Props It Forward

[haystackimprov]

Thanks John!

Since I can't pick you, I'm going to prop it forward to my long lost buddy Nathan Hall. This guy kills me every time I see him play or get to play with him. I haven't seen him around in a little while and we used to be on teams together a bunch, but he is still one of my favorite people doing improv. Hopefully this brings us back together because I would love to laugh at his bits all over again.

[Joe Dadface]

Walt, you are a sweetheart. Thank you.

I am honored to props it forward to Jared Larson. I had the privilege of playing along side this man for too short a time and I can tell you that he is a wonderful performer who makes incredibly bold, smart and hilarious choices every single time he is on stage. He will push scenes and support his fellow players and can handle being pimped better than anyone I've ever seen. Also, he is as excellent a teammate as you could ever ask for.

Do yourself a favor and see this fellow play.

I love and miss you all.

[HannahTall]

Thanks for the props, John! I have to agree with the other John and say that you have such unique and wonderful character choices. Let's get together soon.

Anyways, I would like to prop it forward to Alex Honnet. I've seen him perform a lot over the last couple of months, and his commitment is amazing. He's so fun to watch and always looks like he's having fun up on stage. I've seen him play such a wide variety of characters. He's really knowledgable about improv, loves doing it, and it shows. Really enjoy being on a team with you and watching you, Honbone (sorry).

[CTP45]

Thanks Nathan! I love playing with you every week and it's been really fun to watch you on the other side of the equation at OGM every month.

You have this amazing ability to make a seemingly small move in a scene, but one that actually builds and shifts the scene in a really unique way. You always get huge audience responses for the most subtle things. It's so much fun to watch you destroy by just lightly shoving someone. You are a one of a kind player my friend!

I'd like to props it forward to Ryan O'Neill. A SUPREMELY patient player. Ryan's commitment to character at all times even when not taking focus is something I really admire. He's not afraid to play gravity or show real emotion and I'm jealous of that fuckers acting ability. Props Ryan!

[Euseppi]

Thanks Knox! You're the man!
I would like to props it forward to Michael Carothers of Meow Meow Ruff. Michael trusts his gut so much and has such a strong sense of what he finds funny, that his personality can't help but come out in all of the characters he plays. He also has that overhead view of a piece that gives him the ability to make connections that are always fun and surprising.

[CarothersBrothers]

Thanks Mr Euseppi, You are way to kind!!! Thank you so much.
I would like to Props It Forward to J Grant Collins of iO's Uncle Magic. Grant besides being one of the nicest guys I know is an exceptional player. He can find ways to thread anyones words, actions or moves into the whole piece. He will only back you up, support you if no one else will and above all else will make you look great. Grant has always played so well that people expect it and forget to acknowledge the genuine fun loving player he is. Grant props to you my friend!!! Keep it up. -Carothers

[rjoneill]

Thanks a bunch, Alex. You’re great fun to watch, and I also like how much you truly care about improv – it shows both onstage and how you are helping provide a great spot for teams to play with the Upstairs Gallery.

I would like to pass this props stylishly behind my back and into the hands of Scott Nelson. Here is a man who embodies his characters. It seems like he knows who they are instantly and plays them powerfully. He has a great range and is a constant pleasure to watch. I think Sand is one of the best teams around for unique characters and relationships.

Scott, you have been props’d.

[Chip]

Just chiming in that I love that this thread is still going. Also, I love that I'm getting to hear about some people that I otherwise wouldn't know. Keep it coming!

-Chip

[JGrant]

Thanks so much Michael! Always a blast playing with you and watching you kill it at iO and CIC. I'm going to props it forward to Derek Van Barham. Derek is just an amazing player. He is so fun to watch and his character work blows my mind. I know that whenever I get to play with him that he's going to challenge me in the best way possible and fun will be had for sure. Derek is so balanced and strong that he can play any way you throw at him. Do yourself a favor and catch Derek playing with Thora Birch some night.

[derekvanbarham]

Mr. Collins, always a pleasure! Thank you for the props. A quick props back, never have I felt more safe in a silent scene than with Grant Collins. He is always patient and caring onstage, and very generous to those around him (onstage and off). Also, he is one of my favorite people to talk to about the art of improv.

FORWARDS PROPS GO! I have to double props.

First, I have to give props to Sarah Ashley. She is such a joy to play with and to watch onstage. I think what I love most is how she adapts her style to the given group and form. Whether its the Harold with Fiction for the Poor or her two-woman show The Era, she has such a great awareness of the piece as a whole, and contributes accordingly. And her willingness to blindly follow into a scene or game is so comforting. Sarah Ashley has your back, your front, your sides...

Second, Mr. Seth Dodson. As a gay improviser, 1-2-3 Fag has always been a wonderful source of inspiration. Also, one of my favorite shows in Chicago is watching Bella play in The Sandbox on Monday nights at The Playground. Seth has an amazing range of characters, which he fully embodies, especially with his voice. He helped me realize that I didn't need to overcompensate physically or vocally to "play straight." Or to "play gay," for that matter. It's enough to just play.