Looking for laughs? Look no further than Mission Improvable, a Santa Maria-based improvisational comedy troupe that has been impressing Central Coast audiences for nearly 10 years.

Mission Improvable was started in the mid-1990s. For the past four years, the group has been directed by Michael Passarelli, who has been making a living in improv for 30 years.

Passarelli is also currently director of a San Luis Obispo-based improv group, and often recruits members of that group to join the Santa Maria group for rehearsals and shows. That brings the average number that perform on stage together to 15, a mix of adults and teenagers.

Although improv is a spontaneous form of comedy based on audience interaction and nearly devoid of a script, according to Passarelli, there are three rules that govern all improv.

First, improv players must listen. “By listening you are in the now,” said Passarelli.

Secondly, improv players must always agree to go along with the actions of other players. That keeps the unexpected comedy rolling.

Finally, each player must add new information, or building blocks, to each scene, which keeps the comedy moving forward.

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Spend a few minutes watching “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” — the television show that introduced many people to modern improv — and those three rules will be immediately apparent, said Passarelli.

Those rules are also apparent in Mission Improvable’s act, as witnessed at a recent weekly rehearsal, which is still important for team-building and to strengthen communication skills, despite the fact that the players go into each show not knowing where their act might lead.

At rehearsals, held on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the Acoustic Lounge in the Santa Maria Town Center Mall, the players take the stage together to practice their improvisational skills.

Team-building exercises, song routines, guessing games and tongue twisters all play a role at rehearsal.

“Musical is the hardest part,” said Passarelli, adding that it’s something the group is trying to work more of into their show.

Rehearsal also offers the players a chance to practice the skills and learn the tricks that go along with improv. When you’re stuck on how to respond to someone, Passarelli offered, look into their eyes and say the very first thing that comes to your mind.

Comedy isn’t the only thing improv offers the players. Improv also builds confidence and teaches communication, listening and memory skills.

Mark Pierce, who has been a member of Mission Improvable for three years, said he believes improv workshops could work as a communication and team-building model for businesses or for students in schools. To that end, Passarelli is now also currently running an improv class for teens aged 13 to 16 with the city of Santa Maria.

“When I joined it was just to do comedy, but there really is a lot of value in it,” said Pierce.

For more information on Mission Improvable or their upcoming shows, visit www.missionim provable.org or call director Michael Passarelli at 474-8945.

Emily Welly can be reached at 739-2220 or ewelly@santamaria times.com.