my Improv Wins experience

acrouch · Post by **acrouch** » January 23rd, 2012, 2:15 pm

Photos look awesome!

Alex B · Post by **Alex B** » January 23rd, 2012, 2:32 pm

Jesse, I think you're just wrong on the facts here, amigo. That, or your interpretation of the facts is whack.

The AIC forum has more Hideout-based improvisers than it does improvisers from other venues. Part of the reason is probably just historical: the Hideout has been around longest. As for whether The Hideout is inclusive or exclusive: look at Roy's post, and look at the variety of troupes and people that actually play there.

I do most of my improv at ColdTowne, but that doesn't stop me from posting here. It also doesn't stop me from playing at the Hideout nor from going to TNM jams nor from seeing shows pretty much everywhere.

Human beings are naturally cliquey. It's almost truistic: humans naturally give attention and praise to those they know and like (as opposed to those they don't know). That's humans for you. And for whatever reason, TNM folks (with a few notable exceptions such as yourself), don't post post here much.

But compare the improv world in Austin to virtually any other "clique", and I think you'll find a pretty fucking inclusive, friendly, supportive atmosphere relative to the cutthroat-ism you see in the rest of humanity. Anyway, that's been my experience--I've found nothing but friendly people who are happy to meet other improvisers, regardless of affiliation.

And, dude, the idea that Trabka posted the Besser vids as one-upmanship (rather than by sheer coincidence) is big time paranoia. I mean, seriously... DUDE, like whoa man, shit son, WTF!

dirty baby · Post by **dirty baby** » January 23rd, 2012, 2:59 pm

Jesse is damaging TNM with this post, and I hope everyone keeps in mind that he doesn't speak for TNM, their students, or graduates.

Post by **happywaffle** » January 23rd, 2012, 4:03 pm

dirty baby wrote:Jesse is damaging TNM with this post, and I hope everyone keeps in mind that he doesn't speak for TNM, their students, or graduates.

I definitely don't think Jesse speaks for the vast majority of TNM improvisers. The ones I do know are just as nice and funny and talented as any other AIC members, which says quite a lot.

But I do wish I heard more from TNM in general, which (along with anecdotal gossipy evidence) leads me to believe there's reluctance on the part of TNM leadership to get fully involved in the community. I dunno, is it elitist for me to have expected this conference to be advertised on this forum?

(I certainly wish we were talking about the conference, and not this petty bullshit, but it seems even more unhealthy to NOT discuss it openly. Trust me, I know, I've been married.)

OhNicole · Post by **OhNicole** » January 23rd, 2012, 4:55 pm

On a super, happy, random note... I recognize an improviser in the pictures, Antoine, whom auditioned for my old troupe years ago in Houston. I plucked up his awesome talent and my good friend was his improv coach for a couple of years. What a nice, small (Texas) improv world. So happy to see him in the pictures posted above! I like when there are blast from your past.

kaci_beeler · Post by **kaci_beeler** » January 23rd, 2012, 8:27 pm

It's really hard to read tone and intent online. We must all try our best to remember that.
Sometimes it's good to be clearer or nicer than you think you have to, just to make up for the fact that tone is so hard to read in text.

When in doubt, ask for clarification. That's what the PMs are for, in part.

Actions speak louder than words. And speaking to each other in person is even better. I guess that's what makes this whole mess even more difficult, a lot of us don't see each other or each others shows in person.

I found about about the Improv Wins conference because my friend Skippy was there. She's been taking classes at The New Movement Houston. Her and I have been friends since high school, and she posted about it after it was over. I felt excluded, of course. She said she thought more improv people would have known about it.
I wondered how Austin could have an improv conference and only include 1/5 theaters. It happened on the weekend of the Institution Theater grand opening. At their opening, they included all the theaters in a special show, and I just loved that.
I want us all to reach for that, especially now when there are communication issues.

I wouldn't mind stopping by The New Movement. I never have because Chris and Tami unfriended me on Livejournal and Facebook after the split. When I said "hi" to them in person, they didn't look me in the eye or acknowledge my presence.
I've never done anything to them and it really hurt my feelings. I used to be friends with both of them.
I'm afraid if I go to TNM, I will be glared at or asked to leave by one of them.

This is me being honest and open. I just want us all to clearly communicate. I have no malicious wishes. I think there's room enough in this city for everyone and everything.

Mark Snacker · Post by **Mark Snacker** » January 25th, 2012, 12:07 am

I'm embarrassed for what this thread has become and I deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and respect for the New Movement in Andy's thread:
http://forum.austinimprov.com/viewtopic.php?t=12899

I admit that the New Movement purposefully fosters a kind of a rogue spirit, but in no way does it encourage martyrdom, exclusion, or the slander of other programs. I apologize to the AIC for any of our students or alumni that have ever given that impression.

I feel very fortunate that other theaters have been so accepting and have opened their stages to our troupes even though the New Movement doesn't do the same. In its defense the New Movement is dedicated to its students and part of the educational process is to give as much stage time as possible to student and alumni shows. Unfortunately, the number of shows we produce doesn't leave room for much else. Similarly, I believe that the ImprovWins conference wasn't widely advertised to the community at large because there just wasn't room. It was a small conference meant primarily as a family reunion of TNM students in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans, though I was pleased to see a handful of others from outside of TNM attend.

Those of us at the New Movement recognize and deeply appreciate all the support that we've been given by the entire improv community here in Austin. I hope that misunderstandings like this will be forgiven and we can all get back to doing what we enjoy.

Ruby W. · Post by **Ruby W.** » January 25th, 2012, 1:12 am

Mark Snacker wrote:I'm embarrassed for what this thread has become and I deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and respect for the New Movement in Andy's thread:
http://forum.austinimprov.com/viewtopic.php?t=12899

I admit that the New Movement purposefully fosters a kind of a rogue spirit, but in no way does it encourage martyrdom, exclusion, or the slander of other programs. I apologize to the AIC for any of our students or alumni that have ever given that impression.

I feel very fortunate that other theaters have been so accepting and have opened their stages to our troupes even though the New Movement doesn't do the same. In its defense the New Movement is dedicated to its students and part of the educational process is to give as much stage time as possible to student and alumni shows. Unfortunately, the number of shows we produce doesn't leave room for much else. Similarly, I believe that the ImprovWins conference wasn't widely advertised to the community at large because there just wasn't room. It was a small conference meant primarily as a family reunion of TNM students in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans, though I was pleased to see a handful of others from outside of TNM attend.

Those of us at the New Movement recognize and deeply appreciate all the support that we've been given by the entire improv community here in Austin. I hope that misunderstandings like this will be forgiven and we can all get back to doing what we enjoy.

Hell yes to this whole post.

Totally understandable about prioritizing TNM students and thus having little to no time for troupes outside of The New Movement. BUT can we maybe organize a party/event as an opportunity for New Movement peeps to mingle with Hideout/Institution/Coldtowne/Merlin Works peeps? As a total advocate for community, I would love to know everyone regardless of whether there's time to play on their stage or not.

Who else is down for a socializing event to get to know TNM imps better?

erikamay · Post by **erikamay** » January 25th, 2012, 9:05 am

i would really like this.

maybe we could do a little mix-em ups/jam time too?

Post by **happywaffle** » January 25th, 2012, 9:50 am

Nice post, Mark. It was a real privilege to play with you in 90210, some of my favorite moments in the whole run came out of your brain.

And making it exclusive to TNM students certainly helps with the stage-time problem, while the Hideout continuously scrambles to make room for people from other theaters as well as its own. Two sides to the coin I guess.

KathyRose · Post by **KathyRose** » January 25th, 2012, 9:57 am

Ruby W. wrote:Who else is down for a socializing event to get to know TNM imps better?

erikamay wrote:i would really like this.
maybe we could do a little mix-em ups/jam time too?

You mean something like the AIC potluck, Same Year's Eve, the quarterly Merlin mixer, the Institution jam, the Fancy Pants mashup . . . and all the other events in which all imps are openly invited to play? There's not a lack of opportunities to mix & mingle. If TNM folks wanted to socialize or play more with the community at large, or establish closer ties to the other schools, I'm sure they would make that happen. As Arthur pointed out, TNM folks are focused on what they want to achieve and go after it without hesitation. I doubt they want or need your "help." Just stay open and welcoming with the events you already have, and (if anything) ask TNM to make sure that their students are aware of the AIC and its existing mix & mingle opportunities.

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell · January 25th, 2012, 10:00 am

KathyRose wrote:
Ruby W. wrote:Who else is down for a socializing event to get to know TNM imps better?

erikamay wrote:i would really like this.
maybe we could do a little mix-em ups/jam time too?
You mean something like the AIC potluck, Same Year's Eve, the quarterly Merlin mixer, the Institution jam, the Fancy Pants mashup . . . and all the other events in which all imps are openly invited to play? There's not a lack of opportunities to mix & mingle. If TNM folks wanted to socialize or play more with the community at large, or establish closer ties to the other schools, I'm sure they would make that happen. As Arthur pointed out, TNM folks are focused on what they want to achieve and go after it without hesitation. I doubt they want or need your "help." Just stay open and welcoming with the events you already have, and (if anything) ask TNM to make sure that their students are aware of the AIC and its existing mix & mingle opportunities.

yeah, heaven forbid we create more social events for the community to mingle. that would just be horrid!

i was never able to make it to the Improv Happy Hours, but it sounded like they were going well. did they just become too difficult to organize?

Roy Janik · Post by **Roy Janik** » January 25th, 2012, 10:04 am

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell wrote:i was never able to make it to the Improv Happy Hours, but it sounded like they were going well. did they just become too difficult to organize?

Nope. There's another one coming up, I think. Andy mentioned it to me a few days ago.

KathyRose · Post by **KathyRose** » January 25th, 2012, 10:40 am

Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell wrote:yeah, heaven forbid we create more social events for the community to mingle. that would just be horrid!

Setting up a special event just for TNM people is a social booby-trap. Is it a "test" to see how they will respond? (It could be taken that way.) I can just see it blowing up in someone's face. (Not that that wouldn't be fun to watch.) Let sleeping dogs lay.

Ruby W. · Post by **Ruby W.** » January 25th, 2012, 10:49 am

KathyRose wrote:
Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell wrote:yeah, heaven forbid we create more social events for the community to mingle. that would just be horrid!
Setting up a special event just for TNM people is a social booby-trap. Is it a "test" to see how they will respond? (It could be taken that way.) I can just see it blowing up in someone's face. (Not that that wouldn't be fun to watch.) Let sleeping dogs lay.

I would gladly be the person who sends some extra emails to NM folks to start having them be more involved with the social aspect of the community. If people have details about the next mingle, please send it my way. No matter what has happened in the past, I think this latest set of dialogue is a perfect starting point to turn a new leaf and create more means of communication and friendship.

Also I am going to go see a New Movement show next week!

I'm really excited to see the space. I've never been and it's a visit that is long over-due.