Improvoker

Holly Impregnated Taiwaneese pre-teen batman! The Del Close Marathon Day one opened with a bang. The big hilights of the evening were The Press Conference, MySpace (The Knights of Islip), The Stepfathers (The Twin Manatees), Code Duello: Hamilton & Burr (Party on Land), DEATH BY ROO ROO: Your Fucked Up Family (Your mom is fucking Dead, so deal with It), Chuckle Sandwich (We got Doors and coke), Director’s Commentary LIVE (It’s SWAYZE!), The Sunshine Gang (Blowing Up Mom and Killing a Daemon On Her Birthday), Thank God You Brought Beer (Strawberry!) and of course Wicked Fuckin’ Queeyah (Tootsie Roll Dick Meets a Feckin’ Asama Bin Laden and Aborted You).

(Photos to come)

Oooooooh isn’t it exciting? Marathon time again. In preparation I have taken the marathon Friday off (although something is telling me taking the following Monday off would have made more sense), lost my small digital camera (don’t even ask), and gained 10 lbs (I’m blaming it on the DCM).

Part of all the buzz is because the week leading up the the DCM is filled with enough amazing improv to make your shriveled liver exclaim with fear and excitement, “moderation, moderation, moderation!” It’s going to be one hell of a week and knowing what to expect is half the battle… sidestepped G.I. Joe copyright infringement there.

For those of you who haven’t attended a DCM before, here are a few tips to help make the ride a bit more comfortable.

Del Close Marathon Tips

• Sometimes the sidelines are your best bet – Once the marathon is underway, seats are scarce. Seats on the sides are usually easier to get.
• Watch for Theater Flushings – Every few hours the theater is emptied to clean, restock bathrooms and bars, and give people in line a chance to get in. Check the schedule to plan when you enter and leave the theater. It sucks to get in, just as you are asked to leave, although you will be warned before hand.
• Remember to hydrate – you are probably going to drink, remember to occasionally drink water.
• See as much as you can – The DCM is one of the only times you are going to see certain groups perform, especially secondary characteristic groups like Wicked Fuckin’ Queeyah or Code Duello: Hamilton & Burr, who perform as characters performing improv. Stay for as long as you can stand it, then stay for one more show.
• Check out the other Theaters – While the UCB Theater is the main performance space, FIT and Hudson have the premium performances. Be sure to buy tickets and check them out for those special shows.
• Say Hi – Many of the performers coming to UCB will feel completely out of place in the hectic energy of the marathon, be sure to say hello and welcome everyone to New York. If you are visiting, feel free to chat up us New Yorkers, we’re super friendly… well most of us at least.
• Buy Your Sunday ASSSSCAT Tickets Early – They sell out online.
• Bring Snacks! - Although the UCB does not normally allow food into the theater, during the DCM it is allowed. Justin Purnell suggests Beef Jerkey and I heartily agree.
  

The DCM is one of the only times during the year that the asylum is opened to the insane. It was at the Del Close Marathon that I truly felt I had found a place where I belonged as an improviser. It’s a wild ride which will be sure to leave you with enough new ideas about improv to start a website called improv(something). :)

Have any tips yourself?

Also the Apiary has a slew of tips from last year’s DCM. Anna’s got tips as well.