SR's THE OUTTAKES

Is there anybody ..... out there???

2009-11-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

I checked back to look at the list of improv books that I don't have and now I miss people :(

Movies: A Cheat Sheet

2009-08-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. In our class with Maureen on Saturday, she had suggested we use this to discuss some "Pop Culture" movies, books, music, etc., to make sure our teammates (and selves) are not blindsided with suggestions we are unfamiliar with. Because we can't all watch the movies we would like, I thought about making a Cheat Sheet of movies we are likely to get as suggestions, and what should be known about each of them to help make a scene passable. I will start one about some of the movies I think we should know for now, with possibly a TV one to follow. I would appreciate it if people could add, especially to the movie one with current releases, as being a father of a 2-year-old has prevented me from seeing anything since 2007. My picks and hints are:

1.) Star Wars. If you have not seen at least the original trilogy, you should take a sabbatical from Improv until you watch them, mimmick them, and work on your: Darth Vader breathing; Chewbacca yelling; Yoda's syntax-changing verbal skills; and your lightsaber sound effects.

2.) Titanic. It's a long movie, yes. But watch it, even if in fast-forward, and get down: the whole "King of the World" moment at the hull of the boat (overdone, but good for a cheap laugh); an English-accent "Iceberg! Right ahead!"; sweaty sex in a fogged-up Model T; the string quartet "Gentlemen, it's been an honor playing with you tonight"; and the "Never let go" speech at the end. I'd also throw in the line, "I want you to draw me in this... and only this."

3.) The Princess Bride. I don't think I've ever heard this called out as a suggestion, except for the one time I did before I was in a troupe. Some great lines that you need to know to pull this off are: "I'm not left handed" (during a sword fight); "Anybody want a peanut?"; and "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die." Actually, I just think everyone should see this movie; it is one of my favorites.

4.) E.T. If I were to get this, I would pretend I had a gun and wonder aloud why I was trying to shoot someone with a walkie-talkie (an unneccesary change Spielberg made in the re-release, and probably a joke 1/3 of the audience would get, on a good night.) But the bigs ones are E.T. saying, "Phone Home," "Ouch", and "Be Good." Use your scariest voice and point your finger. And mention Reese's Pieces, too.

5.) Forrest Gump. Your best Southern-accent, with a little extra "da-hoo!" twang thrown in. "Life is like a box of chocolates...", "Stupid is as stupid does...", "Run, Forrest, Run!" I'd probably jut out my lower lip and do Bubba's "Shrimp has a million uses..." speech. So don't steal it.

I'll add more as they come. Please add some of the superhero (Spider-Man, Transformers, Batman), Sci Fi (The Matrix, Star Trek), and Fantasy (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Carribean) if you can, and any classics I haven't added (The Godfather, Gone With The Wind, etc.) Thank you for your support and cooperation.

TCIF Musings

2009-07-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here I am, finally getting around to sharing my thoughts on the workshops I took during TCIF.

The first workshop I took was with Bill Arnett called Characters With a Point of View. I found this to be very helpful, as he gave us an extremely simple way to create a character: string together an adjective and a noun. Voila! Lonely balloon, whiny zookeeper, perfectionist coach, nervous general, savage panda, burned-out lawyer, ditzy crossing guard, intimidating apple, jealous microwave...these are all characters. This really spoke to me because I need to keep the improv simple. Otherwise I get into my head trying to create a character that has the depth of the Pacific Ocean. And then the moment is gone.

The other Bill Arnett workshop I took was The Power of Keeping It Real. We have heard this many times about playing the truth of the moment. There are endless opportunities to do zany and absurd stuff, and that end of the spectrum is certainly funny. Taking snippets of everyday life that anyone in the audience can relate to also yields memorable moments. Bill's thought was for you to be cool or uncool with your partner's choice. Our workshop just played out some exercises reinforcing this. One exercise was to respond with an emotional noise (not a verbal response) to your partner's declaration before you engage in dialogue. The noise deemphasizes the declaration, which is good; the scene is not about the declaration, anyway. "I made a Boston Creme pie." "[shrieks of joy]" gets you on the path of not talking about the damn pie. So is "I made a Boston Creme pie." "[stomps around angrily]".

Another exercise was something you could call Armchair Psychologist. Two people would engage in a scene, and a third person would observe it. After the scene is done, the third person analyzes each character like a psychologist might. The key here is to look for behavior, not actions. Not exactly sure how this exercise fit in with the theme of the workshop, I just remember doing it and thought it was interesting.

A third workshop I took was with Zach Ward called Spread to Survive. This was a technique that would be employed in a Harold structure, though it could easily fit into any multi-scene structure we do (a montage, even freeze tag, maybe some others...). Zach noted that occasionally you are in a scene that you know is not going anywhere, characters are blase, and there is not much established that would warrant calling it back later (like would be done in a Harold). You could spread out the world of the characters with other people who know of them. These Spread scenes exist as their own unique scenes with different characters, not just regurgitating ideas from the original scene. In that regard, Spread scenes are considered "one-way".

For example: if your scene involves a doctor unloading all his personal problems on an unwitting assistant, you could spread that out to a scene with new characters where the opening line is "My doctor was an emotional wreck. I do not want to see you turn out like that." That first sentence ("My doctor was an emotional wreck.") acknowledges the previous scene, and that is the entire connection of the Spread. The second sentence ("I do not want to see you turn out like that.") indicates this scene stands separately, not having anything to do at all with the doctor from the previous scene. It gets right to the relationship of the characters in this new scene. Spread scenes should connect characters, not objects.

The idea is that a Spread connects two scenes with the tiniest of threads. That way "boring" scenes end up serving a purpose: setting up a better subsequent scene. The earlier (shittier) scenes look better in retrospect by drawing on a detail used. In theory, you could have a scene, Spread that scene, Spread that second scene, Spread that third scene, and even Spread that fourth scene. If you finally hit comedic gold, the audience will feel rewarded for sitting through some mediocre scenes to get to the payoff. Those threads will help the whole structure "make sense".

Zach also had an interesting take on scenework that had nothing to do with The Spread. He thought you could approach a scene like an architect, where you build a scene from the ground up. He also thought you could approach a scene like an archaeologist: a scene/world already exists, and the player is just unearthing it and showing it to the audience. His preference was to go for the archaeological route.

Notes: Improv In a Nutshell

2009-07-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Notes from a workshop with Michael Gellman:

A character knows more than the actor
The product of a scene is not your responsibility. It is the character's responsibility
Emotion and Reaction = Honesty
Pick something and find something about it to have a strong emotional connection. Out of the emotional response will come a character
Characters must have stairs to climb in a scene
Our discoveries come through objects, others and the environment
If you get a suggestion such as "you are in the desert" think about the possibilities. You don't have to be thirsty just because you are in the desert. "Fuck it...make a sandwich if you want!"

Your Faces

2009-07-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

I miss you guys! Look forward to seeing you next Saturday! I took some notes at the workshop I attended. I'm putting together a real gollywopper of a powerpoint right now. (not really but I wanted a reason to use gollywopper)

New Boys In Charge

2009-06-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll. I didn't notice any Outtakes on this notification email from Stevie Ray, so I thought I would post it here so we can all share our congratulations with Jason (and Kappelhoff, too.)

Here is the letter from Mr. Ray, in its entirety.

Hello all:

We are proud to announce some great changes at Stevie Ray’s.

Jason Bindas and Dave Kappelhoff are no longer just Troupe Leaders. They have moved into the positions of Creative Directors. This means they are responsible for ensuring that our shows at the cabaret continue to grow creatively, and that each member of the troupes grows as well. They will either act as troupe leaders or, if a separate troupe leader is assigned, they will help the troupe leader direct the shows.

Jason Bindas has also been become the Director of the School of Improv. He will be in charge of making sure the school serves the needs of the students and teachers.

Dave Kappelhoff has become the Director of the College Division of the School of Improv. We have typically focused on adult improv classes, but now it is time for the school to expand. Dave will be responsible for building a whole new program focusing on college improv classes.

John Haynes has become the Director of the Youth Division of the School of Improv. He will be responsible for building a new program focusing on improv classes for students 18 years old and under.

Jason will work with Artistic Director, Pamela Mayne on all school programs. We hope to begin partnerships with outside organizations, corporations, schools, colleges, and community centers to offer classes throughout the Twin Cities.

Any questions about the school should be directed to Jason.

Mark Bergren will continue to teach advanced improv classes and special programs.

Stevie Ray will stay out of the way.

And that is it. So, congratulations, Jason, on the promotion. I trust you will do exceptional in this new position.

Woooooooooooooooooolhouse

The Special Outtakes Show

2009-06-26T11:08:00.001-07:00

Yo. So this was discussed at the beginning of this round . . . the whole "Let's have a special Outtakes show, where we kick all of the existing audience members out to let all new audience members in for The Outtakes portion of the night." Then, nothing more was talked about it.

Until now.

Let's pick a show, dammit. We've only really got four shows left. July 18th, Aug 1, 15, and 29th. I My vote is for one of the last two, the 15 or 29. It would give us time to actually get confirmations from the invitees about yes or no or both and really hammer home the point.

You know?

Let's have a date picked in one week. Can we do that? One week . . . I'll Facebook this to LJ since she doesn't have access to this yet (by her own fault, of course.) But if you see this, pass the word to the other Outtakes to let them know to come and check it out.

Wooooooooooolhouse

Weekend of shows

2009-06-22T05:47:00.000-07:00

Between yelling in "Love Is Like," belting out lead vocals in "Friday Fish Fry for Jeff," T-Bones the waiter, and having to yell because the threat of rain dissallowed the use of microphones at Improv in the Park . . . I have no voice. Good thing my job only requires me to talk on the phone all day with churches. But I'm sure when I explain to the churches in the Carolinas and Virgina that I was acting as a black prisoner over the weekend, that everything will be alright...

Outtakes girls rock BNW

2009-06-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

The female portion of the Outtakes kicked it at BNW tonight in their individual performance groups. Emily brought wacky characters and LJ's accident seems to have only made her funnier. Well done girls !!! Oh, and the one and only Jeff Kaisershot also made an appearance to lend support to his castmates. With better than half of the Outtakes team in house, there was talk of said Outtakes taking the stage and puttin' on a show right then and there for all of those who routinely miss our Sheraton shows (ok, that may have been mostly me offering that).

Way to go gang !!!

2009-06-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Great show everybody!!! I thought that with our reduced cast, everyone stepped up and brought a better game. Hats off to Alex for a successful first hosting!!! My opinion is that this performance showed that we are getting better at bringing our rehearsal improvements to our shows :) YAY !!!

Brent Musberger is 70 today

2009-05-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

What timing! We could have celebrated his birthday Saturday night with guacamole...

We had a show !!!

2009-05-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

I had fun. It was something new in several ways. We did good happy fun stuff. How do you spell shyvie? That's how it sounds. I still chuckle a little bit here and there about it. Emily, you are sublime ;) and I mean that. Once again, Adam is a lucky man. I mean your Adam. Not Felitz or Woolhouse. Well, they're probably lucky too, but in a different way. Perhaps even in the same way, but not with you. Oh you bowlers ...

Vote and help a brother out!

2009-05-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.filmracing.com/Films/competitions/minneapolis2009.htm

This is the Top 10 of the Minneapolis Film Festival that I participate in every year. Well, THIS year Damn You Banana Flims made it! Now, we need votes to place higher (and higher!) The link above allows you to click on and vote for your favorite (which is called "Detour," FYI) as well as view all 10.

What I would suggest doing is this: click near the bottom, where it says Click here to vote for your favorite film from the Minneapolis Film Race 2009 and place your vote for "Detour" first, before anything else. Then, if you want to, go back and watch them. (In case you're interested, "Scene 63" is Adam Felitz and John Haynes' film. It's OK, too.)

You can only vote once per IP Address, so vote on every computer, Blackberry, and iPhone you either use, or can preview at a Best Buy (for "Detour.")

It is appreciated.

Wooooooooolhouse

Oh look! A Blog entry.

2009-05-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Dr. Horrible

2009-04-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Hey All, This link is for a fun musical starring Neal Patrick Harris. I think it's good to see for 2 reasons: Funny, and secondly it gave me really a good sense of different ways to incorporate rhyme and meter. See what you think.

Dr. Horrible

April Fools Day- Rewind

2009-04-02T11:05:00.001-07:00

Anyone pull any great April Fools' Day pranks yesterday? Any from years' past?

First show down

2009-03-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hey gang, although bumpy and rough at times, our first show is now a memory. Of course I wish my first hosting would have been better, but I'm glad I did it and am happy with some of it. Everyone has to have a first time, right? (Unless of course you don't want to host, but where's the challenge in that?) I'm sure our next show will be tighter. I'll see SOME of you Saturday ... Oh and don't forget, "When I party, I like to return stuff ....."

Bravo!

2009-03-25T19:24:00.001-07:00

Improv Games

2009-03-24T13:09:00.001-07:00

So . . . anyone want to share what improv structures you are thinking of presenting on Saturday? Anyone want to come early and help me set up mouse traps?

NKOTB

2009-03-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

In the words of that immortal group: Hangin Tough!

Welcome back, survivors. I see fun in our future!

The BINDAS Mnemonic - 1st Draft

2009-03-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a stab at the reminder we were talking about last Saturday.

I think it's a good start, except it definitely needs an item about spacework with objects that aren't perfect.

Plus, it's someone else's name. I suppose if I want to do this Right, I should come up with the WRIGHT.

Plus, it might look goofy because I tried to get cute with an HTML table.

Anyway... Submitted for Your Consideration:

B	Before Playing
I	Initiate Connection
N	Nonverbal History (start in the middle)
D	Deal: Have One (take care of yourself first)
A	Always Trust: yourself, your partners, the process
S	Show, Don't Tell

One ..... more ...... time !!!

2009-03-09T20:30:00.001-07:00

We've only got one more show boys and girls. Then it's off to the strange and wonderous land of auditions, where a room full of people compete for a handful of available spots. Even though it's set up to be brother against brother, teammate against teammate, I wish you all the best and I'll be proud of all of you, win, lose or draw. I'm pretty sure our troupe will change in some way, it always does. Kick some ass fellow Outtakes and remember : We're the extra value meal of the improv world: All the same great flavor at a fraction of the price. Go forth and be proud !!!!!!!!!!!

And the nominees for Outstanding Achievement in the Performance of a Goat are....

2009-02-25T19:20:00.000-08:00

Jason Bindas

Yes, I know he actually posted the first response to Duck, Duck, Goat!, but he also took an opportunity to to take a shot at me for referencing Duck, Duck, Gray Duck, instead of that whole "Goose" thing you foreigners do.

Oh, and on a semi-related noted:

I googled "gray vs. grey", and I learned that

Gray is a color

while

Grey is a colour

John McCarten

I don't care how many e-mails and whatever else Hennepin County might block. You could stop daydreaming about your future home on the range for a few seconds to contribute your 2 cents!

Jim Elsenpeter

Wellllllllllll, I may not have a high speed internet connection at home, but at least I have dial-up. You apparently don't. So I say get yourself one of those magic phones that lets you check your e-mail (kinda' like Jason Goosedas) and surf the web.

Victor Avis

One need only see you on lights to know you're tech savy enough to negotiate your way along the super information highway. Besides, you wrote one of the first posts. You know what you're doing.

Jeff Kaisershot

And the Goat is...

Jeff Kaisershot!!!

Dude, not only could you not be bothered to scroll down a few inches to read the post below the Love is Like prep, but then you go and use the "jerked around" punchline for marionettes, right after I had just used it! So you're not even reading things in the same damn post! You can't just sit around all day going show me, show me, show me while you're looking at pictures of you, every now and then you gotta' read something!

Sheesh.

Up & Adam.

Improv @ work

2009-02-25T05:47:00.000-08:00

So word got back to someone in marketing that I dabble in the art of improvisation. They asked if I would do a little for them. I agreed, and was given a time and place to meet.

When I got there, I discovered they wanted me to improvise a scene for a piece of marketing for my company's new study Bible. (Remember, I work for a Lutheran company.) And who is probably the best person/diety to promote a new Bible? If you said "Billy Mays," you're going to hell.

I played God.

So, if you are ever online and shopping for a new Lutheran Study Bible, and you see "God" sharing his insights in a YouTube-style video, don't start praying right away; it may just be me.

When the video is actually up, I'll share.

Wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllshouse

Prep for Valentine's Day- Love is Like...

2009-02-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

So we should really be on this Saturday in regards to "Love is Like..." Face it, there will be some people in the audience on dates, hoping to either find, rekindle, or maintain their current level of love, and we have to help. We have to be like "The Love Guru," but funny and worth the price of admission. So let's start a round of "Love is Like..." Whoever does the 3rd one, list another object, and we'll continue doing that. Understand? I hope to God you do...

Anyway, Love is Like a marionette puppet... GO!

Checkin' to see if anyone's actually checkin' the blog

2009-02-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, to see if anyone's actually bothering to check this, I'm going to start a new game. It's called

DUCK, DUCK, GOAT!

Basically a variation on that childhood favorite we play at rehearsal from time to time, Duck, Duck, Goo... ahem, sorry, Gray Duck.

So each time you post a response to this, say whatever you need to say (one post per person!), and then end your post with "Duck." Until we get to our last posting 'Taker, who must self-identify as the "Goat!"

Just to remind everyone, our contributors are:

Jeff
MK
The 'House
Em
vic0001
Jim E
JKB
JohnsKatsRool
larry bzzzz

Let the games begin!

Duck.

I stole this from the big kids blog!!

2009-02-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

After seeing that Woolhouse had the Ka-Jones to post on the big kids blog, I was inspired to take it one step further, and totally yoinked this link right off of there. That's right, I did it! And yeah, they might try to kick the crap out of me in the stairs or out on the playground for it, but I figure as long as long as I have some of our crew backing me up, like Wooly (who I'm betting can take a solid beating) or Vic (who I'm betting can at least make people believe he can administer a solid beating), I should be okay.

I admittedly did experience a bit of an ethical dilemma. I mean, in this super blogging information twitter highway facebook age, what sort of ethical considerations must one have about cribbing information from other posts? Is it a new age form of plagiarism? But then I realized I was swipin' a link to something posted somewhere that violated copyright laws anyway, so who gives a shit. I've watched this a bunch of times, and it cracks me up. Let your inner geek shine!

Jason Bindas Stole this From Eddie Izzard, I'm Stealing it Back!

ARNOLD Redux

2009-02-02T11:19:00.001-08:00

The subject is a tube of toothpaste. Go!

Get your Arnold on!

2009-01-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

The suggestion is a remote control. Go!

Help with 185 . . .

2009-01-27T13:45:00.001-08:00

Just a hint I found that helped me keep myself prepared for a 185 at the drop of a hat . . .

I've joined the thousands of people who take the bus to work. At first I thought I would make some new friends, until I realized everyone either: reads; naps; pretends to nap; or listens to their iPods on the bus, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. So I decided I, too, would listen to my iPod. So I did, and brought up some of my favorite "Weird Al" Yankovic songs. And I found they are great for 185s.

A lot of his songs list many different vocations that you can try to do a 185 about within the lyrics. Some- such as "Like a Surgeon" or "Pretty Fly For A Rabbi"- have puns and terms for set professions that can be used for a 185. And most of his songs at a minimum at least have some examples of "puns."

So bust out your "Off The Deep End" or "Poodle Hat" album, throw your earbuds on, and let Weird Al make you a better 185er. Unless anyone else has an artist or particular song they think would help the group . . .

This really has nothing to do with anything, it's just awesome!

2009-01-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

I think this makes me poster-of-the-month.

WHO ARE YOU RUNNING WITH???

(Maybe this is how you really call Sasquatch?)

Don't forget to keep up with your news websites!

2009-01-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Apparently there was something going on somewhere in D.C. on Tuesday? Something about some dude and some judge screwing something up and then doing it over today? Yeah, I'm not really sure, because I was taking the time to review one of my regular news websites, as I'm sure all of you were too! Anyway, being the proven news-hawk I am, I came across this tidbit I'd like to share...

Behold the Future of Democracy! or Its the End of the World as We Know It, and sImon Feels Fine!

Hey, if nothing else, perhaps there's a structure here.

Other big news...

Saw The Wrestler. Whoa. When he's not shooting his career in the foot, that Mickey Rourke sure can make a helluva' movie.

Battlestar Galactica AND Lost returned this week.

BSG - Holy Crap! Keep both hands in the car at all times and hold on!

Lost - It was good, but at this point, it really wouldn't matter all that much. In for penny, in for a pound. I just want to know what the hell is going on.

Peace Out yo! See y'all Saturday.

Final Rehearsal in Stevie Ray's Comedy Storage Room?

2009-01-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I just wanted to say I thought we had a good rehearsal today. A lot of good reflection and feedback, particularly on ladder. I was really happy with the singing stuff we did. ESPECIALLY since I single-handedly derailed our last performance ( I took the train and ALL of the passengers screaming off the track on that one. It was quite spectacular.)

Really cool having Michael there, because the music, along with his & Jason's direction, really opened our eyes to new, fun ways to deliver those lines (Mary, if I'm not mistaken you sparked that). I was really enjoying it and wanted to keep doing it. For crying out loud, I went horse on one of those final lines. Been a long time since I was in choir.

Remember, snap on the boom-CHA.

Let the rhythm take control, let the rhythm take your soul.

And as Depeche Mode told us, enjoy the silence. (Or fill it with a bunch of words, as long as it all fits in before the next person sings).

Kudos y'all!

The Outtakes! Improv Troupe & Super-Hero Team!

2009-01-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Yo what up 'Takers!

I saw this the other day, and it is hands down one of the goofiest things I've seen in a while.

Meet Razor Hawk!

And even better, he's a local boy!

So after seeing this, I got to thinkin'... what if instead of trying to make up comedy every Saturday morning, and every other Saturday night, we also teamed up to fight crime?! Hell Yeah I say!!

(And yes, I started thinking about this even before Adam's inspiring Justice League rap!)

And we wouldn't have to join Razor Hawk and the Great Lakes Heroes Guild (although we might consider inviting them to our show), we'd be our own team. In fact, I've taken the time to come up with some crime fighting names and abilities for everyone (you can thank me later).

Emily: The King's Maiden - She decorates villains homes with Elvis memorabilia given to her as gifts, because she doesn't buy that stuff herself.

Jeff: UpClose - When he sees evil, boundaries be damned, he gets uncomfortably close to it!

John: BabyBook - Bad guys bringing you down? Grab a baby book, and turn that frown upside down!

Mary: AffirMary - When evil appears, she's quick to take it by the hand, and say comforting, supportive things.

Vic: The Dark Cusser - He'll curse a blue a streak, and then tell evil what he really thinks! He has the power to "go there!" But if all else fails, he'll just turn out the lights.

Larry: The Contrarian - Wherever evil lurks, rest assured he'll be there to disagree with it!

Woolhouse: Nine2Five - While everyone else is battling bad guys, Wooly's at work because he just started a new job and can't afford to miss any days.

Jim: Jim doesn't need to be a super-hero, he's already a member of the KISS F'N ARMY!!!!

And finally, our leader...

Jason: The Sighing Hat Adjuster - When faced with the overwhelming power of unrepentant evil and villainy, he gets impatient with it!

There you have it. If after viewing the glory of Razor Hawk you inspired with ideas of your, please don't hesitate to share!

Happy New Years, Take-Meisters!!

2008-12-31T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hope you all stay safe and relatively in control this evening. I'll be working late , prepping books t sell so we can buys books for the children at the Library. For the children.
Over/Under on who's gonna puke first tonight?

I'm back and stuff

2008-12-22T13:08:00.000-08:00

Folks:

I am back. In case anyone is wondering where I am "back" from . . . no where, really. This last show-weekend I was in Iowa for a funeral, and then got snowed in down there until Sunday morning around 11am. Definetly not as fun as watching ya'll perform, but I made do (ie. drinking with my family around the hotel pool.)

And more importantly than white-out road conditions and dead great-grandmothers (well, not MORE important, but more relevant I guess, since she's dead and all) I have a job. A good job. A 9-5 Monday-Friday job. So no more weekend work. No more wondering if I can afford to pay Jason his $10/week stipend for passing knowledge unto me. And no more not coming to practice because I'm selling portraits to church goers at inflated prices. Whoo hoo!

So Merry Christmas to you all (and a somber Ramadan to John) and whomever is not gone I'll see this Saturday at 10am.

Thank you, and good night.

Woooooooooooooooooooolhouse

The Island of Misfit Toys...

2008-12-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

So Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer was just on, and I was reminded that when I was a little kid, that Abominable Snow Monster of the North was one terrifying Bumble. Seriously, with the teeth and the King Kong-esque sound effects, the shift was scary. And it didn't help that the Burl Ives voiced snow dude would get freaked out too. Thankfully this time I was able to make it through without hiding under a couch pillow... for the most part.

But then I remembered the conversation I had with Jason, and later Larry, about Cloverfield. That movie freaked me out primarily because I thought I was going to puke because of the jerky camera (Of course Jason took the opportunity to point he watched it on a 50 inch screen TV and was just fine. I think that was just an excuse for him to tell me that he [presumably] has a 50 inch screen TV).

Of course that Cloverfield monster was one seriously huge frickin' Bumble. Holy crap! So I didn't cover my eyes on this one (again, for the most part). BUT, as much as I loved Godzilla movies growing up, this movie made it abundantly clear just how much a giant monster attack would REALLY suck. Yup', the shit would be uncool.

So here's my question all of you, what films/TV shows from today, or from your youth, or from any time for that matter, really freaked you out and/or made you a little nauseous?

Discuss!

Oh, and let's try and keep this as frivolous as possible okay?

And whatever you do, don't start exchanging e-mails on this!

Holiday Fun

2008-11-25T18:11:00.001-08:00

I encourage all of you to go elf yourself! Ha!
If you make an elf be sure to send it to me. I think it's hilarious!
www.elfyourself.com
I'm off to Iowa tomorrow. I'm going to bring back It's A Wonderful Life for those of you that haven't had the pleasure of watching it. : ) I wish the Goonies would have made a holiday special. Picture Sloth dressed like Father Christmas. Nice...
Check ya later gators!

The Lunchbox.........

2008-11-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody. When the lunchbox idea started I told a couple of members my thoughts on it. I had hoped it would just disappear, but since it hasn't I wanted to share my thoughts with everyone. The Outtakes, dysfunctional as we are, are a group. When awards are given to an individual instead of the group as a whole, it becomes, or will become, divisive to the group. If it continues, eventually it will get down to one or more people who never get this thing. Think of it as being the last person picked in dodge ball. Do you remember that feeling? I'm sure it wasn't a fun experience. It's not any different now.

While I appreciate the idea, Vic, God knows we don't get much positive validation, my strong feeling is that we end this now and return the box to Vic so he can put it in the Indiana Jones warehouse. I'd like everyone to give their opinion on this.

Meditation Article

2008-11-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

I just read this article and it seems helpful for the group so I am posting it.

Work should be considered as play, not as work. Work should be considered as play, just a game. You should not be serious about it; you should be just like children playing. It is meaningless, nothing is to be achieved; just the very activity is enjoyed. You can feel the distinction if you play sometimes. When you work it is different: you are serious, burdened, responsible, worried, anxious, because the result, the end-result, is the motive. The work itself is not worth enjoying. The real thing is just in the future, in the result. In play there is no result, really. The very process is blissful. And you are not worried, it is not a serious thing. Even if you look serious, it is just pretending. In play you enjoy the very process; in work the process is not being enjoyed -- the goal, the end, is important. The process has to be tolerated anyhow. It has to be done because the end has to be achieved. If you could achieve the end without this, you would drop activity and jump to the end. But in play you would not do that. The businessman is not playful. And if you are not playful, you cannot be meditative. Be more and more playful. Waste time in play. Just playing with children will do. Even if there is no one, you can jump and dance alone in the room and be playful. Enjoy. But your mind will go on insisting, "What are you doing, wasting time? You can earn something out of this time. You can do something, and you are just jumping, singing, and dancing. What are you doing? Have you gone mad? Try it. Snatch whatsoever time you can get out of your business, and be playful. Whatsoever. You can paint, you can play on a sitar, anything you like -- but be playful. Look for no profit out of it, see no future in it, just the present. And then, then you can be playful inside also. Then you can jump on your thoughts, play with them, throw them here and there, dance with them, but not be serious about them.

I have books

2008-10-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

I thought I would throw this out there in case any of you want to borrow a book. I have Improvie By Mick Napier, Improvising Better by Jimmy Carrane and Liz Allen, The Improv Handbook by Tom Salinsky and Deborah Frances-white, and Process by Mary Scruggs and michael Gellman. I am presently reading the last one but all of the others are open.

Let's Bond

2008-10-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

Hey, do any of you have a certain song that gets your creative juices flowing? If so, I was thinking of making a cd with all of our songs on it. Perhaps it would help bond us as a team or just be a fun cd to have around. For kicks, I've matched up a song for each one of you. : )

Larry- Safety Dance
Jason- Dream On
Jim- We’re Not Gonna Take It
Victor- Eye of the Tiger
Mary Kay- Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Jeff- Everybody Have Fun Tonight
Wells- The Devil Went Down to Georgia
John- Johnny B. Goode
Adam- Paperback Writer

A VERY funny TV show

2008-10-14T11:09:00.001-07:00

There's a show on CBS entitled "Worst Week" and it's okay, but it's based on a BBC series which is HILARIOUS!!! If you have high speed internet, check it out. http://tvshack.net/tv_shows/The_Worst_Week_of_My_Life__UK_/season_1/

In honor of the hecca

2008-10-12T12:42:00.001-07:00

Well friends I was thinking we needed our own reward for the outtake that has the best show of the night. So here it is the official outtakes never say die award. I will bring it to the next show.

BEST SHOW EVER !!!

2008-10-12T03:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations fellow Outtakes on a job very well done. Hats off to all for connecting with each other stronger than ever before. You have no idea how much I wish I could have been a part of that show. Perhaps another time. "Best show ever", is very high praise from Director Bindas, but I believe it is well deserved. Now go forth and be proud !!!!!

What makes you laugh?

2008-10-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of reading "The Art of Comedy" by Paul Ryan. By "in process" I mean just passed the forward and introduction during lunch, and plan on attacking Chapter One tonight when insomnia hits. And I know I should probably read more than the first 8 pages before discussing it on here, but in the intro's "F.A.Q." section, a very profound question was asked:

"What makes something funny?"

It's profound because there is no correct or incorrect answer. Theologist and philosophers can debate and argue and study all they want; what I find funny I am sure at least one of you would find disgusting and possibly racist, and vice versa. So I ask you: to you, what makes something funny? Or, to put it maybe an easier way: What do you find funny?

I think a discussion like this will help us interact on stage, know which lines to cross/stay neatly behind, and what we can bond over to bring the best out of each other. The essence of comedy is truth; if I/we know what truly makes you/me laugh, that can only help our stage presentation.

Viva La Outtakes

2008-10-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

I recently bought Jimmy Carrane's book "Improvising Better". It did not take long to get through all fourteen pages. The book left me very excited for the next six months. It goes through a series of issues that beginning to expert improvisers run into. I know that we get into our heads and feel like we make too many mistakes at times but this book re-enforces that many others do the same. It shows me that there are ways to constantly improve and that we are all on the same road as other improvisers are on past and present. Many of the exercises presented in the book have been used before and surely will be used again by Jason. Unfortunately we were not all present for the first rehearsal but I was happy with what I saw and cannot wait to perform with all of you.

Goony Oath

2008-09-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

I found my old Goony book while I was in Iowa! We should probably add the book to the reading list. I was also thinking the Goony Oath should be our motto for the next six months.

I will never betray my Goon Dock friends.
We will stick together until the whole world ends.
Through heaven and hell, and nuclear war,
good pals like us will stick like tar.
In the city, or the country, or the forest, or boonies,
I am proudly declared one of the goonies!

So this is blogging... how 'bout that.

2008-09-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else concerned that Stevie Ray's book isn't listed at the side, and there could be some sort of karmatic consequences as a result? Not that I've read it. I'm just saying is all.

As I sit here eating my Newman's Own Organics The Second Generation Spelt Pretzels, I'm reminded the master himself passed away this morning. And as I was driving along 494 to rehearsal this morning, I browsed through my Ipod (probably not safe, but not illegal either) looking for the appropriate song to mark the occasion. Since I don't have BJ Thomas' eponymous "Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head", I went with the next best thing. Guns n Roses "Civil War."

Yeah, I know. I can't imagine Newman was much of a GnR fan either. But this particular tune features the famous "What we have hear..." line from the Warden in Cool Hand Luke sampled at the beginning. So I was cruisin' to the GnR, like Newman tearin' it up at the BIR. I think I'll add Cool Hand Luke to my Blockbuster queue.

FYI... According to Wikipedia Newman's Own, founded in 1982, was a For Profit company, with all proceeds going directly to Newman. He in turn donated all proceeds, which reached approximately $250 million as of this year.

Welcome

2008-09-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Great start this morning everyone. This is going to be a great group, i can feel it.
I have sent invites out to everyone, so let the blogging begin.

Audio Clip!

2008-09-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, did you know that you can add an audio clip to your Blogger profile? I did, but I never had one I cared to put on . . . until now. A buddy of mine put a bunch of mp3s on line of our old college radio show, some bits we did and what not. The one in my profile is called: "The History of Forest City." It is the retelling of my college town's past, as done by kindergarteners. If you know me, then you know that it ends up with the kids being beaten. It was quite popular, until a listener caught it at her day care, and called in to have it removed. It's not bad, but I should reiterate: kindergarteners do get beaten in it.

Enjoy.

Or don't. What am I, your mother?

The 'House

Welcome to Purgatory

2008-09-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hi to all the new troupe members. I like to think of the Outtakes as the place between heaven(Main Troupe) and Hell (working at the post office). So now you got a ticket on the train, just make sure you don't fall under the wheels(If somebody could tell me what that means, I'd appreciate it.)

And to the returning members, Pssst (watch out. I think one of these new guys is a librarian!)

Is it easier to know you can't do it or just do it?

2008-09-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about our conversation on Saturday night and it got me thinking about my time at Stevie Rays. I was surprised to realize that there were so many things that I couldn't do until I just did them. I remember struggling in class to jib for languages. I could not do it and in fact I was sure that I would never be able to. Eventually I drew that structure on stage and of course I did it. I could say the same thing about almost any structure. I can say that about traits as well. I never thought I could play overly confident or use accents or stretch too far beyond me and of course at times I have done them all. My point is that I was so sure that I could not do these things that I did not try. Only when I was forced into these situations did I realize that I was free to do anything. A wise person once told me that in Improv you are free do be anything including being more than your concept of self. This gives us the freedom to do as Jason always says and not only be uncomfortable on stage but continuously challenge our comfort zones which will certainly make us grow.

Breakfast Music

2008-09-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCVZozHTG8

In honor of Emilys breakfast and love of stop action films.

August 30th Show

2008-08-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Just letting everyone know I am bringing a nice, round dozen audience members to the show on Saturday. Beat that.

Also, they will be there for a bachelor party. Just warning you is all. Jim, you might get some dollar bills shoved into your pants.

This Sunday in the park

2008-08-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

Well friends I still have not been able to pass my stone. To insure that a mishap does not mar the park show would anyone like to take this show in my place?

Our Experiences With Comedy

2008-08-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Upbringing, Formative Experience, and Their Effect in Improv Comedy By Brian Melamed
This paper raised a few interesting questions.
1) How does the upbringing and formative experience of comedy inform the aspirations and motivations of improv comedians?
2) To what extent do similar past experiences in comedy affect interpersonal relationships in improv comedy groups?
Anyone care to answer?

Six Ring Circus

2008-08-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Mahmoud and Jeff for making it into Six Ring Circus last night.

Web Site

2008-08-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the website I spoke of on Saturday.
http://greenlightwiki.com/improv/Tips_And_Techniques

Will Draw Anything for $2

2008-08-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this website:

http://yirmumah.com/

This guy will draw just about anything you want for, that is right, $2. Some are twisted, some are strange, some are probably inside jokes for the requestors. I am tempted to throw this guy some World's Worsts to see what he draws...

Yard Game Olympics

2008-08-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

August 23rd, my wife and I are throwing a party. It is a party based on our love for Yard Games. Because it is the Olympic season, we are throwing a Yard Game Olympics party. Four events- croquet, bocce ball, bean bag toss, and monkey balls- in a single-elimination tournament to crown the Gold Medalists. If you are interested in joining in the fun, let me know- woolhouse@damnyoubanana.com. Emily has already expressed interest; she needs a partner. Anyone want to step up and help her out?

Along with gold, silver, and bronze medals for the events, we'll be handing out a medal for the Best Dressed Team, and the coveted DWS medal (which, quite eloquently, stands for the Didn't Win Shit Medal.) We will be providing hot dogs and buns- bring your own condiments and drinks. Afterwards we'll be doing a bonfire with a game of kick ball for fun. There is a pool, hot tub, and trampoline for additional fun.

That's all. Yay. Come if you want, just ask for directions. And if you do want to go, let me know ASAP: we only have 4 slots left in the tournament brackets.

Woooooooooooolhouse

Book Stuff

2008-08-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Rereading Truth in Comedy I came across this tidbit. It is not earth-shattering - we all heard it before. I know it is just a good reminder for me.

"Support and trust go hand-in-hand for perfomers; they must trust that their fellow players will support them. The only star in improv is the ensemble itself; if everyone is doing his job well, then no one should stand out. The best way for an improviser to look good is by making his fellow players look good.
.
.
.
When performers truly commit to a scene, they take care of each other. Whenever someone makes what appears to be a mistake on stage, the others immediately justify it and weave it into the pattern of the entire work. More often than not, those "mistakes" become valuable contributions to the piece. The entire ensemble winds up looking brilliant because...they acknowledge mistakes and incorporate them into the large work to add extra texture and depth."

Need a citation? Chapter 3, punks! Read it!

Melons!

2008-08-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

http://www.blogger.com/i.g?inviteID=4680335526225941049&blogID=4583940533153985666

Not to compete with Larry . . .

2008-07-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

http://garfieldminusgarfield.net/page/1

Check out this online comic strip. It is basically your everyday "Garfield" strips, but Garfield has been taken out. Without Garfield, it is just Jon Arbuckle, struggling to make it through life as he battles depression, schizophrenia, and loniness. In a nutshell, it is awesome.

Hope you enjoy, and again I wish you all good luck this coming Saturday.

A very funny guy.

2008-07-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Check this out, and try to restrain yourself from looking at all of them!!!

http://www.pbfcomics.com/

Emily and the 7 mental dwarfs

2008-07-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

I'll be baldy. Or maybe brainy.

Online

2008-07-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

I've decided to give facebook one more try. Let the good times roll!

July 5th

2008-07-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Just so we are all clear. We ARE having rehearsal on Sat, but there is NO show that night due to the SciFi convention.
Thanks
Email me with questions.

Improv in the Park on 'CCO

2008-06-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

http://wcco.com/search/Link.ashx?R=http%3a%2f%2fwcco.com%2fvideo%2f%3fid%3d43678%40wcco.dayport.com

Just in case you misplace the email I sent . . . here is the link to the footage of Jim, Mahmoud, and myself entertaining a decent-sized crowd at the 5 o'clock performance at Improv in the Park this past Sunday (June 29th.) Watch it, and be jealous.

PS: My cousin was at the show. His "compliment" to me: "That Mahmoud guy is really funny. I loved him." I'll take what I can get from him, I guess.

Improv at Job Interview

2008-06-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

So I had a job interview today. And- surprise!- I decided to use some of the improv-esque advice that was shared at class last Saturday. Now, I may not be getting the job (although I have a second interview tomorrow) but it sounds like I recruited a handful of audience members. The interviewer asked about hobbies, I told her about The Outtakes, and she started complimenting my delivery in the interview, my ability to weave humor into the conversation, and she asked about times and dates.

So even if I don't get the job, this Saturday I can say that I put two butts in the seats.

Also, if she does come, make sure I'm the funniest up there that night, so I'll for sure get the job. Thanks!

Additional fun was had

2008-06-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you that missed the Grand Old Days parade, go to www.citypages.com and look at the Grand Old Days slide show pic #23, talk about some good free advertising!!!

Fun was had

2008-05-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd drop in and say that I enjoyed performing last Saturday night and not everyone in the world gets to have that, so a doff of the cap to my fellow castmates, as well as an attaboy to Tim D for making time to host for us. I would be remiss if I forgot to thank Michael E as well for providing us with a lush environment of tonality to create with. Our shows are truly better when you add your talent. Finally, where would we be without our fearless leader, J.B. ? Oh wait, that was a question, crap. Nice job putting the show together J.B., I think the line-up had a nice flow to it and I can't wait to see it from an audience perspective (Thank you in advance for making copies Larry, I'm bowing and honoring you as I write this). Oh, one last thing: I had a great time in languages Vic, thanks for being a great partner. See you all in class ..... Jim

Game night at Larry's Rocked

2008-05-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Bigtime props for our boy Larry (and Linda too) for throwing a bash that went well into the night and only managed to blow the circuit breaker one time. It looked to this reporter that a fun time was had by all (when they found the place that is, yes I'm looking at you Em). Those unavailable missed a good one. Thanks again Lawrence !!!!

Six Ring on Tuesday, May 20

2008-05-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang, Come and see Jeff and me (and Mahmoud too?) this coming Tuesday (May 20) at Six Ring Circus. Here is the link with more info. www.bravenewworkshop.org/six-ring.php

Big ups for Mahmoud

2008-05-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the Zenprov pod cast number 21. Before they get into the subject they give a shout out to our friend Mahmoud. They say that Jill told them after the Zenprov work shop Mahmoud had one of his best sets ever.

Woo-hoo! I made it into Six Ring!

2008-05-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

I auditioned for BNI's Six Ring Circus the other night, and I made it onto a team! Cool! I am very psyched about this added improv opportunity!

Our first show is next Tuesday, May 13. You will find me on stage as part of Thunder Clown. Come check us out! For those unable to recite improv schedules around the Twin Cities at the drop of a hat, it is 7:30 at the BNW - one stinking dollar to get in!

Let's get this blog rollin

2008-05-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

How are we doing on our personal goals? Now that we've had a couple of shows, what do you see as our group goals? If our group had a mascot, what would it be???

Word to Your Mother

2008-04-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks for taping the show Larry! I was laughing so hard during the blues that I may have disturbed my neighbors. I wonder what our snappy rhythm techniques say about our personalities... Seriously though, good job to everyone! It was fun to watch. We're a funny bunch and I can't wait to see what comes next. If anyone is interested in catching some improv together, feel free to email me. I'm always looking for someone to go with. cheesehunk@gmail.com

Bravo

2008-04-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Nicely done everyone!! Great start. There is definitely a great group here. I am looking forward to getting our focus and making some great performances. I applaud every ones commitment. Lets keep bringing the ROCK!!!

Good show, old chaps!

2008-04-14T21:56:00.000-07:00

The audience seemed to like the show, and think i had more fun doing this show than any previous ones. Watching Emily attack the mike on blues cracked me up so much that I forgot my first line. Wait till you see the disk, she looks like Satan herself. Now that's the kind of blues they do at the crossroads, brother! And Adam, as soon as I find a bigger utility belt than yours, you're goin down!

KICKIN' IT OUTTAKES STYLE

2008-04-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

I had a blast last night !!! I'm so excited about this group !!! We all came together and kicked some serious derriere !!! To quote the lovely and multi-talented Jill Bernard, "YAY". Thanks to Tim for lending his time on out behalf. Kerry, yes, showing me your butt was a bit of a distraction, but if thats what I have to experience to help make a great show, I'll take one for the team ;)

LET'S DO THIS!!!

2008-04-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hey wow look at this blog. I finally got on here. I can't ever remember my passwords. I am super excited to perform with such a fun group of people!!!! You guys rock and I look forward to Sat. mornings!!!! Sat. night is going to be a lot of fun!!!!! Let's break some legs!!!!!

SHOWTIME!!

2008-04-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
It is showtime this Saturday, so get your iron out, and tell all your friends. Just $3.
Also, I sent an email out yesterday with all the info you should need, including the line up. Let me know if you did not receive it.
Get ready to play!!!

Break a leg

2008-04-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang, sorry I can't be there on Saturday for the big debut. I hope you have a great show. Rock and Roll!

2008-04-02T16:28:00.001-07:00

Goals

2008-03-23T00:03:00.001-07:00

I'm going to work on keeping up the energy. No backing down!

GOALS

2008-03-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

As it was my idea, I will start the goal setting. I have one goal. Consistency...I go from great to good to lets kill him..This round I want to be up and strong for the majority of shows. Now lets hear from the rest of our team...

Vic

The Start

2008-03-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hello All
Nice rehearsal today!! I am excited about this group. I feel like you all are going to bring some great things to stage, and i am excited to see it all. It is going to be a great summer for the Outtakes.

The Outtakes Results

2008-03-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Outtakes

Jason Bindas – Director
Victor Avis
Emily Barrett
Larry Bieza
Jim Elsenpeter
Mahmoud Hakima
Jeff Kaisershot
Kenny Lewis
Brad Kruse
Kerry Pirnat
Adam Woolhouse

Congratulations everyone!! See you this Saturday.

The Bond

2008-03-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

I have to say it was a great show last night for the Outtakes. I think your bonding experience early in the day brought a great connection for all of you. Great energy and play.
Bring it to the auditions. Break a leg y'all.

Jason, a message fro you!

2008-03-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Jason, Mike sent this to me because he can't reach you. It appears he is sick. get well soon Mike!!!

Larry, it's Mike S, It's Thursday and I am still in the hospital. I'll probably be out on sat. I tried to email jason but his box is full. Could you either email or call him and have him call me re the show and auditions? 612-296-2930. Mike

ONE MORE...

2008-03-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hey yall,
One more show to make happen before auditions. Lets get ourselves a big crowd to enjoy the night. Hit it hard yall, and most of all, bring some serious play this round.
See you on the field.

So...

2008-03-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

...just some thoughts about last night. First of all, I was disappointed that about 75% of the audience bolted after the first show. We had better "retention" at past shows. On the other hand, the crowd did not seem to get a lot of the improv at the first show. Maybe it was just as well that they left...

I felt extremely good about the Alphabet Song scene that Rick and I pulled off. Singing the whole thing sure got me out of my head of trying to think of the next line with the appropriate letter. Interesting that we had rhyming couplets for the first number of lines. I guess we have been trained, not necessarily from an improv school of thought, to make sure you sing two lines that rhyme. Oh well. Good thing we decided to drop the rhyming aspect. A few people said that was the longest Alphabet scene they ever saw. I had no concept of time while I was in the middle of the scene. It was fun! Kudos, Rick!

Arnold was solid again. I thought it was funny that we were given toothpick as a suggestion again...especially with Linda sitting there, operating the lights. When it was yelled out, I think there was a second where we all thought, "Well, who is going to go out there and do that one tonight?" Thank you, Lori, for stepping to the plate. :)

I also felt very good about my hosting of Party Quirks. Sometimes I have been nervous about that; I had a few past instances with tough bouts of guessing. I think my record was about 25 minutes from a few years ago (please try not to break that - it is sacred). Anyway, none of those past instances ever occurred to me last night. I was just up there on stage, ready for whatever would be thrown at me. I felt in control of the whole thing. Some characters I guessed quickly (McCain), and others took a bit more fishing (Marilyn Monroe the marine biologist - pardon the pun - and even Abe Lincoln with his sloganeering quirk). Still, I never had that black hole feeling of "My God, this is taking forever!"

Jeff

gratitutde.

2008-02-24T17:32:00.000-08:00

I started with Stevie Rays a little over 2 years ago. I thought I was funny and wanted a creative outlet. Although I was in my mid thirties I was rather shy and a little closed off. I was always a really creative kid and that freaked my parents out. I was never too proud of what was definately a talent. Each teacher i have had at Stevies has made me better at improv and more self accepting. Not to mention that being with a group of creative people that I admire and respect has made me proud to be who I am. I just want to thank all of you for all of everything.

Vic

The Oouttakes

2008-02-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Outtakes

The red shirt theory

2008-02-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I gotta say, I woke up the day after our 2/16 show and felt pretty good about it. I thought it blew our previous two shows away and I had more fun than ANY of our shows. Peter did a great job hosting and maybe that took some pressure off of us. Of course, I did miss Larry (and Shirl a little, don't tell her I said that), but I thought everyone played together well. Rick did very well at his first time guessing in party and I thought Mike made the most of a tough suggestion. I really enjoyed opening the show with blues and hope we can do that again. This one might be my favorite show so far gang. Kudos ... and Kudos again fellow Outtakes !! Jim

Never Fear Tacos

2008-02-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

Well here it is....Another show down and I all the richer. I feel a constant progression. I will say that I still struggle with sticking with the original object but at the same time think that it is fairly common to do so in a 3 to 5 minute conversation. My goal in languages was to go as big and loud with the languages as I could and accomplished that. I wonder about my choice in party but again it made sence at the time. I do think that it will be the last time I suck anything on stage. I was very pleased with our show and felt we all played well. Then again I have always felt that we had a good group that plays well together. Viva la France

Vic

WELL????????

2008-02-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

The sicko(that doesn't sound right) needs some news. Hopefully you kicked ass. Tell me. Larry

The BUGGGG!

2008-02-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

Hey all
Try to avoid that horrible bug hanging out there. It seems to have gotten Larry and Jim. Dont be the next victim, wash your hands, and dont make out too much.

I'm Thick!!!

2008-02-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I picked up a cold from someone, and will be checking DNA samples this saturday to see who gave it to me(no, not that type of DNa sample, Rick!) Really though, I'm not sure if I'll be in shape for the show or not at this point. We'll see when Saturday rolls around.