On Friday Jan. 29, Elizabethtown College’s own Mad Cow Improv group held their first show of the semester. In the Gibble auditorium, dozens of students gathered (wearing their masks for COVID-19 safety) and watched the cows perform. They played games like their classic halftime show, the tale of Blockbuster going out of business, a doctor with a hidden bowling alley in his practice and several others. What made this show special though is that it was sophomore social studies education major and Spanish minor Baja Blasted’s, aka Evan Vaughn’s, birthday.
During the show, some of Vaughn’s friends made sure to let the crowd know that it was his birthday. During Vaughn’s signature game, Genie, one of his friends asked the Genie, who was named Elmo by the crowd, what to get him. Elmo responded with nothing.
Nonetheless, Vaughn was showered with birthday wishes by what sophomore occupational therapy major Lucy Krug calls “The Schlosse Posse.” During the breaks in between games, they held up signs with Vaughn’s face on them and played triangles. According to Krug, Vaughn loves music, so they figured they work in this passion with the triangle. The best part though was after the show was finished, they covered Vaughn in silly string.
“We love showing friendly affection toward [Vaughan] by embarrassing him,” Krug said. “He’s like a brother to us, and we wanted to be there for him in a funny but thoughtful way.”
After the show, the festivities continued. The cows and some friends, traveled to a nearby classroom where Vaughn’s sister, senior psychology major Victoria Vaughn, brought cake. E. Vaughn was in charge of cutting the cake and giving a speech about the joys of turning 20. One of the attendees was Mad Cow member first-year mathematics education major Tainan Nunes.
“It was nothing too fancy,” Nunes said, “but it didn’t have to be for some friends to have quality time and create memories.”
As for E. Vaughn, he felt very appreciated throughout the whole night. Mad Cow has helped with his personal growth in terms of confidence and social skills, so he was glad to spend some more time with his herd.
“It was fun to have some time with friends,” E. Vaughn said. “They are a good bunch, and I’m glad they stuck around with me.”
Mad Cow plans to have free shows once a month, so be sure to check out the next one!
