for adults, $40 for children ages 6 to 12 and $15 for children ages 2 to 5. Children age 2 and under are complimentary with each paid adult. The holiday specialties include crispy chicken, roasted cod, short ribs and cheese ravioli. Food stations offer a variety of traditional breakfast items, omelets and eggs Benedict, prime rib, ham, lamb, seafood and shrimp, plus a variety of salads, vegetables, sides and sweets. The Grand Cafe will serve a prime rib and seafood buffet from noon to 9 p.m. Pricing is $59 for adults, $25 for children ages 6 to 12 and $15 for children 2 to 5 years of age. Reservations are required with a credit card. Call (262) 249-4788. grandgeneva.com; 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva.

Lake Lawn Resort

The Walworth County resort is offering a prix fixe menu Christmas Eve and a champagne brunch on Christmas Day at 1878 on the Lake. The Christmas Eve dinner is a prix fixe menu ($85 per person) served from 4 to 9 p.m. Entrees include a choice of prime rib, salmon, a Cornish game hen, wild mushroom risotto, or a surf and turf option of a center-cut filet and lobster tail. The first course offers a choice of butternut squash bisque, Caesar salad or apple and pecan salad. The featured desserts are an eggnog cheesecake or a sticky toffee and figgy bread pudding. A Christmas Day buffet is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 25. Pricing is $68 for adults, $25 for children ages 8 to 12 years and $14 for children 4 to 7 years. The food stations feature a carvery with prime rib and ham; chicken or salmon entrees; traditional breakfast items of bacon, sausage, pancakes, omelets and waffles; salads, seafood and seasonal fruits and vegetables. A sweets station includes a chocolate rum yule log, Christmas figgy pudding, English trifle martinis, Christmas cookies and fudge brownies cherries jubilee. An additional food station for children features chicken tenders, penne pasta and meatballs, mini corn dogs, waffle fries and baked macaroni and cheese. Make reservations online lakelawnresort.com/events or call (262) 725-9155. 2400 Geneva St., Delavan