Slip Sliding Away, and Burn, Baby, Burn.

It's storytime with crazy Unkie Shawn.

Let's see, which book? Which book... ahh, here it is. I'm going to tell you all the story about Unkie Shawn and the Slides.

Once upon a time, Unkie Shawn went to a Physical Theatre Academy. He was 22 then, and his Mother had sadly passed away only a year before. Now, Unkie Shawn wanted to do something real special, so he put together a short play for his family and his mom's friends to see him perform at the Physical Theatre Academy.

He wanted to make it something everyone would remember, so he included everything: Special lights, special sound, and even special slides projected at special moments. He also played every character in the little play; Even Rod Phillips, voice of the Edmonton Oilers!

His play was enjoyed, and the audience clapped and cheered. Unkie Shawn was soooo excited, he forgot all about his slides! The irreplaceable pictures of his Mother!

Well, a lot of time had passed before he thought about them again... Silly Unkie Shawn has a widdle biddy brain that is not known for it's memory capacity. In fact, if he had a memory card slot, it might be an awfully good idea to slide in an upgrade once and a while. Regardless, he tried and he tried and he tried to figure out where those slides went... and all of a sudden, one day, when Unkie Shawn was drinking his "Special Juice" at O'Connor's Irish Pub, along came an old friend of his, saying he had found the slides!

Well, on Sunday, Unkie Shawn got his slides back, but they were all askew and scattered, mixed and mismatched in an old box. He tried and he tried and he tried to organize them, but he's still not sure if they're all there. But the important thing is:

He got most of his memories back.

This is the last CD that I want people to pick a track from. The compilation Version 1.0 & 1.1 (Special Kay Edition) will be available April 14! So it's your last chance. Pick some tunes.

Today's CD: "Festival" CD 2
1. U2:Vertigo 2. THE KILLERS: Somebody Told Me 3. RAZORLIGHT: Golden Touch 4. BABYSHAMBLES: Killamangiro 5. KAISER CHIEFS: Oh My God 6. THE BRAVERY: An Honest Mistake 7. MYLO: Drop The Pressure 8. ROYKSOPP: Only This Moment 9. THE ZUTONS: Confusion 10. HOOBASTANK: The Reason 11. IAN BROWN: Keep What Ya Got 12. HAPPY MONDAYS: Loose Fit 13. STEREOPHONICS: Superman 14. LONGVIEW: When You Sleep 15. HOT HOT HEAT: Elevator 16. MUSE: Sing For Absolution 17. KINGS OF LEON: Red Morning Light 18. ROOSTER: You're So Right For Me 19. P.O.D.: Youth of the Nation 20. THE DARKNESS: Love is Only a Feeling

ATTENTION ALL PROSPECT JAMMERS!

I'd like to know the e-mail addresses of the following people (sorry if you gave them to me already, I lost some of them):

Jon K.
Craig R.
Jessie M.
Don B.
Jeremy R.

Using initials in case you're not huge fans of having your names in full on the web. Just e-mail me at spallier@hotmail.com. Don't post them in the comments, because I, like oh so many other axe murderers, value privacy.

Still Putting things off..And Not Putting it on.

Those who read regularily know I have two personal projects this month:

1. Start work on my One-Act about my Mother
2. Get an Agent

Progress on the two: Zero.

I just don't know how to start things any more. It certainly makes me ask myself some questions;
Am I afraid?
Am I the most lazy lump of organs and blood this side of the galaxy?
Am I addicted to the status quo?
Was Status Quo the worst rock band of all time?... Oh yeah, am I easily distracted?

And the biggest question of all: What the hell am I waiting for?

Oh yeah, let me know in the comments what's your favorite track from:
Today's CD: "Festival" CD 1
Tracks: 1. GREEN DAY: Boulevard of Broken Dreams 2. SNOW PATROL: Run 3. KEANE: This is The Last Time 4. COLDPLAY: Clocks 5. KASABIAN: Cutt Off 6. OASIS: Lyla 7. FEEDER: Feeling the Moment 8. THE LIBERTINES: Can't Stand Me Now 9. THE SUBWAYS: Oh Yeah 10. BLOC PARTY: Banquet 11. THE FUTUREHEADS: Hounds of Love 12. THE ORDINARY BOYS: Boys will Be Boys 13. HARD-FI: Tied Up Too Tight 14. LINKIN PARK: Breaking the Habit 15. JET: Are You Gonna Be My Girl 16. SIMPLE PLAN: Shut Up! 17. ASH: Starcrossed 18. NEW ORDER: Jetstream 19. R.E.M.: All the Way to Reno 20. JAMES BLUNT: Wisemen

Like a tube of some sort of cream...

...it's time to clear things up.

I don't like dick and fart improv.

I don't like gags.

However, I don't want people to punish themselves for doing it.

I know, I really really know, that this company, Rapid Fire Theatre, strives constantly to be the best. I constantly strive to be the best. But I used to beat up myself onstage. With everybody watching. No, not in that Lee Evans comedy way I sometimes do. I mean in the way I would behave, and the improv that I presented.

I would get mad at myself, and I know my peers noticed. I would try to put on the mask that I was confident, but I started to get notes about being too cocky.

Man, this world is a delicate balance.

My point over the last few days has been this: Don't punish yourself. It doesn't make your improv better. I'm not saying "Don't learn from your mistakes", or, "I think everything's fine, as long as the audience laughs". But I understand how some might have misinterpreted some of my recent postings.

Which brings me to the new point I want to harp on: Be Clear. Clarity is very important.

I was getting frustrated with the fact that other improvisers were always naming what I was or what I was doing. But guess what? It's my fault. If I'm not clear about what I'm doing and what I am, then they're forced to name me.

I'm not saying this is easy, but I don't think anyone said it would be.

Today's CD: The French Kicks "Trial of the Century"
Tracks: "One More Time", "Don't Thank Me", "The Trial of the Century", "Oh Fine", "The Falls", "Was It A Crime", "Following Waves", "You Could Not Decide", "Yes, I Guess", "Only So Long", "Better Time".

I've Got to, Got to, Got to Have Faith

So everybody's got an opinion.

It's not easy being onstage representing Rapid Fire Theatre. The last thing we want to do is make an audience member say:

"Come on, if he/she can do it, I can. That totally sucked. I can do better."

But here's the mountain of a problem that lies directly on the surface of our training: Embrace failure.

We are constantly working towards making ourselves better improvisers, each and every one of us. A good improviser is always learning.

We are entitled to complain about a show that didn't go wonderfully, and so is our audience. Keep in mind, we don't know what's going to come out of our mouths next. That's the beauty.

Sometimes, we perform something that could actually develop into a play, a full-on theatre production. Whoo.

Sometimes, we perform something that wouldn't seem out of place on "Kids in the Hall". Whoo.

Sometimes, things fall apart. Whoo.

I remember a time I was in grade 4, I wanted to do a really shocking, super-fly dance to George Michael's "Faith". It was for a talent show.
I picked a spot, right dead centre of the stage, where I spread out in a death pose in a brown robe wearing a freaky old man mask. The music started.
"Faith" begins with a church organ solo. I was laying there, perfectly still, ready to "surprise" and shock my audience. Right from the first strum of the accoustic guitar, I popped my head up. And you know what I got?

Unbridled laughter.

That mask saved my life that day. My first response was; "Oh god! I've failed! They're laughing at me! They're laughing at me!..." But I learned my first improv lesson that day: Embrace failure.

I forgot all about my planned dance. I launched into flailing my limbs and wiggling my hips, all 4-foot nothing of me, and I goofed around at a piano that was on stage. Thrusting my pelvis, I did my best "Jerry Lewis and Jerry Lee Lewis' Love Child" impersonation. I loosened my art for the sake of my audience.

And was that really so bad?

My audience loved it. They ruptured my damn eardrums, and I'm just some total loser from 4th grade. But instinctively, I knew what they wanted.

So, if my audience looks at me and sees an idiot, I'll recognize that. I do art with the best of them. I love an awesome story, dramatic tension, and moody lights and bold sound.

I am your Chameleon. Make of me what you wish.

Today's CD: Cake "Pressure Chief".
Tracks: "Wheels", "No Phone", "Take It All Away", "Dime", "Carbon Monoxide", "The Guitar Man", "Waiting", "She'll Hang the Baskets", "End of the Movie", "Palm of your Hand", "Tougher Than It Is".

Doubling the Dose of Shawn

An announcement: I am now no longer working on Saturdays.

After 6 years with ARTIFACTS Trading Company, I officially earned my Saturdays. This means no more:
"Sorry dudes, I've got to go. Gotta work tomorrow morning."
"I really should go at the intermission. I need some sleep."
"I'm a big lame."

So, lovers of improv, audience and performers alike, let's party. I'll wear a hawaiian shirt and heart-covered boxers every friday, and those sunglasses with the fluorescent handles--neon pink, green, blue and such. That'll prove what a party animal I am.

I look forward to being the social butterfly that I once was. I am saddened by my recent "social moth" status.

I would like to welcome Chad"wicky" Cuthbertson-- Chad the Rad, my Hardy brother, to the world of blogging. I think he'll prove entertaining. I put a link in my section over there. See?

This is one of the last CDs I will be doing on my blog. It turns out, generally, a limited people want to help me make this thing. It's cool, life is an experiment. I need only 3 more tracks after this one to complete the disc.

Today's CD: Hot Hot Heat "Elevator"
Tracks: "Running out of Time", "Goodnight Goodnight", "Ladies and Gentleman", "You Owe me An IOU", "No Jokes-Fact", "Jingle Jangle", Pickin' it Up", "Island Of the Honest Man", "Middle of Nowhere", "Dirty Mouth", "Soldier In a Box", "Shame on You", "Elevator".

Foote in the Door?

I missed an opportunity yesterday, or maybe I didn't.

The Citadel was posting a position as "Director of the Foote Theatre School". Everything in the job description, I had. I just simply didn't apply.

It's probably okay. They're probably looking for someone with much, much more experience. But it's better to try than to not try at all.

I need to take my own advice.

Secondly, I helped a Korean student read "Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet". I think she gets it now. Moral quagmire though: Did I help her cheat? I mean, shouldn't she have figured it out on her own? Although trust me, she wouldn't have... I'd like to think I tutored her, but...

Fin.

Today's CD: 311 "Dont Tread On Me"
Tracks: "Don't Tread On Me", "Thank Your Lucky Stars", "Frolic Room", "Speak Easy", "Solar Flare", "Waiting", "Long For The Flowers", "Getting Through to Her", "Whiskey & Wine", "It's Getting OK Now", "There's Always an Excuse".

Pick a track, win a prize... My luv. Not my actual love, just my playful L-U-V kind of love. And not that love, you wicked wicked monkeys.

Were there Ever Any Rules?

Last night, we forgot the rules of improv.

We had fun, and perhaps kicked some ass. I played way way too much, but hey, there were no fuckin' rules. So I played just right... We came up with our own "Are You Still Mad At Me?" by having a roomful of gibberish people having a Grade 9 Grad Party. It's hard to explain fully, but in the end, I think we all had fun.

Some people need to get up more! Self Motivation. There is a lot of comraderie amongst those who know each other well, so those who are a wee bit alone need to find their place.

I can't find it for you... I, after all, had to find my place in RFT. If you really want it, you'll work for it, and maybe have to wait for it.

PS-- I Just found out Craddo is also a fan of Ben Folds... making us the only Canadian fans of Ben Folds. At least I'm no longer alone.

Today's CD: Volcano, I'm Still Excited!! (Yes, that is the name of the band. Think of the Strokes and Hot Hot Heat doing some drugs, getting depressed, switching bandmates, and making a record. That's not what happened, but I think it's a good explanation)
Tracks: "2nd Gun", "Trunk of My Car", "Joe Jaxon", "In Green", "Fisticuffs", "Echo Park", "New Brad", "Mostly on an Island", "Around the Dream", "Goodbye, Casio", "By No Means", "Firebombing London", "Shouting Across the Water" "Byron's 24th Christmas", "Two Exclamation Points".

I Broke the Internet... again.

Please, read on to my real post. This is just a test to see if I can fix the blog...

It's Hard to be Simple

And then it hit me.

Stop being so goddamned cerebral, you fool.

Keep some simple things in mind: All you need in an improv scene is already there.
We need not add elaborate scenarios.
Make the story about what has already been established...

I stood around in a scene again, friday night, saying nothing. I don't know why. But I think I'm cured. In the following scene, I said every single thought that came to my head and lived in the world we established. I didn't feel like I was waiting for lines to be done... I was a part of the scene. Maaan, that felt sweet. And entertaining without longing and pining for the audience to appreciate me. It's not about me.

But this blog sure is about me... so vote on a song in the comments from:
Todays CD: The Flaming Lips "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (yeah, I mentioned it before, but I didn't show you the tracks... votey votey)
Tracks: "Fight Test", "One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21", "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (Parts I & II)" "In The Morning of Magicians", "Ego Tripping At the Gates of Hell", "Are You a Hypnotist??", "It's Summertime", "Do You Realize??", "All We Have Is Now", "Approaching Pavonis Mans By Balloon (Utopia Planitia)"

Trivia: The last track won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Performance in 2003... cool.

The Spiffy Diffy, Yo

So, I received a comment from Scott, wondering just how different the Prospect Jam is from a workshop.

Here we go.

First off, the paid workshops are a 6 week course, the Prospect Jam is more like "Survival". That is, the longer you stay, the more you'll learn, and the more you'll realize self-motivation is the key. Paid workshop instructors have a semi-flexible curriculum. Myself and Chad have an uber-flexible "how-do-we-feel-today" sorta plan, which changes depending on which space the cow takes a dump on... no wait, that's hillbilly bingo... but I think you understand.

Second, you have to be INVITED to join the Prospect Jam... that's really how it should go, and what we set out to do in the first place. All current members were definitely told they could come here. You're all good. I just never want the floodgates to open. Anyone can take a paid workshop.

Third, we assume you are seriously interested in being in the show if you attend the Prospect Jam. That's what it's for. We at least assume you're very passionate about improv.

Or think someone in the cast is hot, and you want to meet them... It's happened.

Those are the key differences. Kevvy? Bill? Crad? Chad? Strong Bad? Any Current Cast Member? If any of you want to add anything about the diff, do it...

Just add your difference in the comments.

Oh yeah, and pick a track from this CD. Don't care if you don't know it, just pick.

Today's CD: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings "Naturally"
Tracks: "How Do I Let A Good Man Down?", "Natural Born Lover", "Stranded In Your Love", "My Man Is A Mean Man", "You're Gonna Get It", "How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?", "This Land is Your Land", "Your Thing Is A Drag", "Fish In The Dish", "All Over Again".

I Broke the Internet

I'm sorry, my temporary blog problems suck.

Perchance this will fix them.

No Whining and Dining

So I jumped the gun.

Yesterday, I mentioned I was spoiled in recent times at RFT because I performed every week. Well, I still do.

Yeah, if I'm not in the first half, I'm hosting the Free Improv. Which is really awesome, considering my company (Kevvy, Joey, Jules, and Chad).

As you all know, I'm a little skittish and worrisome, and (only in the last 5 years) have become really socially awkward. This has lead to unwarranted whining and complaining, and drunken rambling... It's bizarre when your confidence runs low.

However, like a boxer with a coconut-sized welt on my head (and my stupid pride), I'm coming back, y'all. My Feng Shui Jade Cicada sez it's for recovery and resurgence, and I've got one, so it's go time. Why? Why is it go time? Because I'm broke... No meals out for me.

Yep, nothing like empty pockets for motivation. I made a DVD of my appearances on Help!TV, and I'm taking it to the lion's den... a talent agent. The last time we talked, she told me it was "virtually impossible" that she would take me on as a client. Well, I don't live in a virtual world, baby, I live in the real one. What what? Das right.

I forgot to put a CD in yesterday's post. Here it is-- Vote for a track in the comments:
Today's CD: Gorillaz "Demon Days"
Tracks: "Last Living Souls", "Kids With Guns", "O Green World", "Dirty Harry", "Feel Good Inc.", "El Manana", "Every Planet We Reach is Dead", "November Has Come", "All Alone", "White Light", "Dare", "Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head (spoken word by Dennis Hopper)" "Don't Get Lost in Heaven", "Demon Days".

In the Nick of Time.

I don't think anyone will read this unless I post it. It's a comment from the "Perspective from the Prospects" post. By Nick. I shall put it all in blue. And Italics.

To directly quote Shawn, "[The Prospect Jam is] like bran". There you have it, folks. That's all you need to know.

Is it success to have lots of folks at the jam? Maybesies. An important point to make is that it's an entirely different setting than a workshop or a performance. That's a good thing and an ungood thing, because while it lets one get some improv in after high school (it's not that far away, you know!), it can also lead to stagnation.

My challenge to all the new kids on the block who just discovered the PJ is to introduce something to improv that you want to see, and share it with your fellow 'provver. Invent!

One less positive note for those of you who wind up auditioning: space is limited on the schedule, and even moreso since dickheads like me and Busby squeezed into that overfull elevator, so don't be surprised if you don't get picked up right quick. Your best bet is to stick with the Prospect Jam through thick and thin (thin being 3 people or less), and while you're at it, IMPROVe! It's tough not making an ass of yourself on stage, and you need to develop a flexible attitude toward what improv is and can be in order to make a good show. Always IMPROVe.One more tip for auditioneers: Be polite and energetic and note that while a TS audience might like toilet humour, understand that the folks evaluating you (probably Chris Craddock, Condor/Bill, Kevin Gillese, Joey, or any combo thereof) have heard it all before. Try to focus on the things that only an improviser would notice and your chances will be better for it.

There you have it. Useful information from a useful guy.

As for me, I need to keep proper perspective of things as well. We received a schedule recently, and I perform for y'all once a month. It's gonna be tough. Why? Because I was once spoiled.

Some of you who watched the show not too long ago know I used to perform every week. I had some good moments. I like myself for the most part.

So I need to pick myself up, dust myself off, and replace some no-shows. Expect to see me every week, watching from the sides, not drinking any more. It'll make me feel better.

Like Bran.

Sick of the Music? Let's talk "Free Ride"

Hey, so I'm getting a little carried away with the music thing; It's what I do best. So before you read the below postings, I invite you to carry on a little about "Free Ride". I've been keeping a very close eye on it, and would love to know if you all watch it too.

Rapid Fire Theatre seems to be getting it's tentacles more tangled in Hollywood every year...

I Summon You, Dark Gods and Goddesses, Answer me this question:

Is Music Bisexual?

The Hidden Cameras (and Erin) once said "Music is My Boyfriend" (or, they have said it multiple times if you own the track). Well I guess since Music is going steady with me, I need to throw it down with Erin or ask Music just where it stands.

So far, our compilation goes like this (warning: I went with the underdog, that is, the person who doesn't vote often if there was a dispute; sorry Kay, you'll need allies to make some of your choices go through):

New Pornographers- Jackie Dressed in Cobras
Beck- Hell Yes (Ghettochip Malfunction Remix)
The Bravery- Swollen Summer
Ben Folds- Prison Food

If you don't like it, and you haven't voted, start with the "Time for a Compilation" Post and work your way up. Rock the Vote, and this time, we actually are.

Stomp your British Knights down. Hats off to the pointy guitars.

I also summon you to vote on a track, and put it in the comments...Today's CD: Spoon "Gimme Fiction"
Tracks: "The Beast and Dragon, Adored", "Two Sides/Monsieur Valentine", "I Turn my Camera On", "My Mathematical Mind", "The Delicate Place", "Sister Jack", "I Summon You", "The Infinite Pet", "Was it You?", "They Never Got You", "Merchants of Soul".

Perspective on the Prospects

There were over 20 people at the prospect jam yesterday.

My question to you: Is this success?

A brief history: I came into RFT when the process of entry was hazy. You asked the right people the right questions, things might go your way. So, my brain started working. I knew people who I thought were good improvisers (mostly Nik, Stu, and the crew from the University Improv club) that I thought deserved a place where they could keep developing with RFT. I spread the idea of the Prospect Jam around, and Tad helped me realize I needed to write an official proposal.

Support was mixed. Some loved it, some hated it, some were in the middle. Crad made it happen, and added the idea of auditions. Problem solved.

Chad co-founded the prospect jam, now commonly referred to as the Sunday jam, and supports the idea every step of the way. But honestly, I don't think either of us expected this to be so well attended. Nosebowl certainly helped, but we still have the stalwarts from before on board.

So, is this success? Or is it overcrowding? Or is it just a sign of how loved the artform of Improv is? I guess we'll find out with the attendance after the auditions...

Don't forget to comment by voting for a song from Today's CD. And vote on the old ones from the past few entries (March 8, 9, 10)

Today's CD: The New Pornographers "Twin Cinema".
Tracks: "Twin Cinema", "The Bones Of An Idol", "Use It", "The Bleeding Heart Show", "Jackie, Dressed in Cobras", "The Jessica Numbers", "These are the Fables", "Sing Me Spanish Techno", "Falling Through Your Clothes", "Broken Breads", "Three Or Four", "Star Bodies", "Streets of Fire", "Stacked Crooked".

The Tale of the Lightweight

Harry Belafonte once said "Jackass, He Jump and Bray, Let Him Bray, Let Him Bray".

And boy, did I bray.

It all started when I decided to get drunk. Which I did. Making a long story short, I blabbered on to Craddo, and possibly insulted an entire table of improvisers, with no good reason. So Ritchie, I've decided I won't be gaining the pounds you decided to lose.

Let's start over again, shall we? Not to sound like an abusive hillbilly boyfriend, but I yells at you cause I loves you. Moderation is the key.

No CD today. Just vote for the ones on the March 8, 9, and 10 entries.

2 Shows for the price of, uh, 2.

Yes blends, there are two RFT Theatresports shows this evening.

One at 8, one at 11. And since I wasn't able to make the last one, I don't know how they pick who's in the 8 pm show. I hope they pick me. Why should they? Here goes:

I want to enjoy the silence today. I want to tell a story. I want to share a moment with an improv guru. I want to engage an audience. I want to communicate. I want to listen. I want to be both wiggity wack and chill. I want to rock and roll all night.

And party every day.

Today's CD: Beck "Guero"
Tracks: "E-Pro", "Que Onda Guero", "Girl", "Missing", "Black Tambourine", "Earthquake Weather", "Hell Yes", "Broken Drum", "Scarecrow", "Go It Alone", "Farewell Ride", "Rental Car", "Emergency Exit".

Pick a track, and put it in the comments. I'm making a mix CD. Called Blogeration. Pick a track from the 9th & 8th as wll if you haven't already, and put it in the comments. It'll be like whoa.

Nonsense of Humour

Humour is a strange three-eyed monster. Let me elaborate.

In grade 5, there was a recorder test. Yes, recorder. That tin whistle-like plastic squealing device we were forced to play. Mike Ewanchuk, the sort-of "school bully", was to be tested at the same time as me. We were warned by the Mrs. Walton, the music teacher, that if we were to mock or laugh at someone in the class we would receive an automatic fail.

I don't like to fail exams.

Naturally, Mike was up first for his test. Try as he might, he couldn't bleat out "Mon Ami Pierrot" to save his miserable life. Then came the swearing... Man, it's funny when a young man with a recorder swears.

I feel like laughing... realizing I will fail if I do, I cover my mouth. I start "nose laughing". I cover my nose. I turn blue.

Mrs Walton screams "Shawn! Why are you trying to kill yourself?"

Wha? Cha-who? Come again?

I'm hauled down to the principal's office. I plead my case. He doesn't believe a boy would try to kill himself over a recorder test. I'm forced to tell the school councillor I'm suicidal...

This story is somehow hilarious. Traumatic at the time, but hilarious in retrospect. Thus, the nonsense of humour. The monster that is comedy.

Today's CD: The Bravery (Please, pick a track and let me know for my compilation)
Tracks: "An Honest Mistake", "No Brakes", "Fearless", "Tyrant", "Give In", "Swollen Summer", "Public Service Announcement", "Out of Line", "Unconditional", "The Ring Song", "Rites of Spring". (PS-- yes, you know the Bravery. "Don't look at me that waaaaay, It was an honest mistaaaake)

Time to make a Compilation

It's been a long, long time since I've made a mix tape/CD.

So it's time, and you're all gonna help me.

Basically, I'll say what's in my CD player. I'll list the tracks. Then, you tell me which track to go in da mix. If nobody comments, I'll make my own choice. I won't explain this every time, but at the end of my post, I'll mention a new CD every time. I swear.

Let's Begin:
Artist: Ben Folds
Album:Songs for Silverman
Tracks: "Bastard", "You to Thank", "Jesusland", "Landed", "Gracie", "Trusted", "Give Judy My Notice", "Late", "Sentimental Guy", "Time", "Prison Food".

If you don't know the artist or the songs, just pick one at random. It'll be fun.

Girls Should Wanna have Fun

You know who you are.

Don't let the boys of the Improv world have all the fun. You're capable, all of you, and you're all separate entities with dynamic personalities. Don't let anyone (especially me) group you together and generalize...

Oh shit, I just did.

But you get my point.

Hosting... with a little help. 

Climbing the Hill to, uh, Improv Bliss?

Honestly, I've told a couple of folks that I'm in an "improv valley" at the moment. I feel like I'm ready to begin my ascent.

Improv really is a series of peaks and valleys. At one time, I was exclusively hosting along Marc and Amy. It was wicked. I want to be in that spot again. I'm confident... seriously, I am. Don't look at me that way.

I'm going to court an agent this month. I'm going to send her a video of my work, a one-page spread of my live theatre photos, an outdated 8 X 10 (gosh darn it), and an updated résumé. Is that too much to send? I seriously don't know, but I'll try. I'm sick of not doing it when I've done so much training. I'd love for someone to just give me some lines that I could act the shit out of. It would feel so damn easy all of a sudden... Anyone that has any pointers, that'd be awesome.

Play the Game, Playas.

Theatresports is a game. I've reflected on this while teaching and performing.

It's a game, so succeeding at it all the time would be boring. Hell, if I slapped myself around every time I fell down a hole in Mario, landed on Boardwalk in Monopoly, or the bottle spun to another dude in Spin the Bottle, I'd be dead.

I know, since I do it all the time, that it's easy to punish yourself for "bad" improv. Don't do it. Watching someone punish themselves is like jamming broken glass up your nose. Very, very uncomfortable.

Confidence and communication. Use them, they are your tools. Calmness can be too, but hey, so can insane psycho energy. This is sort of a Buddhist society we belong to. There is a balance to everything. Of course, a carpenter doesn't have only 3 tools in his toolbox, and every carpenter doesn't use the same tools... whoa... One toke over the line.

Namaste, Playas...

Josh... Now That's what I call Quite Good.

Three Cheers for Free Ride...
Three Cheers for Josh Dean...

I was going to go on about fake stories about Josh, but I'll just tell a real one.

Myself, Josh, and a bunch of the boys were in a Karen Towsley show at the UofA: "The Pedant". I was a punk, and thinking that I'd throw a monkeywrench into things (this was an improvised show), I changed a quick section of the show into something needlessly long. Josh had the solution (here's what was said):

Shawn: Don't say another word.

Josh: But--

Shawn: Just enjoy the silence.

Josh: Okay.

Shawn: Okay. (long, ridiculous silence)

Josh: But if I don't say anything, the scene won't progress.

Burst of Audience laughter. That's why Josh has a show and I do not. Unless they made a show called "Uncomfortable Silence and a Man who looks Stunning in Drag".