“The first time somebody described it to me, I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do,’” Sipp said.

“It sounded like the kind of thing I would do at parties, hang around with friends and make up funny bits.”

Unlike the competitive comedy format of most early improvisational performances, like the popular ABC show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” Hohn said Transactors shows aim to be more than just comedy shows.

“Ideally we’re looking to create an emotional roller coaster,” Hohn said. “We want people to walk away really entertained and satisfied.”

Actor Steven Warnock, a current member of Transactors, said he was first drawn to the off-script nature of improv.

“I remember watching Carol Burnett’s show and (seeing) Tim Conway take a scene and go with it off-script, and I liked the fun and the unpredictability that came out of that,” Warnock said.

This year’s 30th-reunion show will be a mixture of short scenes as well as a one-act improvised play, which Warnock said the past and current members will rehearse only once before the performance.

“A huge piece of rehearsing is learning to listen, and also getting to know the people you are rehearsing with,” Warnock said.

Hohn, who also teaches improv at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, said the company’s reunion shows remind him of the UNC basketball alumni games.

“It’s just a great feeling of celebration.”

Contact the desk editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.