Sarah C. Haskins `01 remembers seeing IGP (Immediate Gratification Players) during her pre-frosh weekend, and noting the remarkable talent of the improv troupe.

For the past four years, Haskins has proved to be a core player in IGP, emerging as one of the most consistently funny and witty personalities at Harvard.

“It’s not a traditional Harvard achievement,” says Haskins. “I’m lucky enough to do something I love, and it’s so nice to have people respond to that.”

Haskins has made a name for herself in Harvard’s humor circle. She became even more famous earlier this year when her play, Fangs for the Memories, which she co-wrote with Benjamin S. Forkner `01 and Young K. Lee `99, was chosen as the Hasty Pudding’s 153rd Show.

And Haskins also served as Tzar of IGP last year, leading the troupe through some of its most successful shows, including the unique IGP Musical, which was started her during her first year in college.

Haskins says she has always liked improv comedy; she attended several performances of the popular Chicago-based Second City before coming to Harvard, but it was only after being accepted into IGP that Haskins was able to develop her talent and her improv theory.

A Chicago native, Haskins plans to take classes at Second City next year, but doesn’t have any long-term plans. She knows that she enjoys playing around with improv comedy, and is thrilled to know that others enjoy watching her perform; that’s enough motivation to lead her to stick with the trade a little longer.

Humor has influenced her outlook on life, which she examines through a light-hearted perspective.

“A joke is a different take on something,” she says. “To have a good time at Harvard and with life, you definitely be joking all the time.

Mieka D. Pauley `02

Mieka D. Pauley `02 came to Harvard planning to study physics; her guitar was just an accessory. But this June, Pauley is graduating after three years, finishing her studies so she can devote time to the things more important to her budding career--writing and performing music.

Pauley’s time at Harvard has been shared between her music performances--which range from open mike cameos to more formal performances, such as Seneca night at the Comedy Connection--and her studies. This past year, as Pauley’s name appeared on flyers across the campus advertising upcoming performances, Pauley says she realized her passion was in her music and not her studies.

“When I’m performing, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” she says. “That’s how I know it’s right.”

Pauley’s gigs have become increasingly full with Harvard and non-Harvard fans.