Comic troupe entertains U.S. troops on Armed Forces Entertainment tour
September 22, 2006 download story

Spontaneous Combustion, a troupe of actors that perform improv skits, will entertain troops stationed in Europe October 3-20. The act will feature six seasoned performers: Doug Proctor, Gary Carnes, Chris Grundy, LeighAnn Gould, Ben Michaels and Cini Bow.

“Spontaneous Combustion is a troupe of experienced talent that have performed for audiences ranging from 10 to as large as 1,500,” said Air Force Captain Aubrey Semrau, Armed Forces Entertainment circuit manager for the European circuit. “For this group, no audience size is too large or too small. These actors/actresses will thoroughly entertain the military personnel with their unrehearsed, high-energy shows.”

This act resembles the format of the hit improvisational television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway.” The performance is for audience of all ages and features ongoing interaction between the crowd and the talent. The skits are about seven minutes and productions can range from 30 minutes to two hours.

“Our performers take great pleasure in entertaining the troops overseas and giving back to those who give us so much,” said Marne Wills-Cuellar, Spontaneous Combustion show producer and talent manager. “The best part of touring with Armed Forces Entertainment is seeing the world while we work in a meaningful way.”

Wills-Cuellar and Proctor began touring with Armed Forces Entertainment in 1985. Today, Proctor continues to tour overseas and throughout the U.S; while Wills-Cuellar manages him and 35 other actors and actresses. Wills-Cuellar states that this show is not only one of the funniest improv groups on the comedy scene, but also encourages audience involvement, which she believes to be a perfect mix for the troops.

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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.

Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.

To learn more about Spontaneous Combustion, visit www.marne-interactive.com.

Spontaneous Combustion Performance Schedule: