Thursday, December 2, 2010

Tonight's shows

The Mainstage

8 PM - $10
The Dollhouse
Rigor Tortoise

9 PM - $10
The iO Rep Presents

10 PM - $10
Quartet

11 PM - $5
Freedom Snatch

11:30 PM - FREE
Cage Match

The DCT

11 PM - FREE
Student Cage Match

The Loft
10:30 PM - FREE
Cuban B's Improv Fiesta w/ Special Guests

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Tonight's shows

On the Mainstage:
8 PM - $5
Tatanka
BANDIT

9 PM - $5
The Cartel
Trophy Wife

10 PM - $5
Spirit Cat
King Ten

11 PM - $5
Elevator

In the Del Close Theater (DCT):

11 PM - FREE
Whoopsie Wednesdays with the kids of Happy Accident(s)

In The Loft:

10:30 PM - FREE
Chompie Chomp's Improv Romp

New classes now enrolling

iO Level 1 classes are now enrolling!

Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival apps out

Applications for iO's 9th Annual Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival are now available! The fest is June 6-11, 2011.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

"Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!" 600th show this Friday

"Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!" celebrates its 600th show this Friday, Dec. 3 at iO West! Check out this interview where the cast recounts some of their favorite and least favorite ("Hemorrhoids" the musical, anyone?) Improvised Musical moments.

To purchase tickets, call the box office at 323-962-7560. The show is sure to sell out!

Maria Bamford coming to Top Story! Weekly

Special guest Maria Bamford is coming to iO West's Top Story! Weekly this Sunday, Dec. 5th at 9 p.m.! Top Story! Weekly has been voted Best in Los Angeles.

Upcoming special guests:
12/5: Maria Bamford
12/12: Shawn Pearlman
12/19: Dan Banas
1/2: Shawn Carlow
1/9: Bill Burr
1/16: Tom Clark
1/23: Matt Manser
1/30: Pete Carboni/Thomas Fowler

Check out this video from Top Story!'s Phillip Wilburn, which was recently featured on The Huffington Post:



Call 323-962-7560 or visit TicketWeb for tickets!

Uncle's Brother coming to iO West



Uncle's Brother with Tim Meadows, Joe Canale and Brad Morris is coming to iO West Dec. 6th and Dec. 13th at 9 p.m.!

Dec. 4th Armando with Margot Leitman

This week's Armando will feature Margot Leitman of VH1's "Best Week Ever" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien"!

Dec. 11th Armando will features cast of NBC's "Outsourced"!

The Dec. 11th "Armando" (voted Best in Los Angeles by CBS LA) will feature the cast of NBC's "Outsourced"! Parvesh Cheena, an iO West alum, will play. Get tickets here or call 323-962-7560!

Interview with "The Lampshades"

Kate Flannery (Meredith on "The Office") and Scot Robinson are The Lampshades! They perform the first Saturday of every month at iO West; now check out this video interview with them on the origins of the show.



Buy tickets at 323-962-7560!

Dr. God Revival w/ Annabeth Gish


Sat., Dec. 18th's "Dr. God Revival" will feature special guest Annabeth Gish ("Mystic Pizza," "Brotherhood.") The show starts at 10:30 p.m. - buy tickets at 323-962-7560 or on TicketWeb!

New Level 1 Intensive available

A new Level 1 Intensive session is available, taught by the amazing Bridget Kloss! More info here.

"Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!" Cast Interview

"Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!" celebrates its 600th show this Friday, Dec. 3 at iO West! Check out this interview where the cast recounts some of their favorite and least favorite ("Hemorrhoids" the musical, anyone?) Improvised Musical moments.

To purchase tickets, call the box office at 323-962-7560. The show is sure to sell out!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Upcoming writing classes

TV Pilot Presentations (7 weeks) – $350
The goal of this class is a collection of deftly written documents: treatment(s), character descriptions, episode scenarios, promo script, pilot script—the overall goal being a thoroughly thought through concept from beginning-to-end that can be read and defended in a pitch meeting, and to that end the student has complete access to all that The Comedy Lab and The iO West has to offer, including a live staged reading of the student’s completed script during one of The Comedy Lab Live performances on any given Sunday evening.

Sunday 3pm-6:30pm (Begins 11/7) -Michael McCarthy (S2)
Register for TV Pilot Presentations

Sitcom Spec Scripts (7 weeks) – $350
The goal of this class is a sitcom spec script of a currently running show, whether single-camera, four-camera, single-camera (cable) or animated—suitable for submission to literary agents, network executives and/or TV executive producers; and to that end the student has complete access to all that The Comedy Lab and The iO West have to offer, including a live staged reading of the student’s completed script during one of The Comedy Lab Live performances on any given Sunday evening.

Sunday 11:30am-3pm (Begins 11/7) -Michael McCarthy (S2)
Register for Sitcom Spec Scripts

SNL Sketch Packets (7 weeks) – $350
The GOAL of this class is an SNL sketch packet, comprised of at least eight separate sketches, suitable for submission to literary agents, TV producers as well as SNL itself—and to that end the student has complete access to all that The Comedy Lab and The iO West has to offer, including the performance of his or her material by The Comedy Lab Players (a rotating cast of 15 talented sketch actors), every Sunday night during ‘The Comedy Lab Live.’

Saturday 3pm-6:30pm (Begins 11/6) -Michael McCarthy (S2)
Register for SNL Sketch Packets

Talk Show Portfolios (7 weeks) – $350
The GOAL of this class is a four-page, state-of-the-art talk show portfolio suitable for submission to both literary agents and TV producers alike—and to that end the student has complete access to all that The Comedy Lab and The iO West has to offer, including the performance of his or her material live on stage every Sunday night in what’s called The Comedy Lab Live.

Monday 7pm-10:30pm (Begins 11/1) -Michael McCarthy (WR)
Register for Talk Show Portfolios

Advanced Pilot Writing (7 weeks) – $350
Do you have an idea for a half-hour pilot? Make that idea the best it can be by taking Ed Lee’s Advanced Pilot Workshop. Over Seven Weeks, Ed will lead each member of the class towards the goal of completing an original pilot script, a crucial part of getting your foot into the door of the television writing business. Through lectures, class notes, and individual notes, by the end of this class, you will learn to bring your characters, ideas, and ultimately your pilot to life on the page. And you will come out with at least the first draft of your script.

NOTE: This is an advanced class that assumes you are familiar with the writing process. You must have taken either Ed Lee’s Sitcom Writers’ Room Class or either Michael McCarthy’s Sitcom Spec or TV Pilot Presentation class, or you must speak with Ed regarding your prior writing experience.

Wednesday 7pm-10:30pm (Begins 11/10) -Ed Lee (WR)
Register for Advanced Pilot Writing

Friday, October 29, 2010

A special Halloween video just for you

Members of iO teams including Trophy Wife, Bandit, Spirit Cat, Armando, discuss what they are going to wear this Halloween and what shows they are looking forward to at iO West.

MTV's Damien Fahey makes a guest appearance. See if you spot the other guest appearance...

$5 if you wear your costume this weekend to iO West
Fun drink specials all weekend long

iO West
6366 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

What are you going to be for Halloween?


Thursday, September 2, 2010

Friday, May 7, 2010

NEW: Levels 1-5 Summer Intensive!

The iO West Summer Intensive condenses the first five levels of our 7 level curriculum into five weeks. The class meets every Monday through Thursday from 11am to 5pm for five weeks. Each week, a different iO teacher instructs the class in a particular level of curriculum. All of our teachers for the Summer Intensive are currently teachers in our Training Center. Best of all, the class culminates in a performance here in our theater!

July 26th – August 27th, 2010

Week 1 is Level 1 – Beginning Scene Work

This level introduces the basics of agreement, making strong choices, supporting your partner, exploring pattern, heightening, and intro to Harold: IO’s signature long-form based on a single suggestion.

Week 2 is Level 2 – Intermediate Scene Work

Extensive work in two-person improvised scenes, Level 2 sharpens listening skills, emotional choices and investment in the dynamics of a scene, such as status and “game”. Introduction to editing techniques, tag-outs, walk-ons, and further work with Harold.

Week 3 is Level 3 – Group Scene Work

Focuses on advanced character work and exploring environment, using exercises and games designed to take the improviser out of his/her head and into the character and the world onstage. Object work, physical investment in character choices, wants & objectives, and advanced listening exercises provide the foundation for Level 3.

Week 4 is Level 4 – Advanced Scene Work

Incorporating skills learned throughout the previous levels, focus is on building character, relationship, and form with emphasis on grounded scene work as the foundation for long-forms. This level features personalized coaching and feedback for each student targeted to areas of improvement to help each individual become a well rounded, versatile improviser.

Week 5 is Level 5 – The Harold

Applies the skills from Levels 1-4 to IO’s signature piece, The Harold. The class focuses on the structure of Harold, including openings, group games, and scenes. Advanced pattern work, group work, editing, and scene work are used to explore the challenges and magic of The Harold.

Your instructors will be pulled from this roster:

http://west.ioimprov.com/performers/instructors

For 2010, the Summer Intensive will begin on July 26th and culminate in a performance here at the iO on August 27th! The program will cost $1400.

We do not refer housing though you may find these sites helpful:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/

http://www.laweekly.com/

http://www.sublet.com/spider/learealist.asp?city=los+angeles&state=california

You may make a half payment of $700 to secure your spot. Any tuition payments are non refundable.

Interested? Want more information?
Please e-mail the Director of the Training Center, Mike Canale, at LAclasses@ioimprov.com or just call him at (323) 962-7575. You can also register here.

Comedy Writer's Room w/ Ed Lee

Comedy Writer's Room w/ Ed Lee
Sundays from 3PM to 8PM - May 16 - June 27 (7 weeks) - $350

Students will undergo an intensive seven-week course, learning structure, joke-writing, writing to act breaks, and everything else agents, managers, and executives look for in spec scripts…all in an environment that closely emulates a professional comedy writers’ room. At the end of the session, the entire class will have taken part in writing one polished, punched-up script of an existing show, and each student will develop the skills necessary to thrive in a writers’ room and continue writing better scripts on his or her own. After dissecting and analyzing episodes of an existing show, students will experience the writing of a new script through every phase: pitching, outlining, writing, rewriting, and punch-up. The instructor, Ed Lee, will provide the class with production drafts of the show being written, oversee the writers’ room, and procure notes from writers currently staffed on network television comedies. Students will also be invited to table reads of shows currently on the air. Whether you’ve never written a comedy spec script before or you’ve written many, this class will give you the tools to become a better writer both in a group setting and on your own.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Getting comfortable and profitable with your auditions


This is an on-camera workshop designed to help people with their theatrical auditions. While theatrical will be the main focus (television and movie auditions) there will be some on commercials as well. You will be auditioning with sides for the “first audition” and the “callback.” You’ll be getting feedback, comments and corrections on your work.

This workshop is taught by Kathryn Joosten. Kathy Joosten is two time Emmy Award winning actress who currently plays Karen McCluskey on “Desperate Housewives.” She also played, Dolores Landingham, the presidents secretary on “The West Wing.” Her full bio can be seen athttp://www.imdb.com/character/ch0018981.
Cost: $150
http://west.ioimprov.com/classes/registration

Monday, April 26, 2010

Friday, April 23, 2010

Screenwriting workshop with John Hindman


SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP w/ John Hindman
Mondays at 7 PM – May 2 – May 23 (4 weeks) - $200
The hardest thing about writing is knowing what to write – Syd Field

Many of us have had a great idea for a story only to have it die slowly once we try and turn it into a screenplay. Or worse, you’ve been unable to even begin due to a lack of understanding of how screenplays work. This class is designed to give you the tools you need to not only start but actually complete a screenplay. You’ll receive what every writer needs; a roadmap that breaks down the necessary story elements that you need in order to tell your story.
This four-week workshop explores and explains the various schools of thought on screenwriting using popular films as a guide. All great films have the same story building elements in common. If you know what they are you have a good chance of telling a story that works.

Week one:
Breaking down the language of screenplays.
Genres
Structure – you can’t live without it
What makes dialogue work?
The world of the story
Theme- what is it and how to make it great
Heroes and opponents
Writing great characters
Week two:
Breaking down the first act of a film
Exploring a current screenwriting template and finding what works
Mining your life for ideas

Week three:
Breaking down a second act of a film
Screenwriting template #2
Finding your ending
How to hone in on your best story
Week four:
Breaking down the third act of a film.
Screenwriting template #3
Cards – what they are and how to use them
Establishing a writing routine you can stick to.
After taking this class you will never look at movies the same way again. And better yet, you will have the tools to write one.

John Hindman is the founder of the Writing Program at the iO West, now in its eighth year. His screenplay “The Dream of the Romans” was on Hollywood’s famous blacklist as one of the most well liked screenplays of the year. He is the writer/director of “The Answer Man” starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham. "The Answer Man" was was a Grand Jury Prize Nominee at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Magnolia Films. He has also written “Christmas in New York” for producer Kevin Messick as well as “Familymoon” for Walden Media. John has recently completed his latest screenplay, a romantic teen comedy.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

KING TEN: Behind-the-scenes

Go behind-the-scenes with KING TEN in their first live interview tonight @ 10:30 p.m.!
http://west.ioimprov.com

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Level 1 classes still open

Registration is still open for Level 1.

The Level 1 class schedule is as follows:

Level 1 - Tuesday - 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM - 7 Weeks - Dave Hill (started today)
Level 1 - Wednesday - 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM - 7 Weeks - Scot Robinson (Starts this Wednesday)
Level 1 - Saturday - 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM - 7 Weeks - Marion Oberle (Starts this Saturday, 4/17)

To register, please visit: west.ioimprov.com

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

5 questions with Matthew Lillard


Jimmy Mac: Now, you said in a previous interview that you were terrified of improv. Have you found, since you've done a few shows since then...

Matthew Lillard: No, I haven't. No. In fact, the more I do it, the more terrified I am by the guys I play with, 'cause they're so good, that I really... my objective when I play with them is to not blow the mojo, and I just don't want to fuck up the rhythm, and that's my whole objective is to not screw up. And that's not a good place to play improv from.

JMac: I hear ya. Do you find that your experiences in improv are affecting your acting for the better?

ML: Sure. I mean, I feel like I've always been really free, certainly auditioning and, for better or for worse, that I have no fear when it comes to that. So, it doesn't support me nor does it hinder me. I just think it's like another block in the building blocks, you know what I mean? I feel like, to be a great actor, you have to make great choices, and you have to have the aptitude and the energy and the fearlessness to make those choices, come Hell or high water, whatever the consequences, and eventually, a job will find you that's supposed to find you, and this definitely supports that vibe.

JMac: Great. So do you think you'll stick with the improv?

ML: I think so, because I'm sticking with these guys, not the improv. I'm more interested in hanging out and playing with Dr. God than doing, like... finding improv, you know what I mean? I enjoy hanging out with them, I enjoy spending time with them, I enjoy... I'm inspired by them, so that's why I continue to play with them.

JMac: Now, this next question isn't really related to improv, but to your career - I just thought it was so interesting when I saw you in the Kenneth Branagh Shakespeare pic, Love's Labour's Lost. Can you tell me about that, and the challenges of not only doing Shakespeare, but singing as well?

ML: Sure. Doing a movie with Kenneth Branagh is intimidating, because he's one of the greatest actors in America, and in cinema, and there was a biography written about him when he was twenty-six, and you know, he has the ability to lead people and inspire people, and you just don't want to let him down. Plus, you're doing a Shakespearean play that no one ever does, as a 1940's musical, so that's intimidating. But you know, it didn't work at the end of the day, but it was great to be a part of it.

JMac: I thought it was a very interesting take on it...

ML: It was so ambitious, and I respect that. It doesn't work, but I respect it.

JMac: Absolutely. So what's next for you?

ML: Good question. I have several things going with Dr. God that we're trying to put together, and I think that that's the great thing about working with them is that we've taken what we enjoy doing, and now we're trying to capitalize on it and make... we have two TV shows, and two movie ideas that we're fleshing out, and it's very exciting. We did a short around Christmas that was like, "Oh, that was great, let's do something else." So we've taken that energy and we just continually try to do... we're trying to do what most people don't, which is, we have something great, and we want to make something better, and make something better, and not get caught up in what we've done, but be inspired by what we're doing next.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Friday, March 5, 2010

Lillard and Cardellini to visit 'Dr. God'


Come see comedy group Dr. God perform long- form improv with special guest Matthew Lillard (Scooby Doo, Scream) based off of monologues by our special evangelist Linda Cardellini (Scooby Doo, Freaks and Geeks) on Saturday, March 13th at 10 p.m.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

i.O. West's Kate Flannery on Chelsea Lately!


Congratulations to Kate Flannery on her recent appearance on E!'s Chelsea Lately. A staple on NBC's The Office, Kate also appears monthly in The Lampshades, which she mentioned during her interview with Chelsea Handler. Kate also used her appearance on the late night talk show to announce a new role as Harper's mom on Wizards of Wavery Place. Way to rock it, Kate!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Hello From The Couve












As you can see from the below posts, Team Cool Kids, Ethan Newberry and Lindsay Harbert of Fairfax Prep, have already been up in Vancouver for five (going on six) days. We've been running around like mad, and taking in everything this glorious city and the 2010 Olympic Games have to offer, and let me say, they have not disappointed.

We will be here until March 1st, and will be blogging, vlogging and posting pictures like crazy. You can keep up with us here, on the Samsung Mobile Explorers Site, and on their Facebook Page. The Facebook page is where you can go to watch our challenge videos and vote! You can also follow Team Cool Kids on Twitter @TeamCoolKids

The first challenge has already come and gone, and guess what? We won! We're not for a second going to get cocky though. The competition is fierce. Check out challenge #2 when it's posted tonight at 9PM PST. We worked our butts off, and I hope you all enjoy.

Today we'll be attending the men's speed skating finals as our prize for winning the first challenge, and we're both so excited. Stay tuned for more adventures as they happen. We never know what tomorrow is going to bring, but we'll be sure to share once we take it in!

Also, be sure to check out our boys in Fairfax Prep Tuesdays at 11 on the iO West Mainstage! We're missing them and iO West, but we know everyone is over there bringing the funny!

Much love from Vancouver- Team Cool Kids- Ethan and Lindsay

Wet, beautiful, exciting madness


Original date of posting: February 11, 2010

Team Cool Kids, Ethan Newberry and Lindsay Harbert (of iO West Mainstage team Fairfax Prep) take on their first full day of exploring Vancouver and the karaoke the city has to offer

Day two is winding down, and even though it hasn't even been 24 hours since our last blog entry, today was so jam packed it feels like a year ago.

Although we both stayed up late editing and blogging, we woke up early once again to get a head start on the day. Breakfast was delicious, albeit brief, and we soon found ourselves meeting with our fellow USA Samsung Mobile Explorers to find out what the day ahead of us had to bring.

It seemed simple enough, we would meet with the MSN representatives to film some spots for their promotional videos, wrap by 2:00 PST, and have the rest of the day open to explore the festivities Vancouver and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games had to offer.

That is exactly what happened, however, looking back, much more transpired. We stopped at multiple Vancouver landmarks including statues, sculptures and the sea wall. The sea wall alone took our breath away. City sunk into the ocean as magnificent boats of all shapes cruised by. Rain threatened our ability to document every moment, but we hardly noticed. The excitement had taken hold, and there was no looking back.

Sidenote: Canvas sneakers are not the best choice of footwear for a rainy, chilly northwestern day. We both made that mistake, but I digress.

As we made our way about the city, it was obvious the Olympic Game spirit had taken hold. Languages from near and far could be heard at any moment. Activities and installments were at every corner, including a zip line, oh, the glorious zip line.

Our last stop with MSN for the day was Robson Square, a bustling hotspot jam packed with photo ops and sights galore. Part of this being the aforementioned zip line. We didn't think we would have the opportunity to sore above Vancouver on it, but of course we hoped, and what do you know, wishes came true as we found ourselves climbing the six stories to the top.

Shortly thereafter, we were harnessed up and sent on our way, reaching up to 40 miles per hour, as we raced each other to the other side, six stories in the air. Ethan won, but Lindsay certainly gave him a run for his money. If it were a competition in screaming, she would have come out on top.

Still buzzing from the near flight experience, we enjoyed a lunch before going off on our own to explore our personal version of Vancouver. We walked the city (still cursing our choice in footwear) and found ourselves in awe at every turn of the corner.

As the day wound down, we took the train back to our hotel (kudos Vancouver for having some of the cleanest public trans either of us have ever seen) dried off, and got ready for the night ahead. What did the evening have in store you wonder? One word: Karaoke.

That's right, the USA Samsung Mobile Explorers hit the town and the stage as we all belted out our own versions of noted hits with the help from some choice beverages. Everyone brought their flair, but let's especially tip our hats to Sonia for "Hero," Freddie for, well, everything he did on stage, Nelson for "Hero" (Enrique version) and Jed and Kelly for making The Boss (Springsteen anyone?) proud. I must add, we would like to think our version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" rocked the joint.

Also, we had the best driver in the Pacific Northwest, Duffy (Dufftastic, The Duffster, Duffarooni). Although, her choice of slamming on the breaks at every yellow light left a little something to be desired. That's okay, we still love you Duffy.

Now, the night is winding down. We find ourselves back in our room blogging and editing away. We'll certainly be up late with an early wake up time once again tomorrow, but we don't mind. We'd rather go without sleep than miss any moment this experience has to offer.

Speaking of which, we can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store. Stay tuned, we'll be sure to tell you all about.

Much love from Vancouver- Team Cool Kids - Ethan and Lindsay.

Follow Team Cool Kids on Twitter! @TeamCoolKids and on Facebook Team Cool Kids

Wow, this Is just the beginning

Original Date of Posting: February 10, 210

Day one. Is this day one? Oh man, we can hardly believe it. Already so much has happened, yet we haven't even begun. We've met so many people. Names swirl around our minds along with the fondness attached to them.

After the initial sinking in of the fact that we're here, we were immediately thrown into meetings, interviews and the Samsung Mobile Explorer experience. We've met so many individuals with their own story to tell. So many perspectives and experiences thrown into one place. We suppose this is what the Olympic Games are all about.

After getting settled into our hotel room, we met with the other USA Samsung Mobile Explorers. It seems we're all in the same boat. So grateful and excited for the experience, yet uncertain of what lies ahead. What are we going to do? What are we going to see? The only thing that is certain at this point is that we need to keep our eyes and ears open for everything.

Yellow jackets emblazoned with Samsung logos swarmed into the ballroom of the hotel with curiosities abounding as the evening rolled on. We sipped on blue Vancouver punch as multiple faces took to the stage. Not to brag, but Ethan Newberry did a great job representing the USA Mobile Explorers, and we thoroughly enjoyed, to say the very least, the other countries as they took the stage.

We laughed along with Kyle from Korea as he prompted the claps, high fived with the Canadians and enjoyed the personalized messages and the amazing video from team China. But certainly, let's not forget Arthur taking the stage to give us his best rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean."

So many memories made already, and it's only the first night. What lies ahead of us? Well, we don't really know, but judging from tonight we will not be disappointed.

For now, we will be hitting the maps to get acclimated to Vancouver, uploading photos to share all we've seen so far and preparing the best we can for what tomorrow brings. Stay tuned, there is so much more to come.

On a side note: We got Canadians to admit that our bacon is far superior. Just sayin'.

Follow Team Cool Kids on Twitter! @TeamCoolKids

Friday, February 12, 2010

Interview with SHULIE COWEN


1. Where are you originally from and what was the improv scene like there?

I am originally from Princeton, NJ. I don’t know if there was improv there, but I don’t remember seeing any. Maybe it’s time to open IO-NJ.

2. What made you want to start doing improv?

It seemed fun, like playing a game on stage.

3. What stumbling blocks did you have to overcome when you first started studying improv?

Probably all of them. But constant practice and classes can cure anything.

4. How long have you been doing improv?

I don’t remember how long ago I started, but I know FDR and Ulysses S. Grant were in class with me.

5. What’s your favorite part about improvising?

One of my favorite things about improvising is the opportunity to be completely in the moment, focusing only on the scene at hand.

6. What is one of your best memories on stage at iOWest?

One night last October when the entire cast of Opening Night: The Improvised Musical! went down. One person was having a baby, one had just had a baby, someone’s wife was in the hospital and one person was shooting a commercial. Two hours before the show I found that the only people who would be able to do the musical that night were Kerri-Ann Lavin (an understudy) and I. I walked into IO that night an hour and a half before the show, and saw Sean Cowhig, who used to run our lights and had played with us once a year before. He agreed to do the show on the spot. The three of us had a lot of fun flying by the seat of our pants, and trusting we’d work it out. We did.

7. What’s some advice you would give to someone that’s starting out?

Have fun and know that mistakes are part of the deal. Don’t get down about them, learn from them and use them.

8. Who is someone you really look up to in the improv world and why?

Dave Razowsky. He is a super specific player who takes his time. His commitment to every scene is palpable.

9. Other than your own, what is your favorite show at iOWest?

There are so many great shows at IO. Right now I’m loving Beer, Shark, Mice, and Cherry.

10. How do you use improv in your professional life?

In my acting, I use it to help me stay in the moment, and let me know I’ll be OK if I lose my line.

11. If you could sum up iO in one sentence, what would that be?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

Registration NOW OPEN for continuing students!

Register NOW to ensure a spot in the class of your choice; many classes fill quickly!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

JUST ANNOUNCED: Andy Richter hosting the Armando Show Feb. 22...WHAT? WHAT?


Needless to say, iO was very much Team Coco, considering that we had people on the writing staff.

I think it was incredible to see fans come together and support in whatever way they thought was needed.

Hundreds of them stood outside NBC affiliates and protested the end of The Tonight Show with Conan O'brien. While many of them stood in the pouring rain, the cynical people asked, "What's the point of them standing outside? Conan's gone anyway."

But that wasn't the point. The point was to show support and by standing outside for hours, they did just that.

I think this kind of grass roots support stemmed from the presidential election. It was Obama.

You saw a demographic that has never had much of a presence in prior elections, come in and really energize the political scene.  It was amazing.

It's amazing to see people care so much that they make what matters to them, a top priority.

Seeing the last week of The Tonight Show for me was very bittersweet. It was an end of a legacy that abruptly ended way before its time, but it was also a fantastic way to see Conan O'Brien and Andy Richter trade barbs about the powers that be, in a way that was so honest and refreshing...that it will be a memory I keep for a long time.

This is why I'm very excited to see Tonight Show sidekick, Andy Richter, host the Armando Show at iO.   He's an iO alumni, coming back to grace the stage on a special night, February 22.

For those unfamiliar with the format of the Armando show, I'll break it down for you quickly.

The show has a guest monologist, whom is referred to as "Armando".  The Armando of the night will start the show by getting a suggestion from the audience and then do a monologue that they were inspired to do from the suggestion. Then the group of improvisers do scenes inspired from the monologue that Armando just gave. 

I suggest to everyone that you get your tickets now, as I'm sure the show will sell out. 

Hope to see you guys there!

Interview with ADT Performer of the Month, WILL KOEHL of Upstate


1. Where are you originally from and what was the improv scene like there?

I’m originally from New Jersey, which didn’t have many Improv choices in my town of Blairstown, so I ended up commuting in and out of the city (NYC) for a few years taking improv classes. When I started, UCB had just started there, and The Second City had just started doing weekend intensives, so it had just started popping.

2. What made you want to start doing improv?

I always loved making people laugh, and a couple people said I should go to Second City. I called Beth Kligerman of The Second City asking her to audition, not having any idea what the place was about just amazing comedic actors started there, along with Chris Farley, who I pretty much idolized. She was very kind and said they don’t work like that, so she sent me info about up coming classes with Martin de Maat. I took that one class and never stopped.

3. What stumbling blocks did you have to overcome when you first started studying improv?

Wondering if what I am doing in a scene is right.

4. How long have you been doing improv?

About 10 years.

5. What’s your favorite part about improvising?

Being able to go anywhere, be anything, have anything. It is very liberating to be an actor with an absolutely infinite budget.

6. What is one of your best memories on stage at iOWest?

Every time I get on stage with Upstate and Cherry, I really just love playing with all of those guys and gals.

7. What’s some advice you would give to someone that’s starting out?

Improvise as much as possible. iO is a place you can actually practice your craft, and all the resources are right there, between finding a great coach, to signing up to play in the Cage Match, or Cherry Crush (a show I am in), or a show in the Loft, and the biggest resource, a crap load of people that want to do the same thing as you.

8. Who is someone you really look up to in the improv world and why?

There are so many great teachers…Craig Cackowski, James Grace, Dave Razowski, Dave Hill just to name a few. I really love a ton of people around IO who geek out about improv. All of Dasariski, and why…just watch their show.
9. Other than your own, what is your favorite show at iOWest?

Dasariski. I think DHT is great. They are such a fun group to watch on stage, a great chemistry and sense of play that makes it look easy. But when you watch them, you really see they are working trying to create something original. They discover in each Harold what The Opening is, The Scenes are and what The Show is, and to me discovery is absolute key.

10. How do you use improv in your professional life?

I am an actor, so in auditions it’s about making a decision and commit! And when the director says “Try this.” It is always “Sure!”, “Of coarse!”, “Absolutely!”, always Yes AND…

11. If you could sum up iO in one sentence, what would that be?

iO is a great improv home.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Interview with Loft Performer of the Month, RYAN TWEEDY of Cuban B


1. Where are you originally from and what was the improv scene like there?

I am from Lincoln Nebraska and the most improv done there was making up a line in the high school play to make your friends laugh.

2. What made you want to start doing improv?

I went to second city and iO in Chicago and thought they were magicians or something. I auditioned for a social issues improv ensemble and got cast but they said I had to learn the rules. It was more gang violence and less ha-ha.

3 What stumbling blocks did you have to overcome when you first started studying improv?

I was super afraid of silence, I loved ironic racism and dick jokes. I still have stumbling blocks every day. I’ve learned patience, which is important. I also had a tough time being vulnerable and when it came to vulnerability I always went for the joke. Learning self confidence was a big hurdle too. I still love dick jokes.

4. How long have you been doing improv?

I did the social issues stuff in 2004, but I started studying actual long form 2007.

5. What’s your favorite part about improvising?

The community and laughing. Dick jokes.

6. What is one of your best memories on stage at iOWest?

I played with Aaron Krebs and Bertrando during the lottery, they made me look good and taught me that if you make bold decisions a good improviser has your back.

7. What’s some advice you would give to someone that’s starting out?

Don’t be to hard on your self and remember to have fun.

8. Who is someone you really look up to in the improv world and why?

Theres so many… James Grace is super honest as a performer, Bertrando is fearless, Suzi Barrett is a genius, and the entire team of USS rock n roll is what an ensemble should be.

9. Other than your own, what is your favorite show at iOWest?

Sweetness… and everybody else on Tuesday. King 10.

10. How do you use improv in your professional life?

I edit film… so just understanding the flow of comedy, the pacing, the buttons. Dick Jokes.

11. If you could sum up iO in one sentence, what would that be?

A place that will help you grow as an improviser and has cheap beer.

Monday, February 8, 2010

DASA"RISKI" Business!


Come see DASARISKI next Thursday, February 11th, 10:30 p.m. at the I.O. West mainstage, then join us immediately afterwards in the Andy Dick Theatre for a live interview and Q & A with Bob Dassie, Rich Talarico and Craig Cackowski.

This is your chance to ask them what you've always wanted ask! Dasariski is also giving you an opportunity to dissect their show -- what worked for you? What didn't work? Our favorite improvisers are prepared to hear what you think!

Hosted by Eric Yang (aka The Improv Student) with special co-hosts Canon Wing and Drew Coolidge.

SEATING IS LIMITED. FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Attention Office Fans! Interview with The Office's Kate Flannery


The Lampshades at the iO is a hilarious spoof of lounge act shows performed by Scot Robinson and Kate Flannery, who plays Meredith on "The Office". The Lampshades returns this Saturday, February 6that 8 pm. Back in December, I had the opportunity to talk to Kate Flannery about The Lampshades, her training in improv, and how she uses improv on the set of the T.V. show "The Office".

Jimmy Mac: Can you tell me a little bit about how you guys got the idea for the [Lampshades] show?

Kate Flannery: We were in Chicago, so long ago... I wanna say, '93? And we were at a club that had a lot of great music acts, and it was one of those places that has white tablecloths, and everybody ... a lot of people kind of tickled us, like they took themselves a little too seriously. I think we kind of enjoyed that. We started to do a set a weekend at the Annoyance on Friday and Saturday nights, but we did it while people were coming in to see another show. It was like, the house lights were up, and we were just at the foot of the stage, and we would do three songs, the same songs on Fridays and Saturdays, and the next weekend we'd work on two new songs, until we felt we had enough to perform for the act. That's basically how it started.

JMac: Great. Can you tell me about your improv training, and if there were some improvisers who you looked up to, and who inspired you?

KF: Well, I moved to Chicago after I came out to visit, to audition for the training center at Second City. I just really wanted to be funny, and I think I was there for about three months, and I remember going back, and a writer on Conan told me about Improv Olympic. ... I have to say that before I moved there, the weekend I auditioned for Second City, I saw Bonnie Hunt on the Mainstage during an improv set, and she showed up in a wedding dress. She got married that day, and she came after the wedding. I was like, my brain almost couldn't figure out what I was seeing. ... She had literally just gotten married, and I thought, that is amazing. Talk about ultimate freedom. Crazy, but really ultimate freedom... There's something so smart about what everyone was doing in Chicago. I thought, "What a great place to be." It's the real training, the real foundation. And I feel like all this improv benefits my writing and everyone else's writing and it helps with patterns, and actually, I think Del, I was so scared of Del. I always heard that he didn't like women. And he didn't. [Laughs]

JMac: [Laughs] So that's where this whole stigma comes from.

KF: Yeah, that's kind of true. He was hard on me, he was so hard on everybody, and I felt like Susan Messing was the only woman that he actually respected when we were there. But I kept going back ... and I almost felt like, "I'll show you," and I don't think that I needed to show him, but I needed to show myself. At some point, I just needed to stop worrying about him. I just remember that occasionally Chris Farley would step into my class, and I remember he really made an impression on me ... because I thought, you don't graduate improv, that you always have to work at it, and it doesn't happen by itself. You don't just reach a point, and then never have to work at it again. It's a muscle. And that's why I have so much respect for the Beer Shark Mice guys, who don't stop. We've been doing The Lampshades for eight years now. We did it for five years straight, and... the whole thing isn't improvised, but it's based out of improv, and I feel like we have points that we get to, but sometimes we don't know exactly how we're gonna get there. And it's such a joy to perform with Scott, who it doesn't matter how far we get off track, how far we go, we trust our characters, we trust each other, you know? We always know that we're gonna end up in a good place. And sometimes a train wreck turns out better than anything we could have written anyway. And then we go, "Whoa! Okay." We perfom in other venues, too, but I always feel like it's more of a commercial for us, because sometimes we don't get a whole lot of time to improvise. It's always unusual being in other spaces, because it always affects the work no matter what. You know, the songs are set, but usually what's between is kind of a free-for-all.

JMac: Yeah, this is my third time seeing and I've noticed sometimes it's more of a stretch getting back on track, but it's always funny to see it happen. Can you tell me how you've applied the principles of improv to your work on The Office and also maybe in your life?

KF: I think that making your first declaration really sticks you to it, and heightening it, and not worrying that wasn't the right thing to do. Because I really feel that it takes two people to make a scene. You know, no matter what head-strong thing I have going on, it will always get knocked out. I mean, I think that's a great thing, because I don't know shit. I really don't. And other people will tell you who you are in a scene, and if you don't let them, that's going to be a terrible scene. You know, and also, you don't talk about what you're doing, uh, which is kind of a relief. I don't know.
I feel like as far as The Office, sometimes I only have a little window to improvise in, and that means that sometimes I have seven words in the script, and sometimes I only have one word in the script, and I've learned that if I stick to those seven words, I can change those seven words, but I have to get those seven words right, because what happens is you, as a character, have a function, and if you try to change the function, it usually doesn't really work. I mean, especially the way that our show's set up right now, the writing's so great, that if you say something crazy, it doesn't always get used. Occasionally it does, and occasionally I've had something and I'd kinda heighten it to the point where they couldn't cut it out. Which is rare. ... what I think is hilarious in my mind isn't always better than what is written. ... And also, understanding and respecting the game that's set up for a show. You know, there are patterns that you have to respect, and if you don't respect them, it doesn't work.
...
I feel like it's a privelege to improvise in front of these people, because that's when you really... that's when you find out how you navigate. [One of the theater patrons hands Kate a CD for his band and asks her to come out to his show.] See? It's a privelege to be invited to someone's show, as well as to invite someone to your show. You know what I mean? If you really are serious about doing this work, and you love it, you don't graduate. I don't know, I just think... it's been such a gift. And I just hope that all the people who come to L.A. don't just look at all the commercials, I mean, you don't have to go to Chicago, but if you do, you gotta go to iO.

JMac: So are there any other projects that you're working on?

KF: I'm going to the Second City 50th Anniversary. I've got a panel with Scott Adsitt and Jennifer Greer, and I'm very excited. I feel like it's so great to be a part of that history, and it's such an honor to be, you know ... there are so many people that I respect and admire. It's gonna be an SCTV reunion show that Friday, and then an alumni show that Saturday. There's a lot of people that I knew there in Chicago that I had no idea were capable of what they're doing now, you know? You never know, man, you never know! It's who you'd least expect, you know? It's pretty great.

JMac: Great. Thank you so much, Kate!

Forget Mexico.... Spring Break Classes for Teens, Tweens and Kids!

LA’s Best Improv Comedy Theatre will be offering spring break classes for kids between the ages of 8-17 April 5th thru the 9th .

Kid Intensive (8-10 year olds)
A one week Improv intensive for kids, ages 8 – 10 Cost: $200
11am-1pm
Tween Intensive (11-13 year olds)
A one week Improv intensive for tweens, ages 11 – 13 Cost: $200
11am-1pm
Teen Intensive (14-17 year olds)
A two week Improv intensive for teens, ages 14 – 17 Cost: $200
2pm-4pm

These classes will be taught by IO’s own Rebecca Sage Allen and Bridget Kloss. There will be a performance on IO WEST’s Mainstage on April 9th for family and friends. Classes are limited to 12 students, so sign up while there are still slots available!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Tomfoolery in Improv



Acting Stupidly and Doing It More

Written in the shadows of the i.O. West mainstage is a sentiment for all improvisors t see before they perform: "If it feels stupid, do it more."

My example of the week: these kids. The video, called "stupiD danCe" features three kids dancing bizarrely to an even more disturbingly-catchy tune. Although at first hesitant to watch the video due to the fourth-grader-using-AIM-for-the-first-time capitalization of random letters in the title, I clicked, and watched in amazement as 1 minute and 32 seconds of my life was spent watching nonsensical gyrations.

Which I realized...is just the point. If one of the lessons of improvising is to become like a child, these hip-moving hipsters hit the nail on it's bike helmet-wearing head. It felt stupid, so they did it more.

Clearly, it's an inhibition-less plea to strip away all safe guards, and commit with naturalistic flair to any series of foolish actions while on stage. After all, the safe road never created the world's best artists. But here in Los Angeles, isn't appearance everything? The way we dress, act, and who we associate ourselves with seems to permeate all distinctions of coolness, particularly on sultry weekend nights on Hollywood Blvd. (How do they fit into skirts that small?)

Bringing family members and friends to a show of yours is hopefully an impressive outing, one in which glitzy skills of the craft can rise to the surface. I can see where the "safe road" option while performing is appealing: saying all the funny lines, busting out the cool dance moves, and playing the character who is a Fonzi & Barney Stinson hybrid.

But maybe, just maybe, it is the absurd that turns heads. After Michael Jackson's death, L.A. Weekly referred to him as "fabulously fucking weird", not "on average normal". Maybe it's not the cool, suave all-knowing performers who are remembered, but rather the bizarre creatures bred out of the depths of inner turmoil and mental rarities. The willingness to break down the barriers of a "tough-guy" physique could have it's payoffs. Who knows?

iT cOuLd lAnD yoU 90,000 hiTs oN YouTube.

Yours in awesomeness,
J.D. Durkin

Dave Holmes to Join Dr. God in Revival show on 2/12



iO West is welcoming Dave Holmes as a special guest with Dr. God on February 12th at 10 pm. Dave Holmes was recently named as one of NPR's 10 Favorite People of 2009, an honor he shares with the likes of Jane Lynch and Neil Patrick Harris. He also hosts the Friday Forty at iO West.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

iO performers to compete at the Olympics... no, seriously!

Congratulations to Fairfax Prep (formerly Kitty Porn) performers Lindsay Harbert and Ethan Newberry who have been chosen by Samsung to travel to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics to compete against 4 other teams in the Samsung Mobile Explorers competition! Keep your eyes peeled for their blogs during the games!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Big News 2.0

Video, click image to play:


LINK: youtube.com/v/XFCBjoCqhxs