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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!