Archive for August, 2008
So as commenter The Gooch rightly noted, I have not written about Bobby Moynihan, of UCBs Stepfathers, being picked up by SNL. This is of course amazing news. Bobby had auditioned for SNL last year and was not added to the cast, but I think all of us expected if he auditioned again he would get the spot.
One of the many words of wisdom I got from Bobby was back in my UCB 401 improv class, Bobby was subbing for Billy Merritt, and he spoke about this face he does which always gets a laugh. He did the face, which is a magical shrug, and we all laughed. I then decided to create my own face which I could do and always get a laugh. Unfortunately Bobby was unavailable to coach me on the face and had to cobble together my own face from various sources, but at the end of a year — I had a face. It’s not Bobby’s face, by any stretch, but it’s good enough for government work.
All that is totally true.
Bobby is one of the nicest, most supportive, super talented people I have ever met. He’s been a staple at UCB since I started and I’m really sad to see him go, but at least it will give America a chance to see that lovely man’s face. (Oh, and America, I just danced with Bobby the other night and let me tell you, Bobby can dance too.)
Also totally true.
This year started off to an exciting start as the DCM Press Conference was reserves to talking completely about the UCB concepts about improvisation. It was a unique look into UCBs brand of improvisation and what they feel makes good comedic improvisation.
Roberts, Walsh, and Besser laid out the UCBs “theses” on improvisation. Who h ranged from the expected “Game is fundamental” to more subtle “having your own opening isn’t important.” I will be sure to post my full notes once I’m near an accrual keyboard.
The UCB3 then played a few of Del’s earlier, less known recordings.
Shows
MySpace was as usual incredible, with some hilarious scenes about what sounded like the most bizzare workout system spx90, of something in that vain. Bassprov was as wonderful as I remember it and Horatio Sans, who has lost a considerable amount of weight, approached the stage with a poise I have not seen. The Stepfathers was by far the most stressful improv set with Shannon O’Neil and Chris Gethard getting into a slapping brawl on stage. For anyone at the theater, it was like watching your mom and dad start to fight — although very funny once everyone decided not to kill each other.
The highlight of the night, however, was Directors commentary live. The film was Universal Soldier and the commentary was by far the most inventive and hilarious I have seen to date. “I call ziss a Van Damn”, “no sleeves means you don’t have to pay for sleeves” and “That’s me, that’s not me” had people litterally rolling in the isles.
The next few updates about the DCM are going to be coming from my iPhone. Please excuse any bizarre spelling mistakes while I sort out what I’m doing with this thing. I will try to give frequent updates to the site complete with photographs… if that’s possible.
I’ll be updating throughout the DCM10, so that I’m not overwhelming your browsers and RSS readers, I’ll try to keep updates as concise as possible.
I’m headed into the city now after taking off Friday to prep. And by prep I mean sleep. I’ve got a shopping list of trail mix, water, energy bars, and perhaps a few tissues. It gets rough down in the trenches.
See you down there soldier..
Del Close Marathon time again kids. Remember last year’s marathon? Yeah me neither. Last year I clocked in over 30 hours of improv. I felt gross, stinky, and never wanted to see another scene again — I can’t wait for this year.
Last year I gave you a few tips on how to survive the DCM marathon and some marathon suggested viewing, this year I thought I would give you a few updates, although I still stand by those two previous lists.
Additional Del Close Marathon Tips
- Drink more water — Considder this a plane flight. Drink more water than you normally would. Seriously, I would suggest Airborne as well, because
- Bring Snacks! - Although the UCB does not normally allow food into the theater, during the DCM it is allowed. Avoid salty snacks, they dehydrate and raise your blood pressure leading to hypertension after 3 days. I suggest nuts, trail mix, energy bars, and of course going out for a few meal occasionally. Don’t be the dick with the Halal platter — you will be asked to leave.
- Have a marathon buddy — going to the marathon alone is fine and dandy, but it’s always better to have a friend to bounce criticisms, laugh together, and hold during those awkward silences. Also, just like weight lifting, sometimes you need someone to push you one more hour.
- See Wicked Fuckin’ Queeyah at UCB Sat 02:00 am and WeirDass at FIT Kate Murphy Ampitheatre Sat 07:00 pm — I know I say it every year, but every year I am proven right. These two shows define the DCM for me.
- Find Me — I’m there most of the marathon. Make sure to say hello if you see me, I also accept hugs.
DCM10 Suggested Viewing
I just finished up my second 501 at the Upright Citizens Brigade with Anthony King and by the end of 8 weeks it was clear, we wanted more classes together. We had all started to “get” each others playing styles and were also starting to see what Anthony was talking about in scenes. After our final performance we all wanted more.
This was also true of my first 501 a year ago with Chris Gethard for another reason. Chris had really let us devise our own path with our improvisation and was pushing us to own our philosophies. By the end of 8 weeks we had just scratched the surface of what was possible. After our final performance we all wanted more.
So when news that UCB had decided to start offering classes for August with a 12 week class schedule, I have to admit, I was excited. I think the major reason I was excited was because I have a problem in letting my inhabitions go around performers I don’t know. It takes me at least 4 weeks to feel comfortable enough to let loose in class and by week 8 I am finally feeling totally comfortable (this is one of those ongoing things I battle with in my improvisation).
I’m also a firm believer, due in large part to the teachings of Chris Gethard, that group mind in one of the pillars of longform improvisation. It’s that magic glue that binds performers on stage to one another and let’s them seemingly read each other’s minds. If you are really working on forming group mind, it may be possible by 8 weeks, but again it’s another reason why 12 weeks appeals to me. That’s good group mind territory.
Unfortunately all this extra class time doesn’t come without a price. A 12 week 501 class is now $475 up from an 8 week class of $350. If you do the math, UCB has not raised the price per class, about $40, but for students looking at their scant checking accounts it may be a deterrent. However, I think it’s a move in right direction and as always, UCB still offers other 8 week classes at lower levels.
UCB also let us know that they have no plans at the moment to discontinue 8 week 501’s. So everybody gets the best of both worlds.
So, is 12 weeks the right time, or was 8 great? Speak up.