On February 8, 2020, Silverbacks Improv Theatre presented the Improv Rumble at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette. This high-energy event featured over 25 improvisers from South Louisiana competing in an all-out comedic brawl. Audience members played a crucial role by casting votes via their phones to determine the winning team. The interactive format and spontaneous performances made for an unforgettable evening of laughter and community engagement.

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Writer Chris Hadley sits down with Monique Derouselle to explore the heart and humor behind her 2023 Louisiana Film Prize-winning short, The Candy Lady. The article dives into her creative process, the cultural impact of the film, and how Monique made history as the first Black woman to win the festival’s top award. A must-read on storytelling, representation, and community-rooted filmmaking.

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The 2024 Micheaux Film Festival highlighted groundbreaking works from underrepresented voices in cinema. Among the honorees was Monique Morton Derouselle, whose acclaimed short film The Candy Lady continued to garner attention for its unique narrative and cultural resonance. The festival also featured appearances by industry luminaries such as Viola Davis, Michael Ealy, Morris Chestnut, and Michael Gandolfini, underscoring its commitment to celebrating diversity and innovation in film.​

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In July 2020, The Current explored efforts to diversify Lafayette’s comedy scene through its “A Seat at the (Lafayette comedy) table” feature. The article highlights how local comedians and performers are working to create more inclusive spaces—shifting away from traditional, homogeneous lineups toward a platform that better represents the region’s vibrant identities.

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In this photo feature by The Shreveport-Bossier Advocate, Monique Morton Derouselle returns home in triumph as her short film The Candy Lady wins the $25,000 grand prize at the 2023 Louisiana Film Prize. The article highlights her historic win, audience recognition for Cheryl Shelton’s performance, and the film’s placement among the year’s Top 5 and Founder’s Circle selections.

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At the 2024 International Black Film Festival, Monique Morton Derouselle's short film The Candy Lady received the award for Best Narrative Short. The film tells the story of a neighborhood candy lady whose day takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a magical typewriter that brings her stories to life. This accolade adds to the film's growing list of honors and highlights Derouselle's talent in crafting engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.​

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Filmmaker Monique Morton Derouselle Discusses Her Journey and 'Rising Dawn'
Description: In this episode of the "I'm Making Moves" podcast, host Leigha T. Porter interviews filmmaker Monique Morton Derouselle about her personal journey into filmmaking and the creation of her short film "Rising Dawn." Monique shares insights into storytelling, representation, and balancing motherhood with her creative pursuits.​

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In this article from the Shreveport Times, filmmakers gathered in downtown Shreveport to mark the completion of their short films for the 2024 Louisiana Film Prize. Among the crowd was 2023 grand prize winner Monique Morton Derouselle, who returned to support fellow creatives and share in the excitement of a new season. Though not competing this year, her presence reminded attendees of the lasting impact of her film The Candy Lady and the community it helped inspire.

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On Mar 15, 2025, Silverbacks Improv Theatre hosted its signature Improv Rumble at Wonderland Performing Arts in Lafayette. The event—dubbed an “all‑out brawl” of improvised sketches—put local improv teams head-to-head in spontaneous comedic battles. Uniquely, the audience voted live via their phones to determine the winning team, making the performance a truly interactive experience

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