Austin Improv

As you may or may not know, I have lined up a block of four Saturday Night Blank Show slots (11:30) in September to put on improvised Shakespearean plays.

The gimmick is this: these are actual dramatic plays, not goofy, improvy shows.

The reason there are four weeks is to follow the progression of Shakespeare's career. The first week will be a history play, the second a comedy, the third a tragedy, and the fourth a dream/fantasy play.

I'm looking for 5 to 7 brave souls per show, willing to try their improv mettle on more than fart and hooker jokes, or at least to couch such jokes in so high a form as to have them be considered literature.

I'll be making up a packet of basic Shakespearean techniques and conventions and holding meetings during the tail end of July to discuss the format of the show (do we want five 12 minute "acts," fewer, or no act separations for example) and rehearsals in August (hopefully at least one a week).

Also, we'll grab some props and costume parts for the shows (like Start Trekkin') so that it will be more than mere spacework.

More to come, but who would be interested in this dramatic improv experiment?
(You don't need previous stage or Shakespeare experience, just the willingness to rehearse and give it your best try.)

I'm interested, though I'm not sure how busy I'll be.

Oh yeah. I've been wanting to try something along this line for a while, if only to justify my "yeah, it's usually funny, but all improv isn't necessarily comedy" reaction to people when they ask what we do.

Also, I think I'm terrible at Shakespeare scenes, so hopefully this will be a great opportunity to improve... sign me up!

I'm interested. And I have the costumes.

Oh. And I can advertise this in the local SCA mailing list. Though.. 11:30 pm might be too late for some of the families in it.

Wow, good connction Nadine.

I really want dedicated players so that I can justify spending some money to advertise the shows through Motorblade, mailing lists, and maybe even an ad in the Chronicle. But, as I said, to justify the expense of trying to bring in an audience, I need to have solid, dedicated players who'll be there for sure.

I'm all about this show, but I will of course be hellibusy.

I'm in. I even have costumes. I have performed in more ren faires than I care to remember, so I can help you out with the language/Shakespearean dialogue issues if you'd like.

I want to be in on this too. I don't have much Shakespeare experience but I think I'll pick it up fast.

I'd be in. I did a lot of Shakespeare in college. I can play wenches, boys, and old ladies pretty well.

Wesley wrote: But, as I said, to justify the expense of trying to bring in an audience, I need to have solid, dedicated players who'll be there for sure.

Wes, it's really hard to tell what September will be like schedule-wise, back here in July. Lots of things can happen in a few months time.

Wes, it's really hard to tell what September will be like schedule-wise, back here in July. Lots of things can happen in a few months time.
I'm all about this show, but I will of course be hellibusy.

I understand fully. I'm in no different a boat than anyone else with regards to schedule availability and level of busyness.

However, my point is merely that I may be willing to spend some money and make extra effort to really make this show work and get the name out there a little, but I'd be hesitant to do it if I think people will not rehearse, flake on on a show, or whatever.

I know we all have busy calendars and that is why I want to get people to commit now. I don't want to bring it up in late August while people are doing Law an Order and Hoover's and all these other shows and have them not be able to commit. I want this to be the thing you say yes to so that when something else comes up in late August you can't do it because your already doing this.

It is precisely because people haven't set their August/September schedules yet that I want to get on those schedules now before something else does. I want this to be what happens in a few months time.

but...but...BUT...

dammit!

Told you that I'd be in this Months ago.

And that still stands. And I can dedicate plenty of time to it (as long as it's not on Monday nights).

I'd also be interested in directing one of the shows (that's something we discussed way back when as well).

Thanks for organizing all of this Wes.

Wesley wrote:I know we all have busy calendars and that is why I want to get people to commit now.

I'll do it. How many shows and rehearsals are you thinking of?

I like the renaissance era, and I like the idea of doing improvised drama.

Nadine.