Austin Improv

The Next Chapter
directed by Justin Davis

A published author reads a small excerpt from a book he or she has written and the performers play out a roughly hour-long story based on what they imagine to happen next. Performers must be excellent listeners, have strong collaborative skills, and be comfortable telling stories in multiple genres. We'll strive to capture the spirit and tone of the author's piece while also creating original stories of our own. This show can be any genre and should range from the outrageously comedic to the sublimely serious, but usually have a mix of both. Before the author's reading, there will be a short interview with that author. We'll offer space for the authors to sell their books during the entirety of the run.

Confirmed authors so far:
Owen Egerton, Manuel Gonzales, Matt Sturges, Daniel Quinn, and Deano Jones.

More to be announced soon.

The Next Chapter's cast will consist of around 10 people, with maybe eight players per show. This show happens Friday nights in May and June at 8 PM at The Institution Theater. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7 to 10 PM starting on March 19. Auditions will be held on March 3, from 4 to 7:30 PM. Contact Justin Davis for audition slots at Mr.JustinDavis (at) Gmail.com.

Daniel Quinn, as in "Ishmael" Daniel Quinn?

Matt Sturges?

That's awesome!

Have you reached out to Michael Moorcock? I know he lives nearby too.

Pdyx wrote:Daniel Quinn, as in "Ishmael" Daniel Quinn?

Matt Sturges?

That's awesome!

Have you reached out to Michael Moorcock? I know he lives nearby too.

Yep, that Daniel Quinn, and he may end up doing two shows depending on responses from other authors.

I've reached out to Moorcock, but I may try again through a different method. I'd love it if I could contact Rick Riordan or Louis Sachar, who both live in Austin, but they seem inaccessible at the moment. And, yes, I have sent out requests to female authors too.

Justin, this sounds really neat to me. Honest question though... do I need to know the work(s) of these various authors to be cast?

zac wrote:Justin, this sounds really neat to me. Honest question though... do I need to know the work(s) of these various authors to be cast?

Absolutely not, Zac. In fact, having read the work the author will choose to read could end up being a block as your natural inclination may be to stick too close to the source material. Knowing the style and genres can be beneficial, but we'll go over those in rehearsal.

Remember, everyone, send me an email at Mr.JustinDavis (at) Gmail.com if you're interested.

Justin D. wrote:

zac wrote:Justin, this sounds really neat to me. Honest question though... do I need to know the work(s) of these various authors to be cast?

Absolutely not, Zac. In fact, having read the work the author will choose to read could end up being a block as your natural inclination may be to stick too close to the source material. Knowing the style and genres can be beneficial, but we'll go over those in rehearsal.

Remember, everyone, send me an email at Mr.JustinDavis (at) Gmail.com if you're interested.

Sweet! I've never read anything!

Daniel Quinn is the coolest!

I still have audition slots open but they're going fast. Send me an email at Mr.JustinDavis (at) Gmail.com to audition for The Next Chapter. I'll start sending out audition times likely later this week and next week.

Due to overcrowding at The Institution Theater, I have to move the audition date for The Next Chapter from March 3 to March 2. So, the new times will be from 12 to 5 PM on Saturday, March 2. I'll start sending out time slots today and tomorrow.

Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

I also have an updated and complete list of guest authors lined up for the show. The authors and their show dates are:

Deano Jones – May 3
Owen Egerton – May 10
Doug Dorst – May 17
Manuel Gonzales – May 24
Matt Sturges – May 31
Katherine Catmull – June 7
Beth Kander – June 14
Suzy Spencer – June 21
Daniel Quinn – June 28

I have a small handful of audition spots still available on March 2 from 1:00 to 1:15 and again from 4:00 to 4:35. I also have a few spots available on Sunday from 4:15 to 5:30. Send me an email at Mr.JustinDavis (at) gmail.com to reserve a spot.

Thanks.