Introduce Yourself

[sammy]

Say howdy and introduce yourself to CIN! Feel free to say a little bit about yourself so we get to know you. Just a heads up--jokey entries will get deleted.

[sammy]

Howdy, I'm Sammy Tamimi!

Moved to Chicago on Aprils Fool's Day of 2000 and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Studied at SC, IO and the Annoyance and currently perform at the PG and other venues around town. Also, I'm a super huge nerd.


:)

[proxy]

Hi, I'm Proxy.

Apart from the authority to act for another, (especially when written)*, I have 6 years of improv under my belt, in SLC, Chicago and NYC.

I'm taking it slow, performing with Valid Hysteria, and returning slowly to my WNT addiction. Ask me about my cat if you're unable to sleep and need a background of soothing white noise.


*thank you wiktionary.com

[Hendo]

Hi, I'm Mark Henderson. I've been studying, performing, directing and teaching improv for 26 years (I started young). I'm currently directing the Playground Incubator group The Senate, and am co-producing and emceeing the Belmont Burlesque Revue.

[Admin]

Howdy, I'm Steve Gadlin. I'm the co-host of the game show Don't Spit the Water at The Playground every Saturday night, and of the cable access live call-in show Talkin' Funny every Tuesday night. I also play the judge Barry Shirley in Impress These Apes. All of these are productions of !, a new-ish production group that's currently filing for designation as an LLC.

[Telfer]

I'm Dan Telfer. I grew up around Chicago and went to college in the city as well. I started improv early when I was 18 and was on a team at IO my freshman college year.

I took a break from the improvising aspect and focused on scripted theater and coaching improv for about five years- so I've always kept a toe in the improv water. Last year I was asked to join Pastor of Muppets at the Playground and it may be the most fun and cohesive team I've ever been on. I've also been a comedian in Don't Spit the Water for going on two years, I'm Professor Scoresboard in Impress These Apes, I write a bunch of plays and occaisonally act in them and a bunch of other crap.

I've been involved in improv in Chicago for 10 years now.

[gonzo]

Hi, I'm Milan. I grew up and went to college in Florida and recently moved to Chicago for a job. I had never heard of Second City or iO or even knew that Chicago was the mecca for sketch and improv.

Regardless, I've written consistently my entire life so I thought it would be fun to study writing sketch comedy. While taking Intro to Writing at SC, I found out that I should also study improv at iO. So I did. Until my first Improv 1 class I hadn't been on stage since (I believe) third grade, so this has been interesting. I have no idea what the hell I'm doing, why I'm really doing it, or what I plan to get out of it, but it seems fun, so I'm going to continue doing this.

Yeah. I think that's about right. Oh, and I like long walks on the beach, candlelit dinners, and rescuing kittens from evil trees.

[carebear]

Hi, I'm Carrie Barrett. I moved to Chicago from Virginia in 2000. I'm mostly based out of IO and teach level 2 there, but I perform in a few different ensembles around town including Chewties and the Fowler Family Radio Hour. I also love to write and am currently working on several writing projects.

Carrie
=)

[DeWalt]

I'm Jon DeWalt. I moved to Chicago in January of 2006 after studying and commuting from the suburbs and college. I perform a lot at iO with my harold team, Callous, with the great cast of TV Show (each week we make fun of a different network - each week we write a new show!), and I just completed the Jim Carlson sketch-writing class. I perform with the DSI Ensemble at The Playground Theater, Improv Festivals, and other Chicago venues as well.

Off-stage I created and am 1/4th of ThoseGuysFilms.com, go to our website and check out our digital shorts, music videos, parodies and more. ThoseGuysFilms.com also did a live sketch show that ran at Donny's Skybox, iO and The Playground - Then we wrote a new show for the 2007 Chicago Sketchfest. You can also find our shorts on Super Deluxe, YouTube and at the upcoming 2007 DC Comedy Fest!

I enjoy people with passion, talent, dedication and excitement about "this".

[Frymire]

I'm Dennis Frymire. I moved to Chicago in May '06. Since then, I've studied at iO and at the Annoyance. I've done a few shows here and there.

Outside of theatre, I work in commercial real estate. I listen to country music and I'm a redneck, small town guy at heart. And I have a cat named Hope.

--Frymire

[Angie]

I am Angie McMahon. I am the Executive Producer and Founder of Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, a 6 year old not for profit Theater Company in Chicago. We are currently in our 7th season. We focus on all things comedy including Improv, Sketch, Stand Up, Short Film, and Plays all in the many styles of comedy.

We also produce a Comedy Festival called Snubfest starting its 4th year this January. Snubfest is a comedy festival for anyone who has been rejected from other Comedy Festivals.

I am also the Network Commitee Chairman for the Chicago Comedy Association, a Networking group of Comedy Theaters.

Beyond all of that Jazz I am a Stay at Home Mom, I have a big passion for Marketing and PR. I am very bad at spelling, but I'm working on it.

I love to talk your ear off, so take me up on it :0

[Juan]

Hello my name is Juan. I was born in Mexico and my ethnicity is Spaniard and Saudi Arabian. Nice mix huh? Not that many people know about the Saudi Arabian part but I figure why not let people in on the secret. Okay now let's see what do I have under my belt.....Okay let's start with Second City part of experience which happens to be my favorite. Okay as for Second City I did the High School program, The Beginning Program Level A-E, Improvisational Techniques for Actors Program and the Conservatory program in which I completed all the programs I've mention and all I got was a red Second City Shirt. Then comes along The Improv Olympics days which were whatever to me but I did the whole Improvisational Program. I also did the Annoyance in which I completed and that place was pretty cool and I've picked up a lot of cool moves that helps me out till this day. Okay a little about me....I like collecting comic books so you may spot me at Grahams Crackers or Chicago Comics
book stores. I like videos games and I own a Wii which is awesome a lot of fun!!!! Every now and then I head to California and hang out with the Cali Running Crew. Well other then that I pretty much a laid back guy when withdrawn but I do have my insane mental side for those who know me can concur. So yeah I got into improv at an early age and it's been great. My style is pretty much different from your average Improviser you may be accustom to but it works on stage for myself so I can say at least I own my own style. My place in the community is pretty much like this..."you either hate or love me there's really no in between." As of right now I'm part of the ¡Salsation! Theatre Company (http://www.salsation.com/index.html)which are a bunch of swell guys. So that's about it you need to know about me. Later!!

-Juan Antonio

[LoLo]

hiiiii
My name is Lauren Lapkus. I started taking classes at iO in 2003 and I currently play there on The Darned. I have played on a couple Playground teams in the past and I am part of the weekly cast of Big Yellow Bus. Candy Lawrence and I make up the sketch duo, The Money Kids.

Also: I am an English major at DePaul and I like reading, learning, and traveling. Ok enough about me.

[Natalina]

I'm Natalie and I like improv. I play at ComedySportz and with Firecracker, and I do sketch with Johnny's Regret.

I like baking, The Smashing Pumpkins, Buffy, and Erin.

Yay!:p

[Dave Ries]

Hi! I'm Dave Ries.
I like improv, and I like you.

Where can you see me perform? At ComedySportz, with Roadster at iO, and with DSI's The Beatbox.

See you soon!

[moon_shoes]

I'm Louie,

I perform Improvisational comedy with the Chicago Sashay Company, Wing Night and Roadster. Occasionally My Girlfriend and I perform a two person show entitled Swinko and Saunders Tell Jokes To Make You Laugh.

As part of Jeff Grigg's Project writing class I have completed a full length screenplay. Anyone want to buy it?

I also appreciate all the time and effort that the creators of this board have put into it.

[AndyC]

My name is Andy Carey. I trained at the Second City Conservatory, Annoyance (level 1) and iO. I play at iO with The Improvised Shakespeare Company and Rattlesnake High School in addition to teaching Level 1. You can also catch me at the Playground Theater with Quill and around town with DSI's The Beatbox.

I love me some CIN.

[stetsko]

I'm Kate Stetsko.

I used to take improv classes, and now I take law school classes. CIN is just as useful during boring classes as it is during boring jobs.

Also, I like penguins.

K.

[Wendy!]

It's Wendy Mateo here!!

I moved to Chicago in March of 2005, from Florida (but am originally from NY). In Florida I studied theater in college and went on to complete a wonderful acting conservatory program in Miami. I acted in scripted theater and spent years doing short form improv there until my eyes were opened up to the glory of long form. Improv is my method as opposed to Meisner or Stanislavski, improv has made me a better actor, and my knowledge of theater has made me a better improviser. It all works cohesively for me.

It's been a fantastic experience, Chicago felt like home as soon as I got here. During my first two weeks here I was cast on an incubator team at the Playground (we're broken up now, but those guys were great). During my 2 years here I have completed the training program at iO where I have met some wonderful people, I also work there as a bartender which is great (I hear everything!!!). I have written a sketch show with some amazingly talented people. I was cast on the educational touring show for Second City (even though I haven't studied there yet...hehe).

Now, I'm currently working on 2 sketch shows, taking voice-over classes, and I'm trying to get my SAG card this year....so I can get paid y'all!!!!

So there you have it!!

Lots of positivity and love all around!!!

xoxo,
Wendy

[lumberjackadal]

Greetings!

I'm Adal Rifai, new to the CIN boards. I'm an improviser/actor. Moved to Chicago in May 2005 after getting my BA in theatre from Illinois State University. I'm currently training at IO, and just graduated from the Second City Conservatory. I play around town with pH Productions, Club Group Team and Insult To Injury.

questions? chat me up

[Ldub]

Hey, I'm Lindsay Williams. Moved here from TX in 2004 to do improv. Went through iO training and Second City Conservatory. I'm on the iO team Roadster, who I absolutely love! Trying to get my old Second City class to write a sketch show for the Skybox, hopefully to go up later this year.

-I'm an Aries
-I'm stubborn
-I watch too much TV
-I keep up with celebrity gossip
-My favorite beer is Heineken
-I'm obsessed with myspace

That's about it:)

[Justin]

Hi, I'm Justin. I am in the sketch group Schadenfreude. We have been performing for almost 10 years together. Schadenfreude is Justin Kaufmann (me), Adam Witt, Sandy Marshall, Kate James, and Stephen Schmidt.

We had a radio show on Chicago Public Radio from 2003-05. We've headlined at the Chicago Improv Festival a couple times and now we are writing screenplays and corporate work. Check out our site (we update our group blog everyday) at www.schadenfreude.net.

Thanks to Gadlin for making this.

Justin

[Evan]

I am Evan Makela. I've been doing improv in Chicago since 2000, mostly at iO.

Evan

[rachelblewis]

Hi! I'm Rachel!

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin--Madison with a degree in Theater and Drama in 2003, I moved to Chicago to pursue a career in theater. I grew up in Montana, love going home to visit, ski, and do the outdoor thing, but I also love Chicago. I have graduated from the Second City Conservatory, iO Training Center, and the Annoyance. I am loving improv and sketch and have performed in several groups over the past 3.5 years.

Right now, I am 1/2 the sketch duo of Keaton and Lewis. I perform improv at iO with the Harold Team, The Washington Generals, and around the city with the independent all-female foursome, Chewties! I do video projects with Those Guys Films and right now I'm in an original musical at the Annoyance Theater every THursday night at 8pm. I will be coaching the Playground's newest incubator team soon, and I just started teaching musical theater to 5-8 year olds at Emerald City Theater. So basically, I love writing, performing, coaching, and teaching!

CIN makes my day go by much more quickly...so thanks!

I just bought an exercise ball to replace my desk chair to strenghen my core, and back. I am already ready for my chair back...it has been 3 hours...

-R

[Keene]

Hi, I'm Matt Keene.

Been improvising since 2000. Man oh man, do I enjoy improv. For realz.

From Indy. Lived in Boston, then Chicago, and now LA. Chicago is the best of those four.

-Matt

[Captain Bob]

Why Hello...
I'm Bob Ladewig.
I took my first improv classes at the Annoyance in the summer of 1998 and moved into the city the following Summer.
I started in the Conservatory that October (1999) and was a member of the sketch/improv group that formed out of that The Rooftop Players.
I started at iO in 2000 and finished two years later.
I was a member of CSz Chicago from 2000 to 2007 and enjoyed it a lot.

Currently I coach International Stinger at the Playground &
Stottlemeyer at iO.

I perform with the Washington Generals at iO and I write music reviews/features for www.lostatsea.net (http://www.lostatsea.net)

I also have a girlfriend (Stacey) and a puppy (Arlo) whom I both love very much.

I wish I had a fulltime job I enjoyed, as my money-making job is for the birds.

[whbinder]

Howdy,

This is Bill Binder from the Phoenix Improv Scene.Just getting ready for The Sixth Annual Phoenix Improv Festival.

Great new site.

[Omega]

my name is Omega. That's my real name.

[jose]

Hey, all!

I'm jose and I'm from Phoenix.

I used to post here as "sponch" until everything got washed away. The new digs look great, though.

- jose

[kenziecondon]

Guten Tag.

My name is Mackenzie. I play with Callous @ IO, the MISSfits, and the Senate.

I am from Tampa and I went to NYU. Then I dropped out and moved here to take improv classes.

Now I'm moving back to NY in 4 weeks to finish up at NYU. Waah. I hate method acting. I will be miserable.

Hi!

[Sloej]

My name is Andy Sloey.

Moved to Chicago in 2003 after getting a BFA in Theater Performance from Webster Conservatory in St.Louis, MO.

Graduated both iO and Second City Conservatory, and waiting for the money to line up for Annoyance Classes.

Currently play with new iO team The Seeder Domination (soon to be renamed) and my girlfriends 3 year old, Ian (not to be renamed).

Also, my former harold team Quincy is opening a new show lovingly ripped off of the UCB called Bootleggers Ball at iO.

[timryder]

Fresh starts are neat.

Hey everybody, my name is Tim Ryder. I moved to Chicago in October of '05. I'm currently training in the Second City Conservatory and iO Training Center. I play with ComedySportz, The Senate and The Improv Match Game.

I like comic books and video games but also real books and real games.

I'm tall, dark and occasionally bespectacled.

I'm here. Let's do this.

[robbersean]

Hi, I'm Sean.

I'm originally from Massachusetts, and I have a degree in theater from UMass Amherst.

I play with the Space Robbers at the Playground, and Our Feature Presentation and the Washington Generals at iO.

I just started coaching the latest PG incubator team.

I live with my girlfriend, and two cats, I'm a big nerdasaur, a Red Sox fan, a hockey fan, and I love to cook.

[Jordana]

Hi all,

I'm Jordana. I was a rare poster on the last CIN, but maybe I'll post more on here. Or maybe my day-job will eat up too much of my 9-5 "me time" as it often does.

I moved to Chicago in Sept 05, trained with iO & Second City Conservatory. I'm currently playing with The Riot! at the Playground and Emperor (name change possibly soon?) at iO.

I used to play with my favorite independent team, Sinister Trifecta, prior to us "taking a break". I still love everyone on that team, though.

Oh yeah, I'll be playing in the Dual Duel with my boyfriend, Cash, in the aptly named team CJ 4Eva. Woohoo!

xxx
Jordana

[Fenstermaker]

Hi! I'm Jill. I know a lot of you already, but if we haven't met its nice to meet you.

I ride with Roadster at iO, dance with the Chicago Sashay Company and cockpunch with CIC's Cornwallis [thats our form].

I really love this community so thank you all for being a part of it :)

[Arnie]

I'm Arnie. I moved to Chicago back in 2000, I think, after getting my MFA in creative writing in Arizona. I studied at Annoyance and iO. I've been lucky to mostly perform with some long(ish) running groups. James Jackson. Whirled News Tonight. Otis. And I've just started working with Diplomat Motel.

After bouncing around at a lot of terrible jobs, I finally have a job I like, writing snarky trivia questions for the internets. I have a blog. I have several other projects up my sleeve that I try to work on when I get time.

I'm bad with names and off-stage shy, but I do like talking to and meeting people, even if I mostly hang out in the corner.

[schaefe]

Your friendly neighborhood Schaefe, checking in!

Started improv on a dare from my friend Bondo back in 1999 at the Annoyance Theatre, and haven't looked back since. Ran the gamut of programs in Chicago, and performed at the Playground quite a bit. Recently married, and then moved to Athens, Georgia--where my wife is building a new student improv program while getting her MFA at the UGA. I'm a transplanted Yankee, y'all!

I enjoy books, movies, improv, gamin', and making fun of Sammy--but not necessarily in that order.

I kid, I kid...

[Sleeps]

I'm Garrett Gottschalk. Been in Chicago since July of 2003. Wanted to persue theatre but got caught up in improv instead. Studied at I.O. with Annoyance and S.C. on the plan sooner or later. I perform with Mess Hall at the Playground.

I've never been in a fist-fight.

[rene]

Name: Rene
Race: Human
Class: Bard
Level: 3
Alignment: Lawful Good

Strength: 11
Dexterity: 9
Constitution: 11
Intelligence: 14
Wisdom:14
Charisma:15

Hit Points: 13
AC: 10

Feats:
Negotiator
Persuasive
Fire Resistance (5)
Knowledge: Local - Comedy (Regional)

You are lucky to know me.

[matthewp]

I am Matthew some of you know me as pbuckeye but for now I am Matthew. I moved to Chicago from Dayton Ohio. I took some classes but realized I hate performing because I am not talented at it. I decided to create a show called the chicago comedy series which has done amazingly well at the apollo studio theater and I am currently looking to rent a bigger venue to house the attendees. I am grateful to have worked with some of the most amazing people in this industry and hold everyone in high regard regardless of what they think of me.

Bye,
Matthew

[rkozlowski]

My name is Rob Kozlowski, I wrote a book called The Art of Chicago Improv and I teach comedy writing at Second City.

[lackadaisy]

i'm jeremy

i've been in chicago since summer 2003, but have just recently started taking classes. at iO. with Susan Messing. amazing.

i was with Playground Incubator team Speed Lemon for their full run of 2 years, and can currently be seen every once-in-a-while with the (Playground) March Madness Champions, The George Drake Players. i've been doing improv and theatre in fits and spurts since 2000 when i was a wee young college baby.

i make films too, often for Vidiocy. i like music, i work in tech support, i'm pretty much like everyone else here

and i feel really awkward talking about myself.

[MikeJ]

Hi. I'm Mike Johnson aka MJ.

I have been studying this fine art since 2001 when I took my first ever class at Second City.

Currrently, I play with Our Feature Presentation at iO. I graduated there and performed with HOF teams Dainty Fingers and Baby Brother Mother Soup.

At the Playground, I play with current Pilot Team MORT and also the fine folks of DSI. I am the sometimes host of Open Court on Thursday nights. I just coached the first tri-mester of CLOAKA. They are fun.

I am a founding member of Teatro Bastardo and have played the past few years in such wondrous hits as Danse Macabre, Life is a Joke, Anton Chekhov's Bastard Child and at Sketchfest since it's inception.

I am the guy who stands in the trading pit with the colorful jacket and yells at people for a living. I trade Soybeans. For now. We'll see how long I am able to stay with it.

I have made some very good friends from improv and love every minute of it. Can't imagine life without it right now. It means a lot to me. If I could, I would try to impregnate it and force it into a marriage.

Say hi next time you see me. I want to meet you.

[goody]

I'm Scot Goodhart. I'm from Cincinnati, moved here in 2000 for improv and life changes. Mostly improv.

I perform with AIRBOURNE! at the iO, Don't Spit the Water at the The Playground and whatever the wherever else.

I'm doing web design/development during the day at an assocation which also employs fellow improvisers Kat Gotsick, Natalie Sullivan and Matt Micou.

I play Halo at night.

I'm marrying improviser Holly K. Gibson in September '07. We have a pug, improviser Lord Wessex.

[Amanda]

Howdy, everyone!

I'm Amanda. I'm moving to Chicago on June 1st from Seattle. I look forward to meeting all of you (and mayhaps playing with you, if I'm lucky) once I get into town. Of course, I'm moving to your lovely city to continue my life of improv.

I've been improvising since '92 and teaching improv since '98. Truth be told, I think I started getting good at improv maybe only three or four years ago. I'm currently an ensemble member of Unexpected Productions out here in Seattle. We do long and short form with a major focus being strong narratives. I love all improv but lately have really been digging styles-work and refreshing, experimental stuff.

The workshops that I've taught of late have been focusing on "improvising from oneself," getting the audience engaged through personal association, sincere comedy, etc... That's been my specific sparking point most recently. So, I guess that's why I mention it.

I'm also the co-artistic director of a playback group here in Seattle (Playback Theater Norhwest). The other day, I tried googling "playback" and "Chicago" and came up completely empty-handed. I'm wondering if anyone has any other leads. Or maybe I should ask, "Have any of y'all heard about playback?" Thoughts? I'm curious to know.

Blah, blah, blah..... I'm going on and on. Anyhoodle, I'm super excited to be moving to Chicago! I visited there last year and was so happy to be in a bigger city with so much happening! There just seems to be so many great shows running! I'd love some recommendations of what to see from all of you!

And since I've already gone THIS long, I'll ask another question! Are there any vegetarians on this cool message board? I'm a happy veggie gal and would love to meet some cool veggie peeps.

Thanks for readin'!
Happy Spring!!

~Amanda

[Gina Little]

Greetings!

My name is Gina Little if you haven't already figured that out.

This board is a fun place to spend time when I'm having lunch at work.

As for me personally, I enjoy reading, walking, and seeing movies.

Cheers!

[MattyO]

My name is Matt Owens and came to Chicago in June '06 after obtaining a degree in Cell & Molecular biology from the University of Washington. I worked with Wing-it Productions in Seattle for 5 years with Kyle Kizzier (old-school CSZ AD) and six months with Jason Anfinsen at Jerk Alert Productions. I did sketch with Train of Thought for two years and produced and directed the sketch show Burning Bridges. I hopped around on the improv-festival circuit in '05 with The Election Show. I tend to disrobe publicly when drunk.

I currently take classes at iO and the Annoyance.
I currently intern at iO and the Annoyance.
I play with Insult to Injury, A Private Tea Party, and TBC.
I work on Hogwash with Jerk Alert Productions.
I work for money at Conde Nast Publications.
I write poetry and music/book/concert reviews when possible.

Let's all be friends.

[tomclear]

Hi.
I'm Tom Clear. I arrived in Chicago September 1, and love it.
I'm about to graduate from the Music Director Training Program
@ Second City (unless I drive Mike D. completely around the bend
in the next month, and he holds me back).
I play for ComedySportz, when I can;
I rock the 'burbs in a musical many nights a week.
In a previous life, I was an attorney and retain a nagging
interest in copyright and intellectual property matters.

Viva la improv!

tc

[bagnall]

hi.
i'm brooke bagnall.
i've lived in atlanta, new orleans, davidson (nc), st. louis, baltimore and now chicago, in that order.
i really want to be friends with anthony bourdain, but i think he would hate me.
i have a fish named mike fernald.
i am surprised that this fish is still alive.
i am extremely lucky in friends and performance opportunities.
my middle fingernails grow diagonally.

[Mike McKeown]

Hi CIN. I'm Mike McKeown. I already know some of you guys.

I'm originally from Philadelphia and have been dabbling in the comedies around town since early 2004. During the days I sit at a computer and do some Architectural Design work, helping design the office spaces where other people sit at their computers all day.

As for comedy stuff, I've studied at iO and Second City's Conservatory and Writing Programs. I used to perform improv with some indie groups and a now defunct Incubator team at The Playground. I've also written and directed a few sketch shows that you might have seen. I'm currently studying in Second City's Directing Program and also teach in their Writing Program. I have a few new projects up my sleeve that I'm very excited about.

I'd like to meet the rest of you (unless you're prowling this board to have sex with kids).

Mike

[Urlakis]

Hey CIN. I'm Dave Urlakis. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, double majored in Theatre and Economics at Knox College and have lived in the city since the summer of 2003. During the day I do marketing for Steppenwolf (the theater, not the band). I'm a graduate of the Second City Conservatory and the iO Training Center and can currently be seen performing on the team Skeleton Attack at iO. I'll also be performing in Missed Connections for Theatre Momentum this spring/summer. If you see me around, say hi.

[Vinnie Vince]

Vince LiFonti here. Only been doing Improv for a little over a year. Graduate of the SCTC Beginning Improv Program, currently in the Acting and Writing Programs there and about to audition for the Conservatory.
I'm in the Comedy Troupe "Strait Jacket Jesters". I Perform Every Thursday at The Playground. And in the past, I've written Sports Satire Columns for TheBench.com & DeepDishSports.com (both now defunct)

[supes]

Hey you guys,

Sam Super here. I moved to Chicago in June of '04 and I've done my best to keep busy since then. I'm an ensemble member at ComedySportz, and I teach at the CSz Training Center as well. Come take a class from me!

Also, I play with The Hot Karl, DSI's The Beatbox, ACE, and often with The Improv Match Game.

I enjoy video games, rum and cokes, and my persistant asthma. It's really nice.

[EdO]

Hello, my name is Sammy Telfer. I am the administrator of this board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Improv Communications Network.

I have been performing improv for 4,000 years. I started in high school. One might say that I was indoctrinated as a youth. I studied with Del Close, Martin Spatzenbergerhof, and Jesus. I founded the Improv Olympiad and built the stage with parts from my old Edsel. I hired Charna Herpring to run my finances when I was on hiatus in Milan. Needless to say, things took a turn for the weird.

I have played and coached the teams, Ratfinger, Take a Chuck!, Hens in a Glass, Pastor of Lozenges, Hoodwink, and We Have Sandwiches. I also wrote, directed, produced, starred in, and starred in, "Bushaltestelle" at the Grainservatory.

I am happy to be here, and someday I will lose my mind and go on a killing spree.

[bill binkley]

Wow, not sure I can top that ...

My name's Dave, an east coast native who's living in and loving Chicago. I'm currently in level 3 at iO with Bill Arnett, and I've also worked with Jason Shotts (L1) and Carrie Barrett (L2). I'm looking foward to L4 with Pat O'Brien in a couple of weeks ...

On top of that, I'm in Level 2 of Michael McCarthy's Comedy Writing class, and Jeff Griggs' Project Writing class. So I write a lot, these days ... hopefully someday someone will pay me to do it, but in the meantime, it's a great deal of fun.

When I'm not doing that, I create very short films with the Bill Binkley Show (kind of like a solo project), and as a Charter Member of the Lakewood Manor Players, which includes some of my classmates.

And when I'm not doing that, I live in West Town with my wonderful wife and our adorable, but anxious, dog, Lucie (that's her in my avatar). I work a day job, but I don't want to talk about that.

So, there you have it.

--Dave

http://youtube.com/billbinkley
http://lakewoodmanorplayers.com

[Telfer]

omg r we related EdO lol

[yurwitz]

Hello. I'm Chris Yurwitz, but I mostly go by Yurwitz in the improv world.

I'm a career improv student, which I started about 5 or 6 years ago. I've know SC (beg, conserv, and now musical improv), CSz, Annoyance, and now I.O. I was a part of Battle Prov for a while.

I've been in the Chicago area for 10 years, but only moved into the actual city in March of 2006. I work in the burbs using my pension actuarial background to be a retirement consultant. You can read that as "math geek". I don't have a whole lot of time to be on teams or in shows, which I hate, but I'll get there. I'd like to start my own theater in a different city in a few years if I'm not settled down in Chicago.

I love college football and am a die hard Michigan fan. Also love the Redskins. I used to be a polevaulter and I once had 6 hours of polygraph testing with the CIA. I live alone in a sweet condo directly accross from the Steppenwolf theater, where I occasionaly throw fun parties or poker tournaments.

[andrmadr]

Hello everyone. I'm a comic/writer/stand-up, and I'm looking for a guy named Nate Weatherup in the Second City writers program. If you know him could you have him email andrmadr2@aol.com ?

I'm interested in a project and using him.

It's good to be in town, and I hope to meet you all soon.

Best,
Andrew

[Ever]

Hi! I'm Ever.. and i don't live in Chicago.. yet. But i will, in August! I am very anxious about moving here and getting in to the improv. scene here. I have taken a number of classes in Austin and have been in a short form troupe for a little under a year.

I will be taking classes at Second City and am excited about meeting new people!

[kremidas]

I'm Peter Kremidas. I moved here in August with the same dreams everybody else has. I'm currently in Level 4 at iO. I have been performing with DSI and Mort since Janurary. I love this place.

[Pete]

Hey all,
Im pretty new to the improv forum, been reading for a while though. Looking into classes at IO or Cornservatory. Any suggestions?

[chitiger]

I'm Ketih, and I'm relatively new to the improv scene.

My first dip into the improv pool was in the deep end, trying out for the Playground's Incubator program with no experience what-so-ever.

Then I took a two year hiatus until last fall when I began taking classes.

Love improv; love the Chicago scene.

[professionalfaker]

Hi. I aparently haven't used this in a while because my profile was deleted.

I'm James (jim) Asmus - generic mid-twenties white guy. I've been on teams at iO for two years, performing at the Annoyance for almost a year now, and popping up at the Playground for Grafitti, Impress These Apes, and Don't Spit...but you probably still wouldn't recognize me. I'm really, really generic.

[jeetkunedochic]

i'm cait, live in chicago and go to school here as well. i've just recently been turned on to improv and now i'm trying to soak in as much information about it as possible. i have a ton of friends who have been taking classes at sc and work for a lot of comedy clubs, so i'm fortunate in that i get a lot of exposure to shows and comedians. i absolutely love it.

[The Fox]

Hi all. I'm Sara, I moved to Chicago this past October. I take classes at IO and CSz.
I'm a waitress. I love Disney World. My favorite flavor of ice cream is mint chocolate chip (but only if its the color green, bc Breyer's MCC is white, which is dumb)
Word.

[Edison]

H'lo.

Edison Girard here.

I started studying improv in 2002 at IO, then at Annoyance. I'm a late-comer to the Chicago improv scene, relatively speaking. I'm 46, but I was inspired by SC, SNL, and improv when I was in my late teens and I did some writing and performing in college.
I grew up in the Chicago burbs of Bolingbrook and Joliet, moved to Philadelphia for 9 years, moved back and now in Rogers Park. I'm divorced with 2 awesome children, who sometimes enjoy watching their dad do make-em-ups on stage. I'm a founding member of International Stinger.
We've been together for over 4 years.
I love listening to music. I love playing music. I play some instruments, but I mainly draw a lot. I studied fine art at NIU, and started my adult life doing editorial illustrating for magazines like National Lampoon, Playboy, and Crain's Business.

Nowadays, I work freelance in my home studio, illustrating and designing toys for companies like Mattel, Hasbro, and Fisher-Price, including Milton Bradley and Parker Brothers games. It's a good gig.

It's nice to be here.

[TheMall]

Hi, I'm Jamal

I've been in Chicago a little over a year now. Before that, I lived and improvised in North Carolina and NJ/NYC. I just finished the training program at IO, and am looking forward to starting my 5B shows. I also play with Party Shark, the newest Incubator team at the Playground. Apart from improv, I like to play Scrabble and other games.

[Sri_Casimir]

Hello!

I am Casimir "Cash" Lorenc!
I'm on The Darned at iO.

It's a pleasure to know all of you.

[Pointer]

I'm fairly new to the scene. I toil for corporate media by night, which keeps me from catching more shows. I've wanted to get into this for a while but always had some other reason (i.e. intimidation) to put it off. No longer.

In Level C at Second City, and I hope to get into the writing program if my schedule allows.

[greenbean]

I'm new to the board but I've been in improv classes for about a year. I am looking to keep going and open to any suggestions as to what/where/how to get better.

[DJK]

Hi.
I'm David Kaniuk, I'm about to turn 27, I live in Des Moines IA right now and I'm moving to Chicago at the end of June. I've been performing with the Comedy Xperiment in Des Moines for around four years, and I hope to study at I.O. this year. In 2005 I helped form a sketch comedy group called the Rubber Duck Army, and I've done a number of plays in and around Des Moines.

[jrrtubbs]

My name is Ryan and I am an actor/director/improvisor/playwright/sound designer from Detroit. I'm getting prepared to move to Chicago in October and I'm hoping to make improv a big part of my life. I can't wait to start taking classes at iO, and hopefully auditioning and working at some of the amazing theatres I've had the pleasure of visiting when I've been out to the Windy City in the past. I also look forward to possibly meeting some of your smiling faces out there as well.

[yager]

my name is tim yager, i'm freshly 23 and i've lived in chicago now for just under a year. i moved here from dallas to study improv and explore the craft in more depth than i thought i could in dallas.

i was a player at comedysportz dallas which is really what introduced me to improv. after that i studied at a place called 4day weekend (http://www.4dayweekend.com) in fort worth (30 minutes west of dallas). i went through all 4 levels and was introduced to long form and really liked it, but it wasn't until i saw the reckoning at the dallas comedy festival in 2005 that i knew i wanted to do long-form, do it like them, and learn and do it in chicago.

i saved up and moved here with a friend and started classes at io immediately. i'm now in the last leg of my 5b class. incidentally, come see name drop soup sundays at 8:30pm in the dct. i'm also in a couple of independent troupes and want to perform more and more so i can hone my craft and hopefully someday do for someone what the reckoning did for me.

aside from an improv i work downtown as a web developer. i like to play guitar, i like music, and i like friends, of which i'm always open to meeting more. i also don't like to capitalize if i don't have to.

[pbsebastian]

my name is Peter Benson Sebastian. I was on this network before as pbsebastia. For some reason I couldn't log on since the site has been updated. Instead of contacting the administrater I just created a new account 'cause I'm lazy and that seemed easier.

I perform at io as part of the Future. I am also a member of Koleno.

[TonyHoffman]

Hello. My name is Anthony Hoffman and I was born and raised right here in Chicago.

I graduated from Columbia College with a B.A. in broadcast journalism in May of '07. My acting career began after taking a beginner's acting course taught by The Cupid Players' Brian Posen in the Spring of '05.

In Oct. '06, I started taking classes at the iO. My teachers have been Jason Shotts, Susan Messing, Beau Golwitzer and now Rich Talarico. I'm very lucky to be taught by such talented people.

I'm currently a Level Four student and intern at the iO. Go Cubs.:cool:

[stevehorak]

Hey all, I'm Steve, originally from Chi-town but currently living and doing improv in NYC. I'm seriously contemplating a move back to Sweet Home so I'm trying to gather some info, meet some people, steal some online banking passwords--you know, the usual. See you in the forums!

[kocese]

Hello, I'm Tom. Grew up in the South burbs, didn't let this get to me until I got out of college. Started taking class round this time last year. Am set to graduate the beginning improv program at the end of the month at Second City. And currently going into auditions/ rehearsals for the level 5 writing show we have written to go up in October (To be named later, Sean Cusick is directing)....I'll be heading to The Annoyance in August.

[kjmetro]

i am Kenny Metroff. I have been living in Chicago for almost a year and a half. I do the iO training along with the Second City Conservatory. Which both conclude this fall for me;exciting times.
I perform with an Independent team called Attila with friends I have known throughout iO training.
i also intern at iO currently on Thursdays, come say hi!
And I am a pathetically huge Cubs, Bears, and Bulls fan.

Cheers,
Kenny

[Leslieface]

Hi.
I'm Leslieface. Or Leslie. I come from Albuquerque NM and have been here for almost a year (to the day!)
I did improv down in New Mexico for about 6 years and have a BFA in theatre performance.
I'm currently takin' 5B classes on Thursday nights at iO with Kenny (above). It's fun! I can't wait to do Annoyance and Second City (I literally can't wait!!).

I also write and do sketch comedy. And I love it.

Oh. I'm also on the new CIC sponsored improv team!

See you in the forums. Or in real life. Whichever comes first. :D

[TheWhistler]

Hi. My name's Peter Robards and I just moved to Chicago this past week (well finished moving in - I've been crashing on people's couches and hopping back and forth longer than that).
I was born in Ohio, raised in Kentucky, lived in St. Louis (please don't hold that one against me - I'm one of the few good ones I swear), and now I'm finally here. In St. Louis I helped start and was in the college long form troupe Suspicious of Whistlers.

I'm currently taking classes at iO and am looking forward to taking classes at the Annoyance and anywhere/everywhere else I can.

[Carl...]

Hi,

I'm Carl Luft. I've just finished the training program at the IO, and am currently enrolled in the Conservatory at Second City. I'm also a member of DePaul University's Improv Troupe, The Cosby Sweaters. I have lived in/around Chicago all my life.

See you 'round.

[Natalie]

Word.

I'm Natalie. (as you can see)

I moved from the Albuquerque New Mexico as well as leslieface to be a part of the new Gorilla Tango Theatre.

Nowz Im in the IO 5B - and I intern on wednesday nights.

Im also In the conservatory program at SC -- Im just on a hiatus.

dont judge.

Let's Play!


natalie

[thecomedian]

Hi, I'm Daniel. I'm not in Chicago quite yet but I will be relocating in August 2008 (I need a FULL time job!!) so that I can study improv and sketch comedy at Second City.

As for my comedic background, I do stand-up in the shower. The showerhead makes for an interesting audience but no worries, I'm doing some open mics. I wrote and edited a video spoof of Lazy Sunday which is most definitely the worst musical video of all time--some folks actually took it seriously!

[ratliff]

I'm John Ratliff. I took the iO summer intensive this year. Since returning to Austin I've been playing in ColdTowne Theater's version of the Armando and have just started what I believe to be Austin's first Harold team. I'm also a sometime piano accompanist.

[feist81]

Hi All!

Im Theo, grew up near Cape May, NJ - always had a strong interest in theatre once i graduated i descided i wanted to live an study in Chicago.

So about a year back i made the move an im now living in Lakeview. Im taking classes at iO currently, an hope to get some wherever else i can!

The boards look pretty neat, look forward to passing the time an chatting with you all :)

[tonyblanco]

hi, i'm tony

I'm from lafayette louisiana and have been here for almost two years. i'm a stand up guy, who runs the open mic at the globe pub on monday nights. I also produce the Globe Gong Idol Live game show and have been known to act from time to time (most recently with the rogers park theater ensemble.) I tried taking second city writing classes when i first got to town but that wasn't for me.

I haven't really dipped my toe in the improv specific waters so to speak but i'm thinking about it.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=tblanc01

that's my youtube with lots of gong videos and other things made with local chicago talent. I make videos to and have gotten kind of adept at editing with the vegas video suite.

i'll prolly put some posts down looking for talent for the gong show soon enough, we like crazy variety and wackyness. we've had improvisors before and if you got the stones...

anyway, nice to say hello

[cdfries]

Hi-

I'm Chas Fries (pronounced FREEZE). I graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Theater, then moved to Chicago in August 2006 to pursue a "career" in improv/sketch comedy. At the time of this post, I am taking classes at the Second City Conservatory, The Annoyance, and iO. Also, I intern/work on the nightstaff at Second City and have a day job working for a temp agency downtown. I'm currently not working on any shows or projects but I am definitely looking to start one! I'm always down for meeting fellow improvisers so feel free to hit me up!

www.myspace.com/slacker156

[Morehead]

Hey Ya'll-

I'm Scott. I am a graduate of Second City's Improv Conservatory and am taking classes at iO and Annoyance. I am currently in an improv group entitled "Scarf Off" that is playing at Donny's Skybox (for the moment).

I play a little guitar (well, a regular-sized guitar with a little bit of experience).

I love football.

I have a younger sister and a younger brother. They're great and in Iowa. That's where I was born and raised.

I play on an adult kickball team in the Summer and Fall.

I like new things, so feel free to send a message my way.

Thanks Dudes/Dudettes,

Scott

[hello.kristen]

Hey Ya'll-

I'm Scott. I am a graduate of Second City's Improv Conservatory and am taking classes at iO and Annoyance. I am currently in an improv group entitled "Scarf Off" that is playing at Donny's Skybox (for the moment).

I play a little guitar (well, a regular-sized guitar with a little bit of experience).

I love football.

I have a younger sister and a younger brother. They're great and in Iowa. That's where I was born and raised.

I play on an adult kickball team in the Summer and Fall.

I like new things, so feel free to send a message my way.

Thanks Dudes/Dudettes,

Scott

i cannot believe he didn't mention that he's my roommate!

scott is awesome.

[Jeebee]

Hello all!

My name is Alan Hawkins, I am a grad of the Los Angeles Second City Conservatory and the short lived Musical Conservatory. I will be a grad of IO west in December and am on a developmental team there called Midnight Radio and also host the main stage cage match.

Moving to Chicago in June.

Nice to see some more peeps from my home town of Albuquerque here! :D

[Guy33]

Hey,

This is Scott Hogan. I am wrapping up my time in the iO training center. I was in the Illinois State improv troupe - The Improv Mafia and am currently doing shows around Chicago with the troupe Jessica.

I didn't know about this till my buddy Cal told me about it. he knows so much. He's great.

[jrrtubbs]

I'm doing this possibly for the second time because I cannot remember if I ever did it the first time.

My name is Ryan McGillen and I have now lived in Chicago for almost a whole month.

I'm on RECESS at the Playground and I've been having a super fun time of it.

I work at Rainforest Cafe. It's nutty.

I like video games, Magic The Gathering, and various other nerdy pursuits.

I like to cook, read, rock and occasionaly roll.

That is all.

[hectoman]

Hector

Been around, on and off, since 98.

Taking a break right now.

Love Kung Fu movies.

Single.

Life long resident of Chicago.

[ClassicFilms21]

Hello Everyone. It's Chris Edwards here. College Student at Columbia College Chicago. Affiliated with their improv team droppin' $cience and pH. Read this forum alot first post. Howdy!

Things about me:

Huge movie buff.
Love Video Games (name it I play it and will beat you at it)
3 year Tour Guide so if you need to know something about Chicago. I know it.
And Im fast as Lightening!

[Ryan]

Yo, my name is Ryan! Obviously!

I enjoy improvisation so much that I joined a group for it here in the middle of nowhere Ohio! We're called Scared Scriptless, and we're not affiliated with anyone in Alaska. In fact, we came up with the name quite separately, but thats beyond the point. We've been acting together for well over a year now and do mostly short form improv.

I love improv and, like most theater nerds, have hopes of going to Chicago and making due as an improvisational actor. I could care less about being famous, I just want to be.

I spose this should all be expected, or at least partially expected, information since I have joined these lovely forums! Perhaps you'd like some more personal information about me? Well, if you do, ready between the lines!

__________________________________________________ ___

Some things I love are riding my bike, drawing, playing games with friends, reading, drumming(soon enough...), and eating food much to spicy to digest.

Some Movies: Shaun of the Dead, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Dead Alive(Braindead), Day of the Dead, Gojira(Japanese version), Space Amoeba, The Terror of Mechagodzilla, Reservoir Dogs, ATHFCMFFT, Ratatouille.

Some Books: Discworld, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, A Confederacy of Dunces, The Blind Watchmaker, The Lord of the Rings, Cat's Cradle.

Some Bands: Queens of the Stone Age, The Eagles of Death Metal, Grand Buffet, MC Chris, Kyuss, Slipknot, Orange Goblin, End of Level Boss, Mastodon, The Dwarves, The Aquabats, Soundgarden.
__________________________________________________ ___

I currently work in an I.T. call center(the last of a dying breed here in the States) and will be moving into my first place soon. I plan to save money and move to the windy city and pursue my improv fantasies after I've established a bit of a resume for myself here in Podunk, Ohio.

Well, here's to many a harmonious postings!

-Ryan

[mceeinopenmic27]

My Name is Brian, from the burbs of Chicago. Just heard about this site, read a few posts and had to join. Im just getting started now with comedy no need to bs, Hopefully I could meet some good people here, find a few open mics, and of course get show info!

[toto71@verizon.net]

Tyler Via. I moved here with my friend Tim Yager to study improv at iO, The Annoyance and possibly Second City. We saw The Reckoning at the Dallas Comedy Festival and, after speaking with Eddie, Charlie and Shad we knew we had to relocate to Chicago. I'm a huge Wilco, Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Oasis, Manic Street Preachers fan to name a few. Currently a student at iO.

Cheers,
Tyler aka Toto

[Kanobi87]

I'm Katie O'Brien and have recently moved to Chicago this past August from Minneapolis. I'm originally from Omaha, but am loving Chicago. I've studied at Comedy Sportz Minneapolis and am studying with SC and Improv Olympic now!

[Oyler]

I'm Lindsay. I'm from a small town in Kansas, which is hilarious, I know. I got my higher education in Texas, which I know is also hilarious because the words "higher education" and "Texas" are two things that most people who live north of the Mason/Dixon don't associate with one another.

But, alas, it's true. After doing improv for nearly seven years in and around Dallas, TX, here I am....finally getting back to nature...in Chicago, IL.

I study at the Conservatory at Second City. I'm very new to the city, so if you want to be friends or hang out, the answer is "yes". Assholes welcome.

Lindsay

[Oyler]

Tyler Via. I moved here with my friend Tim Yager to study improv at iO, The Annoyance and possibly Second City. We saw The Reckoning at the Dallas Comedy Festival and, after speaking with Eddie, Charlie and Shad we knew we had to relocate to Chicago. I'm a huge Wilco, Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Oasis, Manic Street Preachers fan to name a few. Currently a student at iO.

Cheers,
Tyler aka Toto


I TOO saw The Reckoning at Dallas Comedy Festival. The same Dallas Comedy Festival where I met my now fiancee...who was with Pavlovs Dogs...ring a bell?

[bek_mar]

I'm new to improv; I took a weekend workshop at Second City in May '07. I finish a masters degree in oboe performance in Cincinnati (CCM) this December, travel to Europe for a month, then I'm moving to Chicago to pursue improv, theater, and hopefully writing full time. Along with whatever job actually pays the bills... I've read lots of books about improv, but aside from the workshop and a visit or two to a semi-local group I haven't done much improv. I'll be in the beginning classes at iO and Second City, which might be confusing, but I think from reading at least I have a good idea what the differences are. Or I'll just be confused.

Anybody know any Boom Chicago people? I'm going to be in Amsterdam on my own for Christmas, I'm hoping they're doing something together that I might be able to join in on. :)

[keister]

My name is Keith. I actually live in Kansas City but am a huge fan of Chicago improv. I may move up someday...who knows. Right now I play for about every improv team in Kansas City that will have me. I have been improvising for almost 8 years now, but am just really getting into the art of long form and Chicago style improv. Can't wait to learn some more from this forum.

[Vix]

Hi I'm Vicky, my best friend and I are moving to Chicago on the 11th from Texas. We've been way into improv since high school, yes we were drama club geeks... so sad. However, we don't let that sad little fact ruin our spirit. We're looking forward to joining the chicago improv scene

[JohnnyMcNugget]

Hi, I'm Regan. I've lived here about 2 and a half years, been doing and teaching improv for 6 or 7 years both in Florida and Chicago. I worked a lot in theatre while I was learning improv, and I really am looking to bridge the gap in my personal work between a lot of the elements of theatre and improv.

[millerjake30]

Hello everyone, I'm graduating with a BFA in Theatre in May, and have no idea what the world is going to be like after that. I'm definitely that improv is a part of it somehow. I've been doing improv on a team at my undergraduate going on 2 years now, and I'm looking forward to a workshop with Charna and the folks at iO that I got the school to pay for in February. Glad to have found this place.

[Keast]

Devin Keast. Greater Flint area. Moved to the City of Big Shoulders at 18, in 2001. Studied at SC, CSz, and i.O. Representing harold team, Swoon, and portraying Mr. Measures in The Lil' Talent Show at the Annoyance. Also, you can often catch me in the i.O. box office- stop in and say hello any time!

[Nick]

Devin Keast. Greater Flint area. Moved to the City of Big Shoulders at 18, in 2001. Studied at SC, CSz, and i.O. Representing harold team, Swoon, and portraying Mr. Measures in The Lil' Talent Show at the Annoyance. Also, you can often catch me in the i.O. box office- stop in and say hello any time!

Devin loves good pie.

[Leslieface]

Devin? Like Devin devin? Like I see him at the box office Devin? Like that one guy who I say hi to and sometimes talk to Devin?


neat.

[frankandbeans]

Hi. My name is Fawad Siddiqui. Most of the time, I don't know what I am apart from lonely.

I guess improv has been like therapy for me for the past couple of years. I'm in the Laughing Gas Improv company back in Miami, Florida, where I'm from. I've been in it for a year and I'm holding my own in the improv backwater that is Miami. I started attending the director's class after seeing a show at a little community theatre near my house. I saw the show because I saw the face of an old friend from high school on the flier on the window.

At the time I was teaching middle school english and art at a Muslim school in Fort Lauderdale. Before that I wasn't doing much for a few months apart from writing for a Muslim newspaper. Before that was nothing but recovering from a break-up and a failure to capitalize on an awesome journalism fellowship with Northwestern in Chicago in 2004. Before that was being an assistant editor of a prominent Muslim community magazine and being a staffer for the biggest national Muslim community organization out of Plainfield, Indiana.

And before that, back in Miami, my father passed away.

After my year of doing not much but teaching a bit of elementary school english. After a months of not doing much after graduating with my bachelor's in journalism and english, apart from freelancing for the neighborhood section of the Miami Herald.

And before becoming an insomniac, wandering sketch artist, kareoke singing, satirical-muslim-cowboy-band-foudning, late-night radio-deejaying, comedy-bit-making-upping, copy editing, news editing college journalism student, I think life was generally pretty happy.

My name is Fawad Siddiqui. I'm 29. And I'm here to rock the fuck out.

[Brett Mannix]

Well I too am here to rock the fuck out. In fact, I'm doing that right now.

Hi! My name is Brett and I've lurked for a year, and now I finally registered. That's how long it takes me to do everything! Yay!

I'm in Chicago, thank god. Hi Leslieface! Yay!

[frankandbeans]

right ON to time-delayed rockin the fuck out!

[NoahParis]

I recently moved to Chicago from Minnesota, where I had been doing short-form improv. I'd like to join a new troupe but, I'm totally without contacts. If anyone knows of a troupe that's looking for another member let me know.

Failing that, if you're looking for a troupe, feel free to contact me. Maybe we can build one. Or we could just drink beer and talk about improv. I've done both and found that the second option produces fewer headaches.

[Cooperweb]

Hello forum folk. Asking a theater person to tell a "little" about themselves seems a bit risky if you're short on server space ..but ..

Keith Cooper, Chicago resident for .. umm ..ever.
Through the 80's and 90's was an original member of Chicago's The Illegitimate Players. Supported through our Corporate extension, The Comedy Option.
Four published plays (broadwayplays), 2 WICS, a Jeff and one ACE, was a good run. The IllGits came out of the first Second City training center and went through Improv revues to full length plays and a Group W Cable Television series. (The Illegitimate Players On TV)
Taught a few semesters of Comedy Writing at Columbia as well.

Worked at Second City between 83-88 and witnessed the birth of most of the great Improv institutions that Chicago has bred.

Among my teachers I dearly remember Roberta McGuire, Del Close, Don DePollo, Jeff Michalski, Martin DeMatt.

Glad to be here.

[frankandbeans]

awesome. hi.

[SimpleSimon]

Hi ya'll,
My name is Dave Simon. I'm from NJ but I moved here 5 years ago from New Orleans. I've studied and played at IO off and on over those 5 years. I love me some improv.

[maureen]

I've been reading this board for a while and never posted anything, so I figured I should come out of the woodwork! I'm Maureen Winston, I'm currently part of the independent group Armchair Showcase. I'm going through the iO Training Center (starting Level 2 of both the writing and improv programs this week!) and have been through A-E at Second City. I'm from Cleveland originally, Texas before that, and St. Louis for college. I work in advertising and I love Broadway shows and the Law and Order franchise. Happy to be here!

[frankandbeans]

i came. i saw. i rocked the fuck out.

goodbye, chicago.

we did some good stuff, together, and we made something new, too. you're beautiful. thank you.


i'll be back.


--fawad

[MrAjaxConover]

Hey improversisers! (sp?)

This is AJ Conover, a newer student at Second City and Annoyance. I'm originally from Milwaukee but I've been in Chicago for a few months now and finally decided to get on these here message boards after hearing quite a bit about them. Who knew these things existed! Anyways, it's great to be here, and I hope to become an interesting addition to the improv community. Woooo!

[Coyote]

My name is David. I was a member of Obviously Unrehearsed Improv for three or so years. I moved back to Il just last year and am currently attending SC. Looking forward to a bright future in Chi-Town.

[polar]

Unlike Ryan from page 10 of this thread, I do have ties to Alaska. (And maintain semi-regular communication with Jason from Scared Scriptless, but that's another story.)

I'm Eric, producer/director of an on-again, off-again improv troupe named Morally Improv-erished, president of a 50-year old community theater group, and member of a newly-formed sketch comedy group with realistic aspirations to be broadcast statewide by the end of the year. And, yes, I live in Alaska.

I hopped on this forum a fair bit a few years back (before the redesign) and am leaving for Chicago this Friday to take a relaxing week-long break. I needed to drop a quick note to Sammy about a thing or two, so this seemed like as good of time as any to reintroduce myself.

If you know me and you want to grab a beer while I'm in town, drop me a PM. I've got a pretty relaxed schedule...

[Essie]

Hey all,
My name's Stephanie and I'm just kind of throwing myself into this improv scene and seeing what happens. I take classes at Second City and Annoyance. I like to eat fruit.

[SKSmith]

Hi,
My name is Sean. I'm in the Conservatory at Second City and am taking improv/writing classes at IO as well. I still deny too much but am working on it.

[Micdiddy]

I'm Micah and I did short-form stuff in high school. Then my sister moved to Chicago and got involved with IO and I went to visit her and saw a show practically every night. I loved it, and luckily I found out that there was a long-form improv group at my college (UC Davis). This is super rare, most college troupes are short-form. Anyway, I joined the group and have been in it for two years. This summer I'm doing the Summer Intensive and in a year I plan to move to Chicago and get more involved with IO.

[jansen]

hi people.

i'm nathan jansen. i'm from kansas, but never talk to me about it. i've been in chicago for 5 years. doing improv for almost 6. i've been out on the road for a bit and am excited to be back in chicago on a permanent basis. let's make some magic together.

[criticismcorner]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking these boards for the last year as I've advanced my improvisational studies with a group of, let's say, 15 great students.

I really appreciate the stuff I've read and you've posted, and I've already learned a lot from reading about your experiences.


EDIT:

One question: Is there a time limit on when posts can be edited with this forum? I know VB allows the admin to limit edits to 5 min. after posting or whatever the admin sees fit. There are some things I'd like to post that I might want to edit weeks out, since I'd eventually like to bring my fellow players on board.

[JeffreyP]

Hello everyone. It's nice to meet all of you.

I'm Jeffrey Piatkowski. I live in a small town called Lake in the Hills in McHenry county. I am currently taking classes at Second City in Chicago(just about to start improv-level B) and have become addicted to improv of all sorts. I like cats, green tea, and cheap cigarettes.

[NathanC]

Hi. My name is Nathan Cotter. I moved here from Virginia in 2006 and am currently taking classes at Annoyance. I play guitar from time to time. Fun. We should have some.

[frankandbeans]

I'm back. I'm Fawad Siddiqui. The little man on my shoulder is called Master. Together we rule the thunderdome. But OCP has programmed a 4th directive in me that doesn't allow me to be successful with super hot girls. Damn that Dick Jones. I went back to Miami and now I'm back in Chicago. I do the drawings and I make the friends. And I'm gonna be on TV. Weee. Let's kick some summer time ass, people!

[Jeff Quintana]

My name is Jeff Quintana. I have been improvising for 5 years with different troupes around Florida including Impromedy, Theatre Strike Force, One Mind Theater Group and some work with the Gainesville and Miami Improv Festivals.

I love performing long form and want to learn as much as I can in hopes to be part of an improv and sketch comedy theater eventually to teach and perform full time. I want to bring Chicago style improvisation to Florida. The Dream!

[Aardvark_Waffle]

Hello Everyone, My name is Sean I live on the southside of Chicago born and raised. Ive been doing improv for the last seven years I started in high school with a workshop from second city. I was in the group the Laughing Aardvarks all though highschool. After High school my friends and I started The Waffle Hut Improv group which lasted two summers until we went our separate ways due to college and other obligations. Im trained in long and short forms and have written and proformed in sketch comedy reviews.

[Coleman]

Hello everyone my name is Coleman (yes like the cooler). I started improv at Second City just this month because I realized the direction I was going was the wrong one.

Originally I wanted to be a computer science major but then realized I suck at math, and now I'm moving towards the direction of stand up comedy, improv, acting, and film (directing, writing, acting). I've been having a blast so far and it's opened up my eyes, I love Chicago.

I live in a small town called Lindenwood two hours west of Chicago, it's hard to do improv and comedy in a corn field so I decided make the trek out there for that, and it's been definitely worth it.

I'm also doing this because since 8th grade I've had an odd fear of the stage, and I'm tired of that fear.

Go get em.

[AlP]

I'm Al.

I take classes at iO. Level 3 starting Saturday. I've done Second City TC (writing and improv) I've done the iO writing program.I am one-third of Bike Cheese.



You should all want to be my friend. I make a good one. Yes, I essentially look like my avatar... just not as blue... or boxy.

[Jared]

My name is Jared. I just moved to the city a few weeks ago. I plan on studying at iO next session and the Annoyance as well. I perform with Feverberry Mountain.

[Derek]

My name is Derek Shoemaker. I moved here from West Lafayette, IN about a year ago. I'm taking classes at iO; I am currently at level 2. If you go to the iO any night of the week, you are almost guaranteed to see me there. I'll probably be sitting at the bar in the Cabaret Theatre. Come say hi. I need to make some friends...

[rickmarley]

my name is rick marley. i have been doing improv since 3rd grade. i'm pretty good at it too. i'm originally from branson, missouri. i have been called both a prodigy and a visionary by the taney county arts council in the branson daily news. and i'm only 25 years old! i currently live in rockford illinois behind the clock tower strip mall. a few highlights from my improv resume: i invented petprov- you've probably heard about it from channel 5 newsmakers, but in case you haven't heres an explanation--i built a stage in my grandmoms' garage and i open the garage door and i've got chairs out for all the neighbors out on her driveway. i take all the pets( no cats please i'm allergic!) in my apartment complex and bring them over and put them on the stage. these pets are so funny! they follow each other's movement across the stage and really build an interesting dominance hierarchy as they do large group scenes. i get them to edit with snausages. i have a petprov training center in rockford and it really helps pets get along with one another . if you know anyone who lives in rockford that would like to enroll pm me!

i also played tom wingfield in my highschools production of the glass menagerie . my goal in life is to make money in improv- i guess i already achieved it when i opened petprov usa and when i taught a class in improv to some upper management people at the wendy's world headquarters in dublin ohio. and no in case you were wondering- dave thomas was not one of my students. this was after he died.

i'm looking to start an improv team. pm me if you would like to audition. i think our first show might be at this other improv theater that is also a 99cents movie theater in rockford. i'll keep you posted. speaking of posting i love to read improv message boards and post on them too!

[robertt81]

Rusty Petersen

I'm moving to Chicago on October 16th to jump into the big pool of improv. I asked around where to go if I wanted my life to be about improv, and definitively, the answer was Chicago. All of our best improvisors here in Las Vegas have spent tons of time in Chicago at places like IO, SC, Annoyance and CS.
I grew up in the Midwest, and have been in Las Vegas for the last 11 years. For those that don't know, Las Vegas is like a gigantic vacuum. A time vacuum, a money vacuum, and dare I say it, a soul vacuum. Once you land here, it is very difficult to get enough propulsion to get out of the sparkly atmosphere.
What do you guys do for work out there anyway? I've always had great entertainment jobs while in Las Vegas, from working at Star Trek: The Experience, to working at the Cirque Du Soleil show KA. I'm kind of scared of getting a job in Chicago, because it doesn't seem like there are a lot of entertainment jobs for people just starting out there. However, I'm willing to work just about any job to get started there.
Anyway, just hoping to get some feedback on how to make my living while taking classes, and going to improv shows every night. I'm a graduate of the Second City Program here in Las Vegas, and I have a Theater degree from SDSU.
So, any advice or job possibilities you may have for me would be very appreciated.
Additionally, if you're going to be in Las Vegas before mid-October and would like to see KA, message me, and I may be able to scare you up a couple of tickets. Thanks in advance.
-Rusty Petersen

[shawnbowers]

Hi all. My name's Shawn Bowers and I just moved to the city about two weeks ago...all the way from sunny nearby Kansas City. I've been studying and performing improv for about 5 years now and am looking forward to start my SC training in the October term.

I've basically come to the city completely blind (not "I can't see anything" blind, but "I don't know anyone" blind), so if anyone is looking to play or start up something new, consider this my offical declaration of interest. Thus far, I'm going to be doing a show at the Skybox on Sunday nights next month called American Backwash, but...hopefully I'll be getting around a bunch in the coming months, so I hope to meet many of you soon!

[Brybeck01]

Hello all!

I'm Bryan Beckwith. I moved here last July with my roommmate JJ.
I graduated from Ohio Northern spring of 07' and knew I wanted to move here ever since growing up in South Bend, IN.
I came to see a Main Stage show at Second City and was hooked.
I studied at Second City's Conservatory for a while, but had to take a leave to go do a show.
I am currently in Level 5 at iO
I play with Counter-Productive Lover at CIC
I occasionally play with Breadline, an independant team, at CIC/Playground/iO's Rebellion
I I I ... me me me... blah blah blah

I get the moneyz from doing print/commercial, acting in "legit theatre" (what a pompous term), acting in a one man show about Adolf Hitler, working freelance at TP&R Casting, and occasionally building sets (let me know if you need a hand) was bartending at The Goodman but got fired because I forgot to tell them I was leaving for a month and half to do a show... woops

Miss you
Kiss you
-Bryan

[Former Hoosier]

I realize I've posted on the CIN boards a few times, but just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Carol, an escapee from (or native of, depending on your point of view) the state of Indiana currently residing in the awesome city of Chicago. I've taken the beginning improv program at Second City, gone through iO once, and am currently studying at Annoyance while retaking classes at iO.

[samples]

I'm Tyler Samples, a recent relocatee to Chicago from Minneapolis. Following dreams, so on and so forth. I plan on being around for a while, so I plan on working my way though all the training centers, having already started at the conservatory and the incubator team. Hopefully I'll meet you in person at some point.

[rajaxy]

Hi I'm Thiyag ....I am currently in Level 1 at IO, I completed the beginning program at second city recently. I started to improvising to get rid cultural and social inhibitions ..the journey continues.

[rrpnumber1]

Hi everyone! My name is Richard Regan Paul and I live and work in Orlando, FL. I am glad I joined this forum.

[jibs36]

My name is Joanna and I just moved to Chicagoooo. I perform and teach and chill with the Johnstonian narrative and have a two man traveling medicine/freak/clown show. Interested in meeting some of the improv folk in the area. Excited to see whatsa happening in these parts. Hit me up. :p and i like this little buggy eyed smiley face so I'm adding this one too. :eek:

[Rob gee]

I just moved to Chicago from Philadelphia, just saying hello hoping to meet some of your people very soon.

Looking forward to it, see you on the field

[marinetti]

Hey everyone, I moved to Chicago to study theater in general and improv specifically. I'm currently in the Second City writing program, soon to be in their improv and acting programs as well, and have a writing team whose goal is to have a show up in the city within 6 months. I found the forum a week ago and I like it!

[HannahBalectar]

Hi there,

I moved to Chicago permanently in May after graduating from ISU in Acting. I took Improvising New Voices at Second City over the summer and am now in IFA-1.

I'm originally from Texas and have a dog named Maggie.

I live on the NW side, for all you Albany Park scrubbies.

-Hannah

[PeterAthans]

Hey Dan Telfer... it looks like you and I are performing back to back at the LA Comedy Festival. I'm a member of Trying Too Hard. So, I guess, we'll meet in LA. Check out our website if you feel like it: www.trying2hard.com