NYC Students ‘Laugh It Out’ In Improv Comedy Classes « CBS New York – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of NY

NYC Students ‘Laugh It Out’ In Improv Comedy Classes « CBS New York – News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of NY
NEW YORK (CBS 2) — Teachers and parents do all they can to keep students from dropping out of school, and now a group of local comedians has joined the fight.

At a comedy and improv class at the Preparatory Academy for Writers, middle and high school students are “laughing it out” as part of a new educational program, reports CBS 2′s Cindy Hsu.

Students like Adam Mahieddine say the class is a stress reliever like no other.

“In here, you have to get your humor,” Mahieddine said. “Those are your school supplies: your humor, your voice and your energy.”

The weekly class, taught by comedians, is all about interaction and communication, skills that are helping students speak up in all their subjects.

“Even in other classes, like history and English, I can just be confident in my work and I can just go out there and do it,” ninth grader Brianne DeVille said.

The Department of Education says New York City’s high school graduation rate is at an all-time high of 63 percent, and Preparatory Academy for Writers Principal Charles Anderson says creative courses like improv are keeping his students engaged and excited about school.

“Our high school attendance rate is hovering a little above 85 percent,” Anderson said. “We see these students going almost 10 percent better than that, around 95 percent.”

DeVille said at first, getting up in front of her classmates was like hitting a brick wall, but she’s now broken through.

“Once I go to improv and I feel more comfortable with it, it took me out of my comfort zone, and now I feel I can do anything,” she said.

Kadeem Spencer said he’d always been on the shy side, but the classes have shattered that shell.

“Just making people laugh just makes me feel better, so I feel good all the time,” he said.

Along with the students, teachers are also using improv games amongst themselves. Principal Anderson said that’s helping his staff get along better than ever, and they’re having a lot of fun.

The program is funded through grants and private donations. So far it’s been implemented in three New York City public schools, and may expand to 20 by next fall.

My Dougie Video

http://waltfrasier.com/blog1/2010/12/13/ny-post-article-about-improv-classes-i-teach/100s of videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/AbsentMindedComedy
If you like this video and others, please go on our YOUTUBE page and Subscribe to all our channels. We are very close to becoming producing partners, now kicking out 3-4 major videos every month - not including the dozens of live show clips.



LIVE SHOWS COMING UP
(Click for discount tickets as low as $10 - NO DRINK MINIMUM)
https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/718535/prm/walter101  

OTHER NEWS

Been a great week. The classes I teach in Queens got some press via NY POST (CLICK HERE). CBS saw this and came out Wednesday to film Should be airing any day now. And then we had the show friday with about 40-50 students performing (7 teams) http://waltfrasier.com/blog1/2010/12/18/so-proud-the-bug-has-bitten/

KILLEFR crowd at Improv 4 Kids Saturday. http://www.improv4kids.com/

Had a crazy SANTA gig yesterday. I was supposed to read NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS but I forgot the book. I offered to take less money as that was a big deal. The client said just improvise. So I said OK. OMG this went crazy. The first four lines were good. Up until the stockings and the children's hoping... And then I was all over the map.

And with all the children tucked in their bed so TIGHT
There was a noise that woke me with FRIGHT

On the roof there was such a CLATTER
Must have ben the reindeer hoves going PITTER PATTER

So I jumped our of bed and threw on a ROBE
When I ran down stairs what a sight to BEHOLD (Close but no cigar)

There was a big jolly fella in a suit of RED
I hope all the children were asleep in their BED

Santa was putting gifts under the TREE
I know the children will soon open with GLEE

All around were the coolest TOYS
Some for the girls, others for the BOYS

Then all of the sudden he put his finger to his NOSE
And with a twinkle up the chimney he did GO... - ES

YADAYADAYADA

TOO FUNNY!!!

Hey went and saw BREAK OF NOON today with David Duchovny for a third time. By far the best performance for the whole cast. Sat in the front row and hung out with some other fans before and after.
http://waltfrasier.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-night-with-david-duchovny-sequel.html
REVIEW OF FIRST PREVIEW!
http://waltfrasier.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-night-with-david-duckovny.html

NY POST ARTICLE: Improv Classes I teach in NYC Schools

http://waltfrasier.com/blog1/2010/12/13/ny-post-article-about-improv-classes-i-teach/

Kesha Music Video Parody

Kesha Parody of the popular hit pop song "Your Love is My Drug". This spoof is "Your CHUB is my drug" by Absent Minded Comedy is a musical parody about being a "Chubby Chaser". Featuring Laurice Fattal and Walt Frasier. You can catch upcoming improv performances of LMAO Off Broadway in NYC at the Times Square Arts Center every weekend: http://www.lmao-nyc.com




Lyrics:

Maybe I need some rehab

Or maybe just need some sleep

I've got a sick obsession

That makes most people scream

I'm looking in every crevis

Some people might think its gross

I'm stayin up all night wishing for the thing I want the most



What I want is a real big guy

One that eats a lot of pie

We'll spend our nights at the Pizza Hut

Cause I don't want no boney butt



Chorus:

Because your chub your chub your chub is my drug

Because your chub your chub your chub

Because your chub your chub your chub is my drug

Because your chub your chub your chub



Some people don't think Im too wise

I like em double the size

It cuts my heart like a razor

Im a full fledged chubby chaser

My friends think Ive gone crazy

My judgements gettin kinda hazy

The weather is gonna get colda

but I got somethin to grab holda

Additional Tags:

kesha parody spoof ke$ha "your love is my drug" music fat humor "jiggly butt" chubby "chubby chaser" "fat lovin" "music video spoof" musical comedy funny "family guy" homer "fat guy love" "loving fat people" lmao "absent minded tick tock" "take it off" "naked fat man" "pop songs" "pop song parodies" hilarious belly jiggle pizza hut "big guy" "big butts" "boney butt"

My Night with David Duchovny: The Sequel

Just a reminder, I am not a reviewer. I am barely a blogger. I write crap when i can't sleep because i bore myself to death. I start with this as I have been getting some weird comments. The web needs more idiots like me that just ramble and less haters. The world needs more creators and less destroyers. I am the first to admit I have WAY TOO MANY errors of grammar and spelling in most of my blogs. Quite lazy when it comes to proof reading. OK GOT THAT OFF MY CHEST.

So did you read the first blog http://waltfrasier.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-night-with-david-duckovny.html

I posted the above with in two hours of watching the first preview and David's first professional public live performance, not counting studio audience at the Bonnie Hunt show and similar venues. Some thought I was way too harsh - especially my wife and DD enthusiast.

TONIGHT I saw Break of Noon, by Neil Labute. for the second time (my wife's third). As to the performance, I over heard David say he was unhappy with his performance. To this I say, you are an artist, that is normal. As another actor watching the show, i would argue many of the things I saw as improvements form day one, might come off scary to a more novice live performer. I thought the play FLEW tonight. Fight nods of sleep on day one, I thought the comic elements were funnier and the dramatic elements were clearer. But overall the pace alone knock off ten minutes from day one. David at times seemed perhaps uncomfortable, but I would argue those on edge moments filled the character with so much life that I cared about the outcome ten fold. Beyond that, I think tonight I got the story i was meant to see. The first night, I thought David's character was getting away with murder. Partially as a theater goer you are always looking for that twist, even without M. Night at the helm. I personally love this cast. The show is OK. Not Labute's best. Not the worst show I have ever seen. Definite worthy of seeing for yourself. But every seen is really brought to life by amazing character performances. My favorite stand out tonight was Amanda Peet, show i perhaps unfairly slighted previously. Her scenes really jumped out the shell I thought were safely nestled in on day one.

The talk back after the show was fun. Laurice compared Labute to me, hogging the entire talk back for the most part. (I do this at the Improv show too often) I babble if you cannot tell by this blog.

It was very interesting. I always love to see performers out of character. This cast is as great off stage as on. Real people you want to get to know better. Humble. I just wish Neil maybe dressed for the occasion. It looked like George Lucas was home alone watching football. As a professional slob, i can attest to the comfort of the ensemble, but tuck in a shirt once in a while in public, eh? I guess it was causal. No red carpet OFF BROADWAY LMAO

The true fun for me tonight was meeting a number of DD fans before and getting drinks after.

It seems there are a ton of Xfiles / DD fan folks out there but unlike Trekkies and Rocky Horror Junkies, Xphilies seem to be more closeted. Perhaps this is due to most of the fan base organizing is online. Trekkies and Star Wars and similar cult followings began long before the internet and started a rich history of conventions, clubs and other public displays of proper sci fi geek dome. X Files FANDOME did not really start until the mid to late 90s. And there were a number of sites dedicated to everything FBI X. David versus Gillian. SHIPPERS. Skinner freaks. But except for the movie premier  being part of comic con i have never heard of any real public showing.

So I feel tonight was kind of like the first real FAN CLUB meeting. I kept wanting to go full out ROBERT;s RULES of ORDER - New Biz, Old Biz, Elect some officers etc.

I personally have never been to a convention or comic con, but I profess to be a geek fro TREK, STAR WARS, COMICS CHARACTERS and the like. I tape just about every super hero or sci fy TV show, even the ones for 4 yos (Super Hero Squad). IO tend to to watch these less and less finally realizing i have out grown most of them. You could say my maturity level for movies and TV is almost at 12yo.

We at the Frasier household have a long history with Mr. D and his works. I was an X-Files fan from Day ONE!!! But at some point, my wife switched from shying was scared to being obsessive. Around season four, Sundays on FOX became a fixture starting with Simpsons, X-Files and the rotating roster of other shows until David left the show in Season eight. I had seen most of the episodes, but Laurice felt the need to catch up. By the time the first movie came out, she had seen everyone by buying the videos or taping late nite reruns on FOX and FX.

THE THE FIRST MOVIE DEBUTS after season five. Laurice was working all day. I was off. We planned to go to the 7pm show in Astoria Queens. Due to a miscommunication, I was at the theater and she was at home. At the time I did not have a cell phone. Or perhaps it was dead WHATEVER.... I went to see the movie by myself and was blown away. When I got out, I called home; Laurice was furious. A brief verbal scuffle ensued but I agreed to see the movie again at 10pm. She ran over. With one minute to go (Maybe less) the film burns out. For fans of the movie they are already outside at the reflecting pool and about to cut to CSM in Tunisia. The ushers say they will have the movie up and running in a matter of minutes. 45 minutes later (around 2:30am) we see the end. The theater offered us free tickets to come back sometime. On the way out Laurice is asking me all sorts of questions. What did this and that mean? etc SO she asks, well can we just go see the last showing. There was a huge crowd to see the showing (now almost one hour late due to our burnout). The usher said sure. So at 1am, I go to see the show for a third time IN ONE DAY. I think this is the first time I ever fell asleep in the movies. Use to make fun of dad for this during STAR WARS.

We went to see David and Robin Williams talk for HOUSE OF D at the Tribeca Film Fest. We were third row house left, right in front of the podium, maybe 15 feet form Christopher Reeves. Laurice went back to see the movie twice when David was there at Lincoln Center for talk backs.

I think we saw X Files 2 twice on open day just to keep up the tradition. In past years we have seen just about every other movie, including the Secret, Playing God and The Rapture. I still have not seen Baby sitter....

So anyway, a fun night inspired another BLAB BLAB BLAB

No back to work on a busy holiday season of improv and HO HO HO

http://www.waltfrasier.com/

Santa sings a TSA Holiday Message: Happy Travels

WATCH AT YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFai3uEqufg



Santa sings a special song in a message from the TSA..Parody of Holly Jolly Christmas about traveling this season at the airports and going though body scans, security checks and all the other controversy involved that may disgruntle passengers this Holiday Season. Featuring Walt Frasier (as SANTA) and Laurice Fattal (as Grandma/TSA agent). You can catch upcoming performances on stage every weekend in NYC in LMAO Off-Broadway http://www.lmao-nyc.com/

MORE FROM SANTA!!!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9h2QADV2l0 OOPS Maybe I should have been santa in this one!!!

Harry Potter - It's Get Better - Video Blog

If you can't see the video click here to watch at YOU TUBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWlCbW0GktU



PARODY: Harry Potter and Hagred talk about all the bullies in Harry's life at home with the Dursley's and at Hogwarts.

Featuring Walt Frasier (as Hagred), Patrick Reidy (as Harry Potter and He That Shall Not Be Named), Spero Chumas (as Snape and Draco Malfoy) and Laurice Fattal (as Hermione and Bellatrix Lestrange)

You can catch these players LIVE on stage in "LMAO Off-Broadway" in NYC. http://www.lmao-nyc.com/

Hopefullly you found this video entertaining. If you are being bullied in real life, do not let it continue. Get Help. Stick up for yourself. Never Live in fear!!! Working in NYC schools, I see horrible examples of Bully Behavior from a brats to gangs and everyhing in between. The world would be a better place if we all just got along. However, I would have less material for comedy.. PLEASE take thsi one off teh shelf by being part of the solution!!!! NOT THE PROBLEM!!!

Hoping to go see the movie Tuesday. Anyone want to join me?

http://www.waltfrasier.com/

Superman Needs A Diet: CRANK THAT Soulja Boy

WATCH AT YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcUrCx1yhbo


DISCOUNT TICKETS TO NYC COMEDY SHOWS https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/718535/1291251600000/prm/walter101

HALLOWEEN 2010 Parade Videos (3) etc

This 1-2 minute video represents what I did for about three hours at the parade. Maybe I can get a job at a hockey game.



Ran into Sandi Bachom (Of Opera Life COach directing fame LMAO)


From two years ago, JIMMY gives top 5 halloween tips...



CLICK HERE for discount tickets to live shows in NYC
https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/718535/prm/walter101

Willow Smith's "Whip My Hair Back And Forth" Commercial

TROUBLE VIEWING? Watch online at youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y42Daa6Pbpg

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE ARTS

https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/718535

Now available online, we are accepting donation to provide shows to NYC schools and organizations AND ticket packages to see our shows in Times Square.

Click link https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/store/29075 and choose DONATE A SHOW or DONATE 20 TICKETS.

Improvisational Shows and Workshops are amazing cultural arts experiences but also promote literacy, communication and team management skills. Bad enough the arts education is becoming more and more scarce, it has come to our attention that NYC schools no longer include any sort of public presentation training. We seek to help bridge this gap with our Improv workshops and residency programs, giving NYC students the skills to get better jobs, as well as better perform in interviews. Good communication skills are one of the most important in the work force including jobs in sales, service and management.

With each of the following you can choose the recipient of the package or we will pair up your generous donation with a special needs organization from our list. We get calls and emails daily form schools and programs that wish to participate but lack the funds.

DONATE A SHOW: We travel to schools nation wide charge $800 for a show ($1200 for two back to back) These rates are well below the average (WAY BELOW premiums) for a 4-5 actor show on our level. Similar companies charge as much as $2000 or more for one 40 minute program. Improvisation allows us to charge less thanks to no writers, flexibility in casting and lack of major set-up time. Still NYC schools, especially TITLE ONE, have very little budget for these programs. Most have very little or NO PTA support to fill these gaps like the rest of the country. As little as we charge many of these schools still cannot afford.
$500 for one show https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/store/29075
$5000 (10 at $500) for a week of shows https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/store/29075
(Up to 20 shows or up to 4/day for 5 days)
 
DONATE A WORKSHOP: Our two hour workshops are great ntroduction to the art of Improv AND great masterclasses for experienced performers. We offer these same workshop to corporations teaching 6-7 figure income managers and staff to better communicate. Our goal is to teach more and more students these skill prior to joining the work force.
$200 for on teacher up to two hours https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/store/29075
(Recommended for class of 20. Up to 30 OK)

DONATE A RESIDENCY PROGRAM Our 20 hour program
$1750 for up to 20 hours PLUS performance showcase https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/store/29075
(Recommended for class of 20. Up to 30 OK)

DONATE 20 TICKETS: We often have groups of students attending our public shows in Times Square. We charge them $10pp (reg $20-50). CLICK DONATE 20 TICKETS and for just $5pp you will send 20 students to see our Off-broadway show -  A great cultural arts exposure.

Also check out the COMEDY HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION. Through this amazing organization we are providing accredited program to NYC high school students. Currently about 200-300 students are eligible for fine arts credit through these programs. http://comedyhalloffame.com/foundation/

CASTING: Asian American TV Host

To Whom It May Concern:


Hello, my name is Rebecca and I am with Mnet America, a new 24/7 channel that will be focusing on Asian and American pop.

We are going to have a new music show on this channel and we are in search for a VJ/Host for the show.

We need a host who can think on their feet, do interviews at a moment's notice and write well. That is why I am sending this email to you.

Since it is an Asian Pop culture channel, we are looking for an Asian American male or female in his or her early-mid 20’s.

The candidate should also have a broad knowledge of music and a strong interest for all types of music.

This is an amazing opportunity for the right talent.

If anyone at Eight is Never Enough is interested please tell them to email us at

networkproductionjobs@gmail.com with a picture, brief bio/resume, any links

of their on-camera work AND a brief paragraph letting us know why they’d be

the perfect host.

Thank you.
From, Rebecca Jung

MY HALLOWEEN COSTUME?

One of our first comedy videos about 4 years ago. You Tube removed it because of the music tracks i think. Before they did it had 4000 hits and was featured on there movie review page and the GLENN BECK show. Now I am ressurecting the same costume for halloween.

Super Jimmy - watch more funny videos

My Night with David Duchovny

http://www.mcctheater.org/shows/10-11_season/breakofnoon/index.html

MCC Theater

The Lucille Lortel Theatre

121 Christopher St

New York, NY 10014

https://admin.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/718535/prm/lmao20

NOTE: This is not meant to be a review. Just sharing my experience. Please go see thsi show and judge for yourself. I am actually a happy life and theater loving guy, unlike any reviewer I know.

Had a great time tonight! My wife dragged me to the show. I left in good spirit. Interesting work by Neil Labute. Not the best play I have ever scene on stage, but it was in very good hands and well served by its director and performers.

David is on stage for the full time. About 95 minutes with no intermission. Quite the marathon for a mostly TV/FILM actor. He carried the show well. The only issue I had? Duchovny had this character voice going. I suppose it worked for the character. But I am not sure it served the work. For the first 20 - minute monologue, I focused on the voice, perhaps missing vital information. But mostly it was great to see this TV/FILM star on stage - LIVE. Not bad. I think we can chalk up any short comings to being the first preview night.

I have to say my wife is a little nutty for the guy. Reminds me of the way my mother was for Charlton Heston growing up. (Now she likes Hugh from HOUSE - LMAO)

Amanda Peet gave the most realistic performances of the night. Even handed, Amanda served to highlight the real character David was portraying - the character loathed by those that really knew the old him -  not the NEW MAN that wants all trespasses to be forgiven because of a life changing experience and having been spoken to by GOD, or so he says. Playing both the ex-wife, and cousin of ex-wife / mistress, Peet brought out the best in David's work. The jerk that is trying to have his cake and eat it too from both characters, and also the repentant man trying to drive the NEW look on life. Like so many of her movies, I bet she is not going to be remembered (Because she is a talented actress, not a scene stealing star), but her performance gave the show an anchor in the real world.

John Earls Jelks' characters were a mixed bag of drama and comedy. In both scenes, John's and David's dialogue was very (David) Mametesque. Rhythmic in nature. First as the wheeling and dealing media mogul looking to make David's character big money from the sale of a Disaster Scene Photo taken when all else were being slaughtered. Then as the cop the believes the main character did the deed himself.

Finally in my opinion, the show is all worthwhile to non X-Files junkies because of the show stealing performances of Tracee Chimo. First as the talk show host that prefers the sound of her own voice and ability to wield control - with a smile - over the content of the story. She masterfully conquered and raised the bar in her use of the swivel chair set piece. It served as an extra appendage in her physical comedy, subtle but very precisely executed. You truly believed this character was no novice at putting guests in the hot seat. All of the Duchovny fans will be jealous of her hooker character getting to tease and perform a few brief tasks on stage with David. Very funny. The drama of this scene was a little forced, but that was the more due to the awkwardness of the script OR perhaps they just need a few more performances to nail those transitions.

The sets were minimal but worked and served the piece. Costumes were realistic. Its off-Broadway, no one was trying to WOW anyone with the technical aspects of this play. In fact, I think there was too much. The scaled down Les Miz rotating set and odd LIGHTING transition were more distracting, not supporting the action at all. And not sure what was supposed to happen at the end, but the bad Peter Pan moment was horrible. David ends up a preacher (I am guessing the one or two that actually read this will not be ruined. OTHERWISE SPOILER ALERT lmao), spreading HIS word and his survival story. The closing speech - actually a sermon - gets melodramatic with church music to boot. All of the sudden you realize he is about 3 inches of the step (Dressed to look like the steps to the Church altar). OBVIOUSLY something went wrong. OR at least I hope it did. YIKES> But I suppose that is why we have previews.

Of course the real comedy is being outside after the show. Fans lining up for autographs. Laurice got hers. Three soul sister drag queens walked by (This was Christopher Street) "OMG That's the X-Files guy." Three mature ladies waiting for his scribble remarked (Think LI Jewish Mother) "He really is quite a handsome man." And three girls from Brazil traveled 1000s of miles just to meet Mulder. Who knew he almost would be PLAYING GOD.

Next week I want to go back and get this one signed. Hey David, Can I get your John Hancock...

EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH's LMAO and IMPROV 4 KIDS this weekend.

CLICK HERE FOR

DISCOUNT TICKETS

http://www.eightimprov.biz/

http://www.lmao-nyc.com/

http://www.improv4kids.com/

Audition Notices

Just passing this along!

http://www.everythingadam.com/castingauditions.html

THE GOAL!!!

I grew up thinking I was fat. Always felt big. Never felt held back by it but definitely felt shy. Not comfortable talking to girls, except for my horrible one liner attempts to make them laugh - explaining my current comic style. Wearing sweat pants often to hide rolls of fat that just were not there. Not sure why I was so obsessed that I was bigger. Recently family and friends have been posting pics with me from various stages of life. It is only in recent years that one would truly call me fat. OBESE! Unhealthy wise. A particular photo recently emerged. ME as Harold Hill in a college summer production of THE MUSIC MAN. The height of my leading man days, and the climax, I was very proud of my ability to loose weight to play these roles. Giving up alcohol and eating tons of veggies and fruit. Mostly brocoli and grapefruit. Soon after this role, I, having just turned 21, began drinking and eating at bars after shows and rehearsals. Late night binging returned me to world of character man by that Christmas season. Clinging to hopes of romantic roles as an actor, I turn heavy to Opera. After many wasted dollars on expensive teachers, a few amazing opportunities in  both Opera and Broadway classics, I discovered my current career as Improv Comic.  Now I am actually fat - HUGE - and I make jokes. Secretly I have terrible moments of depression. Like so many I turn insecurity into over compensation - fake extraverted behavior - to hide actual pain. I am almost bipolar with my highs and lows. Some think I am.

I am currently motived - highly so - to recreate old glories. Two years ago I lost 55 pounds. 352 to 297 thanks to weight watchers. Just two weeks ago I topped out this time around at 357+. Last Sunday (10/2) I got down below 350. SInce then I have climbed back to 354 and back today to 549. This is the third day in a row I spent 10-15 minutes with 6lb weights doing simple aerobic and boxing workout. Some walking. Eating a lot more salad and fruit. Trying to eat big breakfast of cereal or Egg Beaters omelet. Skipping late nite snacks.  Time to get serious! Time to STAY serious!!!

 The road to excess weight....
   


At the Circus with youger bro and sis and creepy clown







5-6ish or younger



Junior High Jazz Band



Spring 1992 - Rehearsal for CHESS
ME as MOLOKOV of KGB



2007 Jimmy's Reviews

 

http://www.lmao-nyc.com/

http://www.waltfrasier.com/

http://www.improv4kids.com/

http://www.fpny.org/

http://www.eightimprov.biz/

Letterman Spring 2006

In Pirates of Penzance Fall 1994

LET ME IN - Anti-Bully OR Vampire Movie?

Laurice and I just saw the movie, LET ME IN. Currently in theaters, this is NOT another vampire movie. No glorified teen age angst. No moody wannabes. No annoying best friends. No GQ or Playboy Model looking non-talents.

LET ME IN is a very deep exploration into what evil and/or good lies in peoples heart. And more so, this is more of an anti-bully movie.

I won't give away too much. Basically the movie feels like a typical American adaptation of an European style film. The original being Swedish. Almost an art film.

But this film really hit me as I am current pondering material for an anti-bully assembly piece. On the minds of so many after the recent cyber-bullying leading to suicide.

Just yesterday I was talking with Laurice about our bully experiences. I, being a little bigger,have had more success with bullies. In many cases I ended the career of a bully with one solid push.

I remember a kid in 9th grade. These were different times. Other fellow nerds feared this rather puny black kid would have "friends" if we stood up to him. "If you fight him you will have to fight every black kid in school" Being smart does not keep you from being ignorant apparently. So one day after school, here comes this kid - who shared my last name by the way - Punching geaks in the chest. He gest to me. With one push he flew about 6 feet. I must have been twice his size. He had a few words as he stumbled off but that was the end of it. That same year I dealt with two other bullies. One asian that all feared knew too much martial arts. One day in the locker room, I shyly took three punches to the teeth before unloading into his chest. I bled because of braces. He could not breath for a while. A third was of equal size but of very small mind. A relative stand-off. He got off the only hit seen by teachers.

Laurice did not fair as well. being rather petite growing up, she was often the victim of both physical and mental attacks.

In the movie the main character, an under-developed 12 year old, is the target of a few bullies. Like so many TV shows I remember in the 80s, we finally see why this bully is a bully (in other words, his bullier) While the Vampire scenes are at times gruesome, the bully scenes are the truly scary ones. They are made to feel overly realistic, while the supernatural is almost animated and borderline humerous. I think this was very much on purpose.

I almost hope they make a sequel. I doubt the story truly calls for one, but you really start to feel for the main characters.

So what is the true EVIL element in LET ME IN. At one point, our main character calls his father to as if EVIL truly exists. In this movie YES IT DOES. But not from where you think. Vampirism is NOT a choice. Vampires are like animals with deep survival instincts. Perhaps monsters, but not willing killers. HOwever, those that CHOOSE to cause terror for kicks. Perhaps there is a deep psycho reason thanks to abusiv parents, siblings etc, but it is still a CHOICE.

GO SEE THIS MOVIE

STOP BULLYING

STOP BEING BULLIED GET HELP!!! BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/

http://www.antibullying.net/

http://www.bullying.org/

REAL ESTATE SCAMS BEWARE!!!

BUYER BEWARE?

Be careful all if you are renting. I just came back from the office of this AHOLE. Listed an Astoria Apartment for $1300. When we got there he said it was $1650. Check out this video I found online moments later.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK - Paris Hilton Sing in Japan

Can't see video here, watch on YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lax6Bv6m984

SKETCH COMEDY by WALT FRASIER

GIRTH WATCH FALL 2010

Last week I started paying attention to what I eat. Again. For the 50th time or so in the past decade alone. Buying a pint of Egg Whites or Egg Beaters every other day. Eating a lot of Cereal with Skim milk. Started eating fruit again. About 12-16 ounces of cut fruit salad. Coffee plain or with milk - without sugar or cream. Cut out virtually all cookies and similar EVILS (lmao). Having a small fix of chocolate here and there. I did have a cupcake yesterday. No a giant one you find in NYC bake shops these days. A homemade dem with chocolate icing injected to the center, coloered icing and crytalized sugar on the outside baked by the mother of our Bday party twins at Improv 4 Kids 3pm show.

Last Sunday I stepped on the scale thinking I was starting to loose. I actually gained 4 pounds. Peaked at 357 plus. Stepped on the scale today and came in just over 348. Just under 9 pounds. And I do not feel like I really dieted. I ate healthy. AH HA Moment (LOL Roberta)

SO please do not offer me - enable me. The temptation can be great. Do not preach to me. Do not patronize. All of these are equally evil to my psyche. Just be happy for me. If I am CHOOISING to eat a certain food. Trust me, ...

Today's Bfast included a giant Egg white omelette,. 1/4 lb Turkey Bacon and two slices of wheat bread. Laurice Got my coffee. This neighborhood just HAS to put sugar in the cup I guess. I feel stuffed but not disabled.

On another note, yesterday saw some amazing crowds and even better Improv.  At 3pm we had a vary large crowd of families. Spero, Patrick, Laurice and I kicked out some real gems. AT 8pm Degrocco - comma - Paul join us. Up until 8pm we were not sure if  show would even happen. The club had some bizarre party going on. Communications were piss poor at best. We wound up in a theater we are not accustomed too and sound was on teh fritz. No microphones. No CD player for interludes. I was ready to call the show until I reallized we actually had a decent audience. Not wanting to do refunds, we rallied to one of our best shows ever. A real mix crowd - family of seven from Westchester, five from Da' Heights ready to party and a lot of theater folk - all left exuberated. Special thanks to the cast for really stepping and delivering TEN FOLD!!!

http://www.lmao-nyc.com/
http://www.eightimprov.biz/
http://www.improv4kids.com/

THIS MONTH in TIMES SQUARE

EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH
Every Saturday & Sunday at 8pm
Get tickets online for just $20 (reg $32-50)
https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/718535/prm/eight20

IMPROV 4 KIDS
Saturdays 3pm 10/2, 10/16, 10/30
Get tickets online for just $10-$20 (reg $20-32)

https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/731575/prm/eight20

 10/8 Private Event at TSAC

Eight Is Never Enough ON TOUR
10/6 High Point U, NC
10/7 School Assemblies in NC
10/8 School Assemblies in VA
10/8 Private Event at TSAC
10/13 Private Event at TSAC
10/13 Corp Event in NJ
10/15 Private Event at TSAC 

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Mondays - Residency Program at Harlem HS
Tuesdays - Residency Program at Queens HS
Wednesdays - Residency Program at Queens HS

ABBOTT & COSTELLO Who's On First

HAVING TROUBLE VIEWING, CLICK HERE to watch at YOU TUBE
http://www.youtube.com/user/8classics#grid/user/5626C70B9AE7DF4D

Hire a great ABBOTT & COSTELLO act for your next event
http://waltfrasier.blogspot.com/p/abbott-costello.html

Who's On First Script
While there is no one way to do this routine, the following is the most popular version as performed in the naughty ninties. NOTE: Lou Costello loved to Improvise and would try to throw curve balls at Bud with some zany results in the TV shows (esp Colgate Hour)

Abbott: Well Costello, I'm going to New York with you. You know Bucky Harris, the Yankee's manager, gave me a job as coach for as long as you're on the team.

Costello: Look Abbott, if you're the coach, you must know all the players.

Abbott: I certainly do.

Costello: Well you know I've never met the guys. So you'll have to tell me their names, and then I'll know who's playing on the team.

Abbott: Oh, I'll tell you their names, but you know it seems to me they give these ball players now-a-days very peculiar names.

Costello: You mean funny names?

Abbott: Strange names, pet names...like Dizzy Dean...

Costello: His brother Daffy.

Abbott: Daffy Dean...

Costello: And their French cousin.

Abbott: French?

Costello: Goofè.

Abbott: Goofè Dean. Well, let's see, we have on the bags, Who's on first, What's on second, I Don't Know is on third...

Costello: That's what I want to find out.

Abbott: I say Who's on first, What's on second, I Don't Know's on third.

Costello: Are you the manager?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: You gonna be the coach too?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: And you don't know the fellows' names?

Abbott: Well I should.

Costello: Well then who's on first?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: I mean the fellow's name.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy on first.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The first baseman.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy playing...

Abbott: Who is on first!

Costello: I'm asking YOU who's on first.

Abbott: That's the man's name.

Costello: That's who's name?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: Well go ahead and tell me.

Abbott: That's it.

Costello: That's who?

Abbott: Yes.

PAUSE

Costello: Look, you gotta first baseman?

Abbott: Certainly.

Costello: Who's playing first?

Abbott: That's right.

Costello: When you pay off the first baseman every month, who gets the money?

Abbott: Every dollar of it.

Costello: All I'm trying to find out is the fellow's name on first base.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy that gets...

Abbott: That's it.

Costello: Who gets the money...

Abbott: He does, every dollar. Sometimes his wife comes down and collects it.

Costello: Whose wife?

Abbott: Yes.

PAUSE

Abbott: What's wrong with that?

Costello: Look, all I wanna know is when you sign up the first baseman, how does he sign his name?

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: How does he sign...

Abbott: That's how he signs it.

Costello: Who?

Abbott: Yes.

PAUSE

Costello: All I'm trying to find out is what's the guy's name on first base.

Abbott: No. What is on second base.

Costello: I'm not asking you who's on second.

Abbott: Who's on first.

Costello: One base at a time!

Abbott: Well, don't change the players around.

Costello: I'm not changing nobody!

Abbott: Take it easy, buddy.

Costello: I'm only asking you, who's the guy on first base?

Abbott: That's right.

Costello: Ok.

Abbott: All right.

PAUSE

Costello: What's the guy's name on first base?

Abbott: No. What is on second.

Costello: I'm not asking you who's on second.

Abbott: Who's on first.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third, we're not talking about him.

Costello: Now how did I get on third base?

Abbott: Why you mentioned his name.

Costello: If I mentioned the third baseman's name, who did I say is playing third?

Abbott: No. Who's playing first.

Costello: What's on first?

Abbott: What's on second.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third.

Costello: There I go, back on third again!

PAUSE

Costello: Would you just stay on third base and don't go off it.

Abbott: All right, what do you want to know?

Costello: Now who's playing third base?

Abbott: Why do you insist on putting Who on third base?

Costello: What am I putting on third.

Abbott: No. What is on second.

Costello: You don't want who on second?

Abbott: Who is on first.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott & Costello Together:Third base!

PAUSE

Costello: Look, you gotta outfield?

Abbott: Sure.

Costello: The left fielder's name?

Abbott: Why.

Costello: I just thought I'd ask you.

Abbott: Well, I just thought I'd tell ya.

Costello: Then tell me who's playing left field.

Abbott: Who's playing first.

Costello: I'm not... stay out of the infield! I want to know what's the guy's name in left field?

Abbott: No, What is on second.

Costello: I'm not asking you who's on second.

Abbott: Who's on first!

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott & Costello Together: Third base!

PAUSE

Costello: The left fielder's name?

Abbott: Why.

Costello: Because!

Abbott: Oh, he's centerfield.

PAUSE

Costello: Look, You gotta pitcher on this team?

Abbott: Sure.

Costello: The pitcher's name?

Abbott: Tomorrow.

Costello: You don't want to tell me today?

Abbott: I'm telling you now.

Costello: Then go ahead.

Abbott: Tomorrow!

Costello: What time?

Abbott: What time what?

Costello: What time tomorrow are you gonna tell me who's pitching?

Abbott: Now listen. Who is not pitching.

Costello: I'll break your arm, you say who's on first! I want to know what's the pitcher's name?

Abbott: What's on second.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott & Costello Together: Third base!

PAUSE

Costello: Gotta a catcher?

Abbott: Certainly.

Costello: The catcher's name?

Abbott: Today.

Costello: Today, and tomorrow's pitching.

Abbott: Now you've got it.

Costello: All we got is a couple of days on the team.

PAUSE

Costello: You know I'm a catcher too.

Abbott: So they tell me.

Costello: I get behind the plate to do some fancy catching, Tomorrow's pitching on my team and a heavy hitter gets up. Now the heavy hitter bunts the ball. When he bunts the ball, me, being a good catcher, I'm gonna throw the guy out at first base. So I pick up the ball and throw it to who?

Abbott: Now that's the first thing you've said right.

Costello: I don't even know what I'm talking about!

PAUSE

Abbott: That's all you have to do.

Costello: Is to throw the ball to first base.

Abbott: Yes!

Costello: Now who's got it?

Abbott: Naturally.

PAUSE

Costello: Look, if I throw the ball to first base, somebody's gotta get it. Now who has it?

Abbott: Naturally.

Costello: Who?

Abbott: Naturally.

Costello: Naturally?

Abbott: Naturally.

Costello: So I pick up the ball and I throw it to Naturally.

Abbott: No you don't, you throw the ball to Who.

Costello: Naturally.

Abbott: That's different.

Costello: That's what I said.

Abbott: You're not saying it...

Costello: I throw the ball to Naturally.

Abbott: You throw it to Who.

Costello: Naturally.

Abbott: That's it.

Costello: That's what I said!

Abbott: You ask me.

Costello: I throw the ball to who?

Abbott: Naturally.

Costello: Now you ask me.

Abbott: You throw the ball to Who?

Costello: Naturally.

Abbott: That's it.

Costello: Same as you! Same as YOU! I throw the ball to who. Whoever it is drops the ball and the guy runs to second. Who picks up the ball and throws it to What. What throws it to I Don't Know. I Don't Know throws it back to Tomorrow, Triple play. Another guy gets up and hits a long fly ball to Because. Why? I don't know! He's on third and I don't give a darn!

Abbott: What?

Costello: I said I don't give a darn!

Abbott: Oh, that's our shortstop.

PLAY TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME and fade out

HOW TO PLAY SOME GREAT THEATER GAMES PART 2

HOW TO PLAY SOME GREAT

THEATER GAMES

 PART 1 / PART 2

Watch great examples at

http://www.youtube.com/user/8classics

LET’S START A SCENE – (AKA TWO LINE EXERCISE)
Player one starts scene with a physical activity. Player two starts with first line of dialogue. In the first one to three lines of the scene, players should establish a strong WHO & WHERE – both players should have identified their characters, the relationship between the characters, and the location of the scene.

COLUMNS or HUMAN MAD LIBS (TM)
(CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES OF THIS GAME)
The MC calls two audience volunteers to the stage. They sit or stand on the DS (down stage) corners. The Players perform a scene, using the “Columns” to fill in the blanks. Players should repeat the word or phrase and then justify it into the scene. TIP: Start the scene as in the game above. Make strong choices of WHO & WHERE before using the COLUMNS.

SWITCH
(CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES OF THIS GAME)
Two actors perform a scene. EIGHT players often ASK FOR a fairy tale, but any set-up will do. When ever MC yells switch, the actors switch up the word, phrase, sentence, or physical activity that just occurred. “I just got back form the doctor” SWITCH “I just got back from the teacher” SWITCH “Been here the whole time”. Try switching just one word or entire phrase. Try switching the inflections instead of words. Try saying same line but changing physical activity. In the best scenes, players maintain great story telling while adjusting to the ping-pong nature of the switches. Making sense is not important as long as the scene moves forward. TIP for the MC: The magic number in comedy is THREE. So try getting into the pattern of calling SWITCH twice. NOTE: This game is also called the NO GAME, CHANGE SELECTION and a number of other titles based on the word(s) used to SWITCH the suggestion. We fine SWITCH is the quickest most positive word for the job!

MIRACLE EAR
(CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES OF THIS GAME)

Two players perform and interview scene. The MC gets a book title. Interviewer begins introducing the show. Give the show and the players imaginary titles. After a short discussion about the book, dive into the life of the author. Wrap up by telling folks where they can buy the book. During the interview, a third player has to interpret the scene using fake sign language. TIP to SIGN LANGUAGE: Act out as much as possible. Alternate direct representation of words and actually becoming characters in situations.

FREEZE FRAME / HUMAN SLIDE SHOW
(CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES OF THIS GAME)
Players and audience volunteers create a series of posed pictures, often utilizing a black out in between each. 1-2 actors narrate the slide show. Narrators can take on characters – witnesses, experts, celebrities etc. Slides can depict an historical event, vacation photos, how-to manual etc. TIPS Usually about 5 slides is perfect for timing. Alternate summing entire effect of picture and calling upon specific players.

CONDUCTED STORY
(CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES OF THIS GAME)
Players take turn telling an original story. The MC points to one player at a time. When the MC points at you, you speak until MC moves hand to another player. The goal is to make the story flow form one player to the next, sometimes mid-sentence or even mid-word. VARIATION ONE Elimination – Make it a contest. If anyone messes up, they are eliminated. VARIATION TWO Authors – Each player takes on the persona of an author, politician, celebrity etc. (Most of our online videos are of AUTHORS)

KEEP LAWYERS LAUGHING AMERICA

I had the coolest gig Monday. Got to write and perform 20 minutes original for Lawyers based on a case they originally won. Sort of roast I suppose.  There were ten of them in a wine cellar. Enough jokes there I know. But I was struggling to find a good opening until about 5 minutes before the moment I went in the room.

So I went acting nervous - ACTING of course - NOT REALLY NERVOUS - NOT ME - NO -

"Forgive me if I am nervous. This is a roast of sorts and Lawyers will laugh all night but in the morning there will be a libel suit on your desk. This is a good week for lawyers however.... A lot of celebroties are getting in trouble. Lindsay Lohan is in and out of Jail. Paris Hilton is in and out of Japan. And Elmo is in and out of Katy Perry!" RIM SHOT PLEASE!!!

Well it got a great roar and allowed me to continue with mediocre wink wink nudge nudgers....

Hey all, check out my YouTube page http://www.youtube.com/waltfrasier
We have some great new videos coming out every week.

We still have public shows every Saturday & Sunday at 8pm
http://www.eightimprov.biz/

Have stand-up or Improv comedy at your next event. Now booking up for Holiday Parties.
http://www.fpny.org/
http://www.absentmindedcomedy/ R-RATED
http://www.eightimprov.biz/ PG Rated
http://www.improv4kids.com/ G-rated

RETURNING THANKSGIVING 2010
Laugh My Ass Off Broadway
http://www.lmao-nyc.com/

Designer Wrap Rap goes VIRAL!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIyWqrSN8iM

Thanks to all that helped me make this video. This song has been part of my stand-up routine for six years.
A special thanks to Patrick Salazar for choreographing the guys and Laurice for spending about 40 hours editing. Having to look at my crack that long to get the shot just right must have been traumatizing.

SMOKING DOWN at US HIGH SCHOOLS - BUT WHAT ABOUT POT?

I keep seeing all sorts of data talking about how less and less teens are smoking these days. YEAH!!!

BUT WAIT JUST A SEC.... Does this include POT?

Cigarettes in NYC are approaching prices of $14+ per pack. The $5 Newport guys now sell for $7. Inflation has been good for those buying cigs in Virginia and selling for profit in NYC. This month, whole driving down south, I noticed prices of $2-4/pack. If you were to buy packs by the carton and sell at $7/pack, you would be making 200% profit or more. Easy money.

Not being a smoker or drug user of any kind (unless food counts - that's my vice - shocking seeing my girth - but I digress), but is POT cheaper than tobacco in NYC these days.

I question all this because in recent months, while teaching Improv in high schools, many of the scenes and one liners jokes refer to POT in some way. And by the reaction of the class, all are very familiar, more than I, on the subject.

Very quickly, while I do not denounce it with fire, I personally have not touched any illegal substance since about 1992 and never saw a good value in its use. I never even saw drugs growing up. I was always a drinker. Drank too much too fast and I think i passed out before the "PARTY" crowd found a room to toke up. I was a theater major in college when I walked into the POT room at cast party. Again, already pretty drunk, I pissed off the others when I killed an entire bong with my Opera Lungs but did not hold the smoke in. "YOU JUST WASTED AN ENTIRE BONG!". For about 6 month I would participate. The only time I remember having big munchies was at a Opening Day NFL party watching Redskins v Cowboys. I remember eating about 8 plates of "TRASH" (Basically Nacho Chip piled on with taco fixings) and a 1/2 lb bag of M&Ms. But again i was always drunk.

I had just arrived to a New Years Eve party 12/31/1991. Although I think it was after midnight so lets call it 2002. I was unfashionable late to say the least. Making the rounds with plans of just passing through and driving home, I stumbled onto our Tech Director/Set Builder.He claimed the STUFF was the best I would ever have. Not know much i didn't argue. Claimed his brother grew it and it was very fresh and undiluted. So this moment was the first I ever tried POT sober. I took a big puff. It was a joint. I just did not get much in return. Did not feel anything exceptional.

Perhaps, thanks to acting training, I already know how to relax with a few basic breathing and stretching techniques. Perhaps I was always a rather happy-go-lucky type. Perhaps i just prefer red wine to any other vice. I dunno.... But Pot just does not do anything for me. So i am not a big fan of the drug.

As both producer and teacher and actor I have seen way to many bad results from POT users. I suppose if Apathy is your philosophy of choice, POT is your best friend. But way too many have shown me inconsistent results depending on how HIGH they are day to day. It seems POT and similar drugs can numb the pain, but it also numbs the wow factor. Except of course for really bad comedy shows and movies. I guess crap seems very funny on drugs. I think that explains 80-90% of TV programming these days.

I started to write this as a POT expose on MSNBC came on. A proponent for legalizing POT came on to make the argument that abuse of POT is far less dangerous than the illegal activity from its prohibition. The looked so baked - red eyes and extra BLAH!

All that being said, i am leaning more and more towards supporting legalizing the drug. I see way too many predatory creeps around the schools. POT is a gateway drug but no more than alcohol or smoking tobacco except that you have to develop that relationship with the dealer. But these days it is probably cheaper and easier for a young kids to get drugs than alcohol and cigarettes. So why not at least try to cut out the gun toting gang types and organized crime.

HOW TO PLAY SOME GREAT THEATER GAMES PART 1

HOW TO PLAY SOME GREAT

THEATER GAMES
PART 1 / PART 2

Many of these games appear weekly in

EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH

Watch great examples at

http://www.youtube.com/user/8classics

WARM-UP GAMES
Make eye contact with the players before and after you. It is very important to follow the story, listening and focusing on each player all around the circle.

FREE WORD ASSOCIATION
Speak one word at a time around the circle. Yell out the first word or phrase that comes to mind
ONE WORD STORY
Speak one word at a time to tell a story.
YES AND…
One player makes a statement. Next Player responds starting with “YES AND…” Fill up your statements with descriptive words (Adjectives) and actions (Active Verbs)
ZIP – ZAP – ZUP
Clap, point and make eye contact with any other player saying “ZIP”. That player says “ZAP. The next Say’s “ZUP” Eye contact will decide ties.

WORLD’s WORST
http://www.youtube.com/user/8classics#grid/user/FD109D1157F27D4B
MC ask Audience for a Job, Activity, Event etc. The players will present examples of the World’s Worst Doctor, Teacher, Plumber, etc. OR World’s worst person to go Skiing, Sky diving, Audition for a Play, etc. OR World’s Worst thing to hear, say or do at a wedding, birthday party, funeral etc. TIPS: Keep ideas short. Skip the set up and go right to the punch line. Make BIG choices. Use pantomime. Let the audiences imagination do the work for you. FRAME YOUR MOMENTS. Takes stage, present your idea and let ideas sink in with the audience before running away.

THREE HEADED EXPERT
Like the warm-up game, ONE WORD STORY, three players pretend to be the three heads of one expert. Audience ask questions on various subjects. Players answer question one word at a time. TIPS: Players should link up with hands behind each other. Outer players can use outer hands to gesture for team. VARIATION – All players have to talk at the same time.

FREEZE TAG
Players present a series of short scenarios. First two players start a basic scene. A third player (or MC) yells “FREEZE”. The new player taps out and replaces one of the first two in the exact same physical position. A new scene is started based. Repeat. This game can be played with a large group or just a few players. TIP: Make Physical connections (Shake Hands, High Five, Dance Poses etc). These lead to great funny freezes.

HITCH HIKING EMOTIONS
Four players, each assigned and emotion, enter a car one at a time. Player one is the driver. Driver, while displaying the given emotion, establishes type (Sporty, Van, Truck etc) and destination (Country, State, City, Neighborhood etc) of the vehicle. When player two enters, both players take on the new emotion - same for players three and four. Once all players they find reasons to leave - Last in first out (Player four is first one to go). AS each player leaves, the remaining players reverse back to previous emotion until driver is left alone. Find a quick way to wrap it up.



Improv Terms

GLOSSARY OF TERMS & CONCEPTS


IMPROVISATION requires actors spontaneously create a monologue, scene, or play without a script. In some cases, like Jazz improvisation, actors will take a theme or suggestion to develop new work. IN addition to being a performance art, Improv is also a great tool to develop original comedy, theater and music.

PLAYERS In Improv we call performers, “PLAYERS”. Improv is like a team sport. We rehearse moves but are always playing the game of WHAT IF.

MOVES Like a game, every statement is a player’s MOVE. A scene therefore becomes a series of MOVES.

OFFERS Details and/or actions that forward the scene.

YES AND… Rule Number One: “YES AND”. Rule Number Two: When in doubt refer to rule number one. Accept your scene partner’s offer and then advance the scene with your next response; Agree with every offer; then, respond with detailed offers that build and support your fellow players offers. Conceptual NOs and BUTs stop the action. Beginning students often go for the joke or sell out their partner by negating offers, thus bringing scenes to a screeching halt.

GIVE & TAKE Improvised dialogue going back and fourth between the players with a balance exchange of ideas. AVOID Questions, blocking.

IN THE MOMENT Be prepared, Listen and focus on the current moment. Listen and Respond to your scene partners. Planning ahead takes you out of the moment resulting in many missed opportunities and often leading to forcing your concept of the scene and negating or selling out your fellow players. Be flexible enough to move with the scene.

PANTOMIME – ALSO MIME WORK - Use your space and define your environments, characters and actions using physical gestures and committing to the scene head to toe. Avoid being a talking head. Physical activities and choices take us “out of our heads” and help keep us “IN THE MOMENT”. Endow imaginary objects with true weight and size. See it and breathe it and believe it. Your audience will play along.

CONFLICT GOOD / ARGUING BAD The best comedy and drama both derive from great conflict. The worst (with rare exceptions) comes from bickering back and forth minute details. In Improvisational Theater, arguing details becomes petty. Rather than demanding “I’m Right” try and solve the conflict.

BIG CHOICES / BIG VOICES and MAKE BIG MISTAKES Mantras of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH producer, Walt Frasier (www.waltfrasier.com). Take chances. Don’t wimp out. Don’t be afraid to fail. Big choices lead to forward moving scenes (AS long as they do not BLOCK your partner) Big mistakes lead to big rewards. Justified BIG MISTAKES lead to outrageous results. Big mistakes are noticed and learned from. Not being afraid to make BIG MISTAKES leads to many more successful choices. Fall seven times and get up eight. Soon enough you will realize there are no wrong answers or mistakes at all.

BLOCKING Rejecting information or ideas offered by another player. One of the most common problems experienced by new improvisers. Avoid words negative words – NO, DON’T, CAN’T, WON’T, BUT…. These words will get you in trouble and usually lead to blocks. Always think YES AND….

QUESTIONS Rephrase questions as a detailed statement (Answer your own question). Most questions are usually a sign of players overly relying on their scene partners to carry a scene. “What is that?” should be something like “That is a very exquisite flower you have there.” / “Where are we?” could be “It sure is cold in this apartment.”

ASK FOR is a question or statement posed to the audience looking for a suggestion for scene topic.

***********************************************************************************************************************

NOTE: Improv Theater and Comedy training is a must for every performer but also valuable to countless other professionals. EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH and other companies help numerous professionals develop better sales, service, communication, leadership and public speaking skills. Team Building workshops and shows have been performed for teachers, doctors, top corporate executives (Morgan Stanley, Johnson & Johnson, AMEX etc) and even insurance adjusters from Medicare. In every field, great ability to communicate, think creatively and think on one’s feet enhances your chances to succeed.

See some great Improv LIVE in NYC today http://www.eightimprov.biz/
VIDEO ARCHIVES http://www.youtube.com/user/eightimprov
More terms from http://www.improvcomedy.org/glossary.html

Accepting

Embracing the offers made by other performers in order to advance the scene.

Advancing

The process of moving the scene forwards.

Ask-for

The question asked of the audience in order to start a scene.



Beat

A unit of action in a scene. A scene is made up of a series of beats.



Blocking

Rejecting information or ideas offered by another player. One of the most common problems experienced by new improvisors. In conventional theatre, the term is used to mean something different (pre-planned stage movement).



Breaking the routine

Interrupting an action with another action in order to advance the scene.



Cancelling

Making previous action irrelevant. Once an action has been cancelled, it's as if it hadn't happened at all. Usually a bad idea.



Charm

The quality that makes an audience enjoy watching a performer.



Commenting

Stepping out of the reality of the scene by saying or doing something that refers to the fact that it's a scene being played. Also refers to "playing" an emotion rather than feeling it. Should be avoided, though used sparingly it can sometimes be effective.



Complementary offer

An offer that meshes well with what's already gone before (and usually enhances it in some way).



Conflict

Many (but not all!) scenes are about a conflict of some sort. If there's no conflict, the scene may still be truthful but somewhat dull.



Context

The broader setting for the scene (political, social, etc).



Corpse

To break up laughing while playing a scene. Usually not a good thing to do.



Denial

See "blocking".



Driving

Taking over a scene and not letting other performers influence its direction. Makes you an unpopular improvisor.



Endowing

Assigning attributes to another performer's character.



Explore and heighten

To take an idea and see where it leads, exploring its natrual consequences while simultaneously raising the stakes.



Extending

Taking an idea and letting it become the central theme of the scene.



Focus

The audience's attention should only be in one place at any given time; that place (or person) is the "focus" of the scene. If more than one thing is going on simultaneously, the focus is split. Experienced improvisors will smoothly share focus, less experienced improvisors often steal or reject focus.



Gagging

Trying to make a joke or do something funny that doesn't flow naturally from the scene. Always a bad idea.



Gibberish

A nonsense language.



Gossip

Talking about things instead of doing them. Also, talking about things that are offstage or in the past or future.



Handle

The premise for a scene or game.



Hedging

Making smalltalk instead of engaging in action.



Information overload

Introducing too much information into the scene, making it difficult or impossible to ever find a satisfying ending that resolves everything.



Instant trouble

Making an offer that introduces a problem or conflict but that doesn't relate to the narrative of the scene prior to that point (see "Offer from space").



Interactive Theatre

Any form of theatre in which the audience is not a passive performer. Encompasses a range of different styles, ranging from "spot" improv to loosely-scripted stories such as murder mysteries or faux events (e.g. Tony and Tina's Wedding).



Masking

Standing in a place where you can't be seen properly, or in such a way that you're hiding someone else or some important action. Should be avoided.



Mugging

Making silly faces instead of reacting truthfully. Generally frowned upon.



Naming

Identifying characters, objects, places and so forth in the scene.



Narrative

The story told by a scene. Scenes should have a clear beginning, middle and end.



Objective

The thing that a character in a scene is trying to achieve.



Offer

Any dialog or action which advances the scene. Offers should be accepted.



Offer from space

Dialog or action that is bizarre and that appears to come from nowhere.



Physicalization

Turning intent into action and movement.



Point of Concentration

What the scene is about.



Post-show

Discussion of the show by the performers and crew after the performance, in order to identify problem areas that may have arisen as well as things that worked particularly well.



Plateau

A period during which a scene is not advancing. Usually a bad thing.



Platform

The who, what and where of a scene. The success of a scene often depends on having a solid platform.



Playlist

The list of handles and/or ask-fors to be used in a show. Also called a "running order".



Pimping

Playfully getting another performer to do something difficult or unpleasant which you probably wouldn't do yourself. Used sparingly, can be quite entertaining. Best strategry is to choose things the other performer does well.



Raising the stakes

Making the events of the scene have greater consequences for the characters. One technique for advancing.



Reincorporation

Bringing back an idea from earlier in the scene, or from a previous scene in the show, or even from a previous performance. Stand-up comedians refer to this as a "callback". Always fun, but not something to over-do.



Running order

See "Playlist".



Setup

Explaining the handle of the scene to the audience before the scene starts. Also involves doing an ask-for. The performer who does the setup usually shouldn't start off on stage in the scene.



Shelving

Acknowledging an offer but not doing anything with it, with the intent of using it later. Of course, later never comes.



Space-object

An object that's used in the scene but which doesn't really exist. A mimed object. In general, anything that doesn't support weight (like a chair) should be a space object.



Status

A character's sense of self-worth. Many scenes are built around status transfers, in which one character's status drops while another's rises. Physical environments and objects also have status.



Stepping out

Breaking the reality of the scene. See "Commenting".



Synthesis

Combining two dissimilar ideas into one, such as hearing two suggestions from the audience and combining them into a single idea that gets used in the scene. Can be fun.



Talking heads

A scene that involves a lot of standing (or worse yet, sitting) around talking rather than engaging in physical action.



Transformation

Turning something into something else (one character into another, one object into another, one environment into another).



Tummeling

Bantering with the audience during setups.



Uber-mime

Overly elaborate mime that's so detailed as to be hard to follow.



Waffling

Failing to make decisions. Talking about what you're going to do instead of doing it.



Walk-on (or Walk-through)

The act of entering a scene, making a strong offer that advances the scene, and then exiting. Use sparingly.



Wanking

Doing something cute and silly that makes the audience laugh but doesn't do anything to advance the scene. Very annoying for the other improvisors.



Wimping

Accepting an offer but failing to act on it.