Comedy at VCU needs no name

Laughs and gasps–; cheers and tears – tears from laughing that is- – are all part of a new group that has emerged on the Richmond comedy circuit.

No Name Needed 7 is a new improvisational comedy group consisting of 12 members, eight of whom attend VCU.

The NNN 7 was created by group member, Timothy “B-Sounds” Brandon White earlier this year.

“From there, we just started to forge our own path,” said Darryl Greene, a mass communications major and co-director of NNN 7.

Since then, they have held auditions and invited new people in the group but Brandon Basile – a student and one of the creators of NNN– – said he likes to keep the group small.

“Having too many people in the group takes away from the show,” Basile said.

Greene said the sketches come from original ideas. They are discussed and fine-tuned at rehearsal until they are stage-ready.

For some members of the group, NNN 7 is useful academically.

Felisha Barnes, a theater major and co-director of the group, said the group helped her settle into theater.

“It broadens my horizons by experiencing different aspects of theater and where I fit in,” Barnes said. “I’m experiencing my weaknesses and crafting my strengths”.

Basile believes NNN 7 has a bright future ahead of it.

“We have a lot of drive and we give 100 percent,” Basile said.

Member Mario Wells, who is a full-time student, has a job and is a resident assistant at Cabaniss Hall, still makes time for the group. The bond the members of NNN 7 share with each other is what keeps them together.

“I do it for a love of being around the team,” Greene said. “I miss these guys when I’m not around them.”