IsmProv
Improvised Comedy - A Show for Thinkers
This is a long-form improvisation format where 4 to 6 improvisors filter relationships through a single idea ― an "-ism" ― provided by the audience. In 2012, we explored Sexism, Ageism, Schism, Optimism, Objectivism, and Communism. Humanity’s artistic movements, governmental systems, and Schools of Thought, make up the playground for IsmProv.
As Grandpa says, "It's a hoot!"
Unlike most improv formats, IsmProv does not feature singular human beings in our scenes. Instead, we are able to explore these "isms" by placing human characteristics on relationships between objects ― animate and inanimate, macro and micro. So, you might see scenes transpire between heavenly bodies and household objects, deities and landscapes, or dialectics between thoughts themselves. By focusing on the embodiment and relationships of ideas to each other, and how they form the future, we avoid alienating the audience. Ideas are not adversarial; they simply exploit the strengths and weaknesses they exhibit, and scenes work as mythic allegories.
The simple result is that we can explore ideas and relationships ― political and social ― that typical improv shows avoid.
Or, as Grandma says, "Oh, yes, they went there!"
We start the show with an Ism we get from the audience. Typically we'll look it up live on Wikipedia and share the first couple sentences of that definition to get everyone on the same page. After a brief some on stage brainstorming about the idea (the "invocation") we're off on an ideological romp of improvised scenes. The shows run about 40 minutes.
Performances:
Negativism
Wed 09/07/2016 8 PM
Dad's Gargage
with George Faughnan, Rickey Boynton, Spencer Stephens, and Matt Hobbs on keyboard.
Colonaialasm
Wed 08/17/2016 8 PM
Dad's Gargage
with George Faughnan, Cris Gray, Ronnie Lopez me, and Matt Hobbs on keyboard.
Priapasm
Wed 07/20/2016 8 PM
Dad's Gargage
George Faughnan, Ricky Boynton, Mark Kendall, me, and Clint Sowell on guitar.
Fascism
Wed 06/08/2016 8 PM
Dad's Gargage
George Faughnan, Ricky Boynton, Cris Gray, Mark Kendall, Tara Ochs, Josh Warren, and me.
Canibalism
Wed 02/20/2013 8 PM
At yourACT Studios, 3041 N Decatur Rd.
George Faughnan, Clint Sowell, Chris Gray, Jessica and me.
Followed by 'Dark Side of the Room' at 9 pm
Surrealism
Wed 01/15/2013 8 PM
At yourACT Studios, 3041 N Decatur Rd.
Followed by 'Dark Side of the Room' at 9 pm
Recidivism
Wed 12/19/2012 8 PM
George Faughnan, Evan Fillion, Clint Sowell, Benjamin Carr, Mark Kendall, Jessica and me. At yourACT Studios, 3041 N Decatur Rd.
Music by Szacha Dzuba. Followed by 'Dark Side of the Room' at 9 pm
Accidentalism
11/21/2012 9 PM:
George Faughnan, Jenny Powel, Jessica, Erich Mees, and me in the "Top Shelf" at Dad's Garage Theatre, 280 Elizabeth St.
Nepotism
11/16/2012 8 PM
George Faughnan, Cris Gray, Mark Kendall, Clint Sowell and me. At yourACT Studios, 3041 N Decatur Rd.
Objectivism
10/17/2012 9 PM
Decatur Station Red Room, 627 East College Avenue, Decatur (between The Corner Tavern and Figo Pasta)
Patriotism
09/19/2012 9PM:
George Faughnan, Bernie Clark, Barbara Tushbant, Clint Sowell and me, at 627 East College Avenue (Between The Corner Tavern and Figo Pasta)
Optimism
08/15/2012 9PM:
George Faughnan, Bernie Clark, Vivi Thai, Clint Sowell, and me at
Push-Push Theater
Ageism
07/18/2012 9PM:
George Faughnan, Rueben Medina, Perry Rebeka Frost, Ben Owen, Clint Sowell and me at
Push-Push Theater
