improvclown

TJ and Dave

2010-01-08T09:15:00.002-06:00

Watched the TJ and Dave Documentary last weekend at The Roving Imp and was blown away by their attention to detail. They perform every Wednesday in Chicago and they go to New York to perform for 3 days straight once a month. They have been together for 5 years.

Tonight John and I do Dictionary Soup. This is maybe our 15-20th total show...we perform once a month...so if I calculate this right, we will be as good as TJ and Dave by 2040...should be pretty funny...we'll both be in our 60's.

In all seriousness, after watching that documentary, I felt proud of Dictionary Soup. We are not far from their level of brilliance. John and I based our show around TJ and Dave and I'm pretty sure that we have succeeded in recreating a solid 2 person long form improv show here in Kansas City.

Should be a great show tonight since we are both striving to be better at what we do!

GODZILLA!!!

2009-12-18T09:41:00.001-06:00

Dictionary Soup Show

2009-12-14T11:45:00.003-06:00

Had a great return show with John Friday night. I can't think of anyone else who I would rather have played with on my first night back in almost a month and a half. He was as energetic and excited as I was and I think the first half showed that. We played fast and fun the entire first half. The second half was much more patient and slow. I was worried I was going to miss a step, but John was right there to help me through the quiet slow moments.

In January I have to decide if I am ready to go back to rehearsing every Tuesday night with IA, and how many shows I want to dedicate too. I am already doing Dictionary Soup once a month and it looks like I will have a Thunderdome show in March as well.

The Trip Fives have asked me to play in their January show because Ed will be out of town...how could I say no to that. That will be a great chance to play with some great people.

I think I will at least try to get back to rehearsing with IA every Tuesday, and hope that my improv schedule is not taking away time from the family.

I Changed My Mind

2009-12-08T10:08:00.002-06:00

I want to change my death from laughter to death by shark with human teeth.

The itch is coming back

2009-12-01T09:59:00.002-06:00

December 1st...starting to miss improv...a little bit. Maybe a show with John at Roving Imp will help with that...After that show I am going to have to figure out how to schedule 2010 improv around my new family. I guess it will just have to be patient with me.

We were on a break!

2009-11-24T10:36:00.002-06:00

My wife and I had a baby girl November 16th...Improv will just have to wait for awhile...

I really do want these

2009-11-05T08:19:00.001-06:00

The Break

2009-11-03T09:20:00.002-06:00

Having my last improv shows (for awhile) at the Impfest was great. It was great to go out feeling like I participated in something that helped the community. I haven't been to a rehearsal or a show in over 2 weeks now...and I have to admit that I don't miss it yet. I definitely miss the people, but I don't miss the process right now...and that makes me think that this is a good thing. I need a break. I have been doing this for 10 years now...wow...10 years...and I think it's time to relax for a bit.

My next show will be with John at the Roving Imp on Dec. 9th. A very easy show, little to no rehearsing. I promised him that I would do monthly shows with him and rehearse when we can. He has been so lenient with me...anyone else wouldn't agree to that.

After the new year, I know I want to continue doing Dictionary Soup shows with John once a month, maybe even do a little bit more at The Roving Imp. John even mentioned how he may need help teaching a class there. It would be great to work that part of my improv muscle more.

Other than that, I still don't know what I want to do, but 2010 is still far enough away to give me time to think about it.

and so it begins

2009-10-22T10:26:00.003-05:00

The Roving Imp Theater is hosting its first ever ImpFest and I am so happy it's here. John gets to showcase not only his theater, but also two and half years of shows, classes, blood, sweat, and tears.

I have always been jealous of him ever since he told me he was opening an improv theater. In a way, he is living many improvisers dreams...but John has something different. He isn't doing this for himself...he is doing it for improv. Sure he is a business man and wants to make money, but at the end of the day, he loves the art form.

Tonight, Impfest kicks off with what is sure to be excitement and nerves from John. But he shouldn't be nervous at all, because he has the backing from many improvisers in town, and if he did a trust fall...everyone would be there to catch him.

IA had auditions

2009-10-19T11:57:00.002-05:00

We had two people audition for IA last Tuesday and I voted yes for both of them. They are two strong players with serious potential to help IA as they also get help from IA. As I am about to take at least a two month break from IA, I strongly recommended picking them both up to start training them for shows next year. If I start back up in January, it will be great to play with them after they have been rehearsing for two months. I think they will both bring some much needed energy and focus to a group who has had a rough few months.

In other news Impfest 09 is coming up and I am so excited for John's theater to get some much deserved attention and audience this weekend. I will be doing my last IA shows for the year there which will be bittersweet. However, I will also be doing Dictionary Soup in front of some peers and that is very exciting. I can't wait to hear what people think of it.

2009-10-14T10:04:00.001-05:00

I teach workshops on how to enter the ring in a cool way...don't be this guy, see you Sunday at 8am in my backyard.

improv weekend recap

2009-10-12T10:16:00.002-05:00

Friday was a blur. Woke up at 4:20, showered, met Dennis and Nikki and started driving to Burlington Iowa. Picked up Megan and another Dennis on the way and continued our trip. Arrived in Burlington, ate a sandwich, and did 45 minutes of improv. Got into comfy clothes, got back in van, and headed home. Got back in town around 7pm and relaxed in the house for about 45 minutes. (Highlight of the trip, too many to mention, but one worth mentioning...Dennis D got a shirt that says "Dippin It Down In B-Town")

Drove to Roving Imp to do a Dictionary Soup show with John. Fun show, felt like a warm up for the ImpFest show coming up in 2 weeks. Drove home and went directly to bed with my wife.

Saturday, picked up Bender at 7ish and drove to Patrick's to rehearse our Thunderdome format. Rehearsed for 10 minutes and headed to the coffeehouse when Pearl showed up. Performed 1st had a blast and then got to watch the other two teams kick some serious improv booty. Fun night, great audience, and the audience had a blast in my opinion. Drove home after show and went directly to bed with my wife...What a weekend.

The Last Hoo-Rah

2009-10-06T11:35:00.002-05:00

This Friday I will be going to Burlington, Iowa with Dennis and his crew to perform some short form. I love improv road trips...there are always stories...some that can't be shared.

Then Saturday is Improv Thunderdome, and this year was one of my favorites so far. The draft made for some amazing teams and some amazing improv here in the city. The championship round will definitely be exciting to see and play in...seriously...can't wait.

I'm Going On A Diet

2009-10-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

IA Update

2009-09-29T09:40:00.002-05:00

It has been a frustrating year being a member of IA. Just a couple of years ago we were in the Chicago Improv Festival, we had great members, and we thought that we were really growing into one of the top groups here in KC. Ever since Chicago, things have been up and down...but mostly down.

It is easy to say that it's because most of the members have left, or are involved in many other improv related things outside of the group, but that's not it. There were frustrations and no communication, and the group was slowly becoming a very negative thing for me personally.

So...we had a meeting on Friday and we got some things out that were bugging us. Most importantly, everyone shared their frustrations and talked about what they would like to see from the group in the next year or so...and everyone listened...it didn't hurt that we had beer and food too.

It was tough, but it was necessary. We learned a very simple fact. If you are frustrated with something, you have to talk about it with the directors and/or the group. Otherwise, you may find yourself showing up to rehearsal, with nothing being resolved, finding yourself more frustrated. I for one was doing this, complaining about things to my wife, but never to the people who needed to hear it most. So, in a way, I was part of the problem.

Hopefully the meeting helped. Only time will tell. In fact, in a month we will begin to see whether things are better or worse when we play at the Impfest.

The growth of improv in KC

2009-09-22T09:00:00.007-05:00

I was fortunate enough to host the last round of Thunderdome which in my humble opinion was the best round I have seen. All 3 teams had great shows, if I was an audience member, it would have been a tough vote.

More importantly. Conversations after the show really made me proud to be an improviser here in KC. I think people are starting to realize that this can't be the next Chicago, LA, or NY. It just can't. They are larger cities, with a larger talent pool. However, I had some great conversations with people that agree with me on one thing we can do to help improv all around.

Why can't we be a stepping stone to those cities? Many people that come from Second City, and other established improv institutions, say that it was their University. So, it gets me thinking that Kansas City could be a High School of Improv, or (gasp) a Community College for those larger established institutions.

Roving Imp has started something that no one else in KC has right now. The ability to take improv classes, and perform as well. If that isn't a start to a training center, then I don't know what is.

There are no tiered levels, there is not enough interest yet to create the levels, but the pieces are in place, and I for one am proud to know that if anyone can handle it. It is the Roving Imp Theater. It is amazing to think what that Theater has done in 2 and a half years, and it will be amazing to see what it can accomplish in the next 2 and a half.

Kansas City Improv is making a turn right now. There are the great groups that have been around a while, but now there are groups that have sustained themselves for at least 2-3 years. We are starting to see some High School and College improvisers, but they need a place to perform and a place to train. (of course, collaboration with the aforementioned groups would be nice, but that is a whole other topic)

There is Exit 16, but that is for Liberty High School students only. (Don't get me wrong, if it wasn't for this program, improv would be less relevant in KC.) The College improvisers just made a name for themselves and created their own shows, which is inspiring to see. But it would be nice to see High School and College students interested in improv have a place to train and perform here in KC.

So, my question is, where do you see it going? What is the next step?

HAHA

2009-09-17T09:35:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard a goat yell like a man?

Times, they are a changing

2009-09-15T09:22:00.002-05:00

After November. I am going to be taking some time off from improv. I may do a Dictionary Soup show, and help Dennis out if he needs it, but other than that I will not be doing a lot of improv. I will most likely take a 1-2 month break from IA because we rehearse on Tuesday nights at 7 and usually have monthly shows on Friday nights around 7 also. My work schedule usually keeps me till 6:45-7:00 at night, and I hate feeling hurried, or making others wait on me.

Looking back on this blog, at one point I was doing Comedy City, CounterClockwiseComedy, IA, Roving Imp, and Thunderdome...I have no idea how I did it. I remember thinking to myself that I was getting a lot of stage time to really work on things, but some stage time was not so helpful, and some of the groups were more of a frustration than anything.

I have always told myself that I do this for fun, and if it isn't fun anymore, then I wouldn't do it. Comedy City was more frustrating than fun, and so was CCC. So I had to quit those groups. Everything else has been a blast, but I am sure that I am going to have to make some tough decisions again once January hits.

This time, it won't have anything to do with frustration and fun. It actually has to do with improv not getting in the way of other priorities. I am not looking forward to some of the decisions I will have to make, but I have to remember that they are for the best.

I will still be doing improv in some capacity, but as to what that will be...only time will tell.

KCiF: 9

2009-09-14T10:14:00.003-05:00

I just want to say that Susan Messing and Mark Sutton put on one of the best improv shows I have seen in years, if not my entire life. You can tell that they have each been doing this for years and that they each have a wonderful sense of play. That being said, great festival, great crowds, great after parties...just great.

IA kicked off Saturday night and I felt really happy with the way the show turned out. We all were very calm before the show and I think that everyone came out ready to have fun, I know I did. Even better was the fact that we were then able to sit down and watch the next 3 groups go on. After the curtain call we went to tower tavern, drank, and reflected on a job well done by everyone involved. I think everyone was very pleased with how the festival was run.

It will be very interesting to see what happens next year.

So much improv so little time

2009-08-31T10:08:00.002-05:00

Friday was a fun IA show. We have some nice energy heading into the Festival next week, which should be a ridiculous show. Did I mention that we are playing on the headlining night...so we are going to be playing to a huge crowd. Not only that, but we kick off the whole show...getting excited just typing that.

There was also a poop ton of improv related shows and parties this weekend which made it impossible to attend everything, but my heart was with all of the shows that I missed. I heard that every show had some great attendance, and that always makes me happy. As long as we are putting on good shows for good crowds, then improv is succeeding in my book.

2009-08-26T12:42:00.001-05:00

Roving Imp

2009-08-24T12:10:00.002-05:00

Saturday I took advantage of my wife being out of town. I went down to the Roving Imp theater and watched 2 improv shows. Now, I haven't sat down and watched an improv show as a spectator in a while. Sure, I have watched other groups perform, and Thunderdome, but most of the time I am watching those shows like an improviser. Critiquing choices, critiquing format, etc...

But Saturday, I watched like I was in high school again. I got jealous of the laughter the people onstage were getting and I wanted to be that person on stage. I got jealous of the format that Omega Directive did in both halves, because I wanted to be up there performing in what looked like a ton of fun. But most importantly, I was an audience member who enjoyed my experience at the Roving Imp, because it was comfortable and entertaining.

I could have stayed at home and had a fire on a gorgeous night, I could have gotten some things done around the house, but I needed to go see a show and remind myself why we even do this. It is way to much fun, and it is especially more fun when you surround yourself with people who enjoy it as much as you.

I think we should all take advantage of the good shows that are being put on today. We didn't have the choices or the level of shows 10 years ago that we have today. Why not take some time to go see some improv instead of just performing. I think watching shows goes a long way in developing yourself as an improviser, just as much as rehearsal and performing does.

2009-08-20T09:56:00.002-05:00

Yes...he is grabbing her right breast...but is it me, or does he look upset about it?

Record Bar Show

2009-08-19T09:04:00.002-05:00

Had a great show last night with IA and the T5's at the Record Bar. Another good turnout and we both put on solid shows. I have to say, what impressed me the most was the support from other improvisers. Practically the whole Roving Imp clan made it out, and most of the Anomaly Orange people were there as well.

Playing in a bar is always an interesting venture, but Jared and Ed set it up so that we are there on a Tuesday night at 7 before anyone coming to see a concert shows up. So we don't have anyone there that just wants to talk and drink, most everyone came for the show.

They have had 2 total shows there now and both have been well attended. Hopefully there are more in the future.

I think I have talked about this before but I will again anyway. I really think a huge key to well attended shows is a joint effort from 2-3 groups. I personally think that a group who performs once a month for a year would have a better turnout if they shared that bill with a different group every month. The audience would see something different every time, and each group would play to a bigger crowd.

Roving Imp

2009-08-17T13:16:00.002-05:00

Dictionary Soup show Friday night...always a blast. I even got to play in a short form show before DS and that was equally fun. It was a random show, where we spun a wheel and whatever number it landed on...that was the short form game we played. We ended up playing some that I have never done, or haven't played in a very long time, and it made me realize how much fun short form is, and how much I miss it sometimes.

As for the DS show, John and I keep getting better suited to each other's style. We even had a conversation about how 2 person improv really depends on the two people on stage. Some people might not blend well, and some do. John and I really do. It's impossible to explain, because each show really is different. There are not any set rules to our show, you just have to trust me and come and see one for yourself.

We have been practicing this for 2 years, and performing it for a little over a year. Consistently, since January, we have done this show every month and I can really tell how consistency helps a show get better over time. The show has gone through some ups and downs, and we have really learned from it. It's nice to have a space where we can put on our show to learn what makes it the best show possible.

So That's Interesting

2009-08-14T13:08:00.003-05:00

In 2005 IA went to the Dallas Comedy Festival. We were green...we still did short form and were not practicing long form much. In fact, at that time, I am pretty sure we didn't even really know much about it at all.

There was group there called The Reckoning from IO in Chicago. They did a Harold both Friday and Saturday night and it was brilliant. One person stood out for me in that show and his name is Michael Patrick O'Brien. He doesn't know me and I don't know him, but he inspired me to become a better improviser that night.

Some people say that I play a female character very well. Well, the secret is out. I stole it from him. He played a female character in a way that I have never seen. He played it straight, without all the stereotypes a male usually plays when they are a female in a scene, again...brilliant. I always think back on his rendition whenever I play a female...always.

He was smart, witty, quick, but there was something else. He played smart and aggressive, he made people look good, he made himself look good. I knew, even then, that this guy had some serious improv talent.

I remember looking up the group when I got home and watching when their performances were. Whenever we were in Chicago I would check them out. Yes, I slowly became a stalker.

Last year I found out that he was going to be joining the Mainstage at Second City. I had to go. My wife played along and we went. I remember pointing him out to her telling her that he was hilarious. He didn't disappoint. Even then, I think I knew that he would end up somewhere like SNL and I think that is why I followed his shows.

Wednesday, I heard that he was hired as a writer for SNL...for some reason, I felt proud. As if, I knew all along that this guy was going to make it successfully as an improviser. I don't know if that was his goal, but it is still one hell of a job, and I am truly proud that I have looked up to him as an improviser.

John Robison told me that he took a level 3 class from this guy at IO and that he was one of his favorites. I didn't doubt that for a minute. I am glad I got a chance to see him before his name was known to America. Even though he will be famous now, I will still look up to him as an inspiration.

IA Rehearsal

2009-08-12T13:28:00.002-05:00

There still seems to be a lack of energy at some of our rehearsals. I don't know what it is but I hope that it is resolved soon. I left rehearsal feeling as if the group was split or separated by people there to have fun and people who seemed like they were forced to be there.

I often find myself feeling like I have been in every scene during a longform show, last night in rehearsal was very similar. There were a few people sitting down during scenes and I kept jumping in seeing opportunities to add to the scene. Even when there was an edit and a new scene needed to be started, I felt like I was involved too much.

But if they are sitting down not really putting forth the effort that I am, do I deserve to be the one to add, or to be the one to start? It really is starting to frustrate me. If you don't think the scene is fun, or if you don't think the form is fun, then why don't you try to help make it fun, instead of sitting there not participating and sucking out the energy.

I hate whining, but this has really started to bother me...sorry. I definitely don't want to call anyone out either so sorry if this is offensive. I just care about the shows I put on and when others don't show the same affection for it, I just get bothered. I also will be the first one to help make it better in any way.

Whiny Keith says goodbye for now...

God I Love Thunderdome

2009-08-10T13:27:00.003-05:00

It's great to see a team that was randomly drafted get together and put on a great show, but it is even better when you see all 3 teams put on a great show and then you don't know who to vote for. That's what happened at Saturday's show. I left the show wanting to see each group perform again. It's great to know that there are so many talented improvisers in Kansas City. I am definitely proud to be a part of the so called cult.

IA Rehearsal

2009-08-05T14:18:00.002-05:00

We came off of a great show at Lucky's last Saturday and had an ok rehearsal. We are gearing up for 2 months of exciting shows...but there is something missing. Every year there seems to be an exciting moment in an improv groups year and then there is that down moment. I feel as if IA is in that down moment. Maybe it is because everyone is doing multiple shows and working on the festival, therefor getting burnt out. Does anyone else ever have these moments? Do you just wait out the valleys and hope for another peak?

2009-08-03T14:58:00.002-05:00

This is my Dad's brother Don/Donna. It took 7 years and 18 surgeries for him/her to look like that. I bought him/her those earrings for Christmas last year. Don/Donna loved them. My Dad said not to encourage him/her.

Long time no blog

2009-08-03T14:25:00.002-05:00

Sorry...I could make excuses, but what's the point. I've been busy and facebook is the new blog..right...isn't that what the kids are saying?

Anyway, I'm back to blogging on a regular basis, seriously. I started this as an online diary of the improv news in my life. And I have missed a lot of news in these last few months.

In June IA went to the Twin Cities Improv Festival. We had a blast and I really love that city. Tommy is lucky to live their now. Their improv scene is light years ahead of ours and I have to admit, it made me jealous.

Oh yah, and I learned that an improv group should not eat at Chipotle before a show. I am pretty sure that every single one of us pooped before the show. A couple of us may have gone more than once. However, it was a good show...hmm.

Tommy moved to Minneapolis so our videos have been put on hold...that's right, on hold. If he is ever back in town, we will definitely work on some more.

Dictionary Soup, just keeps getting better and better. In fact, I have a feeling I will be getting more involved at Roving Imp as long as John allows it. He painted his stage blue...it's gorgeous.

Dennis Dupont has invited me to many private gigs that he assembled and Loaded Dice even asked me to help them with a show at the Record Bar with The Trip Fives that was packed! There will be another on August 18th with IA and the T5's that should be well attended also. It is an absolute honor to be asked to play with anyone, it makes me feel as if I may just be good at this thing called improv.

So much is coming up in my improv life. I promise I will blog consistently from now on...To Be Continued...

whew

2009-05-21T13:19:00.002-05:00

Wow...it has been a month since I have posted anything. Honestly, it has been a month since I have done improv...or I just can't remember. Sorry anyway...I will get back to posting more often...promise.

It's funny that I posted about Dictionary Soup, because that is what I want to talk about this time too.

It happened last Saturday. John and I have been talking about doing more in depth 2 man shows. We have been researching a lot of what TJ and Dave do in Chicago and are using them as inspiration. If you haven't seen them, do yourself a favor and see it. It is the perfect blend of a theater piece and an improv show. They are just talented men...enough said. Well, we did our best and put on a hell of a show last Saturday. It was very emotional and I left feeling like I spent an hour in therapy. I won't bore you by explaining it, but the characters were so challenging to play it was exhilarating.

A little over a year ago John and I did this to challenge ourselves to become better improvisers and we are still challenging ourselves today. I hope it continues the way that it is going because it is becoming my favorite improv show to perform.

There isn't much else coming up except for Thunderdome Season 4. We start rehearsing for that in June. After that, I will be focusing my efforts on Improv-Abilities going to Minneapolis. Should be a good time. I might even try to snag Tommy and make another video while we are up there...we'll see.

Improv Weekend

2009-04-13T16:00:00.002-05:00

This past weekend had to be one of the best improv weekends I have ever been a part of. Not counting the Chicago Improv Festival or any of the Kansas City Improv Festivals...but still...

It started Friday night at the Roving Imp. John and I have been doing consistent Dictionary Soup shows for almost a year now. Playing with him is like playing with either a great actor who happens to be great at improvising, or a great improviser who happens to be great at acting. Is that the same thing? Is it? I don't think it is and I will fight you if you disagree...but not face to face, just behind computer screens...because I have accepted the fact that I am weak and you could beat me up.

We played an absurd 45 minutes of improv, but reacted so real to the absurd situation, it was funny and touching. I love Dictionary Soup. It is truly a form of improv where I have complete trust in my partner and typically challenge myself to do something daring and different each time.

Thunderdome is a little bit more difficult to talk about. I know that the people I played with were not satisfied with the show that we put on. But I have to say that I was very pleased. In fact, I had a blast watching the other teams and performing. To me, the show came together really well. I don't want to say that it was the best show ever, but under the circumstances, I felt that I personally played for fun up there on stage. I didn't let the quiet or the weird get me down and I kept trying to improvise to the best of my ability even though it could have been tough to do so.

It has been almost 10 years since I started doing improv on a regular basis, and it is amazing to see the growth not only in me, but the improv community here in Kansas City. To be able to play monthly alongside so many talented people has definitely made me the improviser I am today. Thank you to everyone involved. I must be in a sappy mood, because I truly do appreciate everyone involved in the improv community and I don't know what I would do without it.

New Tommy and Keith Video

2009-03-31T14:04:00.001-05:00

2009-03-27T14:44:00.002-05:00

I always thought the way my parents taught my sister and I about sex was normal.

Things have been crazy

2009-03-26T13:45:00.002-05:00

Sorry,

It is hard to blog for the moment. There is so much going on with work school and of course, improv.

The show with the Trip Fives was great. It is always fun to perform on stage with a group you look up to.

Babelfish is rehearsing again for the TD championship coming up and we are just happy to even be a part of it.

Tuesday night was the draft for TD season 4. I have to say, it was a successful party, and every team is a very good team. I can't say that anyone of them are clear favorites to win. In fact, the competition should be great for each show.

Upcoming:

Dictionary Soup on Friday...haven't seen John in awhile, very excited to play with him this weekend.

Giddy

2009-03-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

This Saturday's upcoming show features Improv-Abilities and The Trip Fives performing separate and together. Wrap your mind around that one. Seriously...

Needless to say, I am incredibly excited for this show. It will actually be for fun, not for money, not for a certain format, but for fun. As an improviser, I think these are my favorite shows.

Phil Hartman's SNL Audition Tape

2009-03-04T15:54:00.000-06:00

Effing Brilliant!

Catching Up

2009-03-04T12:58:00.000-06:00

Been super busy. Funerals, School, Work, not a lot of time to write this here blog.

Just want to say that come May, things will get back to normal. Thanks for the patience.

In the meantime, the show went well, we had a good turnout, and we had a poop ton of fun.

Rehearsal this past Tuesday was good, IA is very excited to be playing with The Trip Fives.

A Fantastic Weekend Of Improv

2009-02-23T15:08:00.000-06:00

Friday - I was on the radio station that I work for and the afternoon DJ asked me about the show. We then proceeded to promote the show in an interesting way. Needless to say, it worked, and some people showed up because of it. Overall, the IA show at Lucky's was a lot of fun, and I loved hosting with John. Even though it was his last show, I know that he will still be involved in the KC improv community somehow.

Saturday - Dictionary Soup with John. Not much of a crowd, but it didn't matter. I think we challenged ourselves to do some dramatic stuff instead of going for the funny. I had to come home and talk about happy things with my wife, because the show was very emotional, but still a great and fun show.

Tuesday's rehearsal challenge - Slow down and enjoy the character

2009-02-17T15:06:00.002-06:00

This guy has the audacity to grab her ass...what a jerk.

Things are getting a little hairy

2009-02-16T14:02:00.002-06:00

So Babelfish won Thunderdome Saturday. It was great. I have to say, Stitch Tactics had me worried. They put on a great short form improv show. Really, if I was in the audience, it would've been a coin flip to me.

Needless to say, with the win, my improv schedule is getting hectic. Bare Tv is coming up, Dictionary Soup every month, Improv-Abilities every month, and now Babelfish in Thunderdome. On top of that, you have to rehearse for these shows.

I remember when I used to post about being in to many groups back in the winter of 2007. It's starting to happen again. I can only do so much and still have a life. I am going to have to do some serious changing and scheduling to keep this all going on.

Also, Improv-Abilities just found out that they were accepted into the Twin Cities Improv Festival. Looks like, school, work, and my wife will just have to wait their turn for my attention.

It's been a good improv week

2009-02-12T15:20:00.002-06:00

Don't get me wrong, hearing that IA didn't make it into the Chicago Improv Festival was a downer, but not really.

Babelfish got in and I couldn't be more happy for them. They deserve it.

Monday brought a great Babelfish rehearsal due to the fact that we came off of a very fun performance up in Liberty.

Tuesday brought the best Harold IA has ever done due in fact to John, Nathan, and Joe being high from the news of Babelfish.

Then yesterday, John and I got together to watch our last Dictionary Soup show. We had one note from one scene in the entire thing. We were so pleased with that show, that now we are worried that we can never duplicate that kind of smart and fun improv. Only time will tell.

As for this weekend. Thunderdome is sold out. I am not one for competition, but being involved in this for all of the seasons, and never getting past the first round, I find myself hungry for a win. If we don't, it's not a big deal, but it sure would feel nice.

Sad Tuesday

2009-02-06T15:34:00.001-06:00

We lost Caroline and John from IA Tuesday Night.

Sad night for sure. I will miss them both dearly.

Roving Imp

2009-02-03T14:55:00.002-06:00

One of the most fun shows I have ever been a part of.

John is an amazing improviser and I love his theater more and more every time I go there.

I will never look at panhandlers the same.

Thanks Roving Imp!

Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, whoooo-hoooo

2009-01-31T09:07:00.002-06:00

Finally...tonight is the night I get to do improv. It has been a little over a month since my last performance...maybe even 2 months. Needless to say, it has been too long.

Dictionary Soup tonight, Babelfish, and Thunderdome in the next couple of weeks as well. I will definitely get my fix with all of these shows. Feel free to come out to one if you can. They are always a blast.

Oh yah, I need to give myself a challenge while doing these shows: Patience, especially in longform. I want to do more patient scenes. Not so much go for the laugh, but develop the character, the relationship and find the funny within those. Good luck me.

2009-01-27T16:31:00.002-06:00

Christine, LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!! What do you mean how do you look? You look fine, but will you listen to me.... No, the black one is better. Ah crap, your mirror demon sliced your neck. Now we're gonna be late.

Dying to perform

2009-01-25T10:34:00.002-06:00

Seriously, I haven't done an improv show all month...what the hell is going on?

Oh wait...there is a plethora of shows coming up in the next few weeks:

Dictionary Soup
Thunderdome with Babelfish
and
IA

Thank God, I almost forgot what a stage looked like.

2009-01-22T14:41:00.002-06:00

After this picture, my cousin Dan threw this cake at his mom and screamed, "I hate you, I wanted a real laptop you idiot!"

My how a week will change your attitude

2009-01-16T15:57:00.001-06:00

So...excitement...it's back.

Improv had some great articles last week and I believe every improv show had a great audience last weekend. Each time I read an article or heard about a sold out show, it just made me want to get back into rehearsal and shows.

I had Babelfish rehearsal Monday and IA rehearsal Tuesday. I definitely played at a higher level, because I was amped up for each rehearsal. It doesn't all change in one week, but I am definitely noticing a change in my play. It helps when the community around you is also getting excited again. It will be interesting to see how the next few months unfold.

IA Rehearsal

2009-01-07T14:13:00.002-06:00

Last night was a very good rehearsal. We each talked about what we wanted to focus on and what we wanted to get better at, as individuals, within the group.

Nathan brought up a great point to me. He said that when he first started with IA, that I was the guy he wanted to be like. Not for being good at improv, but because I was a leader in the aspect of excitement about improv, and the overall group in general.

I have definitely lost some of that excitement. Some of it comes from spreading myself out there between many other groups, but most of it comes from my own selfishness.

No matter what the excuse, that translates onto the stage. I need to get back to that place again. I want to be an addicted improviser again. I want to be as excited as I once was. I definitely want to be looked up to as a role model for those coming into the scene.

Otherwise...how will we get others excited about it?

2009-01-06T14:00:00.002-06:00

I did an experiment with the government. They attached a camera to my eyes to record everything I could see, filled me up with LSD and other mind altering drugs, and sent me out onto the streets. My camera eye snapped a bunch of photos. I don't remember much of this, but I sure like the picture.

Jonesin

2009-01-05T16:22:00.003-06:00

The holiday break was good to get away from improv for awhile, but now I am definitely ready to get back to rehearsal, shows, and more rehearsal and shows.

Coming up this month is IA rehearsal, Babelfish rehearsal for Thunderdome, and John and I are going to rehearse the newish format of Dictionary Soup and of course the first meeting for Bare TV.

I am bursting with fruit flavor!

2009-01-03T10:56:00.001-06:00

When my nephew goes to his first High School Dance. I am going to show this picture to his date, to make sure that they don't go anywhere near first base.

Another Year Ending

2008-12-30T15:43:00.002-06:00

2008 is gone...what a year. Looking back through my blog I know that I wanted to focus on one or two major improv projects. IA got to go to the Chicago Improv Festival and John and I have finally made room for a two man improv show, Dictionary Soup, once a month, at his theater...which is way to much fun to have on stage at any given time.

2009 is going to be even more fun. IA is still a priority, but I can now spread that between Dictionary Soup and a new project in Bare TV. I am very excited for this, because it is an improvised late night talk show...but, I get to write and improvise on the fly. It will be different, challenging, and above all, exciting...I really can't wait for this to start.

On top of that I will be involved in Improv Thunderdome 3 with the super-indie improv group Babelfish.

The Kansas City Improv Festival will be somewhere in 2009, which I am sure I will have a hand in the education side of again.

and...on top of all of that, I will definitely be joining the Improv Gym on occasion.

Kansas City Improv has never been more fun or collaborative than it is going to be in 2009, there are going to be some fun shows, and I can't wait to be a part of them.

2008-12-17T14:17:00.002-06:00

Now what are the wife and I supposed to see on Christmas?

Recap

2008-12-16T15:52:00.002-06:00

Been busy with holiday stuff. Sorry.

I haven't even had time to miss improv which is really saying something. I did miss out on a couple of shows last weekend with IA, but I will make up for it very soon with a very hectic schedule picking up next year.

Tonight IA has rehearsal with no show coming up for awhile. It will be nice to rehearse with our new addition Jonathan without any worries about a show or formats or anything. With one rehearsal under his belt, I can tell that he is a perfect fit for IA. Besides, he is a Cubs fan, how can he do anything wrong?

IA Rehearsal

2008-12-03T12:46:00.002-06:00

Scott subbed in and took over rehearsal for the last hour. It was refreshing to go back to some improv tools that we haven't worked with in awhile. Scott really worked us hard and helped me personally get back to remembering that improv is about having fun and being in the moment. It is also about reacting and following the funny. Of course, it isn't hard to do that when your entire cast is focused on the same thing. Seems like I have typed this in the past...wish I could somehow make this a muscle memory in my brain whenever I play.

It seems that every year I hit a wall where I feel stagnant, but then rehearsals like this really help me remember why this art form is to much fun to ever quit.

Weekend Recap

2008-12-02T12:04:00.002-06:00

Got to see Corey and Mo after their show. Didn't get to see the show, but they have a run at Annoyance, and I don't think it will be the last run by any means. So, with fingers crossed, here's to hoping I can catch it. I heard great things.

Saturday saw an IA show at Lucky's. I have to get some things off of my chest.

We haven't had a good crowd at Lucky's in quite a long while. I don't know why. I for one still invite everyone out but our marketing and that location just don't mix anymore. We had 15 people there give or take a few...but what really bugs me the most is that location.

We are playing on a tile floor, so we are not completely free to improvise,the noise from upstairs is sometimes overpowering, especially for those seated in the back, and there has always been a foul odor, but last night it unleashed its fury on us all.

Halfway through our longform the stench hit the stage...it was hard to focus. I for one really don't want to play there any more. There, I said it...now it's out.

Oh, and just for clarification, the smell is...to say it nicely...like swimming in a septic tank that has been filled with 1000 year old poo...

Westport Coffeehouse and Roving Imp are becoming great venues the more and more I play there...I think all improv groups should band together and take advantage of the great spaces that they provide. Besides...they both smell great, and they have beautiful stages where you can play on the ground if you want and the audience can still see you!

Tuesday Rehearsal, show, updates

2008-11-26T08:29:00.003-06:00

First off, I am sad that I will be missing The Union on Friday night...I have to work. However, I know that Corey and Monique are super talented and that I will be able to see them again in Chicago someday. They already have a run at The Annoyance, so you know that they will be performing in Chicago for awhile.

Ryan has to leave IA because his plate is too full at the moment, he will be missed, he brought a great twist to our rehearsals, and he is a very funny man. I hope we will be playing with him again soon.

Rehearsal was great, we have a show this Saturday, and Caroline and I will be co-hosting the show together. I think that this will be very fun, we don't have to be in any of the games unless it needs it, so we can just focus on hosting and the longform at the end. I can't wait.

John and I are planning on watching a video of our 2 man show and chatting about what we can do differently. We have plenty of time till our next show in December.

Tommy and I have hooked up with Jerry Rapp. This man has much more video/directing/editing experience than we do...like he won several independent film awards with Mojave Phone Booth experience. He will be helping us record a few new videos over the holidays...so I promise, there will be more soon.

IA Rehearsal

2008-11-19T13:10:00.002-06:00

We are still getting comfortable with our organic long form. It is hard to rehearse every week when one or two or more of your group is missing. How can we get that group mind? I am not mad that people can't show up sometimes, trust me, I understand that life gets in the way of improv. I just know that it is necessary to rehearse consistently if you really do want to get better as a group, and I am pretty sure that is one of IA's goals.

It still went well, we have auditions coming up next Saturday with a workshop happening this Saturday. For all the info go to kcimprov.com or find us on facebook.

Tommy might be moving, so who knows what is going to happen with the videos that we have done, and want to do in the future. We'll just wait and see what happens with that.

Also, I have joined a new/old venture with Jared Brustad and Ed Doris called Bare TV. When I know everything about it, I will post it here. I am very excited to be doing this show starting in 2009 though.

2008-11-17T11:00:00.002-06:00

Dear Grandpa Jack, I told you it wasn't me who ate your last egg salad sandwich. Jerk

Saturday Show

2008-11-11T14:15:00.002-06:00

John and I had another Dictionary Soup show. I have to say that 2 person improv is some of the most fun improv I have ever done, but also the hardest. We also had the show recorded so that we can go back and see what worked and what didn't.

I can already tell what worked for the audience, quick edits, callbacks that happen 15 minutes later than expected, and anything John does.

What doesn't work is standing and talking in a scene. Especially if the talking isn't even moving the scene forward. I bet John and I will have a greater understanding of this after we watch the video.

On top of that, I heard that Tantrum is having great shows, Loaded Dice had a good show, CCC had a good show, and Makeshift Militia had a great show this weekend. I am just proud that there were more than one or two groups performing this weekend. Hope that continues to catch on.

Ugh

2008-11-06T15:15:00.002-06:00

I just don't have a lot of time to post like I used to.

It sucks, because I need to talk about improv...you know what I'm talking about. You just have to vent about things sometimes, especially when you are passionate about it. And that's what this blog is all about. Me talking about improv in my life. I have got to get back into this soon...for my own sake.

Anyway, Rehearsal Tuesday was distracting because there was some election going on or something. We ended up stopping early and some of us went to McCoy's to join a watch party.

The watch party was a lot of fun to be a part of. It was just such a historic night for America. Enough said.

This Saturday John and I will be doing our 2 man show "Dictionary Soup" without any rehearsal at all...we'll see how that goes...we are both still very positive about it because I trust him completely to play and have fun.

Other than that, holidays, school, and work are starting to take over all of the free time I had to give to improv...everything will smooth out soon.

Just a quick little note

2008-10-29T16:00:00.002-05:00

This is still kind of unofficial, but here you go anyway.

I am working for Afentra's Big Fat Morning Buzz on 96.5 the buzz.

I have been on-air a few times this week, but mainly I am Afentra's and Jeriney's Bitch.

I am helping them produce the show, while also learning how to produce the show.

This doesn't have much to do with improv, but improv definitely helped me get the job...so thanks improv.

Listen in won't you:

6-10am 96.5 the buzz...also streaming online. Yah, I said streaming, and it made me giggle...what of it?

sorry

2008-10-27T13:38:00.002-05:00

It has been very hectic lately. I have not had time to sit at my computer for more than 10 minutes and update my blog.

Things are starting to get back to normal though.

I need to talk about last Tuesday because I made such a big deal about it.

First I want to say that I love the communication in IA, we are able to vent our frustrations without worrying about hurting our directors feelings. However, we also need a solid director. Someone who can lead 110% with every one's trust. Unfortunately, there is not complete trust in our group right now. So, we had a sit down.

People were able to get some things off of their chest and the directors got to listen to what the group wanted to accomplish in a year's time.

Sadly, the meeting was over to quickly, we didn't get to finish everything we wanted to, but hey, we are passionate about this stuff, so one thing at a time. We did figure some things out as a group, and what would work best for us in the next year.

This Tuesday, we are going to finish off some of the topics and move on to the next Improv Festival. Hopefully, we can get everything discussed before time runs out, but most likely, this will take more than one meeting.

IA Show on Saturday

2008-10-20T12:44:00.002-05:00

It is kind of hard to talk about this show. There was good improv in the show, but as a group, we lacked confidence. Sadly, it stems from some frustrations with the format and what IA has been doing as a group as of late.

Luckily, we are having a meeting on Tuesday to talk about the direction of the group. We had a meeting like this last year and it was very helpful. We had a clear goal and a clear direction and we knew how we were going to get there.

It is definitely time for another one of those meetings. I can tell that the players are ready to say their piece about where we have come from, where we are, and where they all think we should be heading.

Communication is key in any team oriented situation. If we can't communicate with each other then we are not going to succeed as well as we know we can.

We'll see how it goes...

2008-10-17T14:04:00.001-05:00

I know what I want for Christmas!

IA show

2008-10-15T17:19:00.002-05:00

We had a private gig at a church last night. I think I might have said something to this effect. "When we are forced to play clean, we play very intelligent, and focus on relationships better." Something like that anyway. The show was great, the audience was great, and I had fun. (I know, this has been my response a lot lately, but I am having a hell of a time on stage lately)

It was a singles group meeting at a church in southern overland park. Yah, single religious people, but man, they were more responsive then some of those drunks we have to deal with, and of course they gave better suggestions. All around, a solid show by all involved.

I met with a small business adviser today about the possibility of opening an improv theater and bar. He was very excited with everything I had to offer and gave me a lot of great advice and research techniques to help us with our business plan. Joe and I are taking it very slow, in fact, we are only seeing if this is financially feasible, before taking the big plunge.

Roving Imp Saturday

2008-10-12T10:55:00.002-05:00

John and I had our 3rd Dictionary Soup show. I think we are really starting to find a rhythm with the show and with each other. It was a very fun show and it was over before I knew it started. John is so easy to play off of and he is fantastic at finding games within games within even more games. It is just plain fun to play with him, enough said.

Later that night Hype 7 invited me to be their monologist for an Armando, which I believe they were playing for the first time, in their show.

It was the first time I have ever been a monologist for an Armando, and I think I did well. I talked 3 times and each little story was true. It seemed to be great material, because the Hype 7ers came out and played the hell out of it. They looked like they had just as much fun as Tantrum did in their festival version of the Armando. They had some hilarious ideas and they edited very aggressively. Overall, a great evening of improv.

2008-10-09T15:50:00.002-05:00

My wife and I finally had the "should we have kids?" talk.
We both agreed on toilet discipline.

Chicago Recap

2008-10-07T22:19:00.002-05:00

My wife and I went as tourists this time around. We got to see some beautiful parts of downtown Chicago. It really was a great trip and neither of us were ready to come home.

While there we got to see The Second City main stage show "No Country For Old White Men." As an improviser, it was very hard to watch this show and not want to jump up and join in on the fun. The players looked like they were having a blast on stage. I feel like I have been saying that a lot lately. But I really am seeing a lot of fun being had on stage. Maybe that is what I am craving to do more.

IA had a private gig tonight at the Argosy casino for about 100 people or so. I had fun on stage, that's for sure. We did strictly short form improv. It has been awhile since I have done any short form, but it came back to me very quickly. Again, I had fun on stage...so to me, it was a great show.

I'm Going to Chicago

2008-10-01T09:05:00.002-05:00

My wife and I are taking a vacation to Chicago. I will tell you all about it when I get back.

2008-09-29T10:06:00.002-05:00

Every time my wife straightens her hair with the Infinity Conair Hair Straightener, I start to sing "How Do I Live" by Trisha Yearwood.

IA Rehearsal/Jill Bernard/Fear

2008-09-24T09:16:00.001-05:00

Last night was a great rehearsal night for IA. Everyone was really focused and we were all in a very playful mood. We are starting to figure out how to do our organic transitions in order to make our scenes better. We are definitely trying to get better all the time. I would hate it if we were just complacent at this point, thinking we are as good as we are going to get. If you are an improviser and you think there is nothing more you can learn...you are sadly mistaken. There is always something you can get better at...always.

I recently read something that Jill Bernard wrote about:

”Improv was still fun, but it didn't give me butterflies. I was getting cocky and complacent and I knew it. This makes me sound like an ass, but no one was challenging me. I had to do something. At that time I realized something that has become a central artistic philosophy for me. If you have some stupid idea, an idea that keeps you up at night because it seems impossible and it's scary and it's not like anything else; that is the thing you must do.”

The organic edits are definitely something that is scary for IA, sometimes we are hesitant, but last night, we didn't give a crap how we looked, we were just having fun. Some of the best scenes came out of our group organic edits. I know we can have this much fun on stage at our next shows too.

One year of improv blogging

2008-09-22T10:15:00.002-05:00

This morning I went back and read some of my first posts. Wow, what a difference a year makes. I was performing and rehearsing quite a bit a year ago. I am still performing and rehearsing quite a bit, but I have definitely learned how to space the shows and rehearsals out so that I still have time to mow the lawn and stay married.

The whole reason I started this blog was to keep an improv diary if you will. It was fun to read about some shows I had forgotten about, and the people I have performed with.

My weeks are much easier now, but there is definitely some things changing on the horizon:

1. Improv-Abilities is going to have another yearly meeting to go over goals for the next year and how we can keep improving as a team. We did the Chicago Improv Festival last year...what the heck could we do now?

2. Jerry Rapp has joined Tommy and I to make our videos sooooo much better. We are both very excited about working with a professional man in the film industry.

3. John Robison and I are finally able to do our 2 man show "Dictionary Soup" every second Saturday at Roving Imp. We have done a total of 2 of these shows, we are really looking forward to getting these shows more polished, and time will definitely help.

4. Joe Henley and I are really starting to get pretty serious about opening an improv dedicated theater here in Kansas City. The next step is to meet with a small business advisor and see if we could even make it work. (I will definitely keep you updated on this venture)

5. This coming Sunday, Nick Rigoli invited me to join a discussion about a sketch team. I definitely want to show up and see what could happen. I have always wanted to try sketch. I got to do some with Counter Clockwise Comedy last year, but it never felt like it was great or a that much of a team effort.

6. and finally...I don't want to improvise at Comedy City anymore...it just isn't fun. I love a lot of the people there, but it seems that everyone is leaving, or is planning on leaving. It was fun while it lasted, and I am glad that I got to be a part of that history.

Things are changing here in Kansas City, there are many more improv groups than there were at this time last year. It is still slowly growing thanks to City 3 and the Improv Festival. Thank God it is slowly growing, we couldn't handle it if it just blew up in our faces. I am excited to see what the next year brings for improv in Kansas City.

2008-09-19T11:57:00.001-05:00

How long could you survive chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor

51 seconds...thank god their extinct.

2008-09-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

I told Robert not to eat the clam chowder before riding Goliath.

2008-09-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

I bought this outfit yesterday for $450.
Do you think it was worth it?

Kansas City Improv Festival Part 2

2008-09-15T10:11:00.002-05:00

Local weekend:

Friday night I got to play with Loaded Dice. Some half naked lady danced around me, I pulled off my pants, ripped off a pair of dice taped to my boxers, and threw them to someone in the crowd. Weird? Yes, but at least I can tell my kids about it someday.

From that point on the night was a blast. Playing with Loaded Dice was very fun, it is a format inspired by Dan Izzo's road trip format, and it is as much fun as it looks.

Saturday night I found myself with IA. I had more of an investment with this group since I have been with them from the beginning. Again, very fun playing with these people. I had fun on stage and that is what I wanted to do this weekend. Just go out there and have fun.

The after parties were even more fun, because we got to all bask in the glory of this great event over great drinks and great atmosphere.

Someone asked me if this was a hobby. It was hard to answer that. It is a hobby, but it is also something that I love to do, and consider myself to be good at. But is that what a hobby is, something you love to do, and something you are good at? Or, is it just a hobby, because I can't make a living doing it?

Kansas City Improv Festival

2008-09-08T10:34:00.002-05:00

Dan Izzo and crew looked like they had fun, Dan Walsh and crew looked like they had a blast, Jill Bernard always looks like she is having fun, and the Der Monkenpickel guys definitely had fun. Is there a theme here?

The whole weekend was a blast. The shows, the people, the workshops, and of course...the after parties...and the after after parties by the river.

I now know why I do this, improv is fun. If you over think it, it becomes not fun. So, I plan on doing that this weekend, I am not going to think about how the show is going to be, I am just going to go out there and have fun with the people I love improvising with.

It was definitely a weekend not soon to be forgotten.

More importantly, the community is getting a lot out of it. Press, attention, name recognition, and excited young people who want to do what we do.

Last year, the festival spawned new groups and excited performers, I can't wait to see what this festival will do within the next year.

2008-09-04T08:51:00.001-05:00

The new glowing ball was introduced in the Developmental NBA today. Most players complained about the ball when it started burning off their skin.

Tidbits

2008-09-03T08:49:00.002-05:00

Last night's IA rehearsal was fun. John Robison directed our long form and he did a great job of reminding us that talking about stuff is boring. Relationships and finding the game (and playing the hell out of it) are more important. He is truly growing as a director and it is fun to watch.

Loaded Dice has asked me to perform with them in the Festival. It is a great honor to even be thought of and asked. I am very excited, I thought their format was very fun, and I can't wait to play with them. We are kicking off the set on Friday the 12th.

Then of course, IA is playing on the 13th, which will also be very fun.

A Great Effing Weekend

2008-09-02T11:50:00.002-05:00

I had an absolute blast at Improv Thunderdome Saturday. I played for fun, and got fun in return. I missed the 7pm show, but heard that both groups put on great shows. Then after Thunderdome, I heard many people say that this was one of the best rounds that they have ever seen. I know I had fun with Burnin Sternums on stage, Fluffer Nutter looked like two improv veterans playing with each other, and Type O Positive put on an absolutely hilarious set. I know I would have voted for Type O, they had funny, after funny, after funny. Well deserved win for sure. It was a great audience and a great night.

Now we have 2 more great weekends of improv ahead of us.

2008-08-28T11:34:00.002-05:00

I remodeled our living room while my wife was out of town last weekend. She did not like it.

Thunderdome Rehearsal

2008-08-26T07:59:00.003-05:00

It is going to be a very good show. Each team put on a great performance and I had a blast playing freeze tag with people I don't normally improvise with. This is the final round and I can't wait for the fun that is going to come out of this show. Who cares about winning right? I mean, it would be great to win, but the point to me is to challenge yourself as an improviser, and play with people you normally don't play with. Come on out if you have the time.

Had a fun Saturday

2008-08-25T08:34:00.002-05:00

The day started with Burnin Sternum's rehearsal. We must have all taken our vitamins that morning because we had some great sets. The focus was amazing, the listening was keen, and we all stuck to the funny well. Then came Roving Imp. I got there early to rehearse with John for a bit, but we mostly just talked improv for a good hour and a half. (which is a great way to rehearse sometimes, because you learn more about your partner that way.) The audience started pouring in about 6:30pm and they just kept coming in. About 30-40 people were there in total and in the Roving Imp, that feels like a huge audience. They were also energetic, so we fed off of their energy all night. John and I had a blast during our 2-man performance, and each set was fantastic. The night was great. It ended with a quick game of guitar hero, which is the perfect improv set dessert.

Roving Imp nerves

2008-08-21T08:28:00.002-05:00

I get to rehearse with John tomorrow before our 2 man longform show on Saturday. I really am excited about it because it is such a challenge for 2 people to maintain a world of characters for 40-50 minutes. Luckily, John is an easy improviser to work with and I always find some way to have fun on stage. I wasn't nervous at all until John said that a reporter and a photographer from the Star would be there. I don't know why that makes me nervous, but it does. More so for John, because he is finally getting some well deserved attention, and I want to put on a great show at his theater to represent Roving Imp well. Send an improv prayer up to Del for us please.

2008-08-18T12:43:00.002-05:00

So I bought this underwear online because I am trying to go green. You wear them one day and then you can eat them. Turns out, it is not as cool as it sounds. Maybe I should try them in the winter when I am not so sweaty.

upcoming events

2008-08-14T09:44:00.002-05:00

I am getting very excited for the next few weekends.

On the 23rd John Robison and I are going to perform our 2-man improv show called Dictionary soup at the Roving Imp Theater. Both of us have gotten much better since the last time we have tried this. It is very fun performing with John, he is so attentive, and so playful. It will be fun for sure.

On the 30th Burnin Sternums performs at the Improv Thunderdome. This is always a blast, some people get caught up in the competition, but I just want to play with people I don't normally play with, and have fun. On top of that I hope the audience has fun too.

Then of course after that is the wonderful and exciting Kansas City Improv Festival. Number 8 for those who are counting. It will be stressful for some, but for me it will be an absolute blast. I can't wait to see the performers, and see how the community comes together to put on this wonderful festival. For a local improviser, this is what it is all about. Bringing back those who helped start everything and celebrating what we are still producing today.

It's fun to be an improviser in Kansas City right now.

2008-08-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

I found water on Mars

2008-08-08T09:14:00.000-05:00

Best First Date Ever!!

Tom Farnan is a good improv coach

2008-08-06T09:58:00.002-05:00

He didn't hold back. That's why. After watching us do some two person scenes, he called each and every one of the IA people out. He challenged us to change our habits, kicked our ass, and then built us back up. It was a lot of fun to have an outside perspective tell you what your crutches in scenes are.

After that, he showed us how to do some typical short form games, and make them more fun to play.

Thanks Tom.

Sorry

2008-08-05T09:26:00.003-05:00

I have been busy...my computer is being weird...Sorry for the delay in posting.

Saturday morning Tommy and I got up and helped out with a campaign video. The script was well written so we didn't have to improvise to much. Tommy played a scary knife man, while I played a candidate walking door to door. Hilarity ensued. Once the video is posted I will share it here.

Tommy and I have not had a lot of time to work on videos this summer, but we are about to go at them pretty hard in the next few weeks. We both have some fun ideas and we are starting to get comfy with the process.

In improv related news Tom Farnan is going to be teaching IA how to start a scene faster to get to the meat of the scene faster. I can't wait.

2008-07-31T11:14:00.000-05:00

This is why we shouldn't mess with the Chinese.

2008-07-30T11:15:00.001-05:00

You should have seen my amazement when I shot this cardboard beast. The animals blood was red packing peanuts.

Improv Topic for July

2008-07-29T09:03:00.003-05:00

I will answer them all in question form:

What is the importance of improv attire?

What is the importance of your comfort on stage when performing?

Should troupes care about what other improvisers think of them?

Who are you to critique anyone? Don't we all have butt holes?

Is there such a thing about being too nice? Too blunt?

Doesn't it take two to communicate between director and performer?

How important is your opening/show/house music?

What is more important, the show, or the music?

At what point does "profit" come into the improv equation?

Who is making a "significant" profit doing improv in Kansas City?

What is the best amount of time between shows?

What is best for you?

What a fantastic weekend

2008-07-28T21:03:00.002-05:00

I had a great weekend participating in and watching the improv I was able to be a part of this weekend. Between the Fringe Fest, Roving Imp, Burnin Sternums rehearsal, and Thunderdome, you would think that I would be burnt out or need a break from Improv. But, I will be honest, I would like to do that every weekend if I could. It was fun hanging out with everyone after shows and chatting. Here's to another few weeks before the Festival gives me my fix again. Oh yah, and thank God for a very understanding wife.

2008-07-25T09:17:00.000-05:00

I always knew those Trolls hated Barbie

2008-07-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

I have always been a very good painter, so I thought I would paint a self portrait based on the picture above. What I painted is below. What do you think?