How do you prepare for an evening of improvisational comedy with the Loose Screws?

One suggestion: Bring along "an object," said R. Kevin Doyle, one of the founders of the group. An unusual object — but remember this is a family-friendly show — will get you a dollar off the ticket price and might even show up in a scene.

Tonight, the group will be performing 16 to 20 scenes at Tenney Theatre during The Loose Screws 15th Anniversary Show: "Crystal Balls."

Many of the scenes incorporate games, some like those seen on TV show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" or original games by the improv group.

Cast members are kept on their toes as they find their lines changed abruptly as scenes progress, are asked to adopt foreign accents or have to figure out how to work with audience suggestions.

That said, should you spend your time trying to figure out what to stump the actors with? Maybe, but Doyle offered this piece of advice for audience members who want to see better scenes: "The more boring suggestions tend to produce the most interesting scenes," he said. "If someone makes a really funny suggestion, we're probably not going to be funnier than that."

A suggestion like "shoe" or "dormitory" would probably lead to a funnier scene than "dogmen from outer space," he offered as an example. Of course, funny suggestions are still very welcome, Doyle said.

For those who don't want to participate, it's fine to sit back and watch the show. Doyle said no one will be pulled up on stage to do any acting themselves — but the group might ask for other kinds of help, primarily suggestions of what to incorporate in their off-the-cuff comedy.

The quickness and volume can count more than clever ideas, since the first suggestion the actors hear is the one they'll go with. "The (participants) should not be afraid of yelling the first thing that comes into their heads," he said.