We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia K. Garcia Dash Maverick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia K. Garcia, how do you think about risk?
The nature of improv is risk-taking–you don’t know what’s going to happen when you step out into the light with a scene partner. You have to trust them, and you have to be okay with risk. Improv has made us both more comfortable in taking risks, especially if it’s with a team or group we trust.

We didn’t know what we were doing when we started Society Circus Players, but we just said “Yes…and” and went for it. We still don’t know what we’re doing but we know the risk is worth the reward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Society Circus Players were born one Thursday evening in 2012, after experiencing just how circus-like society can be. We’ve been an independent improv troupe ever since, performing in spaces all over Miami, as well as other cities and states. In addition to being independent, we also work to make sure our shows are family-friendly–our quality, clean, comedy is rated PG to PG-13. In addition, for most of our existence we’ve been at least 50% women; while this isn’t true at the moment, it’s definitely rare in the improv world.

Being independent has not been easy. Performance spaces are ample, but often extremely expensive. We’ve been very lucky to be supported by local businesses, who’ve partnered with us to let us perform or rent space. There are a lot of people rooting for us and helping us along, both within the cast and outside of it. we try to operate with gratitude, and professionalism, and keep the spirit of fun we were forged in.

But being independent has also allowed us a lot–we perform when and where we want, and we get to do shows our way. Puppets? Sure. Show for kids? Let’s do it. Weird idea? Let’s try it. We don’t really know anything else.

We’ve grown and learned a lot in almost ten years–we didn’t know anything about running an improv company before we started this endeavor. We will keep growing and learning. Growing pains and mistakes are part of that process, but, as we love to say, at the end of our shows “If life’s a circus–we’re the clowns!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s such a hard question! Miami is such an amazing place to visit, but locals don’t really do what tourists do. I would definitely recommend a Big Red Bus tour–mostly because I’ve never done it and want to go. One of our cast members was also a guide for them at one point, so that’s a fun little connection.

A visit to Calle Ocho is always fun–it feels really “Miami” without being South Beach. Domino park… Azucar icecream…Cafecito from a ventanita. There’s a good Mexican spot there too. I’d probably take them on a Friday for Viernes Culturales.

A trip downtown is worth it, too. The PAMM and Frost are great; Bayside is good to have a drink, and Cevice 105 has FIRE Peruvian food. Plus, they could see the water. Isn’t that why people come here? If a Miami River cruise is happening, that’s a definite must. I haven’t been on the Ferris wheel in Bayside yet, but I’m sure it’s got views.

I love Fairchild Tropical Garden and the beach at Matheson Hammock park is really chill and great for kids. I also like the beach at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, which has a bonus lighthouse. Ali, who’s from Michigan, loves a lighthouse.

Anyone who’s visiting me should see live theater of some kind. We would advocate for an improv show, obviously, but there are some great smaller theater companies here doing really amazing work.

Oh! And Cuban food. At least one breakfast and one lunch. Because it’s delicious, and it’s Miami, and it’s a must.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to Dustin Aiken, who is present in everything we do. Shout out to our audience and supporters; we love you and we love your suggestions! Finally, a shout out to the cast–current and past–who have played with us. Thanks for yes, and-ing us.

Website: https://www.scpimprov.com

Instagram: @societycircus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCPimprov/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/society-circus-players-miami

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SocietyCircusPlayers

Image Credits
Show photo by Ruben Ilizarbe.
All other photos by Dash Maverick.
All photos edited by Dash Maverick.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.