Warning: this post reveals the secrets of a popular improv game performed by Stick Horses in Pants. We understand that the magic and mystery of this game may be lost to the viewer if they become aware of the secret. So, during a SHiP performance if you have ever asked yourself "Are those really his real arms?" and you've since thought that you'd just rather not know, then you should NOT continue reading this post.

For those of you who missed our last show at the Broadmoor, you missed a revealing event for the Horses on stage. It was an illumination into the lives that we Horses share with each other. It was a moment in time that captured all of the intimacy shared amongst the SHiP players.

I'll start by making you not feel so bad for missing the show, because even the Horses were in short supply that night. With only five of us there, it was a close call for a no-show. One Horse hardly had a voice and was expecting not to be in the show at all. One Horse arrived to the show from the airport just 15 minutes before it started. And one Horse well...hasn't been "in Pants" for nearly a year and a half.

But as we often find in improv, as the show unfolded, things just came together. Except in a particular game, where things came apart, namely a zipper. The calamity came during the game we call "Arms Expert," one of our pleasures that we've found to be an audience favorite as well.

As often in this game, Hunter was providing the front man who speaks on a subject claiming to know everything and answering all question the audience may pose. Meanwhile, directly behind him (and I mean directly behind) Jared extends his arms from underneath the front man's armpits to give the appearance that his arms are those of the speaker.

Usually the questions asked by the audience have some relevance to the topic suggested. However, this time the first question to come from the audience was an unexpected "Why is your fly down?" There was an immediate rupture of laughter, while Hunter made a quick flinch to zip up his pants. He resisted though while Toby, playing the interviewer, stepped in front of him. Hunter began contemplating if he should make the zip using his own arms. During which Jared had already made up his mind and concluded that the scene and character integrity was top priority. To the delight of everyone... no...to the surprise of everyone... no... well, Jared zipped up Hunter's pants.

This is the reality of the intimacy that comes from improv. I'm confident in saying that no matter who the front man is, it's a team effort to zip up his pants. If you get a chance to talk to a Horse in person, this story actually has a few more gut-wrenching moments that can't be put into words. Our advice: Just zip it.