A competitive, festive, improvisational comedy show is coming Thursday to the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center.

"Comedy brings people together," Levity Theatre founder Noah Johnson said Friday. "That's what I love about this."

Levity Theatre's "Comedy Clash! Holiday Special" will feature an interactive, elimination-style show featuring rounds with casts of players that will be whittled to one prevailing performer at the end, as selected by the audience.

"Three out of the four times we’ve done this, the last two people were so good the audience didn't even know who to eliminate," Johnson said. "I have a tiebreaker prepared just in case."

No hard feelings will be felt as players are removed, however, thanks to a positive spin on the elimination process.

"They don’t get booed off the stage," Johnson said. "They get cheered off the stage. You cheer the loudest for who gets eliminated."

Bellies will shake like bowls full of jelly as audience members laugh and enjoy contributing ideas and inspirations for cast members to run with. The evening will also feature a number of prizes and giveaways from local businesses.

"People love giving suggestions," Johnson said. "They get to be part of the show."

Johnson, 21, moved to North Idaho from Ferndale, Wash. in September 2021. He brought with him a dream to build an improv community in an area that has plenty of room for the craft to grow. He first harnessed his acting chops at college while performing with an improv team on campus, then he volunteered at a comedy club that was started by improv pro Ryan Stiles, of "Whose Line is it Anyway?" fame.

“Improv, among all the different things, has been able to help people overcome social anxiety and make them more comfortable and confident in their decisions," Johnson said."It brings people together to build something collaboratively from nothing."

He said he's also found North Idaho abounds with a diversity of ideas and is a treasure trove for comedic minds.

"All sorts of walks of life are all here under one roof to create something together," he said. "I find that deeply beautiful."

"Comedy Clash! Holiday Special" starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $12 per person. All ages are welcome. The JACC is at 405 N. William St., Post Falls.

Tickets and info: levitytheatre.com/comedy-clash