The '60s -- civil rights, Woodstock and free love. It was one of the most influential decades this century has ever seen, changing the way people acted toward each other and influencing society in ways only now being realized.

The decade's movements gave birth to unusual creatures. Perhaps the most expressive and creative may be a form of theater known as improvisation.

This bastard son of the stage -- a sorted art of impulsive, on-stage composition -- was conceived mostly in the youth movement of Chicago, where a young group of actors called Second City needed an outlet for their expression, said Helen Manfull, professor of theatre arts.

The style, coined "improv," was quickly adopted by a range of political and feminist groups that also needed a tool to convey their ideals, corrupting old nursery tales to deliver a politically loaded message, Manfull said. It grew to heights such as having an international competition known as theatre sports totally revolved around improvisation, she said.

And the tranquil setting of Happy Valley has not escaped this veritable explosion of creativity. State College's introduction to improv could be construed as more explosive than most places, mainly due to a student group called "Spontaneous Combustion."

The group was the brainchild of Rebecca Dreyfuss (junior-theatre arts), who said she started it mostly as a solo effort in the spring of 1992 to participate more in theater at the University.

"I decided to make my own chances," said Dreyfuss, referring to the competitiveness of roles within the theatre department.

The shows involve a series of skits with subjects chosen by the audience, then acted out by the performers, said Maryll Botula (sophomore-theatre arts), a Spontaneous Combustion member.

The actors -- mainly theatre arts majors --get almost all of their instructions from the crowd, who bark out whether they want to see a romance, a western or any type of genre they please. The players then make up the rest of the details themselves as they go along.

"(The skits) are a collaboration of mine and the group's experiences," Dreyfuss said.

Since its begining, the group has enjoyed ongoing success and growth, perfoming usually two or three times a semester -- performances that are a truly unusual experience for theater-goers.

And the format seems to work. The style of on-the-spot reaction and audience participation makes for a hilarious and entertaining evening, for not only the playgoers, but also players themselves.

"It's a lot of fun," said group member Scott Phillips (sophomore-theatre arts). "There's a lot of energetic and creative people here."

The group was scheduled to perform tonight, but a new University Resident Theatre Company policy restricting the use of the Arts Building late at night has prevented the group from performing at its usual time.

Lee Byron, URTC general manager, said the policy is aimed at keeping the equipment and buildings secure, not at impairing anyone's activities.

"I hope it doesn't," said Matthew Cooper (nondegree-political science and economics) when told about the policy. "I thought they were something really exceptional when I saw them and would like to see them again before I leave in May."

Cooper may get his chance -- the group intends to give an early evening performance after spring break.

The group is also looking to branch out into improv involving social issues such as AIDS and other sensitive topics, as well as touring and working with high schools, Dreyfuss said.

And as for the long-term future for herself, Dreyfuss said it includes running her own theater and her own company.

"Know anyone with a few million to spare?" she asked.