Why The Leading Brands is (are) awesome.

[phlounderphil]

I figured this part of the forum has become a place to showcase your love of Austin troupes, so I'll continue with one of our newer troupes, the Leading Brands.

I know the Leading Brands are new, and of course, their shows cannot be perfect as they are still learning, but every show of theirs that I have seen has surprised me.

When I saw their first show, Eric got up and said that they were going to attempt a longform. I was immediately blown away by only that. And I knew instantly that this troupe had balls. Since then I've seen several of their shows and have always appreciated their undaunted risk-taking. They keep their shows consistent by interviewing an audience member for nearly every show, but then they perform some crazy new twist on a format and always surprise.

Even better, every member of the Leading Brands is a great person. They're all very nice & very humble. James was one of the first people I met in the entire community (when I went to my first Jam way back in June). He was kind then, and he hasn't lost it. Eric always has this brilliant charisma and energy pouring off of him, Frank is just cool (too cool), Gene seems so innocent and shy at first but really breaks out and surprises you, Sara is probably one of the most supportive people in our entire community, Bryant went to the same high-school as me (that's all I really know about him, he's a mystery), Mike is always calm and interesting, and Amy is another one of the nicest people I know.

If Improv has anything to do with who you are OFF the stage, then the leading brands are a troupe we should all keep applauding.

[arthursimone]

after guest-coaching the L.B.s, what impressed me the most was their ability and willingness to jump on the train I choochooed, no matter how much it took them out of their comfort zone.

their willingness to experiment and play makes them The Team to Watch. I expect great things.

[valetoile]

I've watched many of these folks from the tme they began improv, and I've seen remarkable leaps of improvement. It's so thrilling to watch someone "get" improv, to let go of the barriers.

And Big Big Ups for the Leading Brands when they host- no one does it like them.

[nadine]

oh yes, they provide the best food and drinks while hosting!

[ratliff]

I want to second what Nadine said. The Leading Brands are always dedicated improvisers and excellent company, but last night they were also gracious and classy hosts. The care and attention with which they approached their hosting duties was really lovely to see. And while the spread they laid out was impressive, I don't think it was really the point. Rather, instead of treating hosting as an unwelcome obligation to be dispatched with minimum effort, they completely embraced the job and as a result transformed the entire evening. (Maybe more than they meant to.) I thank the LB for taking something that could be considered a chore and yes-anding it into a special event. To me that was a great example of how the principles of improv are completely applicable in life offstage, and that's a message I can't hear enough.

[Mo Daviau]

Michael McGill went out of his way to get me a glass of water after the GGG show last night. Did he have to do that???? NO! But he did and I was charmed and grateful. The Leading Brands are clearly the result of proper but firm parents, elocution and etiquette training, cotillion, and the Dale Carnegie Program. And they looked ever-so-sharp last night and provided both green and black olives. And fresh-cut flowers.

And they do good improv, too.

[smerlin]

I love the leading brands. And I love spreading the love.

They are into this stuff. And have great food--when hosting and rehearsing.

I teach in Improv 101 the most important thing is to be fun to play with. If people want to play with you and have you around, you will get better as an improviser. The Leading Brand exhibit this model of generosity, commitment, friendliness, and hospitality.

Way to go, LBs.