Comedia del Culver City

Sat in on a couple interesting things last Tuesday September 29 and Monday October 5 in Culver City.


Sunday City Hall Sandwich


Sandwich 

Sandwich has finished the iO West Training Program and is in the middle of a Tuesday night run with other graduate groups.  They are just beginning their improv journey with iO and around town.  We rehearsed at City Hall in Eagle Rock on a Sunday Afternoon; a big open space for a fun and physical group.

Warm Ups
Rome the Room.  Dualing Lone Wolf. Emotional Face Takes. John Lee Hooker Pose & Go Scenes. 

Harolds/Petals Form

"Santa Monica Chocolate Shop"
Strong Affirmation Gang working after hours in the shop.
Taking your ex boyfriend to his new date.
Can't stop eating chocolate. 
Netflix Buddies.

"Shakespeare's Pizza"
Employees Paddle the pizza, sonnet toppings, daddy confessions, & first job means first friends. 
"Locker Pal's gotta know when a friend is crushing on a Billy."
Mom & Dad don't cook, not even on a Shogun date.
Nonchalant Pepperoni Deal gone wrong with Creeps on the Block. 
Back at Shakespeare's, the Boss is gone. New Rules. Sonnet Toppings: "Our dreams are our dreams."
Daughter, Moms, Gramas, & Guardian Angels, your phone privledges have been revoked.
When in the war bunker, take that gun out your mouth when taling to us. 

Notes
Check in with self and others. What is your awareness.  Starting with something physical and big.  Really Receiving your partner's gifts. Discovering variety of relationships.  Whether in or out of the scene, it's all good.

FREEZE 


Eagle Rock City Hall
Sandwich Rehearsal with Lacie, Katie, Brian, Mario, Naomi, Lydia

Lucie's Charm


Thank You Lucie Springmeyer.

Not All Cops


Not All Cops Are Bad 

It's True!  George McAuliffe is ridiculous hilarious.  I'm jealous as all get out.  His show is one of those comedies that's a sweet bundle of fun elements.  Topical? Sure.  But what a weird story about a real life imaginary cop facing the every day challenges of work, family, and life in the line.  You can get your selfie taken with Carlisle PD's Finest Not-An-Average Man, Officer Scott Baker.  I saw this show three months ago and I appreciate how it's evolved since playing in New York, Chicago, & Fergusson's own, St Louis MO. Sweet Cherry Wine, find a way to see this show.

Rafa's Singles Motel

Singles Motel
at

Love it or leave it.  Thankful for the familiar faces and Ben Seeder who keeps the jazz playing every week.  Shout out to HipHopPhilosophy.com who runs the tables, lights, & puppy patrol.  Grateful to get to play two sets, one even with LA newbie & fellow PG Koleno, Aaron Caponigro.  Had fun trying.

Single's Motel is every Friday at 10pm at Rafa's Lounge 1836 W Sunset Blvd in Echo Park.

Thank You Ms Stacy


JTS, Hailey, Dwayne, Alexis, Ms Stacy, Ms Khoan, Richard, & Carlos.

A big thank you to my training class and especially our Teacher, Ms Stacy Paris.  She was super positive and helpful with our little bunch.  I want to work in Produce, Ralph's hired me and I trained over 50 hours as a Service Deli Clerk.  While it's not what I intended or will be doing going forward, I appreciated meeting, working, and learning with this crew.  Good people from interesting places doing interesting things.  They ham radio with with the Space Station, they fish for yellow tail off the coast of Catalina, they're librarians at the public library, they're working moms, they're Shaolin Kung Fu Teachers, and they are loving mothers from Wichita who just moved to LA to be close to their daughters.  And we all had a great teacher and caring friend in Ms Stacey.  Thank You.  


i make a the stack


Harlequino



Brought a buddy to a place I'm intimidated as all get out by.  Actor's Gang style is rooted in homage to the over 500 year old Comedia tradition.  The show, Harlequino, illuminated some simple truths about the genre, it's characters, familiar storylines, and bits.  The show began with a "Tear in the Curtain" as a ruckus in the lobby broke out.  The audience could only hear the exchange and watch as some actors left the stage to tend to the drama.  It added a welcome reality that was echoed in the second act when Harlequino was escorted away by the Magistrate Deus Ex Machina.  The Good Doctor narrates this living lecture on the world of Comedia del Arte, but whether the focus is on Harlequino or Pantalone the audience is left wonder.  The magic found most of my focus.  But everything about the ensemble was entertaining & enchanting.  Come what may, I hope to continue appreciating the Actor's Gang of Culver City.  The Lobby alone reminds me of Second City, Annoyance, & some Gaslight District Cabaret with all the framed photos and show posters from ensembles past.  The stage echoes The Rep's open playing space and an improv stage: When the performers are not in a scene, they can be seen off to the side, enjoying the show along with the audience.  I enjoyed the show along with everyone.
Harlequino On To Freedom . Actors Gang . Thursday - Saturday through October 31.

Backroom Twelfth Night

presents
12th Night


Bar Lubitsch's backroom was Red with Gold trim and lit like some Stanley Kubrick film.  Packed with people, a few always familiar for a smile miles from Chicago.  The evening's introductions alone worth remembering.  A group cheers & the show began.  Close enough to be bumped into by the talented cast and catch the authenticity, humor, & truth which the intros requested we listen for.  Joy was always in the room.  Giggles by groups of friends egged on performers and they in turn would sit upon a lap or hide behind a shoulder.  The light never changed and the music was sung and played by the modern day lute, accoustic guitar.

Twelfth Night was a fun night.  I got to see the ISC's Joey Bland whiskey mixer up two parts.  Laura Wilkinson's Malvolio was the best Malvio performance I've ever enjoyed.  But then again that's Laura.  Once again Backroom Shakespeare delighted another packed room of enthusiasts who bought seven dollar beers and drinks and donated what they could because they're more than happy to cheers a Twelfth Night.

Bar Lubitsch . 7702 Santa Monica

Dr Who Bews Room

Walked in on a star studded Armando wrapping up a newlyweds's journey.  Sometimes you highfive your stepson at an orgy.  Funny Show.



Stuck around for Dr Who Live at 10. I know nothing about Dr Who, the Tv Franchise or the 1996 Made for TV Movies.  I googled that much. The Show's references were maybe lost on me. I enjoyed it, the same way I hope anyone can enjoy any genre based show like Improvised Star Trek, Shakespeare, Jane Austin, or Hitchcock. I apologize if my obnoxious laugh was not in synch with the greater audience.  It was a fun show to unexpectedly appreciate.  From what I can tell of the Dr Who, She's a beautiful African woman, she's got wizard powers that she uses to both fight the Macro-Cosmic Bad Guys in a never ending war, while also helping out some normal folk on the side.  Cool? Cool.  The Show tonight was of a couple of brothers, one of which had a tendancy to murder, which in the end, saved the life of the brother he tricked into riding the slide to nowhere.  Also Dr Who's megalomaniac buddy fell in love with a robot which programmed itself with love.  Couple Laser Axes, cool needle drops, & some Interdimentional Teleportation later, Lights & Applause.  If you like Dr Who, this show is for you.  If you have a lot of money and wear diamonds and gold and picking up drinks and shots and like space travel and wizards, yes and this show is for you too. If, like me, you stumbled in on a whim, then you'll be glad you did.  I'm glad I did.

Then the Bews Room broke out.  A comedy drinking game show complete with stand-up contestants, free beers, taquilla shots, & a Playboy Radio Show Host who, respectfully, looked like a professionally accredited &; accompished pole dancer.  Yes, I will stay for your show throwing beers at me.  It was trivia & impressions mixed with charisma and sex appeal.  Everything Hollywood means to some at 11pm on a Saturday Night.  I think this show appeals to everyone, but especially so for those who like to party time usa rent, own, lease, drink, smoke, fuck, frat, bike, tattoo parlor, porno palace, vegas baby, Draft Kings, pool party, float trip, sports, jet, mercedes, rule!  I had fun.

Sobered up with Cody talking shops and scenes.  He's moving the comedy chains at the Nerdist while studying improv around town. Humbled at how much is going on everywhere.  Know I'll never see enough.  Till then I enjoyed a couple more shows at iO.  Move them chains.  Move them chains.  MIZ. Go Big Blue. Yes And Thank You. ZOU. Move them chains.

What Goes Around, with The Reckoning

improvised by


Guy once saw his parents' abusive basement sex, they never really talked about it, so onto Galveston to be a tiny woman. Bought an inch of weed and a pound of hair. One day he/she met a brunette, brown out of her luck but beautiful and still got a heart. She can't tell the difference between race or age. Alive, they fell in love and got married in the Catholic Church. Maybe whats gone has already been back and gone again? Maybe you can never leave what's left behind? Maybe people just get married and fuck.



Another kind audience, another humbled thank You. I enjoyed Alex's accompaniment, Brad's character, Holly's grace, and Charlie & Eric for going all the way. 
September 24 2015 10pm at iO West Mainstage


jts





SILO on a Monday Night




Introductions
SILO plays all over, all the time.  I played with them in Monday Night's Hot Dog Party in the iO West Loft Theater.  SILO is an easy going crew who rehearse under the watchful wings of Holly Laurent. They are tickled by a good bit and also settle down into discovering moments.

Show
"Daffodils" or was it "Dandelions"
Kindergarten Teachers are under strict supervision.  Prison Guard gets fired for bonding with his Inmate who makes the most of his one hour a day in the light.  Lady at the Bar doesn't want to be a Teacher anymore but a Gardener for the People.  Beat Salads come with Jail Time for Bullies and Babies All.  Party and a Funeral in the Yellow Colored Man Cave.

Notes
Thankful I was invited to play with a fun group in a fun space. I liked the physicality and specific takes everyone's character took.  It was fun to run and also play
scenes which wrestled with gardens with no roses.


jts

A Bipolar Bear Sunday




Introductions
Bipolar Bear is an interesting mix of devoted professional individuals. Bipolar Bear Presents shows at the iO West Theater every other Wednesday; their next show on September 30.  They respect fellow indie teams like Stormchaser when it comes to hustling up shows across Los Angeles.  They host a show twice a month in the iO West Loft & have played in NoHo, Nerdist, & Neon Venues, LAICF Marathon, Camp Utopia, Hollywood Fringe ... the list goes on.  Nothing is Taboo and they have an amicable appreciation of each other's accessible yet insane worlds.  Eager to play and ready for weird they are committed to the craft.  When not doing Harolds they some times do a form called "Pretty Flower".  It begins with a group source scene from which commentary scenes will sprout like petals before returning to the source scene.  Respectfully they've all taken the Harold Workshops at iO West and have collective goals with iO.  

Warmed Ups
'Painting Circles' & Ian Sinclair moves.  Followed by Lone Wolf Jazz & Freeze Tag.  

Harold 18 minutes
"Fishing Reel"
Organic Opening with swirling physical & vocal themes of 'running free' & 'being freed'. 
Somewhere in BumFuck America a couple hopes the Campell Soup Sweepstakes saves their marriage. Jehoshaphat, lives in a box under the LA River. A man's wife left him for not just any dolphin, Ricardo the Dolphin.  But it might just be some Robo Placebo Wise Hobo pillow talk. 

Notes
Player 'Likes' and how they related to what players 'Like' in other shows in town.

Exercise and Scenes
Root Stance Solos.  Duo Breathing Tells. See-Saw Pendulum Breathing Scenes focused on breath awareness, give & take, & timing. Two scenes.  Both bold & believable, one brought us all to tears.   

Homage and Reference
Susan Messing, Rachel Mason, Kat Singleton, TJ, Norm Holly, Craig Cackowski, Matt Barbera, Playground, Nerdist, iOWest, Dr God, King Ten, Dasariski, Stromchaser,The Reckoning.


Rehearsal with Bipolar Bear's Charley Desrochers, Sam Capaldi, 
Brian Mazzarella, & Nicole Williams at The Complex

jts


"Poke" by Messing With A Friend


Mother & Son at the Wedding.  
“You’re wife still doesn’t like me.”

“Just a Mother in Law who lives in the Garage”

“I had cesarian and got the zipper marks to prove it. ”
“Well Shabot fucking shalom.”



Sexy Lawyer Client Reverse Roll Play
“I don’t know my rights!” as she throws her hands up behind her head.



The Dressing Room
“You got a boner?"
"No. Yes."
"Lemme touch it.”

“I’m wearing two pairs of Spanks so sorry if I pass out.”

“Without a bra it’s like two socks with change.”



Hollywood Lovers
“I know I’m a 73 year old woman and your a 27 year old man.  But, (slowly takes a knee)  will you mary me?”
“I’m amazed  by your flexibility.”
“You taught me that.”
“I did.  And if it’s not a blood diamond, I’m in.”
“Mined in Indiana by Union Workers.”
“Kiss me!”



Date Night
“You’re here to date my daughter.”
“You’re upset because I’m your age. May I set down my hat.”
“Yes, that’s old timey of you.  Would like a drink?”
“Yes.”
“Wrong answer. My daughter’s not old enough to drink.”
“I thought you meant you were going to make me a smoothie.”
“I have a silver star from the war.  Where you in World War II?”
“I was 4 helping my mother with a Victory Garden.”
“Why didn’t you serve in any of the other wars? That’s the thing about America, you have a choice.”
“I chose to live.”
“How bout I date your daughter?  How’d you like that?”
“Well she’s a special girl.”



Date Night Part 2 - A Drive Home
“I can put my foot in my mouth.”
“Please don’t.  Where did you say you live again?”
“Right here.”
“OK. Well good night.”
“You have to check me in.”
"Take your foot out of your mouth."

Meanwhile, behind the counter of the complex.
"What seems to be the problem here?"
"Nothing. Why don't you fuck me any more?"
"What?"
"Is it cause I just seem beautiful because I'm normal?"
"No, you're normal and beautiful."
tap tap "See, you do have a boner."


Callback City


Shabbat Shalom

Audience . "Poke" by Messing with a Friend with Susan Messing & Paul Valincourt . iO West . 8pm Friday July 31 2015 .

“Topanga Canyon”


Rock & Glacier Touchy Feely Sorry Park
Thelma & Louise  “I killed a kid.”
Kid & Video Game Console Strangler
Rambunctious bunch & “get that Terry kid outah here!”
Tofu Panda at Saul’s “Authentic” Sushi Deli
Family Photo Chaos
Terry’s chubby and dangerous
Talking Vagina on a date.  “Your cute.”
Hippie Dippie Topanga Vibe Circle


Player . The Reckoning’s “Topanga Canyon” . iO West . 10pm Thursday July 30 2015

Wednesday Night Harold’s

Last Night I stopped by iO for Granddaughter and Wheelhouse.  I enjoyed a couple of confident teams with slightly different energies.  There was a fun runner about the cocky son of the founder of Gap, who is forced to work side by side with his soon to be mother in law, folding sweaters in a Gap.  After the show I attempted social times by talking topics with fellow improvisors.  Got to listen to people who play and do whatever else makes them happy whether it’s tending bar, teaching class, or making movies with their friends.  From the bar I was able to enjoy some of the first team improvising in the next show. There’s one TV showing Sportscenter.  There’s another showing the mainstage improv.  

When the improv was as physical as it was, it’s better than sports.  I don’t know what was happening, but I couldn’t stop watching.  At one point I think a lady was  in a chair and then another lady pulled her out of the chair and started driving.  The first lady pulled the second lady out of the chair and sat back down and went back to eating a sandwhich.  Some guy came in and they told him to get out! Then they went back to switching seats.  I think.  The team’s name was Hey Day.  I don’t know, I could have been seeing themes from Granddaughter & Wheelhouse.  I could have been two Lagunitas in.  I went in to watch the second team, King Ten. Big time talent making bold jubilant moves.  Delighted looks between the cast.  The Jam was cancelled.  I got some poutine and drove up to the ridge where you can see the city glow to the tune of someone’s dog ever so respectfully locked up and alone.

Audience . Granddaughter & Wheelhouse . Heyday & King Ten . iO West . 8: 30 Wednesday July 29 2015

PWG’s Threemendous



They just sort of get to it. Couple appreciations and announcements from Excalibur, and then ring the bell. Excalibur retired to the stage, where the cameras are set up, where Willie Mack was chillin. I was stuck in the beer line and kind of stayed standing there the whole time with a Sam Adams in hand.

Team Tremendous (Bill Carr & Dan Barry) vs. World's Cutest Tag Team (Candice LeRae & Joey Ryan) They put up a heck of a fight, but pretty kids get beat up by cops.  Someone dropped the lollypop.

Brian Cage vs. Johnny Gargano
Cage has a presence that’s hard to describe but easy to be scared of.  He’s over big with the kids.  He and Johny hit some hard spots.

Andrew Everett vs. Rich Swann
Couple of charismatics firsts for me. Sometimes, six foot seven guys like to have seats in the front row and stand.

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Trevor Lee
I’ve seen Tommaso on tape, but he’s a full blown blast live.  What a nut! Paired up with a bearded North Carolina high flying maniac, this one smacked with fist pump knee pop. Those were just the sounds in between audience's reactions.

"Speedball" Mike Bailey vs. Chris Hero
Big man comes out sporting Seatle Sonics and power bombs.  Little man comes out machine gun leg kicks.  

Ricochet vs. Akira Tozawa
This is the PWG feel good moment.  Riccochet’s music is a sing along.  Tozawa greeted with “Welcome Back” cheers.  Touch and go match of playful one upmanship.  Riccochet, the guy with the Willie McGee demeanor but on a level all his own.  Tozawa, a splash of great humor unfortunately caught a beating at the end by Super Dragon and the Young Bucks dressed in SuperDragon Masks.  The locker room emptied but the “Rushmore 2.0” team took them all out until Angelico & Evans appeared for the final match.  

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla World Tag Team Championship Title Match
The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson – Champions) vs. AngĂ©lico & Jack Evans
Young Bucks entered masked with Super Dragon to pull some heat.  Set up the Baby Face pop for Angelico & Evans coming to the rescue.  They spent most of the match in the air. fEvans is a beast and took a beating from the bucks. 

Seth Rollins watched from behind the curtain.  William Regal & The Brian Kendrick were huddling up beforehand in the parking lot.  Security was big and goofy.  I got there a half an hour early and found the right line to meet fellow indy marks.  The manager of the Legion hustled up the garbage and cans in the lot while everyone listened to half of the pre-show announcements.  Free pat-downs at the door.  You can keep your cigarettes, but no lighters or matches inside.  

I can say I witnessed when Marty De Rosa turned heel on PWG and caught mega heat from the crowd.  Crowds which part and pick up their chairs when they sense the action about to spill outside the ring.  Where chanting was the song du jour, standing was the preferred seat, and beers come in fists full of pitchers.  As an improvisor I appreciate how spontaneous the players keep it in the ring and how in tune the audience is to the story.  Bring cash when you go.  The Battle of Los Angeles is the next event August 28, 29, & 30.  When tickets were released online last week, someone bought them all in under 3 minutes.  If you got tix, I'll take two. 


Too Sweet.







Audience . PWG’s Threemendous IV . American Legion Post #308 . Reseda CA . 8pm Friday July 24 2015


"Stove" by The Reckoning

New Fridge, Try it on for size.

This is the Foyer’


Carved a Little Wooden Man for the Big Boss

“This, for takes?”
“No.”
“What about this? This takes?”
“Nope. No. Where did you get that shirt?”


Carl needs the Closer

Carved Big Boss a Little Man made of Cheese


Played with The Reckoning . iO West . 10pm Thursday . 7/23/15

Happy Hour with The Dukes


Cool buddies host, raffle rewards winner with a sandwich.


“Gramaphone” by Uretha Franklin(I thought their name was Romper Farm.)

Grammas and their Records
“You love that vintage shit.”

Costume Party
“I love that smell, like someone who lived a life 50 years ago.”


Naked Pics Before Prom with Mom

Sleepy Celebration Interrupted By Lazy Intruder

“Happy Birthday, here’s twenty dollars, i’m gonna take a nap.”

“There’s an Intruder!”
“Do I have time to take a sleep?”

Gramma Ghost Needle Drops


“Sounds” by The Commune
Dr Bro and the Brofessional Brogram

“Are you a talent agent?”
“I work at the Pollo Loco and sometimes actors order chicken.”

Meatballs, Avocados, & British Accents


“Helpful” by The Dukes
“I’m just a reasonable ass guy on a shitty ass show!”
“Well said.” turns to audience, “And welcome back.”

“I know couch back when I see couch back. And that’s couch back.” said the over perceptive smoke break buddy.

“You got any real food?”
“Like M&M’s?”
“Like not made by M&Ms.”

Glacier Bacteria Power Bar Dance


“Brick” by Tiny Pizza
Just a scene about Trish, who just stopped by from Courts to make sure that Todd was performing his community service by building a brick wall for the Vietnam Vet who Todd hit with his car when he drove his car through the Vet’s house. Tod is hot for Melissa, the Vet’s over sexed daughter. But Tomboy Karen, who doesn’t have boobs yet, is in love with Todd. Melissa doesn’t have boobs either but says she “just moves slow to be sexy.” Todd’s friend, Joe likes to ask the angry Vet about Vietnam cause he wants to go there some day. Also Joe’s arms are ashy and goes inside with Melissa to get some lotion.

“Why do you have a boner Joe?” 

“You’ll see. When I finish building this wall, I’m leaving town-”
“You’re never leaving this town."

"Sit Normal Daughter!”
“No way!”


“Deodorant” by D'artagnan
 First Date on Speaker Phone. “Baptism”

Guys baseball shaped poo, complete with stitches, is headed to the hall of fame

“Thank you, owner of the Chicago Baseball Team.”
“Cubs.”
“Big fan.”

Cross Country Bus Ride With Theo Epstein

Bat Boy is Adorable Eating Fruit

Break Room Bedroom Breakdown of Boyfriends Girlfriends

.

Audience'd Happy Hour with The Dukes at UCB Sunset Inner Sanctum 8pm Tuesdays 7.22.15

A Fugue Saturday Night Shows

Mainstage . 9pm

The Armando Show

"Who is this Atlantic fellow?" 
"He's vast, deep, & salty."

"I don't know a lot about bears, but do they all sound like deaf people?"

"I'm paying a woman who pretends to be my hair."

"Pedi?"
"Just the mani?"
"Mani pedi?"
"...Do you know how much courage it took to come here?"

Bear Goggles

Wheel! Of! Emotions!


The Loft . 10pm



Lola

Noisy restaurant for an intimate talk.

"Every time I come over here, I'm expecting something different."
"Me too. But it's the same old True Detective."

"It's my first dildo. What size should I get?"
"The biggest, ya just wanna break the doors down. Think carnage."

run & gun dumb fun


Dem Pizza Boys
The new room mates are a little too comfortable.

I'm big in Japan T Shirt

Must be something in the air, i just lost two long term relationships, my wife & my mistress.

Kickass Character Fugue

"I feel bad for you buddy, but that lady just blew up my horse!"


Audienced at The Armando Show & Saturday Night Block Party . iO West . 9pm & 10pm . sat 7-18-15

Two Person Jamaica Swim

SimmerrCon . 'Jamaica'
two person show

Couple Lonely Couples in Vegas

"My friend has a band aid on her head. Im not getting laid tonight "
"Charles!"
Philadelphia Jews Club
Sean Kingston and the Leprechaun


Deltones . 'Swim'two person show

Ocean am i ready? 
"I want you to lick me with your dick" said the old lady in Inflatables to the lifeguard 
Lonely Dolphin Shark Song
Hot Tub Date Night with married neighbor Terry-Garry
Be Antonio Banderas
Terry Bradshaw, not that Terry Bradshaw
Ever wake up and say, fuck it.


wanted the lonely guy to fall for the girl at some point
Audienced at two person SimmerCon Del Tones @ iO West . Friday 11pm 7-17-15