Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Strange things a' happening
So last Saturday, the snow caused the shows to be canceled. It was a big ol' bummer. But we are gearing up for the Roving Imp Coffee Shop! Pretty exciting! Shortly after the first of the year it is going to be up and running! Also we are going to have the TJ and Dave movie at the Imp on New Years Day- evening! You don't have anything else to do... You should come on over! <3
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Halloween at the Roving Imp
Hey, this is David from 92 Monsters From History and formerly from Survivor. Over the course of the past year, I've been doing the graphic design for a few shows at the Roving Imp. This is actually an image I designed for Halloween a year ago before I did any graphic design. I wanted to post it to wish everyone a safe and funny Halloween!
In fact, if you're around Bonner Springs on Halloween night, come by the Roving Imp for some Trick-or-Treats with Arnold at 7pm and the long awaited return of GAME SHOW: Match Game at 9pm! At the Roving Imp, the Tricks are the Treats...and so are the prices. There is no where else in town you can get entertainment like this for under $10!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
ImpFest
James here. This is a note from my Facebook page, but it belongs here as well.
The three greatest tragedies of my life (to date):
1) Missing ImpFest '09, which is happening this weekend at the Roving Imp Theater.
2) Missing ImpFest '09, which is happening this weekend at the Roving Imp Theater.
3) Missing ImpFest '09, which is happening this weekend at the Roving Imp Theater.
If you are in Kansas City, have any interest in Improv, and DON'T have already have a ticket in your hand for every single performance during ImpFest, you are CRAZY.
Why?
Because this thing is epic. This thing is huge. This thing WILL be the biggest thing to happen to Kansas City Improv since the first Thunderdome - and I have no doubt that it will contribute just as much to the renovation of Kansas City Improv as Thunderdome has.
Doubter McGrumpypants says "Wait, James... why? The Roving Imp has quality shows and workshops weekly, why is this so special?"
Because it's the first ever ImpFest - that is, a large, exciting, sell-out event that screams the thrill of Improvisational Comedy to all who can hear it in this budding improv scene. And nothing stirs an Improv Community like a festival - just ask this devotee, whose revival of improv career was caused by the amazingly inspirational Kansas City Improv Festival in 2007.
But ImpFest '09 is important for a whole 'nother reason: If you haven't noticed, the Roving Imp Theater is the only professional improv theater in Kansas City. And when it opened its doors in April '07, there was unbelievable excitement - but also lingering worry... would the Imps be able to draw crowds consistently, a feat that is disturbingly hard for improv troupes? Would the theater be able to garner enough interest from local improv diehards to make it a mainstay of Kansas City improvisers, a scattering of whom hold thinly veiled grudges against newer, less experienced troupes? And... dare I even say it... would the theater be able to stay open?
As the miraculous success of the Roving Imp Theater escalated, these worries became things of the past - and ImpFest most certainly doesn't cement the success of RI - that has already become well established, just a couple years after it's opening. No, ImpFest '09 is a celebration of the triumph of the Roving Imp Theater - it's a beautiful, incredible way of saying "We made it. We're here to stay, and we are going to be rocking KC improv for as long as we want."
And Festivals do something pretty amazing - they grow. They get bigger, better, wilder, and more insane every year. And years from now, when the Roving Imp is selling out $35 tickets to dozens of shows over a week of incredible improv acts from all over the country, we'll only be able to wonder how this thing ever started.
Exaggeration? Well, let's look at another festival that occurred less than ten years before the Roving Imp's opening - in March of 1998. This festival had only 10 more troupe performances than ImpFest '09, and they were also performed in one relatively small theater.
That was, of course, the Chicago Improv Festival, which is now the single biggest improv festival in the world, bringing in over a hundred of the most incredible improv shows in the world every year, and entertaining nearly 10,000 audience members annually (not to mention teaching hundreds of improvisers in workshops). That happened in about ten years.
So here's ImpFest, Year One. And however incredible it will be (and trust me, it will be), it also brings future promise, potential, and possibility not just to the Roving Imp Theater, but to the entire KC Improv Community. It begins a saga - a tradition that will amaze us all by how quickly it surpasses itself.
Don't you dare miss this. You'll be regretting it for the rest of your improv life.
Like me, who will be twitching with jealousy from Germany.
Be there.
1) Missing ImpFest '09, which is happening this weekend at the Roving Imp Theater.
2) Missing ImpFest '09, which is happening this weekend at the Roving Imp Theater.
3) Missing ImpFest '09, which is happening this weekend at the Roving Imp Theater.
If you are in Kansas City, have any interest in Improv, and DON'T have already have a ticket in your hand for every single performance during ImpFest, you are CRAZY.
Why?
Because this thing is epic. This thing is huge. This thing WILL be the biggest thing to happen to Kansas City Improv since the first Thunderdome - and I have no doubt that it will contribute just as much to the renovation of Kansas City Improv as Thunderdome has.
Doubter McGrumpypants says "Wait, James... why? The Roving Imp has quality shows and workshops weekly, why is this so special?"
Because it's the first ever ImpFest - that is, a large, exciting, sell-out event that screams the thrill of Improvisational Comedy to all who can hear it in this budding improv scene. And nothing stirs an Improv Community like a festival - just ask this devotee, whose revival of improv career was caused by the amazingly inspirational Kansas City Improv Festival in 2007.
But ImpFest '09 is important for a whole 'nother reason: If you haven't noticed, the Roving Imp Theater is the only professional improv theater in Kansas City. And when it opened its doors in April '07, there was unbelievable excitement - but also lingering worry... would the Imps be able to draw crowds consistently, a feat that is disturbingly hard for improv troupes? Would the theater be able to garner enough interest from local improv diehards to make it a mainstay of Kansas City improvisers, a scattering of whom hold thinly veiled grudges against newer, less experienced troupes? And... dare I even say it... would the theater be able to stay open?
As the miraculous success of the Roving Imp Theater escalated, these worries became things of the past - and ImpFest most certainly doesn't cement the success of RI - that has already become well established, just a couple years after it's opening. No, ImpFest '09 is a celebration of the triumph of the Roving Imp Theater - it's a beautiful, incredible way of saying "We made it. We're here to stay, and we are going to be rocking KC improv for as long as we want."
And Festivals do something pretty amazing - they grow. They get bigger, better, wilder, and more insane every year. And years from now, when the Roving Imp is selling out $35 tickets to dozens of shows over a week of incredible improv acts from all over the country, we'll only be able to wonder how this thing ever started.
Exaggeration? Well, let's look at another festival that occurred less than ten years before the Roving Imp's opening - in March of 1998. This festival had only 10 more troupe performances than ImpFest '09, and they were also performed in one relatively small theater.
That was, of course, the Chicago Improv Festival, which is now the single biggest improv festival in the world, bringing in over a hundred of the most incredible improv shows in the world every year, and entertaining nearly 10,000 audience members annually (not to mention teaching hundreds of improvisers in workshops). That happened in about ten years.
So here's ImpFest, Year One. And however incredible it will be (and trust me, it will be), it also brings future promise, potential, and possibility not just to the Roving Imp Theater, but to the entire KC Improv Community. It begins a saga - a tradition that will amaze us all by how quickly it surpasses itself.
Don't you dare miss this. You'll be regretting it for the rest of your improv life.
Like me, who will be twitching with jealousy from Germany.
Be there.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How to Name Your Improv Troupe
James here. A friend of mine asked on a Facebook status for tips on how to name a troupe.
Those of us who are born and bred Roving Imps know that we must always follow the Roving Imp Code: When somebody asks a question about improv, you must give your opinion! And thus, here was my answer. (Notice: all content is protected property of the Roving Imp Theater)
There are a few routes to go with this:
The "Trish Berrong" method: Pick a one-word name that has some sort of attitude, showing your audience that improv is Kool! (Kansas City examples: Tantrum, Spite)
The "Displacement" method: Pick a term from an activity that's cooler than Improv, such as a sports term or game terms. (Kansas City examples: The Trip Fives, Loaded Dice)
The "Coming to Terms" method: Pick a name that isn't cool at all and just says exactly what you're doing, as a way to show that you're not ashamed of who you are. (Kansas City examples: Comedy City, Improv-Abilities)
The "Improv Kanz be Sexy" method: Pick a name that tries to combine improv with sex appeal. Note: It's a trap. Improv has no sex appeal. (Kansas City examples: Full Frontal Comedy, Scriptease)
The "Vitalogy" method: Pick a name that sounds good, even if it doesn't mean anything. This method is named for a certain Pearl Jam album. (Kansas City examples: Anomaly Orange, Babel Fish)
The "Brainchild" method: Think of a really cool and clever name that the audience can figure out if they spent enough time thinking about it, even though they almost certainly won't do so. [Kansas City examples: Makeshift Militia (get it? It means "improv" "group"), Roving Imp (get it? backwards it's imp-roving)]
If none of these work for you, go to the drawing board with the vision you have for your team: how many people are you? what kind of improv are you doing? What is the first thing you want people to think when they here of you? What are some adjectives that would describe your troupe?
As a free bonus, here are some example names generated out of my own genius:
Scorpions with Crossbows
Sisyphusalis
Zombie Jabberwocky
Captain Caboodle and the Big Wet Noodle
Improvirginity
Ten Thousand Demons
Laughing Grass
Tzar Chasm
More Ray Eel
The Improvtastic Spectaculastic!
@@@ (Pronounced "at at at". If !!! can be a band, this is fair game)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Distance - it's how you look at it.
Places that seem far away, but are among the coolest things in the city, and are a great way to spend a few hours:
Arrowhead/Kaufman Stadiums
Deanna Rose Farm
Great Mall of the Great Plains
Harry Truman Presidential Sites
India Palace in Lawrence
Renaissance Festival
Roving Imp Theater
Places that are actually too far away:
Atchison
Branson
Broadway
Horsehead Nebula
Las Vegas
Moon
Omaha Zoo
le Sorbonne
St. Louis
Arrowhead/Kaufman Stadiums
Deanna Rose Farm
Great Mall of the Great Plains
Harry Truman Presidential Sites
India Palace in Lawrence
Renaissance Festival
Roving Imp Theater
Places that are actually too far away:
Atchison
Branson
Broadway
Horsehead Nebula
Las Vegas
Moon
Omaha Zoo
le Sorbonne
St. Louis
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Omega Directive
The writer of this post is not a member of Omega Directive, but instead an audience member at any possible instance. The groups at the Roving Imp are all phenomenal and always a joy to watch. But I think that Omega Directive is an amazing amalgamation of the most experienced and talented improvisers in...well anywhere. For anyone doubting the efficacy of improv to bring out real emotion in their audience, doubt may be ceased when you go see Omega Directive. Try it out, you'll never leave again!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Quality Keeps Coming
The shows these past two weekends have really brought to light the new focus on high quality we've been working on lately. Last weekend's Robot Parade, One, 92 Monsters, and Red Rubber Ball, combined with this weekend's It's Debatable and TrivProv have been successful... and that's saying something, seeing as the various casts for these shows comprised 20 separate performers.
Little highlights from each:
RP: Proof that beginners with passion paired with a format in which they can be successful can entertain audiences just as well as pros.
One: An amazing cast that keeps getting better... this month was Jen's first show, and we'll be adding Jeremy next month. It's going to be our next super pro group.
92: Probably the weakest overall show of the past two weeks, but still plenty entertaining, especially when considering it was the debut of a brand new show as well as falling on a special night combining an RI ensemble with an outside ensemble with no prior rehearsal.
RRB: A top-notch cast so funny that there were a record number of cast break-ups. Even me, a guy who can count on one hand the number of break-ups in the past two years.
Debate: You know you're doing something right when you can delight all shades of improv audience from experienced to brand-spanking-new with a non-scenic improv show. They're tough to pull off, and even harder to pull off well. I will be indebted to James for a long time for coming up with this format.
TProv: Even though I keep freakin' losing, the improv is getting better and better. Guy and I work well together - he's unmatched when it comes to telling an interesting story, which left me open to do what I do best - play weird, funny, and unexpected characters with depth and relationships. Our scenes sometimes lasted 10 minutes... but were still interesting and fun. The show lasted a half hour longer than any show has lasted here before, and the audience was right there with us the whole time.
Sometimes I think about the awesome art and comedy we're creating here after just two and a half years, and I can't help but wonder what we're in for in a couple more... let alone five, ten, or 20.
Little highlights from each:
RP: Proof that beginners with passion paired with a format in which they can be successful can entertain audiences just as well as pros.
One: An amazing cast that keeps getting better... this month was Jen's first show, and we'll be adding Jeremy next month. It's going to be our next super pro group.
92: Probably the weakest overall show of the past two weeks, but still plenty entertaining, especially when considering it was the debut of a brand new show as well as falling on a special night combining an RI ensemble with an outside ensemble with no prior rehearsal.
RRB: A top-notch cast so funny that there were a record number of cast break-ups. Even me, a guy who can count on one hand the number of break-ups in the past two years.
Debate: You know you're doing something right when you can delight all shades of improv audience from experienced to brand-spanking-new with a non-scenic improv show. They're tough to pull off, and even harder to pull off well. I will be indebted to James for a long time for coming up with this format.
TProv: Even though I keep freakin' losing, the improv is getting better and better. Guy and I work well together - he's unmatched when it comes to telling an interesting story, which left me open to do what I do best - play weird, funny, and unexpected characters with depth and relationships. Our scenes sometimes lasted 10 minutes... but were still interesting and fun. The show lasted a half hour longer than any show has lasted here before, and the audience was right there with us the whole time.
Sometimes I think about the awesome art and comedy we're creating here after just two and a half years, and I can't help but wonder what we're in for in a couple more... let alone five, ten, or 20.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Vote for the Imp!
KMBC television is searching for the best improv group in the city, and Roving Imp is among the options... and clearly one of your best choices! Think of the consistent quality that RI brings you every week, the variety of great shows and formats appealing to both adults and families, the friendly atmosphere, and the low prices, and then go to this web site to vote for the Imp. We've never won any prizes, awards, or accolades before, and we feel like it's about time. Don't you?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
How to Follow That?
Wow...
after James posted that... amazingness, who could even think of following that?
I almost busted out some James-prov and murdered my scene partners last night... well they weren't my scene partners, I was on the side... but I think it would have been fun! The scene got edited a second too soon!
Roving Imp has been AMAZING lately, feels like every thing is taking off after the summer! Come on over to check out the awesomeness!
after James posted that... amazingness, who could even think of following that?
I almost busted out some James-prov and murdered my scene partners last night... well they weren't my scene partners, I was on the side... but I think it would have been fun! The scene got edited a second too soon!
Roving Imp has been AMAZING lately, feels like every thing is taking off after the summer! Come on over to check out the awesomeness!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Imp Imp Imp
James here.
Okay, I'm off for Germany. And since I'm not going to be around to play in any more Roving Imp shows, I've got to train the future Imps. So, here we go - the best kept secret in Kansas City.
The Rules of James-Prov
Rule 1. Improv is about story-telling. Don't be subtle about it. Tell the audience what's happening and what's going to happen next instead of letting them watch it unravel. It's important to force the plot so things don't lose control. Stop the scene if you need more time to explain to the audience what's going on.
Example:
JOHN: Karen... I think that we should get divorced.
NIFER: What? But we're so happy together!
JOHN: Well, I don't know. I mean, when we first got married, you were -
JAMES: Little did these two know, but aliens had landed just minutes away from their house and were fast arriving to annihilate the couple.
JOHN: Um... what I was saying was, when we first got married -
NIFER: Did you hear something outside?
JOHN: Yes! It was -
JAMES: Aliens. The next word he was going to say was aliens. Yes, the alien race had declared war on Earth years ago, and just now were enacting the final stages of the global termination.
JOHN: No, I wasn't going to say Aliens, I was -
JAMES: (as an Alien) Die Earthlings! Suck alien lead! (shoots John and Nifer)
Rule 2. About 9 out of 10 scenes should end with one or more character dying. Keep a fully stocked arsenal of pantomime weapons handy.
Example:
JOHN: Gee, Tommy, it's sure been a fun day at the fair!
JAMES: Yeah dad. Only one thing could make it better!
JOHN: Cotton candy? Hula hoops? A raffle?
JAMES: Nope. Your head on my trophy wall. (pulls out pantomime sword)
JOHN: Tommy! Where did you get that inflatable toy sword? Did you win that?*
JAMES: No. I had it hidden. And it's not inflatable, it's real. Die! (kills John)
*Note - John is trying to save his character's life. Don't let your scene-partner pull a stunt like this.
Rule 3. Keep total control over the scene. If something happens that you don't like, either ignore it or find a way to undo it.
Example:
NIFER: Billy. I just got a phone call. Your wife was killed in a freak accident.
JAMES: You should leave. My wife will be here soon.
NIFER: Um...Billy, I don't think you heard what I just said.
JAMES: No, you didn't say anything. My wife is alive. Why wouldn't she be?
NIFER: Because I just got a phone call saying -
JAMES: TIME MACHINE BALL! (Throws some sort of pantomime ball onto the ground)
NIFER: (sighing) So did we just go back in time -
JAMES: Yes. To the split second before my wife died, and now she's alive again. Also she's invincible so she can't die again. But you can! (pulls out pantomime spear and impales Nifer)
NIFER: Oh no I am dead... I guess...
Rule 4. Your scene partner will betray you. The only way to stop it is to betray them first.
Example:
JOHN: I'm going bowling. You can come if you want.
JAMES: I don't think you're going anywhere. (smiles evilly)
JOHN: Um...actually, I'm going bowling.
JAMES: You'll find that difficult with NO BOWLING ALLEY!
JOHN: ...why isn't there -
JAMES: Because! I phoned in an air strike and had the bowling alley destroyed. I knew you would want to go bowling so I decided to foil your plans!
JOHN: I guess you sure showed me. I'll have to go to a movie instead.
JAMES: Heh...good luck. I actually called in an airstrike on the movie theater as well.
JOHN: I didn't say which one I was going to. I'm not going to the one you blew up.
JAMES: I blew up all of them.
JOHN: You blew up every movie theater in the city?
JAMES: I blew up every movie theater ever. Plus, I poisoned that sandwich you ate for lunch. You're dying as we speak.
JOHN: I threw up the sandwich. So I'm not dying.
JAMES: Oh yeah? Well, then... now this is happening! (pulls out pantomime gun and shoots John a bunch of times)
JOHN: I was wearing a bullet proof vest.
JAMES: I shot you in the head.
JOHN: Okay...I guess I'm dead.
JAMES: I'm so very clever.
Rule 5. Only play a character for as long as he or she (yeah, right) is interesting. Switch characters mid-scene if you have to.
Example:
NIFER: Isn't this waterfall pretty, Thomas?
JOHN: Yes, Gloria, and it has the colors of your eyes.
JAMES: (in British accent) Huh-oh, Cheerio mates. I'm looking for a waterfall. Can you point me in the right - oh, why there it is!
JOHN: Yes. Don't you think this waterfall is pretty, random British guy who just walked in and took the focus?
JAMES: (in horribly offensive Japanese accent) Oh! You think me British! That exactly what I want you think! I actually Japanese!
JOHN: Well, regardless of what ethnicity you are, don't you think -
JAMES: Stop talking. I need to say something.
NIFER: What is it?
JAMES: I'm not really a man at all. I'm actually a BEAR! (mauls Nifer and kills her)
There you go. Now you can be an improv rockstar just like me. Enjoy your newly founded comedy skills.
Okay, I'm off for Germany. And since I'm not going to be around to play in any more Roving Imp shows, I've got to train the future Imps. So, here we go - the best kept secret in Kansas City.
The Rules of James-Prov
Rule 1. Improv is about story-telling. Don't be subtle about it. Tell the audience what's happening and what's going to happen next instead of letting them watch it unravel. It's important to force the plot so things don't lose control. Stop the scene if you need more time to explain to the audience what's going on.
Example:
JOHN: Karen... I think that we should get divorced.
NIFER: What? But we're so happy together!
JOHN: Well, I don't know. I mean, when we first got married, you were -
JAMES: Little did these two know, but aliens had landed just minutes away from their house and were fast arriving to annihilate the couple.
JOHN: Um... what I was saying was, when we first got married -
NIFER: Did you hear something outside?
JOHN: Yes! It was -
JAMES: Aliens. The next word he was going to say was aliens. Yes, the alien race had declared war on Earth years ago, and just now were enacting the final stages of the global termination.
JOHN: No, I wasn't going to say Aliens, I was -
JAMES: (as an Alien) Die Earthlings! Suck alien lead! (shoots John and Nifer)
Rule 2. About 9 out of 10 scenes should end with one or more character dying. Keep a fully stocked arsenal of pantomime weapons handy.
Example:
JOHN: Gee, Tommy, it's sure been a fun day at the fair!
JAMES: Yeah dad. Only one thing could make it better!
JOHN: Cotton candy? Hula hoops? A raffle?
JAMES: Nope. Your head on my trophy wall. (pulls out pantomime sword)
JOHN: Tommy! Where did you get that inflatable toy sword? Did you win that?*
JAMES: No. I had it hidden. And it's not inflatable, it's real. Die! (kills John)
*Note - John is trying to save his character's life. Don't let your scene-partner pull a stunt like this.
Rule 3. Keep total control over the scene. If something happens that you don't like, either ignore it or find a way to undo it.
Example:
NIFER: Billy. I just got a phone call. Your wife was killed in a freak accident.
JAMES: You should leave. My wife will be here soon.
NIFER: Um...Billy, I don't think you heard what I just said.
JAMES: No, you didn't say anything. My wife is alive. Why wouldn't she be?
NIFER: Because I just got a phone call saying -
JAMES: TIME MACHINE BALL! (Throws some sort of pantomime ball onto the ground)
NIFER: (sighing) So did we just go back in time -
JAMES: Yes. To the split second before my wife died, and now she's alive again. Also she's invincible so she can't die again. But you can! (pulls out pantomime spear and impales Nifer)
NIFER: Oh no I am dead... I guess...
Rule 4. Your scene partner will betray you. The only way to stop it is to betray them first.
Example:
JOHN: I'm going bowling. You can come if you want.
JAMES: I don't think you're going anywhere. (smiles evilly)
JOHN: Um...actually, I'm going bowling.
JAMES: You'll find that difficult with NO BOWLING ALLEY!
JOHN: ...why isn't there -
JAMES: Because! I phoned in an air strike and had the bowling alley destroyed. I knew you would want to go bowling so I decided to foil your plans!
JOHN: I guess you sure showed me. I'll have to go to a movie instead.
JAMES: Heh...good luck. I actually called in an airstrike on the movie theater as well.
JOHN: I didn't say which one I was going to. I'm not going to the one you blew up.
JAMES: I blew up all of them.
JOHN: You blew up every movie theater in the city?
JAMES: I blew up every movie theater ever. Plus, I poisoned that sandwich you ate for lunch. You're dying as we speak.
JOHN: I threw up the sandwich. So I'm not dying.
JAMES: Oh yeah? Well, then... now this is happening! (pulls out pantomime gun and shoots John a bunch of times)
JOHN: I was wearing a bullet proof vest.
JAMES: I shot you in the head.
JOHN: Okay...I guess I'm dead.
JAMES: I'm so very clever.
Rule 5. Only play a character for as long as he or she (yeah, right) is interesting. Switch characters mid-scene if you have to.
Example:
NIFER: Isn't this waterfall pretty, Thomas?
JOHN: Yes, Gloria, and it has the colors of your eyes.
JAMES: (in British accent) Huh-oh, Cheerio mates. I'm looking for a waterfall. Can you point me in the right - oh, why there it is!
JOHN: Yes. Don't you think this waterfall is pretty, random British guy who just walked in and took the focus?
JAMES: (in horribly offensive Japanese accent) Oh! You think me British! That exactly what I want you think! I actually Japanese!
JOHN: Well, regardless of what ethnicity you are, don't you think -
JAMES: Stop talking. I need to say something.
NIFER: What is it?
JAMES: I'm not really a man at all. I'm actually a BEAR! (mauls Nifer and kills her)
There you go. Now you can be an improv rockstar just like me. Enjoy your newly founded comedy skills.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
ImpFest Groups
ImpFest is coming in October - the 22nd through 25th, so put it on your calendar now! It's a great way to see some of the best ensembles in Kansas City all on the same stage!
Here are the groups you'll see. How many of them do you recognize?
Anomaly Orange
Biblioclast
Brownies Never Lie
Coma Chameleon
Dictionary Soup
Improv Abilities
Omega Directive
One
Spite
Tantrum
TrivProv
Here are the groups you'll see. How many of them do you recognize?
Anomaly Orange
Biblioclast
Brownies Never Lie
Coma Chameleon
Dictionary Soup
Improv Abilities
Omega Directive
One
Spite
Tantrum
TrivProv
Monday, July 27, 2009
Makeovers
Makeovers seem to be all the rage these days... and the Roving Imp is not immune!
The theater received a makeover this weekend, with some great new changes. Stop by this coming weekend for a show, and see all the changes.
Six thousand thanks to Carl, Chante, Chris, David F., David R., Denise, Guy, Julie, Keith, Nifer, Tom and Zach for your help painting, organizing, applying, sawing, gluing, cutting, transporting, purchasing, moving, sweating, scrubbing, wiping, mopping, tightening, screwing, removing and rolling this weekend! The theater looks so much better thanks to you all!
The theater received a makeover this weekend, with some great new changes. Stop by this coming weekend for a show, and see all the changes.
Six thousand thanks to Carl, Chante, Chris, David F., David R., Denise, Guy, Julie, Keith, Nifer, Tom and Zach for your help painting, organizing, applying, sawing, gluing, cutting, transporting, purchasing, moving, sweating, scrubbing, wiping, mopping, tightening, screwing, removing and rolling this weekend! The theater looks so much better thanks to you all!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The last of James
So this weekend is the last of James. We have crossed this bridge many times in the past year or so... I think this one is for real... (although, I have a sneaking suspicion that James will pop his head up and say "I'm not gone yet!")
We will miss him, but his trademark brand of improv will live on!
Bon Voyage, James! (if I knew how to say it in German I would) Have a super fun time half way across the world and don't forget about us here in lil' old Bonner Springs. :D
HUG from all the imps!
We will miss him, but his trademark brand of improv will live on!
Bon Voyage, James! (if I knew how to say it in German I would) Have a super fun time half way across the world and don't forget about us here in lil' old Bonner Springs. :D
HUG from all the imps!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A Prediction
I, Jeremy Danner, being of unsound mind and somewhat squishy body, do hereby guarantee a victory over John Robison in TrivProv this Saturday night. Should I lose (HA! unlikely), I will wear a skirt in the next show at the Roving Imp.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
MMMM.... Jam...
So this coming Saturday is the Improv Jam. We have a group of people that come to only these shows. It is an opportunity for them to get up onstage and play for a group of NON-THREATENING audience members. It creates the most awesome space of fun to be found anywhere in the Kansas City area. The format is short form games, and if you want to play you put your name in the hat (yes, it is an actual hat)! I suggest that if you want to try new things or just have fun, or try improv out for the first time that you go to a JAM! It is a safe fun environment where you are guaranteed to to laugh!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Gig Heaven
Not many updates lately... we're out spreading the good word among the people of Kansas. This is the summer of gigs, mainly to smaller libraries all around this section of the state, and mostly for kids ages 6-12. We've been playing a lot of really physical games, getting really sweaty, and giving hundreds of kids their very first taste of improv.
Think about that for a second... literally hundreds of kids who had never heard of improv before this summer will now have a really great impression of it, from that group that came to the library. These are our future audiences. You have to think... if we put as many resources into youth theater and youth improv as we do youth soccer and little league, maybe the next generation will spend their Friday nights in theaters instead of football fields. I'd settle for an even split.
That's it. I've got to start a youth improv class now.
Think about that for a second... literally hundreds of kids who had never heard of improv before this summer will now have a really great impression of it, from that group that came to the library. These are our future audiences. You have to think... if we put as many resources into youth theater and youth improv as we do youth soccer and little league, maybe the next generation will spend their Friday nights in theaters instead of football fields. I'd settle for an even split.
That's it. I've got to start a youth improv class now.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
ONE
So far, we have had two rehearsals for the new group ONE. I am completely excited about it! The rehearsals have been focused, but playful. The group is comprised of some extremely talented folks. I have never before been lucky enough to work with Jen Roser, but she is an extremely fun player! Nifer, Jeremy, Denton, Martha, Guy, and John are also all AMAZING players! I feel lucky to be a part of such a great group!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Guy Maggio is amazing
If you're not familiar with Guy Maggio, you definitely need to be. Though he's an improviser from way back, he's been on a long hiatus, doing random rare shows, mostly as a technical improviser, and most recently on stage at Thunderdome.
Last night he joined Anomaly Orange as their guest monologist, and he proved that he doesn't even need anyone on stage with him to be hold the audience transfixed. Guy is a master storyteller, and (nothing against AO), I could have listened to him talk all night. He spoke truthfully and from the heart, and did it in such a way that he made his listeners feel as though they had been with him, in his past. One audience member said, "All his stories were so relatable."
Add to this that he happens to be kind, personable, and fun in real life, and you've got yourself the whole package.
I hesitate to add this next part in the fear that it will taint what is an honest opinion with perceived promotion, except the post feels incomplete without telling folks when and where they can see Guy perform... I've been lucky enough to have Guy spend some of his precious time to join the group "One," which will debut here at the Roving Imp on July 31 at 9pm. It's not often you see someone with Guy's stage presence and charisma... and you definitely have to support that kind of actor.
Last night he joined Anomaly Orange as their guest monologist, and he proved that he doesn't even need anyone on stage with him to be hold the audience transfixed. Guy is a master storyteller, and (nothing against AO), I could have listened to him talk all night. He spoke truthfully and from the heart, and did it in such a way that he made his listeners feel as though they had been with him, in his past. One audience member said, "All his stories were so relatable."
Add to this that he happens to be kind, personable, and fun in real life, and you've got yourself the whole package.
I hesitate to add this next part in the fear that it will taint what is an honest opinion with perceived promotion, except the post feels incomplete without telling folks when and where they can see Guy perform... I've been lucky enough to have Guy spend some of his precious time to join the group "One," which will debut here at the Roving Imp on July 31 at 9pm. It's not often you see someone with Guy's stage presence and charisma... and you definitely have to support that kind of actor.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Locked In
Tonight's Dictionary Soup started off just like we wanted, albeit a little more low-key than usual. We did a lot of quieter, intellectual, wacky, sometimes potty humor.
Then came the second half. The improv was spectacular. Keith and I were locked in. It wasn't a comedy... but was instead an improvised tragedy, in the truest sense of the word. At least half the audience was in tears, and one audience member said she "bawled through the whole thing." Even though it wasn't comedy, the audience was locked in. It was simply good storytelling.
Then came the second half. The improv was spectacular. Keith and I were locked in. It wasn't a comedy... but was instead an improvised tragedy, in the truest sense of the word. At least half the audience was in tears, and one audience member said she "bawled through the whole thing." Even though it wasn't comedy, the audience was locked in. It was simply good storytelling.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Improv Keeps Me Out of Trouble
Improv has always been a way to "exercise my creative demons". I find that when I spend long periods of time away from the stage, I "get in trouble". This usually means that I become a little bit mischievous or pranky. I work the overnight shift at the brewery. This provides me with lots of alone time. Lately I've found myself moving things around in people's workspaces or cubicles just to mess with the people I know are freaks about that sort of thing. My favorite thing to do is duct tape computer mice to desks. Also, the other night I was in a friend's house who is notoriously OCD about where he places things. I made it my mission to move all of his square candles to new angles because I knew it would drive him crazy. Does this make me a bad person? Maybe. Does improv help make me a better person? Maybe.
P.S. I'm going to get you next time we play TrivProv, John!
P.S. I'm going to get you next time we play TrivProv, John!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
15 Hours
Our first summer library gig was yesterday, and James, Justin and I traveled to Marysville, KS. We did a show for about 30 kids and their parents/grandparents. The kids were younger than any for whom I've ever performed improv, and I was unsure how it would go. Luckily, I chose a lot of very physical games to play, and we kept our energy going, involved the audience, and kept a huge spirit of fun. It wasn't the best, top-notchiest improv we've ever done, but it was improv tailored exactly to what this private show's audience wanted, which seems to be the point for a private show. There were lots of smiles on the way out, and later on as we walked down the main street of town and ate at a local cafe. Our next gig is Tuesday night.
Roving Imp Spectacular was, in my opinion, quite good as well, especially the long form, "Show Me That," which started in a place of un-reality, and stayed there for a lot of fun. Same general format happens Saturday, June 20 at 7pm. This show is a great into to improv, if you've never seen it before, and really fun even if you have!
TrivProv was, as usual, insanely fun. I could perform that show four times as often as I do now and still be really happy with it. If you have not seen this show, you're really missing out. You'll get your next chance Friday, June 26, as I face off against Ryan.
Roving Imp Spectacular was, in my opinion, quite good as well, especially the long form, "Show Me That," which started in a place of un-reality, and stayed there for a lot of fun. Same general format happens Saturday, June 20 at 7pm. This show is a great into to improv, if you've never seen it before, and really fun even if you have!
TrivProv was, as usual, insanely fun. I could perform that show four times as often as I do now and still be really happy with it. If you have not seen this show, you're really missing out. You'll get your next chance Friday, June 26, as I face off against Ryan.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Just a quote from Trish
KC Improv Guru Trish Berrong says, "I've said it before and I'll say it again: If you're going to improvise and want to be better, take John's classes."
Mondays, 6:30pm class
Saturdays, 1:30pm class
Call 441-2309 before you come, or e-mail classes@rovingimp.com!
Mondays, 6:30pm class
Saturdays, 1:30pm class
Call 441-2309 before you come, or e-mail classes@rovingimp.com!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Taking a Week
We normally take off Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend to give our actors some well-deserved time off. This year, because of an impending baby, we're taking the following week off. An entire week. Nothing at all happening in the theater - no classes, no rehearsals and no performances. In many ways I hate to take this time off, since some people now come to the theater as part of their weekly routine, and disrupting people's routine is never something you should do lightly. On the other hand, sometimes a little time off can re-energize people - actors and audiences alike. After a week without an Imp fix, maybe they'll be super ready to return. Come on back June 1 for class, and June 6 for shows. We'll be rested and ready to entertain again!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Watching the carnage
A tradition we've recently started after our weekly Thursday rehearsal is to sit down and watch one of our past shows. This is a great exercise, because lots of times we are really entertained. Other times, like last night, when we see a show that we consider to be a little more "average," are more analytical, and pick apart our performance.
This way, we hopefully improve our overall quality. We haven't done a bad show in a good long time, but if we can reduce the number of average shows, we'll be closer to comedy rock-star-ness. That's the ultimate goal!
This way, we hopefully improve our overall quality. We haven't done a bad show in a good long time, but if we can reduce the number of average shows, we'll be closer to comedy rock-star-ness. That's the ultimate goal!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Dictionary Soup is Awesome
This past weekend saw another great foursome of shows - Biblioclast, Dictionary Soup, and a double shot of Full Frontal Comedy. All four entertained, but specifically, I am really excited about the Dictionary Soup show. Keith and I have been striving for a high level of realism, listening, and fun. I think we reached our highest level yet this past weekend, as Keith played Greg, a 26-year-old vacationer on the island of Fiji, and I played the 52-year-old woman that drew him out of his shell as well as his abusive father in several flashbacks... the man who put him in the shell in the first place.
Was it a wild, laugh-a-minute riot? No... but our goal is to do a show with "TJ & Dave" type quality, and this time, we did it.
Was it a wild, laugh-a-minute riot? No... but our goal is to do a show with "TJ & Dave" type quality, and this time, we did it.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Full Frontal
Tonight is my second and final rehearsal with Full Frontal Comedy, leading up to our shows this weekend at the Imp. The last time I had a show with FFC, it was January 2006, my wife was 8.75 months pregnant, and I ended up not that pleased with my performance.
Since then, I've had training in Chicago, about 300 shows with various groups, and life experience full enough to further gray my hair. Rehearsals with FFC this time around are much calmer for me, and I feel like this weekend, when my wife is once again 8.75 months pregnant, I will enjoy my performance much much more. I think you will too. Why not come find out?
Since then, I've had training in Chicago, about 300 shows with various groups, and life experience full enough to further gray my hair. Rehearsals with FFC this time around are much calmer for me, and I feel like this weekend, when my wife is once again 8.75 months pregnant, I will enjoy my performance much much more. I think you will too. Why not come find out?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Giggity
Nifer, Jeremy and I went out to the K-State Extension office for a little pre-ceremony entertainment last night before their "Walk Kansas" wrap-up party. It was great to get out of the theater and perform for people that don't normally see improv.
Since the theme of the night was fitness and exercise, we did a lot of games that involve a lot of heavy physicality and movement. That meant I ended up sweating a lot. We climbed the Eiffel Tower in SportsCenter, had a marriage proposal in Moving Bodies, and had a bull riding Hoedown. Good times!
Since the theme of the night was fitness and exercise, we did a lot of games that involve a lot of heavy physicality and movement. That meant I ended up sweating a lot. We climbed the Eiffel Tower in SportsCenter, had a marriage proposal in Moving Bodies, and had a bull riding Hoedown. Good times!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
New Structure- Games
I am completely excited about the new rehearsal structure when it comes to the RI Spectacular group! In the past... well I don't know how long... we don't really PRACTICE the games, we have just made sure everyone knows how to play them. With this new structure, We will have the time to actually practice and workshop games! I am SO happy about this. In the past, on occasion our games are stellar, but more often they have been just okay, and I think that the Roving Imps are capable of SO MUCH MORE!
I watched a show last night that played a game we play with a different spin. Tantrum made 'Let's make a Date' a game about character work and not about guessing. It was very fun and extremely entertaining to watch. By getting suggestions from the audience for the character quirks and naming them with the (formerly)'guesser' right there, it changes the tone and makes the game really more about which bachelor the contestant wants to date. By making the contestant an audience member, it eliminated the possibility of pre-planning or getting too-stale questions.
Yay improv!
I watched a show last night that played a game we play with a different spin. Tantrum made 'Let's make a Date' a game about character work and not about guessing. It was very fun and extremely entertaining to watch. By getting suggestions from the audience for the character quirks and naming them with the (formerly)'guesser' right there, it changes the tone and makes the game really more about which bachelor the contestant wants to date. By making the contestant an audience member, it eliminated the possibility of pre-planning or getting too-stale questions.
Yay improv!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Does this theater make my butt look big?
There are many options for sugaring it up at the Roving Imp Theater, and if you happen to belong to a class or troupe group this is especially true. Every week there is a veritable wonderland of snacky options available behind the counter at the concession booth, for audience and troupe members alike. If you're real, real lucky, like last night, Nifer or Carl will have been bitten by the domestic provision bug and there will be cookies, brownies or cake. Sometimes there are store bought treats around as well, such as Julie's 'Teacher Appreciation Week Cupcakes' from last night. Srawberry with frosting and plastic puppy embellishments. Mmm..... Speaking of which, last night after rehearsal, many of us found ourselves sticking around to watch a couple of shows from weeks past. We do this so we can find out what went wrong, what went right, and how to improve upon our performance. First comment made? "Wow.....I look so fat!" Coincidence? You decide! The commentor was me, in case you were wondering. The good news is that improv is also an incredible workout routine. Perhaps it's time to kick it up a notch. Ker-pow!!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday Prime
It's our last Thursday Prime show tonight... we're transferring to a different rehearsal system that takes up Thursdays, so the Thursday Prime shows are going by the wayside, which is OK. They've done an adequate job of introducing a small number of people to the work we do. TPrime has brought a couple dedicated audience members over the past eight months, and they are audience members that bring folks with them to weekend shows.
Will there be other weekday free shows in the future? Almost certainly... but for now, let's get those weekend shows sold out!
Stop by tonight at 7:30 to help say adieu!
Will there be other weekday free shows in the future? Almost certainly... but for now, let's get those weekend shows sold out!
Stop by tonight at 7:30 to help say adieu!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
New Imps
2009 so far has seen a lot of great Imps added to our lineup:
Denton Turley, January, who has become a staple of many of our ensembles
David Rushing, February, who continues to take classes while performing in Improv Survivor
Vlad Kaufman, April, who is bringing a new perspective to Roving Imp Spectacular
Ben Brest, who was first cast a year ago, and is now in the process of making a comeback. Watch for him soon.
Chante Keller, who just accepted her post officially last night after taking classes for several months
Jen Roser - an improv veteran who will be joining the group "One" in July.
More to come...
Denton Turley, January, who has become a staple of many of our ensembles
David Rushing, February, who continues to take classes while performing in Improv Survivor
Vlad Kaufman, April, who is bringing a new perspective to Roving Imp Spectacular
Ben Brest, who was first cast a year ago, and is now in the process of making a comeback. Watch for him soon.
Chante Keller, who just accepted her post officially last night after taking classes for several months
Jen Roser - an improv veteran who will be joining the group "One" in July.
More to come...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Can't wait for Saturday!
Jeremy and I had our first runthrough of TrivProv last night, and it's everything I'd hoped it would be. You know how relationships with different boyfriends or girlfriends are completely different from one another, but are still wonderful and amazing? TrivProv so far seems to be the same way. Each show or rehearsal we do is wonderful in a completely different way. Although TrivProv will be structurally the same, and involve half of the same people, it will have a different feel and a different dynamic... but will still be mind-blowing. I can't wait for the show on Saturday at 9pm.
See James... some people can move on gracefully.
See James... some people can move on gracefully.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Rehearsal Day
Today is the last rehearsal before our May shows begin on Saturday. Jeremy gets to come in for his one-hour crash course on how to play TrivProv - he premieres at 9:00 on Saturday. I am positive he'll do great.
Then, the rest of the Imps come in. We'll go over all the games once as well as play Soap Opera. A lot of people are surprised that we rehearse for improv, but it's really necessary to have a good show, especially with the Imp Spectacular format, where there are a bunch of games. We have to know all the rules to the games before we go in, so we're not learning how to play it at the same time as the audience (although that's happened before...). Rehearsals are also needed to help solidify our sense of group - the kind of improv we do really requires that you trust your fellow actor.
Then, the rest of the Imps come in. We'll go over all the games once as well as play Soap Opera. A lot of people are surprised that we rehearse for improv, but it's really necessary to have a good show, especially with the Imp Spectacular format, where there are a bunch of games. We have to know all the rules to the games before we go in, so we're not learning how to play it at the same time as the audience (although that's happened before...). Rehearsals are also needed to help solidify our sense of group - the kind of improv we do really requires that you trust your fellow actor.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Golden Girls vs. Saved by the Bell
John: Are you around? You're probably still sleeping.
Nifer: awake! good morning!
John: But it's not even 11:00 yet!
Nifer: i went to bed at 6:45. That would be unhuman.
John: What drives a person to go to sleep when most people are still eating dinner?
Nifer: extreme exhaustion. i actually had trouble keeping my eyes open while i was driving home. swine flu. that, and my home computer isn't working. not much else to do but sleep when i'm there.
John: Did you ever see that episode of the Golden Girls when Dorothy was tired all the time, and the doctors told her it was all in her head, until she went to one that said it was chronic fatigue syndrome? 80s cutting edge.
Nifer: "What prompted you to come in today?" "The Golden Girls."
Nifer: Did you ever see the Saved by the Bell where Jessie gets addicted to diet pills and has a meltdown in front of Zack? Early 90s cutting edge. It was only two steps from there we started seeing butts on primetime television.
John: How dare you compare Saved By the Bell to the Golden Girls? Not cool.
Nifer: Would I have stayed up extra late on a school night to watch Saved by the Bell? Probably not. But I DID have ZackBerry scented shampoo. I don't seem to remember Blanche having her own line of body care products.
John: If she did, I predict it wouldn't smell good.
John: Wait a minute - ZackBerry? Puke-a-tronic.
Nifer: It was musky. Like having Mark Paul Gosselaar on your head all day.
Nifer: awake! good morning!
John: But it's not even 11:00 yet!
Nifer: i went to bed at 6:45. That would be unhuman.
John: What drives a person to go to sleep when most people are still eating dinner?
Nifer: extreme exhaustion. i actually had trouble keeping my eyes open while i was driving home. swine flu. that, and my home computer isn't working. not much else to do but sleep when i'm there.
John: Did you ever see that episode of the Golden Girls when Dorothy was tired all the time, and the doctors told her it was all in her head, until she went to one that said it was chronic fatigue syndrome? 80s cutting edge.
Nifer: "What prompted you to come in today?" "The Golden Girls."
Nifer: Did you ever see the Saved by the Bell where Jessie gets addicted to diet pills and has a meltdown in front of Zack? Early 90s cutting edge. It was only two steps from there we started seeing butts on primetime television.
John: How dare you compare Saved By the Bell to the Golden Girls? Not cool.
Nifer: Would I have stayed up extra late on a school night to watch Saved by the Bell? Probably not. But I DID have ZackBerry scented shampoo. I don't seem to remember Blanche having her own line of body care products.
John: If she did, I predict it wouldn't smell good.
John: Wait a minute - ZackBerry? Puke-a-tronic.
Nifer: It was musky. Like having Mark Paul Gosselaar on your head all day.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Stepping it up a Notch
I find that the monday classes have done a very good job, today especially, of hitting at some of the advanced and deeper techniques that really make an improv scene shine. For example, the technique of active listening lets a scene evolve perfectly naturally, and allows no room for stuff or preconceived notions. Also, the string theory allows people to take an ordinary suggestion, and make it extraordinary. Everyone in the class is extremely talented, and starting to reach a similar level, which makes play much more natural and fun.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
How I Fought to be Part of This Blog
James here.
When John was forming this blog, he wanted to create a collaborative news bulletin with all the Imps reporting. However, early on in the brainstorming for creating this blog, he made an executive decision to not include me - you see, I've got kind of a sordid past with online postings...anyway, I found out about the blog through my mole in the Imps, and demanded to be part of the writing staff. John and I scheduled a meeting to talk about the issue, and the following exchange took place:
JOHN: Hey, look James, let's just be rational about this.
JAMES: Rational? You call making a secret blog behind my back rational?
JOHN: Yeah, kind of. It's not that I forgot about you...
JAMES: You just hate me. You hate me because my stock characters get more laughs than your stock characters during Trivial Prov-Suit.
JOHN: It's called TrivProv now.
JAMES: Oh, that's great. I hope you and your new partner are happy playing TrivProv together.
JOHN: You're the one who left! How can you be bitter about this?
JAMES: I'm not bitter. I just want to write on your blog.
JOHN: It's for the Imps, James...I don't know how to tell you this, but...you're not really an Imp anymore.
JAMES: WHAT? Not an Imp? What are you talking about? I'm impier than anyone you've got!
JOHN: You haven't played any shows besides TrivProv -
JAMES: You mean Trivial Prov-suit. TrivProv is what you and your new man do behind my back.
JOHN: Fine, whatever, it's the only show you've played in months. You're too busy doing your "regular theater" to be in improv shows at the Imp.
JAMES: Don't be hateful of regular theater. You used to do it too, you know.
JOHN: ...you...you don't have to tell me that...don't think it kills me inside every day that I don't do regular theater anymore...
JAMES: So that's what this is about? You're spiteful because I get to do plays still? You wish it was you memorizing lines and learning blocking?
JOHN: No...it's not what I want...I'm a changed person now.
JAMES: You can lie to me. You can't lie to yourself.
JOHN: If I let you write for my blog - IF I let you - you can't talk about real theater.
JAMES: Real theater? Was that a slip?
JOHN: I meant to say traditional theater.
JAMES: Uh-huh.
JOHN: And every post you make has to relate to the Roving Imp.
JAMES: Done.
JOHN: And you can't leave the city for Chicago.
JAMES: Sure, okay.
JOHN: And once you're done with your plays, you have to appear in three Imp Shows a week.
JAMES: Fine.
JOHN: Are you lying to me just so I'll let you write on my blog?
JAMES: No.
JOHN: All right then. I'll register you on the blog.
JAMES: YES! YES! Thank you! You will not regret this. I will write the most brilliant insightful -
JOHN: Just get out of my sight.
JAMES: Okay, yeah. Take care, John, I'll see you later.
JOHN: One second - if anybody asks, it was my idea to add you to the blog. Don't you tell anybody - not even Nifer - that we had this conversation.
JAMES: I would never.
JOHN: Get out of here.
It was a long hard battle, but I fought for you, Kansas City. You deserve to have my voice in the flowing river of passion that is improv - and since I'm not long for this town, soon this blog will be the only thing you have to remember me by.
And John? I was crossing my fingers when I said that stuff.
When John was forming this blog, he wanted to create a collaborative news bulletin with all the Imps reporting. However, early on in the brainstorming for creating this blog, he made an executive decision to not include me - you see, I've got kind of a sordid past with online postings...anyway, I found out about the blog through my mole in the Imps, and demanded to be part of the writing staff. John and I scheduled a meeting to talk about the issue, and the following exchange took place:
JOHN: Hey, look James, let's just be rational about this.
JAMES: Rational? You call making a secret blog behind my back rational?
JOHN: Yeah, kind of. It's not that I forgot about you...
JAMES: You just hate me. You hate me because my stock characters get more laughs than your stock characters during Trivial Prov-Suit.
JOHN: It's called TrivProv now.
JAMES: Oh, that's great. I hope you and your new partner are happy playing TrivProv together.
JOHN: You're the one who left! How can you be bitter about this?
JAMES: I'm not bitter. I just want to write on your blog.
JOHN: It's for the Imps, James...I don't know how to tell you this, but...you're not really an Imp anymore.
JAMES: WHAT? Not an Imp? What are you talking about? I'm impier than anyone you've got!
JOHN: You haven't played any shows besides TrivProv -
JAMES: You mean Trivial Prov-suit. TrivProv is what you and your new man do behind my back.
JOHN: Fine, whatever, it's the only show you've played in months. You're too busy doing your "regular theater" to be in improv shows at the Imp.
JAMES: Don't be hateful of regular theater. You used to do it too, you know.
JOHN: ...you...you don't have to tell me that...don't think it kills me inside every day that I don't do regular theater anymore...
JAMES: So that's what this is about? You're spiteful because I get to do plays still? You wish it was you memorizing lines and learning blocking?
JOHN: No...it's not what I want...I'm a changed person now.
JAMES: You can lie to me. You can't lie to yourself.
JOHN: If I let you write for my blog - IF I let you - you can't talk about real theater.
JAMES: Real theater? Was that a slip?
JOHN: I meant to say traditional theater.
JAMES: Uh-huh.
JOHN: And every post you make has to relate to the Roving Imp.
JAMES: Done.
JOHN: And you can't leave the city for Chicago.
JAMES: Sure, okay.
JOHN: And once you're done with your plays, you have to appear in three Imp Shows a week.
JAMES: Fine.
JOHN: Are you lying to me just so I'll let you write on my blog?
JAMES: No.
JOHN: All right then. I'll register you on the blog.
JAMES: YES! YES! Thank you! You will not regret this. I will write the most brilliant insightful -
JOHN: Just get out of my sight.
JAMES: Okay, yeah. Take care, John, I'll see you later.
JOHN: One second - if anybody asks, it was my idea to add you to the blog. Don't you tell anybody - not even Nifer - that we had this conversation.
JAMES: I would never.
JOHN: Get out of here.
It was a long hard battle, but I fought for you, Kansas City. You deserve to have my voice in the flowing river of passion that is improv - and since I'm not long for this town, soon this blog will be the only thing you have to remember me by.
And John? I was crossing my fingers when I said that stuff.
Rock Star Weekend
What an amazing weekend at the Imp - Five shows of wonderful quality, especially Poke and Omega Directive. Full audiences, great fun, awesome after-party... it's like Chicago on the Kaw!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Class, 'Arold, Omega Directive, Poke
After last night's success, I'm looking forward to tonight even still. Class this afternoon, and then the 'Arold at 7:00, with its mix of games and the French Braid longform. Likely to perform: Jen Harmon, Nifer Honeycutt, Jonah Jaxx, Vlad Kaufman, Tom Kessler, Shannon Peery & David Rushing. It's the first show with us for Jonah and Tom, who both have had a ton of success. It'll be a great time.
At 9:00, Omega Directive takes the stage, with its first half inspired by scenes from an audience member's iPod. Last month was my very favorite one of these we've ever done... the iPod was from someone closer to my age, shall we say... and more of the music was familiar to me, and it was faster for me to be able to figure out an opening. In the second half, we'll combine two classic TV episodes into one. If rehearsal is any indication, it's going to be crazy. We parlayed recycled foam cups into twisted family relations resulting in multiple counselor visits. Tonight features Trish Berrong, Aron Carlson, Jeremy Danner, Nifer Honeycutt, John Robison and Ryan Seymour.
Then, Poke is doing a short bonus set. Poke is Trish and Tommy Todd, and it will be their first time at the Imp. Unfortunately, it's because Tommy is leaving town to accept employment in one of my favorite American cities, Minneapolis. Bonus Poke set and accompanying party? Sounds OK to me!
Fun night! $6 gets you in for the whole night. With this much show, that seems fiscally irresponsible on my part. Take advantage of it before I regain my senses.
At 9:00, Omega Directive takes the stage, with its first half inspired by scenes from an audience member's iPod. Last month was my very favorite one of these we've ever done... the iPod was from someone closer to my age, shall we say... and more of the music was familiar to me, and it was faster for me to be able to figure out an opening. In the second half, we'll combine two classic TV episodes into one. If rehearsal is any indication, it's going to be crazy. We parlayed recycled foam cups into twisted family relations resulting in multiple counselor visits. Tonight features Trish Berrong, Aron Carlson, Jeremy Danner, Nifer Honeycutt, John Robison and Ryan Seymour.
Then, Poke is doing a short bonus set. Poke is Trish and Tommy Todd, and it will be their first time at the Imp. Unfortunately, it's because Tommy is leaving town to accept employment in one of my favorite American cities, Minneapolis. Bonus Poke set and accompanying party? Sounds OK to me!
Fun night! $6 gets you in for the whole night. With this much show, that seems fiscally irresponsible on my part. Take advantage of it before I regain my senses.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Huge Night!
Thanks to the Robot Parade premiere, we officially broke our record for most profitable show tonight. Even better than that is the fact that both RP and Improv Survivor were good quality shows - fun and enjoyable. No wonder I'm so tired. Thanks to everyone that performed and to everyone that was in the audience!
Robot Parade, Survivor
Tonight's shows should be a good time! 7pm brings the first show of Robot Parade, the show for the students of the Monday class. They'll be doing a first half of several scenes, then a guided deconstruction for the second half. For those of you that don't know what that is... basically they'll start with one long-ish scene, and then the rest of the scenes will all branch from it. Much more fun to see than to describe. Do you know any of the people in the show? You should come support them. It's only $6... and you get to stay for the 9pm show:
Justin Eifert, Nate Evans, Chris Hurt, Vlad Kaufman, Chante Keller, Matt Massey, Jessica Robins, Julie Robison
At 9pm, Improv Survivor returns. I personally get to be a contestant for the first time. We're also letting the audience vote on immunity for the first time. Since Survivor is a newer format, we're tweaking things as we learn things from the audience. We think that more audience participation will help some. I'm excited to see how Nifer does as host tonight! See these folks:
Host Nifer Honeycutt; Survivors Justin Eifert, Vlad Kaufman, Jessica Robins, John Robison, Julie Robison, David Rushing. Free with admission to 7pm, or $5 on its own. Plus you can help decide our fate, and have a super night doing it!
Justin Eifert, Nate Evans, Chris Hurt, Vlad Kaufman, Chante Keller, Matt Massey, Jessica Robins, Julie Robison
At 9pm, Improv Survivor returns. I personally get to be a contestant for the first time. We're also letting the audience vote on immunity for the first time. Since Survivor is a newer format, we're tweaking things as we learn things from the audience. We think that more audience participation will help some. I'm excited to see how Nifer does as host tonight! See these folks:
Host Nifer Honeycutt; Survivors Justin Eifert, Vlad Kaufman, Jessica Robins, John Robison, Julie Robison, David Rushing. Free with admission to 7pm, or $5 on its own. Plus you can help decide our fate, and have a super night doing it!
Thursday Rehearsal
We worked on our May games last night at Imp rehearsal... we've got the lineup ready. Here are the games we'll choose from during our Thursday Prime and Imp Spectacular shows (May 2, 7, 9):
Actor's Nightmare
Beastie Rap
Complaint Department
Foreign Film Dub
Let's Make a Date
Irish Drinking Song
Movie Guys
Oracle
Sports Center
Understudy
Longform: Soap Opera with genres
These are all games that we played during our first two months of shows, and are excited to play again!
Actor's Nightmare
Beastie Rap
Complaint Department
Foreign Film Dub
Let's Make a Date
Irish Drinking Song
Movie Guys
Oracle
Sports Center
Understudy
Longform: Soap Opera with genres
These are all games that we played during our first two months of shows, and are excited to play again!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
On Camera, Part II
The onscreen Imp-plosion (?) continued this afternoon as two of the Imps, John and Nifer, filmed a commercial for a local bar and grill. The shoot was in promotion of the bar's newest drinking game, Das Boot, and consisted of taking turns drinking from a beer-filled kneehigh glass boot. Prop nachos were also eaten. Links coming soon!
On film
Last night, three Imps traveled up north to do a commercial for a new type of curtain rod. If you ever wanted to see John doing shirtless tai-chi, this would be your chance. Nifer and Lauren make an appearance later in the shoot. We'll post a link once the commercial is available.
The premise is that with old style curtain rods, sometimes it's tough to close the curtains so you don't have to look out on your neighbors and their non-mainstream ideals, but with the new curtain rod, you can shut the world out with ease.
That sounded snarkier than I meant it to be.
The premise is that with old style curtain rods, sometimes it's tough to close the curtains so you don't have to look out on your neighbors and their non-mainstream ideals, but with the new curtain rod, you can shut the world out with ease.
That sounded snarkier than I meant it to be.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Now we're doing it too
We just got back from our trip to the Chicago Improv Festival, and noticed that lots of groups have their own blogs, separate from the individuals involved. If this is the way the winds are blowing, let no one say the Roving Imp is behind the times.
Don't expect anything as long-winded as John's blog, as many photos as Jessica's, or the long periods of absence like Nifer's. Expect fun, news, and behind-the-scenes on your favorite Roving Imp groups!
Don't expect anything as long-winded as John's blog, as many photos as Jessica's, or the long periods of absence like Nifer's. Expect fun, news, and behind-the-scenes on your favorite Roving Imp groups!
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