The Hillsdale Improvisational Theater Squad is an improv troupe was founded at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, California at least two decades ago. For most of that time the HIT Squad, or HIT as it is known around the school, has had 10 or 12 players. HIT practices long and short form improv, theater sports, Harolds, and video improv.
Founding[]
Uniforms[]
The signature element of the HIT uniform is the "HIT Shirt," which is a t-shirt in a member's chosen color with white text of the member's first name on the front and the words "H.I.T. Squad" on the back. Each year, when new members are added to the team to replace those that have graduated, every player chooses their color in order of seniority.
During shows, players wear their HIT Shirt, blue jeans, and shoes that match their shirt. Traditionally, the preferred shoes were Converse All-Stars in a player's color.
Players[]
The current HIT Squad and their Colors, in Order of Seniority
Justin Shelton - Orange
Olivia Walton - Yellow
Zach Fineman - Kelly Green
Andrew Bleich - Red
Praveen Ramesh - Royal Blue
Rachel Porter - Lavender
Dustin Janatpour - Maroon
Josh Cahen - Navy Blue
Brianna McClain - Pink
Eric Hirsch - Forest Green
Mike Smiley - Teal
Michael Magbaleta - Brown
Lisa Rowland - Coach
Shows[]
The HIT Squad puts on many shows every year. These include weekly or biweekly lunch shows in which students pay 25 cents to watch half the team play 3 or 4 games, as well as larger shows. Currently, the two large shows are Improvapalooza, a 2 night collaboration with BATS Improv for theater sports and video improv, and the HIT Shows, which are 3 nights and a day of short and long form extravaganza with some crazy theme.