Kansas City Improv

All Good Things Must Come To An End

2010-01-04T10:13:00.003-06:00

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR FULL FRONTAL COMEDY'S VERY LAST SHOW!

The Annual Best of Full Frontal Comedy is coming and it is going to be Full Frontal Comedy's last hurrah! After eleven years, Full Frontal Comedy is closing shop. Don't miss their last show!

The Best of Full Frontal Comedy 2009 show will feature some of FFC's favorite games, sketches, and plays from the past year.

DATES
Friday & Saturday, January 8 & 9, 2010

TIME
7:30 p.m.

LOCATION
Quality Hill Playhouse
303 W. 10th St.
KCMO 64105

ADMISSION
$15.00

For tickets, call the Quality Hill Playhouse box office at 816-421-1700. The seats are reserved. All ticket sales must go through the Quality Hill Playhouse box office. All sales are final.

CAST
Bill Case, Stasha Case, Paul DeMerchant, Doug Dresslaer, Joyce Halford, Kate Haugan, Dan Hillaker, Gayle Hutchens, Carolyn Lay, Dave Martin, Tina Morrison, Joel Morrison, Kyle Mowry, Jerry Nevins, Christina Schafer Martin, Ryan Seymour, Shelly Stewart, Reed Uthe and featuring music guy Kevin Hershberger.

DISCLAIMER
The Best of Full Frontal Comedy 2009 show will contain mature language/situations and is not intended for children or uptight adults.
Get your tickets early before they are gone!

Improv 2010

2009-12-14T11:56:00.003-06:00

Here are some cool new Kansas City Improv happenings in 2010:

KC Crossroads Comedy:

Improv and Sketch every Saturday at The Fishtank Performance Studio

It all starts January 2, 2009.

Visit kccrossroadscomedy.com for more information.

Improv Thunderdome Season 5 & 6

3 teams compete every month for a chance to move on and win the coveted bedazzled belt!

It all starts January 9, 2009

Visit The Trip Fives blog for more information.

***That's only the beginning, 2010 will also bring the 10th Kansas City Improv Festival, as well as the 2nd Roving Imp Festival. Feel free to click through the group links to see what your favorite KC Improv group or venue has scheduled...there have been a few additions:

Beejay
KC Crossroads Comedy

Kansas City Improv Tickets Are Expensive

2009-12-01T10:15:00.004-06:00

Kansas City Improv doesn't normally promote shows...but in these tough economic times...a Free show can't be beat. Did we say Free? Yes...Free, a magic word that makes other words better. For example, the word beer by itself is good, but add Free and you've got a riot!

Do you complain about improv ticket prices? Well then this show is for you! Free Improv...brought to you by Holy Cow.

This show features FREE ADMISSION!

Time: 8:00p.m. (doors at 7:30)
When: December 2, 2009
Where: Mabee Theater, Rockhurst University
$$ - FREE!

FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE

Chicago is coming to Kansas City

2009-11-23T13:36:00.003-06:00

Last year's post-Thanksgiving performance by The Union sold out fast—so don't miss your chance to ditch your family and see them this year!

The Union, featuring real life married couple Corey Rittmaster and Monique Madrid, is fresh off their latest revue “A Very Civil War” at Donny’s Skybox Theater at Second City. The show is directed by award-winning Second City performer Amanda Blake Davis and lets the audience in on how the couple has to defend their race and ethnicity, takes them inside a marriage counseling session, and explores the ridiculous world of a late-night easy-listening DJ and a pick-up artist in the 17th century, and much more.

Corey will also join local favorites Loaded Dice in a completely improvised set. With multiple Improv Thunderdome trophies between them, Loaded Dice features the "bad boys of KC improv." From the Pitch: "The cast, adept at suggesting whole lives with just a few quick, spontaneous lines, gave us not just a grand comic scene but also a full family history, with characters so sharply drawn that they inspired the rarest kind of laughter: participatory."

Not to be outdone, Monique will improvise with Nikki DuPont and Trish Berrong of Spite (also Thunderdome trophy-holders). As the hair and makeup advisor in Spite's summer makeover, Monique totally gets their style—and is ready to jump right into the girls' brand of brazen (OK, ballsy) scene and character work.

Tickets are just $10 for all three sets. Call 816-678-8886 to reserve your seat.

Friday, November 27, 2009
8:00pm - 10:30pm
Westport Coffeehouse Theater

Spite at Impfest 09

2009-11-05T08:16:00.000-06:00

For more click HERE

Video

2009-10-30T20:48:00.001-05:00

Dennis and Nikki Dupont featured in this video.

ImpFest 09 Video

2009-10-30T10:34:00.001-05:00

Making It Up As We Go: BONNER SPRINGS, KS from Jill Bernard on Vimeo.

ImpFest 09

2009-10-22T10:43:00.002-05:00

It's finally here.

Roving Imp Theater is hosting its first ever ImpFest and it all starts tonight. Check out rovingimp.com for all the details.

Check out what Roving Imp Theater owner John Robison thinks about it all here.

Those People

2009-10-22T10:37:00.003-05:00

Great article about improv featuring Those People....Check it out here

JCCC Project Improv

2009-10-14T09:55:00.002-05:00

Introducing "Project Improv" at JCCC:

Project Improv is a troupe whose purpose is to entertain, enlighten, and enhance improv skills among JCCC students. By joining Project Improv, you’ll have an opportunity to rehearse and play improv games each Thursday, between 6 and 8 pm in COM 319A, plus participate in additional workshops to be scheduled in correspondence with the schedules of our guest instructors. We plan to be ready to perform full student showcases by the end of the semester, if not sooner. If you know anyone else who is interested in improv with a JCCC connection (student/staff/faculty), please forward this on to them.

If you would like to join Project Improv or just have some questions email Tom: tkessle1@jccc.edu

Best Improv Group 2009

2009-10-14T09:51:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to The Trip Fives, Kansas City 2009 A-List winner for Best Improv Group.

City3.org's Revival

2009-10-06T11:45:00.002-05:00

There once was a time before Facebook, and before Blogs. Where Kansas City Improvisers communicated through a forum called City3.org.

Well, that website now has more to offer:

There is a Calendar page for every improv show around this great metro.

There is a Blog page that takes every Kansas City Improv related blog and puts them in one nice and easy place for you to read them.

and of course...There are the Forums.

The revival is scheduled to start the week of October 11th...but why not just go on over and check it out now.

Video

2009-09-30T10:49:00.005-05:00

Exit 16 had their first show of the 2009-10 season. They put into action something they learned from Susan Messing. Don't believe us...here is video proof:

If you want more facts on the matter click HERE to hear from their coach/director Trish Berrong.

Kansas City Improv Needs To Remember This

2009-09-29T10:17:00.002-05:00

Every time I remember we're all one thing I feel better. I can't be jealous, your successes are my successes and my successes are your successes. I can't be angry because your pain is my pain. We're all just one thing, comprised of atoms and shared hopes and dreams.

It's hard to remember!

There's a cat on my foot and a breeze on my face, who could complain?

Compliments of Jill Bernard

So...What's Next?

2009-09-22T09:28:00.003-05:00

The 9th Kansas City Improv Festival came and went. Now, many KC improvisers and audience members are coming down from their high. So where can we all find our next fix?

Roving Imp Theater Presents

ImpFest 2009:

Three Nights, Five Shows, 11 Ensembles

Thursday, Oct. 22
8pm, $10
Anomaly Orange, Tantrum, TrivProv, Spite

Friday, Oct. 23
7pm, $9 (all ages show, 12 & under in free with advance reservation)
Anomaly Orange, Biblioclast, Spite

Friday, Oct. 23
9pm, $9
Improv-Abilities, Coma Chameleon, Tantrum

Saturday, Oct. 24
7pm, $9 (all ages show, 12 & under in free with advance reservation)
Omega Directive, Coma Chameleon, Improv-Abilities

Saturday, Oct. 24
9pm, $12
One, Dictionary Soup, Brownies Don't Lie

Friday Two-Pack: Both shows for $13 (available now through Oct. 1)
Saturday Two-Pack: Both shows for $16 (available now through Oct. 1)
Festival Five-Pack: All five great shows for just $35 (available now through Oct. 1)
Coming soon: Show descriptions!!

**Go to Rovingimp.com for more details on shows and workshops!

Did you miss it?

2009-09-14T10:11:00.003-05:00

The whirlwind that was the 9th Kansas City Improv Festival came and went in a hurry. If you missed it, you truly missed some wonderful shows put on by famous people and some local people who aren't famous....yet.

Pictures and Video recaps will be posted soon.

Don't miss the 10th Kansas City Improv Festival...it will be here before you know it.

How about another video...

2009-08-31T10:35:00.002-05:00

CounterClockwiseComedy roasts movies and puts on improv shows every month at Screenland. Here is a little taste of how that goes:

If you want to download the audio track off the CounterClockwise Comedy account at RiffTrax.com, it’s $1.99. Then you just play it alongside your copy of the movie, a la Pink Floyd and The Wizard of OZ (but with less psychedelics and more laughter). There are detailed instructions in the track itself of where to sync it up with the movie.

Videos

2009-08-25T10:48:00.002-05:00

Some of the Improv groups here in KC have done videos in the past, here are a few:

Full Frontal Comedy did some office spoofs. Click Here.

Stitch Tactics

Roving Imp

More videos to come.

If you have any links to vids, pictures, or any other info related to KC Improv, please email kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Vote Now

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

Vote for your favorite improv group in Kansas City by clicking HERE.

Oddly enough 6 out of the 9 choices are actual improv groups. The other 3...well, just take a look for yourself.

Let's make an actual improv group win, Vote Now!!!

Get Your Tickets Now

2009-08-17T13:27:00.002-05:00

The TJ and Dave Documentary: Trust Us, This Is All Made Up has a showtime now at the Kansas International Film Festival.

Glenwood Arts Movie Theater
Thursday September 24 7:35pm
Get your single tickets HERE.
Click "Buy Tickets Online" underneath Glenwood Arts

**WARNING**
This show will most likely sell out due to the fact that improvisers are freaks about anything related to improv...sorry.

How can I Get Into KCiF For Free?

2009-08-14T12:58:00.001-05:00

Volunteer!

9:KCiF is almost upon us, and now is the time for volunteers to help work the show. Positions are available for every night of the show. From 9/9 till 9/12, there are four nights of Improv helping goodness. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, send an email to Joe@Kcimprov.com, along with the nights you are available to work. Everyone will be notified by next Friday 8/21 of their positions. Sending in an email is not a guarantee of a position. Thank you.

There Are Now 2 Kansas City Improv Festivals

2009-08-12T13:12:00.003-05:00

Roving Imp Theater Introduces:

IMPFEST 09:

Thursday, Oct. 22 8pm
Anomaly Orange
Tantrum
TrivProv
Spite

Friday, Oct. 23 7pm
Anomaly Orange
Biblioclast
Spite

Friday, Oct. 23 9pm
Improv-Abilities
Coma Chameleon
Tantrum

Saturday, Oct. 24 7pm
Omega Directive
Coma Chameleon
Improv-Abilities

Saturday, Oct. 24 9pm
One
Dictionary Soup
Brownies Never Lie

Workshops:

Fireball Theory - Jill Bernard
Scenic Blitzkrieg - John Robison
The Fix'Em Up Shop - Jill Bernard
Nothing More Than Feelings - John Robison
Making Connections - Trish Berrong
Letting the Game Find You - Tim Marks

For more information visit rovingimp.com

TJ & Dave Are Coming To Town...

2009-08-10T13:35:00.003-05:00

Sort of...

First off, get to know TJ and Dave...seriously, click thru and learn about them.

TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE UP is a feature-length documentary exploring the legendary long-form improvisation of Tj Jagodowski & David Pasquesi. The film had its world premiere at the 2009 South by Southwest Film Festival in March.

Well, that lovely little film will be playing at the Kansas International Film Festival somewhere between September 18-24. Times and Locations are still being determined.

As soon as we know, we will pass along the information.

Kansas City Improv Festival 9

2009-08-06T14:22:00.002-05:00

It's all set in stone. Here is the condensed version:

SHOWS

9/9/09 7PM - Festival Kickoff
Counter Clockwise Comedy
The Roving Imp Spectacular
Those People

9/10/09 7PM - Thunderdome Thursday
Babel Fish
Loaded Dice
Spite
Stitch Tactics

9/11/09 7PM - Friday Night Showcase
Messing w/a Friend, w/Mark Sutton
Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show
Tantrum
Comedy City

9/12/09 7PM - Saturday Night Showcase
Der Monkenpickel w/ Jason Sudeikis
Sisters Baldwin from iO West
Improv-Abilites
The Trip Fives

**All shows at Off Center Theatre in Crown Center**

WORKSHOPS

Powerful Characters - by Susan Messing
Standing Out in the Scene - by Mark Sutton
Yes, And: Jumpstarting your Improv Skillset - by Alsion Quinn
Camera Technique and the Improv Actor - by Christopher and Heather Lutkin
Intellect through Emotional POV in Longform - by Mark Sutton
Gorgeous Ensembles - by Susan Messing
Advanced Improv - by Ed Goodman
Improv for Writing - by Jeff and Wendy Drake

For more information visit www.kcimprov.com/festival

**All workshops at Penn Valley Community College. Register at www.kcimprov.com/festival**

The Return Of Bare TV

2009-08-05T14:40:00.006-05:00

As part of Improv Comedy on "Second Saturdays" at the Westport Coffeehouse Theatre.

The Trip Fives Present:

The Return of Bare TV:

Almost 10 years after it originally ended, BareTV hits the stage again completely re-vamped, re-assembled, and re-energized. The cast will take one audience suggestion and create an improvised late-night talk show, complete with host monologues, guests and live music.Prior to the actual show, performers/writers will develop characters in front of the studio audience.

Featuring:
Jared Brustad
Paul DeMerchant
Ed Doris
Mike Ferris
Darrell Keyhill
Guy Maggio
Cindy Paasch
Christian Robinson
Timothy Willet

Behind the Scenes:
Quinn Katherman
Curtis Murrell
Clint Sears

Tickets are $10.00
Show is at 6:30
Doors at 6:00

How do i find out more about Kansas City Improv?

2009-08-05T14:36:00.003-05:00

We'll tell you in 3 easy steps.

1. Read this blog.
2. Click on the KC improv calender to your right.
3. Click on any of the numerous links to your right.

Let's Help Each Other

2009-08-03T14:48:00.003-05:00

So, we have been gone for a few months...Sorry.

To get back on track, we need your help.

If you have any pics, videos, links, or any information about Kansas City Improv that we haven't found and posted already, please email kansascityimprov@gmail.com.

Thank you for your time. Now, here is a random picture that we found in your basement.

And We're Back...

2009-08-03T14:43:00.002-05:00

New Group, and Auditions

Hey everyone, on Friday August 7th at Noon Walking Contradiction's will be holding auditons at the Westport coffee house. Some experience would be good but everyone is welcome, and bring a resume if you have one. Email michaelgrush89@aol.com if your interested or if you would just like to know more. Walking Contradiction improv, is involved in all forms of comedy from short and long form improv, to sketch comedy, and even plain old stand up

New Group...Sort Of

2009-05-21T13:47:00.004-05:00

Remember when we said Hype 7 was performing their final show? Well, they did, but...

Some members from that group are forming a new one, and they have a show coming up.

Check out the info here:

Anomaly Orange

Updates

2009-05-21T13:30:00.002-05:00

Look, there are tons of improv shows to see, so many, that we can't even post them all on here. Just click through the links on the right and find out all of the information.

In other news, here is another improv blog added to the ever growing list:

The Roving Imp Blog

The blog is run by the imps. That's right, they call themselves that, and if you make fun of them, they will kick your @$$.

Got any blogs, links, videos, pictures, or anything else related to Kansas City Improv that we are missing? Then email kansascityimprov@gmail.com

almost finished...

2009-04-13T15:21:00.002-05:00

Jeremy Danner is blogging.

Jonathan Bender is blogging.

and some more...

2009-04-13T15:15:00.001-05:00

Roving Imp Theater and Kansas City Improv is proud to announce:

ImpFest ‘09
at the Roving Imp Theater, Bonner Springs, KS - just west of Kansas City!
An Improv Festival Extraordinaire to be held October 21-24, 2009

Now accepting submissions of 20-30 minute improv shows recorded in front of a live audience
To enter your group for consideration, send:
an electronic, CD or DVD copy of your show
a hi-res promotional photo of your group
a brief description of your group’s format
a $12 submission fee

by July 10, 2009

Festival highlights:
Two chances to perform
Rockin’ After-Parties
Optional Group Activities during the day
A relaxed, fun & creative atmosphere

send submissions to:
John Robison
115 Oak St.
Bonner Springs, KS 66012

or electronically:
john@rovingimp.com

Questions?
913-441-2309

and some more...

2009-04-13T15:09:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars for...

9:KCiF

The Kansas City Improv Festival is scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 9-12, 2009.

More details to come...check here often.

Shows every night Wednesday through Saturday

Workshops Saturday early/mid day

Groups, Workshops, and Schedule to be announced soon!

and some more...

2009-04-13T15:04:00.003-05:00

Since Improv Thunderdome Season 3 is over, it's now time to unveil the teams and schedule for Improv Thunderdome Season 4:

For season four, we will journey BEYOND Thunderdome. Thirty-six local improvisers were selected to participate in a random draft to create nine teams of four.

Below are the results and schedule.

ROUND #1
Saturday, July 11th at 9:00 p.m.

BLACK YANKEES(Jonathan Bender, Keith Curtis, Patrick Craft & Pearl MacDonald)

vs.RAGNAROK(Jeremy Alexander, Aron Carlson, Joe Henley & Joe Stephenson)

vs.WIN ONE FOR THE NIFER(Ed Doris, Tim Lemke, Lance Meisner & Nifer Honeycutt)

ROUND #2
Saturday, August 8th at 9:00 p.m.

DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND(Ben Brest, Megan Mercer, Clay Morgen & Jim Montemayor)

vs.OREO SPEEDWAGON(Aaron Bagby, Caroline Donnelly, Tim Marks & Nathan Stewart)

vs.YOUR MOTHER CALLED(Charley Belle, Paul DeMerchant, Magie Hogan & Jen Roser)

ROUND #3
Saturday, September 19th at 9:00 p.m.

KANSAS CITY PET SHOP(Jeremy Danner, Bob Dusin, Sean Hogge & Jim Sturgill)

vs.TEAM NUMBER NINE (Trish Berrong, Erik Johnson, Steve Jones & Nick Rigoli)

vs.TEMPORARY SANITY(Jared Brustad, Wade Meredith, Jessica Robins & Tommy Todd)

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Saturday, October 10th at 9:00 p.m.

Rd 1 Winner

vs.Rd 2 Winner

vs.Rd 3 Winner

Past Champions

Season One - LOADED DICE
Season Two - SOME TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
Season Three - KILL THE DJ

and some more...

2009-04-13T15:03:00.001-05:00

Improv Thunderdome Season 3 wrapped up Saturday night. Congratulations to Kill the DJ, pictured below, for securing the latest bedazzled Improv Thunderdome belt.

Ben Brest, Jeremy Alexander, Charley Belle, and Jonathan Bender

Here comes major updates...

2009-04-13T14:48:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the delay in Kansas City Improv news. So to make up for it. Here is a poop-storm of information.

Tantrum and Full Frontal Comedy were each featured on Kansas City After Hours. Here is the video to prove it:

Tantrum:

Full Frontal Comedy:

Improv Thunderdome Season 4

2009-03-26T13:55:00.002-05:00

Sure, it's a little early to be promoting something that starts in July. But, this season, there is a draft, and it happened Tuesday night.

There was free Boulevard Beer as 36 random improvisers were selected to be on 9 teams. The draft night was a huge success and each team is loaded with some of the most talented improvisers in the Midwest.

Be on the look out for team names, coming soon!

News

2009-03-11T20:46:00.002-05:00

Item 1:

Improv Thunderdome Season 3 Round 2 can now be seen on Time Warner Cable On Demand. Channel 113 "KC On Demand" Category: Community Sub-category: Comedy

Round 3 will also be taped live and then broadcast soon after, stay tuned for updates.

Item 2:

The talented and beautiful Jim Sturgill is blogging.

That is all

Thank you

Update

2009-03-04T15:52:00.002-06:00

Full Frontal Comedy will be on Kansas City After Hours March 7th at 12:30am.

All good things must come to an end

2009-03-04T13:00:00.002-06:00

It's official...and sad.

Hype 7 is performing their "final" show as a group at the Roving Imp.

Saturday March 14th 9pm

Be there as one of the oldest improv groups in Kansas City bids adieu!

Updates

2009-02-24T15:37:00.002-06:00

Tantrum taped their segment for the Kansas City After Hours Show. It will air on Saturday, March 14 at 12:30am (so, technically, Sunday morning).

Bablefish will be performing at the Chicago Improv Festival on Saturday, April 18, 12:00am (so, technically, Sunday morning).

Still no word on Improv Thunderdome being aired on Time Warner or Present magazine.

If you have any KC improv news or questions email: kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Kansas City Improv is getting on TV

2009-02-16T13:51:00.003-06:00

Tantrum and Full Frontal Comedy are appearing on the Kansas City After Hours Show. You can watch them for free, here's all the info:

See some improv on the Kansas City After Hours show at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, at the KCPT Studios, 125 E 31st St., Kansas City, MO!

To get your free tickets to be in their live studio audience, send an e-mail to tickets@afterhourskc.com and let them know you'd like to attend the 1:30 p.m. show and how many tickets you are reserving.

Another Festival Announcement

2009-02-16T13:44:00.003-06:00

We already told you about Babelfish getting into the Chicago Improv Festival.

Now we have heard that Improv-Abilities, who were accepted into the Chicago Improv Festival last year, will now be in the Twin Cities Improv Festival.

Congratulations Improv-Abilities!

Improv Thunderdome

2009-02-16T13:37:00.003-06:00

Saturday's show was not only sponsored by Present Magazine, but Time Warner Cable filmed the entire show. They said that they would be putting it in their On Demand section. Once we have information and links, you will be the first to know.

Breaking News

2009-02-10T15:37:00.002-06:00

What the hell was that? Oh, that was Babelfish's Joe Henley, Nathan Stewart, and John Robison.

Why is it important? Oh, they performed this format, recorded it, sent it to Chicago, and were accepted to perform in the 2009 Chicago Improv Festival.

What should you do? Oh, leave them some comment love.

Need A Venue For Improv?

2009-02-06T15:35:00.002-06:00

Did you know that rent is non-existent (FREE) at Roving Imp. You didn't? Well now you do.

John is the easiest and nicest improv venue owner to deal with in Kansas City. If you are looking for an improv venue to debut a show, or just a place to perform every month, then this guy and his intimate theater is for you!

Contact John at Roving Imp to reserve the date you want now. Roving Imp has been getting solid audiences and putting on solid shows regularly since the beginning of the year. Hop on board now before his ego is to big to deal with!

Need an Improv Calendar?

2009-01-31T08:59:00.002-06:00

Well,

Here you go then. If you are tired of clicking through each groups page to find out when they are playing, then just click on this website to find out who is playing when. It is updated almost daily.

ImprovCalendar

This is an attachment to City3, a forum for people interested in Kansas City Improv.

If you have any pictures, videos, links, or any other information about Kansas City Improv, email kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Stay Tuned

2009-01-25T10:27:00.004-06:00

Many Kansas City Improv groups have submitted for entry into numerous improv festivals across the country. Stay tuned to hear who ended up where.

Until then enjoy this fun fact:

John Lehr who stars in 10 items or less and was also one of the original Geico cavemen, is a native of Overland Park, KS. Just like Paul Rudd and Jason Sudeikis.

Audition to Improvise

2009-01-19T09:02:00.002-06:00

CounterClockwise Comedy will be holding open auditions for a new improviser on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

Location: The Screenland Theater in Kansas City’s Crossroads District. (View Map)
Time: Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 from 7pm to 9pm.
Dress: Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move around freely. You may also want to bring something to drink.
Reservations: If we have a large amount of people attend, those with reservations will receive preferential treatment. You may make a reservation by emailing your full name, address and phone number to audition@counterclockwisecomedy.com.
Misc: This audition is completely open. Improvisational experience, head shot and resume are not required, but all will probably better your chances of being cast.

For more information please visit counterclockwisecomedy.com

...and even more press

2009-01-16T16:03:00.002-06:00

The Kansas City Star had a great article as well...they even mentioned our very own Kansas City Improv Blog.

The weekend was kind to all of the improv shows.

Comedy City sold out
Full Frontal Comedy sold out
CounterClockwiseComedy sold out
Thunderdome might as well have been sold out
Tantrum and John over at Roving Imp said that they had great crowds as well.

Congratulations Kansas City Improv.
Keep up the great shows.

Kansas City Improv gets some great press

2009-01-07T14:08:00.004-06:00

Kansas City is enjoying the most thriving comedy scene that I've seen in my lifetime. Not at the stand-up level, where the big clubs are overpriced temples to the hacks. And the low-rent clubs feature too many sweaty, shouting open-mikers polishing sets from three years ago. Instead, it's among the seat-of-the-pants improv crowd.

Read the rest of the article HERE

Special Thanks goes to Alan Scherstuhl for his ongoing support of good improv in Kansas City.

2009 comes in with an improv bang

2009-01-05T16:09:00.002-06:00

Don't believe us, just check out all of these shows happening this weekend alone:

Roving Imp Theater featuring Hype 7
Comedy City
CounterClockwiseComedy
Full Frontal Comedy
Improv Thunderdome
The Trip Fives and Makeshift Militia
Tantrum

That is quite a good list of improv to choose from.

Remember, you can catch one on Friday and one on Saturday if you are having trouble picking.

Did we miss anyone?

Want to get involved in Kansas City Improv?

2009-01-03T11:00:00.002-06:00

Trust us on this, we have some inside information.

1. Most importantly, go see as many improv shows as you can, you will learn a lot from watching. Just click on the links to the right to find out show information for any group. Each group does something different.

2. Join the Improv Gym. This is a great place to just play without any pressure.

3. Take a great class from a great teacher at Roving Imp. This is the best place to take classes if you are a beginner. Right now, there is no other venue in town providing the kind of improv training that Roving Imp provides.

4. When you do go to the shows, hang out with the improvisers afterward...all they talk about is improv. Ask questions and you will get answers.

5. You want more answers...email questions to: kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Improv Gym

2008-12-30T15:37:00.003-06:00

Talk about a New Year's Resolution. Want to trim the excess improv fat in your life? Then check this out:

Improv Gym: Putting the "e" in Improv

Every Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Eljays is hosting Improv Gym. For $2 a night participants get to explore the dynamic and exciting world of improvisational theatre and comedy. Whether you are a first time participant or a seasoned veteran, all are welcome to learn, get energized, and above all, have fun!

All ages are welcome. The first Improv Gym is January 8th.

Don't forget to join the Facebook group!

We'll Do It For You

2008-12-16T15:55:00.003-06:00

We know that not a lot of people have time to look through all of the blogs that we link to, let alone all of the groups, and all of the venues.

We'll do it for you...you're welcome.

Trish Berrong talks about marketing a website for Tantrum.

Our very own Caroline Donnelly writes for mental floss when she isn't planning her wedding.

Tommy Todd is alive???

Nifer Honeycutt has risen from the phoenix ashes as well???

Pete Calderone celebrates the resignation of King Carl.

John Robison would make love to short form improv...really...

Jessica Robins is blogging with a picture every day.

Jenifer Harmon is getting better...duh!!

Did we miss anyone that has ties to Kansas City Improv?

Send us an email with a link or anything else that may seem relevant to kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Improv Thunderdome Season 3 Announced

2008-12-04T12:56:00.001-06:00

Tina would be so proud.

Named Kansas City's "Best Comedy Show" in 2008 by the Pitch.

Thunderdome pits nine teams of local improvisers against each other in a four month battle. Each team will get 30 minutes to prove their worthiness. Audiences will decide each month which team shall move on to the championship match.

Season Three Schedule:

ROUND #1
Saturday, January 10th at 9:00 p.m.
HOLY COW IMPROV
vs.
KILL THE DJ
vs.
SCRIPTEASE

ROUND #2
Saturday, February 14th at ***8:00 p.m.
BABEL FISH
vs.
PROMPT AND CIRCUMSTANCE
vs.
STITCH TACTICS

ROUND #3
Saturday, March 14th at 9:00 p.m.
THOSE PEOPLE
vs.
THE TRIP THREES
vs.
TRIVIAL PROV-SUIT

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Saturday, April 11th at 9:00 p.m.
Rd 1 Winner
vs.
Rd 2 Winner
vs.
Rd 3 Winner

***Note the Time change

Individual show information (including team bios, ticket prices & reservation info) coming soon!!!

Past Champions-
Season One - LOADED DICE
Season Two - SOME TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

December...Already???

2008-12-02T12:13:00.004-06:00

December brings the end of the year...it also brings an excitement to Kansas City Improv. Groups start planning their shows for next year, and the festival planning committee starts planning the next festival. We here at Kansas City Improv had a great year blogging about what has been happening throughout the community. Here's to another year of building upon our success as a community.

If you want to learn more about each group, just click through to their page for show and group info. If you have any news, tips, video, pictures, or just want to chat.

Email: kansascityimprov@gmail.com

New Improvised Live Talk Show

2008-11-26T08:38:00.003-06:00

Almost 9 years after it originally ended, BareTV hits the stage again completely re-vamped, re-assembled, and re-energized. The cast will take one audience suggestion and create an improvised late-night talkshow, complete with host monologues, guests and live music.

As part of Improv Comedy on "Second Saturdays" at the Westport Coffeehouse Theatre.

Cast details coming soon!!!!

Saturday, April 11th at 6:30 pm
Saturday, June 13th at 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 8th at 6:30 pm
Saturday, October 10th at 6:30 pm

Did we mention that this show will also be recorded for the internet...sources say it may be broadcast live!

New Sketch Group

2008-11-19T13:05:00.003-06:00

Straight from their mouths:

Kansas City's latest and greatest sketch comedy group!! We are a troupe formed by the members of Hype 7, Improv-Abilities, ComedyCity, Babel Fish, Loaded Dice, and former members of Monkeys with Hand Grenades. Our sketches and talents expand across many genres and inspiration, and our sketches are definitely for adult audiences only!

The disturbed minds of Sketchy Thoughts include
Nick Rigoli
Aaron Bagby
Clay Morgan
Jenifer Harmon
Jessica Robins
Joe Henley
Mandy Bannon
Matt Massey

For more information click on their group link. Sketchy Thoughts

If you know of a new improv or sketch group or if you just have any information about Kansas City Improv, email: kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Improv Comedy on "Second Saturdays"

2008-11-19T12:59:00.002-06:00

The gents who are responsible for Improv Thunderdome have given the improv community something they have always wanted. A place with consistent shows once a month, and the ability to collaborate with other groups and other improvisers.

Introducing:

Improv Comedy on "Second Saturdays" at the Westport Coffeehouse

2009 Schedule

January 10th
6:30 pm - The Trip Fives w/ Makeshift Militia
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 3, Round 1

February 14th
6:30 pm - (TBD)
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 3, Round 2

March 14th
6:30 pm - The Trip Fives w/ Improv Abilities
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 3, Round 3

April 11th
6:30 pm - BareTV - An Improvised Talkshow
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 3 Championship

May 9th
8:00 pm - The Trip Fives w/ Loaded Dice

June 13th
8:00 pm - BareTV - An Improvised Talkshow

July 11th
6:30 pm - The Trip Fives w/ Babel Fish
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 4, Round 1

August 8th
6:30 pm - BareTV - An Improvised Talkshow
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 4, Round 2

September 12th
6:30 pm - The Trip Fives w/ Tantrum
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 4, Round 3

October 10th
6:30 pm - BareTV - An Improvised Talkshow
9:00 pm - Improv Thunderdome Season 4 Championship

November 14th
8:00 pm - The Trip Fives w/ Full Frontal Comedy

December 12th - CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!!!!!

More details on each individual month as the dates draw closer.

What is Bare TV you might be asking, more info for that coming soon.

LMW Ruptured Disc Benefit Improv Show

2008-11-11T14:22:00.002-06:00

Linda Marie Williams (our statuesque, 15-year veteran improviser, who sings like nobodies business) has been suffering with a severe spinal disc rupture for over six months. Surgery is needed and expenses are astronomical. She needs a good dose of stress-less rest and lots of money for medical expenses and work less recovery...

So Comedy City is putting on the Linda Marie Williams Ruptured Disc Benefit Improv Show on Sunday, November 30!

Showtime is 7pm. Tickets are $20 each--all box office, food & beverage proceeds will be donated to defray her medical expenses. And you get something too! With every ticket you purchase you receive 2 tickets to any December Comedy City show free! (Excluding New Year's Eve).

Donations are accepted. Help us help Linda get back on her feet and doing the funny again! Tell everyone you know and join us on November 30. Call (816) 842-2744 for information and reservations.

A Message from Master Blaster

2008-11-07T15:03:00.002-06:00

Coming January 2009 as part of **Improv Comedy on "Second Saturdays"** at the Westport Coffeehouse Theatre.

Thunderdome pits nine teams* of local improvisers against each other in a four month battle. Each team will get 30 minutes to prove their worthiness. Audiences will decide each month which team shall move on to the championship match.

ROUNDS 1,2 and 3
Saturday, January 10th
Saturday, February 14th
Saturday, March 14th

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Saturday, April 11th

*Info on teams coming soon

Mark your calendars now!

**More information about Improv Comedy on "Second Saturdays" coming very soon.

What is going on?

2008-11-06T15:20:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the delay between postings. No excuses, things will be getting back to normal soon.

Just because we aren't posting, doesn't mean that there isn't improv news in the KC community. In fact, there is a new group:

After a fantastic debut performance, STITCH TACTICS joins the ranks of the Kansas City Improv Community. They are proud to announce that they will be running every 2nd and 4th Saturday @ 10:00pm at ComedyCity starting THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8th! Performances will be held at The Westport Flea Market, under ComedyCity's Chaos Theatre.

Check out there link on the right for more info or check out Comedy City's link on the right.

If you have any news, photos, video, or tips about Kansas City Improv, email: kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Exciting Show Coming to Town.

2008-10-27T13:43:00.004-05:00

Corey and Monique are bringing their sketch comedy show "The Union" to Kansas City. Thank God! They are having a seven week run at The Annoyance during this time as well. We are very lucky to be seeing this performance because Corey and Monique are from Kansas City, and will be home for Thanksgiving. Who knows if this will be a one time showing of "The Union" or not, so make your reservations now!

INFO:

The Union & Tantrum

Friday, November 28, 2008
8pm
Westport Coffeehouse
4010 Pennsylvania
Tickets: 816-678-8886

Tickets are 10 bucks. Doors open at 7:30. Everyone goes to McCoy's after.

Kansas City Improviser on Jeopardy

2008-10-16T13:16:00.003-05:00

Our very own Steve Jones will be on Jeopardy today at 4:30pm on KSHB. Hope you can tune in and see how he does.

Steve is in the middle row, farthest on the right. Good Luck Steve!

Where did everybody go?

2008-10-15T17:14:00.003-05:00

It's awfully quiet around the Kansas City Improv scene right now. Don't get us wrong, there are plenty of shows this weekend and of course for the rest of the month. (Just click on the group links to find out when) But cool news and information has slowed down. What did you expect. The Festival is over and Improv Thunderdome Season 2 is over. But guess what, this silence means that teams are rehearsing and getting better. Not to mention that the powers that be have already started working on the next Festival and the next Thunderdome. Patience my dear readers.

If you know of any cool Kansas City Improv information that we have missed, whether it be links, photos, blogs, or videos. Please email us a link at kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Thanks

The Kiss Debate

2008-10-10T09:52:00.004-05:00

Recently on City3.org Jen Harmon from Hype 7 posed an interesting question:

"Jess and I were driving back from KC last weekend, and I can't remember how the subject came up, but we started talking about the existence/non-existence of the stage kiss in improv. We turned out to be pretty opinionated, and not necessarily in agreement. It was such an interesting debate that I almost ended up on the Turnpike going much further west than necessary or practical.

I'll put together my theories on the matter - and they are only theories, as I have not kissed anyone onstage - in a little while, but I wanted to throw some starter questions out there:

When does the audience want to see two people kiss onstage? Or do they at all?
Is it a kiss, or a parody of a kiss?
Are there emotional repercussions? Can the characters kiss without the improvisers kissing? What if you're pimped into it?
Is it easier to stage-kiss someone of the gender you're not attracted to?

Please discuss, theorize, share experiences. If you feel you need anonymity, I'm sure nobody would mind.

Discuss...

Guess Who's Coming for BBQ...

2008-10-07T22:24:00.002-05:00

...and of course to put on a great show.

Kansas City Improv friend Jill Bernard will be back for a special show:

Second City's Dave Razowsky directs Jill Bernard of Minneapolis (Drum Machine, HUGE, ComedySportz) and Trish Berrong of Kansas City (Tantrum, Spite, Poke) in BROWNIES DON'T LIE.

We'd love to tell you all about it, but this completely improvised show will be created between October 10-13 in LA with the help of Dave Razowsky. Jill and Trish will fly straight back to KC to debut whatever it is they come up with Thursday, October 16.

But that's not all! First up, you'll see Improv Mini-Dome Champions Spite (Nikki DuPont, Megan Mercer, Trish Berrong) and improv renegades Babel Fish (performing their signature piece, Waiting For Jill Bernard).

It's a lot of comedy for 8 bucks on a Thursday night. But we think you can handle it.

Here are 2 pretty big reasons you should come see this:

1. Jill Bernard is a fearless and hilarious improviser. Trish Berrong has single-handily taught Kansas City the art of good improv.
2. Their coach Dave Razowsky just so happened to write and perform comedy with none other than Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert while at Second City.

Pitch Awards

2008-10-01T14:32:00.003-05:00

Best Comedy Show: Improv Thunderdome

Best Funny Performer: Rob Grabowski

And the winner is...

2008-09-29T09:57:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to STD's (Some Technical Difficulties) for winning season 2 of Improv Thunderdome Championships.

Improv Thunderdome Season 2 Championships

2008-09-24T08:27:00.002-05:00

This Saturday is the Championship round of Improv Thunderdome Season 2.

Featuring:

STD's (Some Technical Difficulties)

Scriptease

and Type O Positive

May the best team win. For more information click on Improv Thunderdome in the groups section.

New group: Pretty. Funny.

2008-09-22T10:30:00.002-05:00

Pretty. Funny. is made up of 6 hilarious women from Comedy City. They are not necessarily a new group since they have been around for almost a year now. Check out their website or their facebook page for information on upcoming shows.

Happy Birthday: Tantrum

2008-09-18T09:30:00.002-05:00

What started as just a one trick pony to fill a show date at the Westport Coffeehouse, has now turned into a long form improv group. Congratulations on the one year anniversary Tantrum.

Check out their facebook page here and their blog here.

When is your groups birthday? Email kansascityimprov@gmail.com and let us know

Time for some collaboration

2008-09-17T10:26:00.004-05:00

Last year, the Kansas City Improv Festival spawned many groups, and challenged many local groups to try different formats. We want to know how this years festival changed the face of improv in Kansas City.

If you know of any new groups that we don't have listed here, please let us know about them. Also, if you have any photos, videos, or links that are related to Kansas City Improv, please email them to:

kansascityimprov@gmail.com

And now, a photo recap of the local weekend:

Loaded Dice

Counter Clockwise Comedy

Roving Imp

Tantrum

Improv-Abilities

Full Frontal Comedy

Scriptease

The Trip Fives

More to come...

All good things must come to an end

2008-09-15T10:00:00.004-05:00

It was the culmination of many volunteers putting in many hours of work. In return, they got to be a part of a very successful improv festival. Congratulations to the improv community in Kansas City for putting on a great show. We want to give you a very heartfelt thank you.

We now return to regular postings.

8: KCiF Local Weekend

2008-09-10T11:46:00.003-05:00

First check out this great article about improv in Kansas City...HERE

Then go HERE to buy your tickets to see the best local improvisers in Kansas City.

Was there a festival or something?

2008-09-08T10:44:00.003-05:00

The National Showcase is over...boo hoo. If you missed it, we're sorry, it was amazing. Here are some pictures to make you even more jealous.

Monkey 13 and the Masked Menace
Dan Izzo, Tim McKendrick, Chris DiAngelo, and John Hartman

Brother Love's Travelin' Salvation Show
David Iserson, Dan Walsh, Jeff Drake, and Wendy Molyneux

Jill Bernard's Drum Machine

Der Monkenpickel
Eric Davis, Corey Rittmaster, Jeremy Carter, Jason Sudeikis, and...

Ed Goodman

The after-parties and the workshops were well attended and there were many great photos. But we just have to share a very special one.

Last year we had an after party at Bar Natasha. Some of you may know that this year Bar Natasha is closing in only 2 short weeks. Well, the festival helped send the bar out in style with a lovely duet:

Missy Koonce and Jason Sudeikis singing a lovely duet about Barack Obama

We here in Kansas City were very proud to be a part of such a great show. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so wonderful.

New Group: Those People

2008-09-04T08:27:00.004-05:00

Not really new, since they started last fall. But, Those People, a long form improv group at Kansas University had auditions last night. Alex Nichols, a current member, had this to say about the auditions:

"Today we had auditions for Those People, which as you may know is the long-form group here at KU. We had a great turnout; about 20 or so came to play for 3 spots. Just about everybody played well and made a good effort. It's going to be really hard for us to pick just three. Much of the process involved me or another member improvising a scene with an auditioner. Here's the kind of weird thing: it was some of the best improv I've ever done. I felt super relaxed, I took chances, I made interesting decisions, I committed to a character and stuck with it... all of the scenes were inventive, and a few of them were downright hilarious. And it was all with people I had never improvised with before! Is this unusual? Do many people have auditions (either as the auditioner or a current member participating in the process) that are so good, they feel almost wasted because it wasn't in a show? (I actually think KCiF had something to do with it... I signed up for Fire It Up! and Multiple Personalities because I feel like I could work on quickly engaging in a scene and having a wider range of characters. I think that just the idea of improving those areas improved them a lot already. I did both of those things because I had them on my mind, and I focused better on those elements.)"

For more information about the group. Join their facebook group by clicking on the link on the right.

Kansas City Improv Festival 8

2008-09-03T09:45:00.005-05:00

It's official 8: The Kansas City Improv Festival has sold out both shows for the national weekend. However, there are still tickets for the local weekend.

For ticket information visit the link HERE.

And now for your viewing pleasure:

Last year Der Monkenpickel discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Weekend Recap

2008-09-02T11:37:00.004-05:00

The evening started with
Babelfish: Nathan Stewert and Joe Henley. Featuring Jared Brustad

Followed by
Poke: Tommy Todd and Trish Berrong

Improv Thunderdome Round 3 started with
Burnin Sternums: Rob Grabowski, Nick Rigoli, Trish Berrong, Keith Curtis, and Pete Calderone

Followed by
Fluffer Nutter: Nifer Honeycutt and Jessica Robins

Followed by
The Winners: Type O Positive
Ryan Seymour, John Robison, Tricia Davenport, Jeremy Danner, and Tim Marks

Photos by Rita

If you have any photos, videos, links, or anything involving Kansas City Improv
email kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Improv in the Press

2008-08-28T08:54:00.007-05:00

First The Pitch covers Improv at The Westport Coffeehouse:

Poke, Babel Fish and Improv Thunderdome This third round of Improv Thunderdome, the three-shows-for-one-cover comedy competition, should again demonstrate to Kansas City just how daring, diverse and unpredictable the art of improv can be. Go at 7 p.m., and you'll be treated to two of the best new troupes in town: Poke, the improvised duet between first-class performers Trish Berrong and Tommy Todd; and Babel Fish, Joe Henley and Nathan Stewart's brainy, allusive, theater-of-the-absurd spectacular, which feels like it should earn you college credit.

Then the Star covers it:

Scriptease, the winners of the second round of Thunderdome, are (from left) Rene Boudreaux, coach Rob Grabowski, Andrew Brant, Drew Davidson, Tommy Todd and Clayton Ingram.

The Improv Thunderdome 2.0 holds its third round Saturday at the Westport CoffeeHouse, 4010 Pennsylvania. The scheduled competitors are Burnin’ Sternums (Trish Berrong, Pete Calderone, Keith Curtis, Rob Grabowski and Nick Rigoli), Fluffer Nutter (Niffer Honeycutt and Jessica Robins) and Type O Positive (Jeremy Danner, Tricia Davenport, Timmy Marks, Ryan Seymour and John Robison).

The show begins at 9 p.m. The winning team will join Some Technical Difficulties and Scriptease in the finals Sept. 27.

Babel Fish (with Joe Henley, Nathan Stewart and guest Jared Brustad) and Poke (Berrong and Tommy Todd) will also do a show at 7 p.m.

Then, in the star's upcoming events list under Theater/Comedy:

Comedy City, Roving Imp, and Improv Thunderdome are all mentioned.

You want more information about all of these shows...click through the links on the right.

Cool News: Reporters investigating Kansas City Improv

2008-08-25T08:49:00.003-05:00

We have heard from many improv insiders that The Kansas City Star has been interviewing numerous amounts of improv leaders throughout the community including but not limited to: Clancy Hathaway of Comedy City, John Robison of Roving Imp, Tina Morrison of Full Frontal Comedy, Jared Brustad of Improv Thunderdome and The Trip Fives, and Trish Berrong of Exit 16 and Tantrum. There have even been sightings of photographers at shows of those mentioned above. Sources say there is going to be a huge write-up about the improv community during the Festival. It might possibly even come out the Sunday after the national shows, in order to help sell tickets for the local shows the following weekend. Stay tuned, as soon as it is out, we will have a link here.

Happy Birthday: Full Frontal Comedy

2008-08-22T09:43:00.003-05:00

Full Frontal Comedy started flashing their comedy in the fall of 1998. For the complete story click HERE.

Happy 10th Birthday Full Frontal!

Update: New Groups

2008-08-22T09:23:00.003-05:00

Sure, they aren't that new of an improv group, but they finally have a web page we can link to.

Loaded Dice

Roving Imp is also not a new group/theater, but John Robison has been hard at work creating new groups within the Theater. Here are some samples:

Trivial Prov-suit
Dictionary Soup
Red Rubber Ball
Omega Directive

You can check out all of the groups websites by clicking on the links to the right to see performances and other updates.

Jason Sudeikis and family in the Kansas City Star

2008-08-21T08:34:00.002-05:00

We promise, this blog is not just about Sudeikis, but it doesn't hurt that he is from Kansas City and he is driving the ticket sales for the upcoming Festival.

Check the article HERE

Jason Sudeikis in ESPN The Magazine

2008-08-19T15:43:00.003-05:00

HERE is the Link

Reminder

2008-08-18T11:57:00.002-05:00

Funny Outfit 1999

If you have any photos, videos, links, or anything else Kansas City Improv related. Please email them to:

kansascityimprov@gmail.com

Psst

2008-08-18T11:55:00.002-05:00

Tickets are selling fast for shows and workshops.

Info HERE

Cool News: Hype 7

2008-08-14T09:50:00.002-05:00

Hype 7 went through some major transitions last year after the Kansas City Improv Festival. Many of their founding members left the group, and the rest were left to figure out what to do next. They continued rehearsing, putting on shows, and having fun together. But something was missing, and that something was a clear cut director for the group.

Recently we learned the talented Nifer Honeycutt has taken over Directing duties for Hype 7. They have lost a fantastic improviser, but they have gained a fantastic Director in return. This will surely help them in their future endeavors, and we here at Kansas City Improv cannot wait to see what the future holds for one of the oldest improv groups in town.

A History: Roving Imp Theater

2008-08-11T09:03:00.002-05:00

The exciting conclusion to the history of the Roving Imp Theater straight from the fingers of John Robison:

The Imp Creation Story, Part 2:

I searched for an appropriate building for a long time. I looked in all parts of the city. My target area at the time was somewhere around 75th & 1-35. However, it soon became apparent that any type of commercial property in that area was going to be WAY out of my price range. I found a building I really liked that was just on the Kansas side of Westport. I loved the building. It was perfect. It was $400,000. The only building I was able to find that both had potential and was in my price range was on the main street of Bonner Springs, about 20-30 minutes west of Kansas City. However, I wasn’t able to reach a deal with the owner that we were both happy with.

So I decided to chill out for awhile. It was the beginning of November. My thinking was that if I waited until after the first of the year, the market would have changed enough that more buildings might be available for better prices. After a month, just after Thanksgiving, I got a call from the owner of the building in Bonner Springs, a man in his mid-60s originally from Italy. He said, “I haven’t heard from you… what’s going on, you don’t like foreigners?” I shot back, “Foreigners I’m OK with. It’s the Italians I’ve got problems with.” Within another two weeks we’d hammered out a deal. It turned out that time had done a lot of the negotiating for me, and it was a lot easier this time. The only real consideration at that point was that the building wasn’t in the center city. However, it did have two apartments connected, with potential space down below, so there was a guarantee of income. I decided to go ahead, reasoning that if you have a quality product, people will come to see it no matter where it is located. Also, Bonner Springs was something of a cultural void… ready for the planting of cultural seeds that will one day be ready for harvest. (By the way, so far, the “build it and they will come” approach has worked out OK…)

We were scheduled to close on March 1, 2007. I was super freaked at this point, as everything that had before been a pie-in-the-sky fantasy was suddenly terrifying stark reality. It was all going down, and I was the one in charge of it. At that point, my thinking was that we needed to get up and running as soon as humanly possible. We would have the building, and we needed to start the operation of the business so we could start revenue streams. (or at least revenue trickles.) I set the completely insane “what the hell are you thinking” deadline opening date of April 7, 2007. That’s right. One month. One month to remodel the inside of the building, do marketing, assemble a performance team, advertise for classes, and implement the business plan. It was the most thrilling, frightening, exhausting, exhilarating month I have ever lived. It was terrible, hard work, as we had to completely gut the interior and rebuild it in our chosen image. Once we decided on the final layout (we chose our third option), we started working in earnest. I’ll never be able to repay my two brothers, sister, or wife for that month. Two walls came down. Three walls went up. Two bathrooms materialized. A new ceiling went up. The seats got moved in and attached, despite the guy at the U-Haul threatening to burn my house down in the middle of the night because I had the gaul to complain that he’d overcharged me. (Yes, that really happened.) A big complex light box went up into the ceiling. The stage got built. The sound system went in. Advertisements went into newspapers and online. I talked to everyone I knew. Some really kind people came in and helped construct and paint. Rehearsals happened. I remember a few of those early rehearsals when we rehearsed in a small corner of the room because it was the only space that was clean enough in which to exist.

On some level I must have known that it was possible to do. Because we did it. There were a ton of weird city-specific regulations that nearly hung us up at the last minute (it was boring enough living it… no need to re-create it here), but we opened with three mini-shows followed by snacks and chatting. It was a great night all around. Were the shows great? Probably not. But they happened. Everyone has to start somewhere. Not bad for a group that had virtually no experience doing improv. The original group of six included me, my sister, two people I’d met doing a musical the previous summer, a friend that I’d met doing a show, and he later performed in something like four improv shows, and some random teenager that happened to wander in. That first show was fun and energetic, if not the most artistic thing to ever hit the world. The important thing is that we have gotten better since then, by several magnitudes.

I’ve learned a lot about everything since then, not just about the art of improvisation. For example, I’ve found that newspaper advertisements for me are just as useless as posting flyer's. Both are activities I really pursued with gusto in those early three months. Neither produced as much as a single audience member. I’ve learned that I need to not indulge my artistic temperament… just because I’m excited about something doesn’t mean I should immediately devote all resources towards that goal. Nowadays I put forth the idea, sit on it for a couple weeks, and then make plans to implement it two or three months down the line. This is the reason that I plan all my shows and activities at least three months in advance. It prevents me from getting excited and jumping into some foolish and fun notion.

I’m sure there’s a ton more for me to learn. As long as they aren’t painful lessons, I welcome them. Even though it was a really tough time, there’s nothing like watching a dream come true to feed your soul. Even when my soul was covered in drywall dust, paint, sweat, and more blood than I care to remember, it was still smiling. Even though financially I will certainly never be the same, one day when this theater is rolling along at an acceptably successful level, I’d consider opening another one - at a much slower, more careful, better planned and better funded pace. Don’t tell my wife. She’d leave me.

New Improv Venue

2008-08-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

The theater manager for Just Off Broadway Theater has reached out to the improv community on City3.org. He is opening up the doors of the JOBT for more improv shows. A great venue for the improv groups here in Kansas City.

Look who we found

2008-08-06T09:54:00.004-05:00

Hype 7 and Kansas City's very own Matt Reiss performing in a Second City Student Show. Matt is the beautiful bald man standing in the doorway on the left.

Kansas City Improv Festival: Workshops Announced

2008-08-05T09:13:00.006-05:00

Festival Teachers and Workshops Announced

Registration is now open!
Guest artists from our National Showcase will teach classes at a variety of skill levels. Classes are open to students ages 15 and older. Before picking your classes, please check to see which level you're eligible for.

Class Schedule:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Registration: 9:30am
Session One: 10 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch Break: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Session Two: 1:30 - 4 pm

Instructors:

Jill Bernard
Eric Davis
Ed Goodman
Corey Rittmaster
Dan Izzo

To Register and to find more information please click HERE.

Improv Blog Topic: July

2008-07-31T11:02:00.002-05:00

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

Click through the blogs on the right to find out local Kansas City Improviser's answers.

Jill Bernard got in on the action.

A Weekend Recap

2008-07-29T08:47:00.004-05:00

Jared Brustad (the inventor of Thunderdome) recapped the weekend:

Wednesday was the beginning of the Kansas City Improv Showcase at the Kansas City Fringe Festival. Mr. Guy Maggio had organized a Wednesday through Sunday improv extravaganza, and got it all under one roof. He acted as director, producer, technical supervisor, host, talent scout, stage hand, and a plethora of other titles during this stretch. The Fringe was a blast to be a part of and Guy deserves all the credit coming his way.

As for me, I had put together a mini Improv Thunderdome to participate in the festivities. Wednesday started the exciting week that was. Round 1 was between Trivial Prov-suit (John Robison of the Roving Imp Theater and James Nelson with the Makeshift Militia) and Loaded Dice (Improv Thunderdome's season one champions). Both sets were great, and in the end Trivial Prov-suit won the match by a vote of 12 to 11. The one vote difference was a Thunderdome first.

Friday, round 2 pitted Improv-Abilties (Organizers of the up coming Kansas City Improv Festival) against Spite (or "the lady parts of Tantrum", Trish Berrong, Nikki DuPont & Megan Mercer). Again, two great sets were presented, and once again one vote determined the outcome. Spite was victorious 16 to 15. An hour and a half later, Jen Roser, Megan Mercer and myself performed in the KC Improv Showcase as three fifths of the Trip Fives. We had a lot of fun. The set went by so fast. I had had one beer before the show (which I NEVER do) and felt as if it went right to my head. I personally felt "off" but nonetheless had a great time performing with Jen and Megan.

Saturday came the original Improv Thunderdome at the Westport Coffeehouse, round two of season two. Scriptease vs. Death Rattle vs. CCC. I thought all teams gave great performances, but to be honest, none of them seemed to have brought their A game. Each set included many great highs and great laughs, but each set also included a few down moment. Nothing down-right horrible, just some lulls that I think each and every performer would agree with, that is the only reason why I feel comfortable mentioning it. In the end, Scriptease received the most votes, and became the first 2-time finalists in Thunderdome's short history. I was very proud of everyone and am so happy that each person was involved. Also, big props to Loaded Dice who performed their first true show before Thunderdome. They all did great.

Sunday was the last day of improv at the Fringe, and the last show was the mini-championship of the mini-thunderdome. Trivial Prov-suit vs. Spite. The crowd, I believe, was the biggest of the week (Not of the whole Fringe Fest, I'm sure, but for the improv portion of it). 50 people came and voted Spite as the mini champs. And once again, for the third straight show in a row, one vote decided the winner. 23 to 22. Awesome, and completely unheard of.

Now that it is Monday, I am looking back on my busiest week of improv since 1998 or '99, or whenever the last Lighten Up/Funny Outfit sponsored improv festival was. This past week was a blast. After talking with Guy after show, we discussed the excitement of next year's Fringe Fest and ways of expanding the talent as well as the audiences. To be honest, the audiences were quite a surprise. Not to mention some of the press we got with the KC Star, the Pitch (both mini-dome & regular-dome), and even the KC Stage. What a week. The improv community should be very proud. And a big thank you should go out to all of those involved.

Thanks.

Thank you Jared, we could not have said it any better ourselves.

Quickie Catch-up

2008-07-28T21:05:00.003-05:00

This is who won Thunderdome Round 2: Scriptease

This is who won Mini-Dome at the Fringe Fest: Spite (sorry for the blurry photo)

It was a very busy weekend, we are catching up on improv shows, stories, photos, and more. Thank you for your patience.

Kansas City Improv: an apparently thriving subculture

2008-07-24T08:38:00.003-05:00

This is Jared Brustad (left) and Guy Maggio (right)

Guy Maggio helped organize the plethora of improv groups participating in this years Fringe Festival. Jared Brustad helped organize the mini-improv thunderdome in the same location. The events kicked off Wednesday night to a well attended Hollywood room in the former Paddy O' Quigly's. Come on down to see some great improv.

In other news. Another improv group has joined the Kansas City Improv Community. Holy Cow!
They will be performing at 1911 McGee St.
Wed July 23, 8:00PM
Fri July 25, 6:30 PM
Fri July 25, 11:00 PM
Sat July 26, 8:30 PM

Hollywood Room Schedule
Kansas City Star article

Video: Paul Rudd 1987

2008-07-21T10:23:00.001-05:00

This is Paul Rudd and Sean Tevis of Shawnee Mission West High School performing in the final round of a Forensics Tournament in Olathe, Kansas in 1987. They were Improvisational Duet Acting state champions the previous year.

Sean Tevis and Paul Rudd in 1987

Workshop: Tom Farnan

2008-07-17T10:31:00.002-05:00

Hello KC Improv People!!!

My name is Tom Farnan. I'm originally from Kansas City,
and performed ComedySportz...at least it was ComedySportz when I left. You might know it as Comedy City!

I've had the unique opportunity of studying, performing and/or instructing improv in Chicago at such theaters as The Second City, Annoyance Theater, IO and of course ComedySportz of Chicago! I
also had the pleasure of performing with The Second City in Las Vegas. Currently I live in Los Angeles where I perform with Opening Night the Improvised Musical and Hit and Run Musical improv.

I hear that the KC Improv community has just exploded since I've left, and it's also a great community to be a part of with a wealth of young and hungry performers always wanting to hone their craft.

So, here's a workshop:

It's a two day/nine hour event.

Where:

The Hollywood Room in the former Paddy O'Quigley's
100 East 20th Street
(east of Hereford House restaurant and north of The Cashew bar)
Kansas City, MO 64108
Parking and entrance off of Walnut, west of building

When:

Saturday 7/26 10a-3p
Sunday 7/27 9a-1p

The first 20 people to contact me directly will be in this class. If we have an overwhelming response and need to schedule a second workshop for the following weekend we will do so. No pun intended but, we'll improvise.

Contact me individually and directly at velvet2k3@yahoo.com. Please give me your full name and contact info. I will e-mail you back. "Registration" for this class, will close Sunday night 7/20.

I'm sure there will be people of ALL skill levels at our workshop. Bring your patience and love and we'll have a good time. Oh, and dress comfortably. We'll be moving around.

What does this cost? What's it worth to you? it's 2 days and 9 hours of the thing you love to do the most (for some). I'm sure there is a really good reason why you're participating, so you set your own price. We'll keep it anonymous. Don't tell me or anybody else what you're going to pay. There will be a shoebox at the door. Shove your cash or check in it when you come in and that will be it. US currency only, and sorry no trades, favors or home made coupon books for free back rubs or whatever...tempting, but no thanks. Remember I've come all the way in from LA, so be generous.

I am thrilled! Hope you are too! Can't wait to see you!

Tom

‘SNL’ star Jason Sudeikis returns home to preview his film ‘The Rocker’

2008-07-16T09:30:00.003-05:00

By TOM FUCOLORO

The Kansas City Star

“Saturday Night Live” star Jason Sudeikis, who grew up in Overland Park, returned to the area Tuesday night for a screening of his new film “The Rocker.” After the film ended, he took questions from the audience.

Next stop for Jason Sudeikis is the Foo Fighters’ concert with some friends. For the “Saturday Night Live” star from Overland Park, being back in the Kansas City area feels good, he said as he addressed fans at a preview screening of “The Rocker”.

So what does he like about home?

“It’s great. You get to eat Gates and Bryants,” he said. “Oh, and beers are cheap here.”

The seats at the Olathe AMC 30 were full for the screening of the film, which stars Rainn Wilson (Dwight from NBC’s “The Office”). The film centers on a washed-up drummer who almost made it big in the ’80s who finds fame playing in his nephew’s high school band.

Applause and laughter were fairly subdued until Sudeikis’ David Marshall, the band’s major-label manager, appeared on screen. Either the audience recognized Sudeikis as a local star, or his crude, slimy, two-faced role delivered many of the comedic highlights of the film.

“I think the movie would have been PG without me,” Sudeikis joked to the crowd, most of whom stayed after the movie to hear him speak and answer questions.

One questioner asked where Sudeikis got the idea for the popular “Two A-holes” characters on “SNL.” They were created late at night, with no particular inspiration in mind, he said.

“I guess you could say they are like Blue Valley kids,” said Sudeikis. The audience burst into either support or dissent at this point, and he went on to mention that other schools — including his alma mater, Shawnee Mission West — had some “turkeys,” too.

But Sudeikis’ academic life was not necessarily impressive after graduating high school. He dropped out of Fort Scott Community College after getting kicked off the basketball team for having bad grades. Oddly enough, the soon-to-be writer for “SNL” even failed English.

But Sudeikis started focusing on comedy. His troupe, Der Monkenpickle, performed around Lawrence before he moved to Chicago to become part of the Second City improv company. He was brought onto “SNL” first as a writer, then a performer.

And Sudeikis’ improv history is clear when he speaks to an audience. When asked whether he would concentrate more on making films than “SNL,” like former cast member Will Ferrell, Sudeikis was quick.

“Yeah, do the Will Ferrell thing and make $20 million a film, buying houses for my boats?” Sudeikis said. He would like that, but he has a long way to go.

After all, he is only working on “low-budget” movies with around $15 million to spend. Well, low-budget for Fox, anyway.