Louisville Improvisors present
"The Buddy Gilm Show" w/special guests Johnny Berry, Buddy "Bing" Gilm Jr., and Your News Vehicles!
 Friday, December 2
8:30 PM / 8:00 doors
$10 @ the door / All ages
Comedy w/ live music and more
THE BUDDY GILM SHOW is the Louisville Improvisors spoof of old time radio, music and comedy variety shows of the past and an exercise in nostalgia. Louisville Improvisors are Chris Anger, Alec Volz and Todd Hildreth, who have a way of twisting even the simplest comedic concepts into something truly absurd. "We've done concept shows before, but with The Buddy Gilm show we wanted to combine fiction and reality." says Alec. "It's a fake radio show with real people," quips Chris, portrayer of Buddy himself. All and sundry are cordially invited to join Buddy Gilm and Jerry Jenkins, his long suffering announcer of 18, almost 19 years, and the best damn bandleader in the free world, Battle Axe Adderall, as they bring their patented brand of old school comedy, live music and dancing to the radio!
"A hilarious satire" ~ Velocity Weekly
"Louisville Improvisors concept shows walk the tightrope of unscripted theatre...combining traditional stage work with the unpredictable element of improv. The result is an adrenaline pumping night where anything goes...and usually does."
LOUISVILLE IMPROVISORS ANNOUNCE 2 SHOWS!!
Louisville, Ky
 Louisville Improvisors will be doing two shows at The Bard's Town Theatre, on September 23-24, 2011. Both shows start at 7:30pm
Tickets are $10 at the door or online at http://www.thebardstown.com/ or by calling The Bard's Town (502) 749-5275
Friday night's show will feature the Louisville Improvisors, performing their patented brand of improvisational comedy and music that has been entertaining audiences for the last 12 years.
Friday night's show will also include a showcase performance by very special guests, The New Improvisors, the latest graduates of the Louisville Improvisors Training Center.
"The best way to learn how to improvise is to do it in front of people," said Chris Anger, of the Louisville Improvisors."Improv is a group experience, you don't have to do it alone." cautions Anger.
"Plus, it's a great opportunity for our students to show an audience what they've been working on for the last 5 weeks." said Alec Volz of the Louisville Improvisors.
Saturday night's show will be the Narcotic Farmers, who have been called the "Velvet Revolver of improv" (see previous press release), an amalgam of comedy improv talent spread between the cities of Louisville and Nashville. The Narcotic Farmers are Scott Field (Improv Nashville, Music City Improv), Jill Mothershed (Music City Improv), Alec Volz (Louisville Improvisors), Chris Anger (Louisville Improvisors) and legendary musical director Todd "Magic Fingers" Hildreth. This group of veteran improvisers will share their 103 combined years of improv experience to bring you a full evening of the finest L&N inspired improv the world has to offer.
Originally formed in the 1950's along the route of the L&N railroad, the Narcotic Farmers got back together last year after a chance meeting between Chris Anger and Scott Field at a railroad fundraiser /alumni reunion of families of people who were incarcerated at the Narcotic Farm, the infamous drug facility, in Lexington, Ky. "The Narcotic Farm was known primarily for the famous jazz musicians who had done time there (Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Jackie McLean among others), but the improv comedy that came out of that place has been given short shrift as far as I'm concerned." said group historian Scott Field.
Peter Lorre (a former resident) was one of the original founding members of the Narcotic Farmers, who found that improvisational comedy was a great way for him to keep up his acting "chops" while he was recovering from his drug addiction. A long chapter in William S. Burroughs Jr.'s book 'Kentucky Ham' dealt with the creation of the Farmers and their battle with the administration over their right to coed improvisation.
Louisville Improvisors originated ensemble Improvisation in Louisville 12 years ago and continue to explore the unique art form of Theatrical Improvisation. Their concept shows walk the tightrope of unscripted theatre... combining traditionalstage work with the unpredictable elements of improv. The result is an adrenaline pumping night where anything goes... and usually does.
Louisville Improvisors are: Chris Anger, Alec Volz and Todd "Magic Fingers" Hildreth.
Check out our Living Social ad
Teen improv summer camps that is running through 6/19 (this coming Sunday) Check it out and pass it on!
We will also be offering another 5 week series of adult improv classes again from 8/14 through 9/18
All Sundays, and from 2 - 4pm (We will skip Labor Day weekend)
These classes will take place at The Bards Town 1801 Bardstown Rd. @ Speed Ave
Total cost for workshops is $125.00
For more information about the camps or Chris Anger and to register go to:
http://thealleytheater.org/site/?p=1370
http://www.waldentheatre.org/teen_offerings.asp
Upcoming Shows
September 23 -24, 2011 Friday And Saturday (7:30pm)
The Bards Town Theater
1801 Bardstown Road @ Speed Ave
October 28, 2011 (7:30pm)
Special Halloween Show
With Squeezebot & Louisville Improvisors
More info to come!
Louisville Improvisors Summer Comedy Camps for Teens!
For immediate release -
Contact Chris Anger (502) 485-9064 or chris@louisvilleimprov.com
Louisville, Ky
Louisville Improvisors Artistic Director Chris Anger will be teaching two improv comedy camps for teens this summer.
"Parents of teens often come up to me and say, Chris I'm really worried about my teen, they're hanging out with the wrong crowd, experimenting with sports and other outdoor activities like hiking or they are just just riding their bikes aimlessly to the park or the pool and chilling with friends playing frisbee or God knows what. Or they're in their room spending the whole day online and not saying a word to anyone and God forbid we lose internet access for 10 minutes, you'd think the world was coming to an end, at that point they spend the rest of the day running around town looking for a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi. By the time they get home they're all jacked up on caffeine and sugar they don't want dinner and they still won't talk to us. All I want is for my child to be happy and to get into comedy, is that too much to ask?" The short answer is no, it is not too much to ask. Teach teens the skills that will last them a lifetime.
The first camp will be at Walden Theatre from June 13-25, 2011. The second camp will be for one week at the Art Sanctuary/Alley Theatre from June 27- July 1, 2011.
Students taking these classes will use basic improv games, exercises and scene work to learn how to write, create and perform an original comedy show.
In the camp students will learn how to think on their feet, be in the moment, listen to each other and build on their ideas. Each class will culminate in a free Second City or Saturday Night Live performance on the last day of class. The classes are for students ages 12-18 and will meet daily from 10am -1pm
For more information about the camps or Chris Anger and to register go to:
http://thealleytheater.org/site/?p=1370
http://www.waldentheatre.org/teen_offerings.asp
|
JUST ANNOUNCED
Louisville Improvisors and Necessary Theatre
Present
IMPROVAPALOOZA11
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE: Due to a scheduling conflict Michaela Watkins will not be able to appear at this years festival. She will be missed, but she will be very ably replaced by Colleen Smith, another Groundling alumnus.
Louisville Improvisors and The Necessary Theatre present Improvapalooza 11!, their 11th annual improv comedy festival. "As always we are committed to bringing together the best comedy and improv talent in the country, and this year will be no exception." says Alec Volz, of Louisville Improvisors. This years festival will include Stephanie Courtney, (also known as Flo from the Progressive Insurance commercials.) Stephanie is a mainstage member of The Groundlings, the legendary L.A. improv company that has launched the careers of such people as Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Paul Reubens, Will Forte, Maya Rudolph and many others. Stephanie' s t.v. credits include Mad Men, The Comeback, House, Men of a Certain Age and S#!t my folks don't know. She has also appeared in the movies, Blades of Glory, The Heartbreak Kid, The Brothers Solomon and For your Consideration.
Colleen Smith is a teacher at the Groundlings school. Her t.v. credits include "The Showbiz Show with David Spade", "The Office", The Singles Table", "Carpoolers", and "KIng of the Hill" She is the co-creator of an original series called "Danger Force Five".
She is also the co-creator of "DateGarden.com", a fictional dating website, and of "The Smith Brown Project", a two woman show that ran at The Comedy Central Stage and UCB. She was seen recently in an Off Broadway production of Henson Alternative's "Stuffed and Unstrung" An improvised puppet show for grownups, which Entertainment Weekly gave a Grade A rating.
Fresh from the success from their most recent production of "The Buddy Gilm Show" a tribute to old time radio and comedy variety shows of the past, the Louisville Improvisors bring you Improvapalooza 11! Two shows of pure improv. Bringing together the
talents of two of the best improvisers in the country, Stephanie Courtney and Colleen Smith and add that to the Improvisors, Chris Anger, Alec Volz and Todd Hildreth and you got two nights of great comedy created right before your eyes.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday 12/21/10 at 10 am at the Kentucky Center Box Office or by calling (502) 584-7777
January 7-8, 2011
Kentucky Center MeX Theatre
8pm
The Louisville Improvisors will be gracing the stage at Ear X-Tacy Records and bringing a very special "preview" edition of "THE BUDDY GILM SHOW" to the store on Monday, Nov. 29th at 7pm!
WHO: THE BUDDY GILM SHOW (presented by the Louisville Improvisors)
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 29th at 7pm!
WHERE: ear X-tacy Records!
Ear X-Tacy Records
2226 Barstown Rd.
Louisville, Ky
As always, this event is FREE and ALL-AGES! It is with your continued support that we are able to offer these exciting in-store events free of charge.
LOUISVILLE IMPROVISORS ANNOUNCE THEIR BIGGEST
SHOWS EVER
Louisville, KY
The Buddy Gilm Show is the Louisville Improvisors tribute to old time radio,
music and comedy variety shows of the past. "We've done concept shows before,
but this time we wanted combine fiction and reality." says Alec Volz (Louisville
Improvisors) "It's a fake radio show with real people." says Chris Anger (also
of Louisville Improvisors)
Bring together the legendary rock and roll
sounds of Bodeco, the hardcore honky tonk of Johnny Berry and his band, mix in
The Owl-Stretching Time Repertory Theater, featuring James Bickers (morning host
on WFPK) and his cast performing an original "Fibber McGee and Molly" show live
and add special guest Gill Holland (Green Building, Film Producer, Louisville
Magazines 2009 Man of the Year) who will be interviewed by Buddy Gilm himself
and throw in the Louisville Improvisors whose "concept shows walk the tightrope
of unscripted theater...combining traditional stage work with the unpredictable
element of improv and you've got an adrenaline pumping night where anything
goes... and usually does."
Friday December 3, 2010 8pm
Alley Theater
1205 E. Washington St.
$10 at the door
New classes start July
10, 2010.
Improv Classes -- Beginner and Experienced
| Class |
Description |
| Foundations of
Improv |
Foundations of Improv is a great workshop for someone who
has never taken improv, as well as someone who is looking to
learn a new improv style. This class focuses on the basics
of improv, how to give simple, clear information to get a
scene started, how to be changed by information given to
you, and mostly to get out of your head, leave your inner
critic at the door, and have fun on stage.
prerequisite: none
By the end of a 6 week session a student will know:
- Relaxation: Through warm-up (vocal & physical) they are given tools to relax
under pressure and be "present".
- Having fun while frying. Letting go of the "getting it right"
syndrome.
- Embracing Failure, Mistakes are truly Gifts.
- Basic Stage Presence: the student can be seen and heard, is not
constantly upstaging or turning back on audience.
- Learn to build a scene by learning how to CROW (establish Character,
Relationship and the Objective and Where of the scene) through a series of
exercises where they learn CROW through their bodies and not just
intellectually. They will be able to execute CROW or at least know when it isn't
there. They will have an understanding of Building Characters, Emotions,
Relationships, Objectives, Where's, Endowments, & Narrative.
- Saying Yes – able to move action and not block. Playing first offer
out all the way until it organically flips into something else. Getting in tune
with their own impulses and starting from that clear space – then learning to
accept others impulses.
- Ensemble/making your partner look good, sharing control. Clicking into
the Group Mind and getting out of your own way, serving your partner, making
your partner look good,
- Letting go of Control: not planning ahead.
|
| Classes run from 6/5 - 6/26
and 7/10-7/31 and are $100 for a 4 week series. |
FRI, JANUARY 8TH & SAT, JANUARY 9TH
8PM $20.00 AT THE KENTUCKY CENTER (THE MEX THEATRE)
FEATURING PERFORMANCES FROM LOUISVILLE IMPROVISORS & THE
TRANS4MERZ (LOS ANGELES)
FOR TICKETS AND INFO CALL (502)584-7777 OR VISIT
WWW.LOUISVILLEIMPROV.COM
Improvapalooza 10
Louisville Improvisors and The Necessary Theatre in
cooperation with The Springhill Suites By Marriott,
and Hurt Printing present
Improvapalooza 10
Two nights of improv in the round at the MeX Theatre
in the Kentucky Center, January 8th and 9th at 8pm.
$20 Tickets are now on sale at the KCA Box office
(584-7777) or online at KCA.
Featuring
The Tranz4merZ
One game. Thirty minutes. A buncha guys.
With only one beginning action, the TranzmerZ spin a
stream of consciousness world from gym cops to
patrons of a sperm bar using the simple
improvisational game of transformations. It's fast,
intense, and funny as hell as they feed off one
another and break all the rules.The Trans4merZ began
performing in the fall of 1991 in Santa Monica,
California The idea was to create a new form of
improvisation that didn't rely upon standard game
formats, or long form structures that had recently
become popular. Many different formats were
suggested before the idea of doing transformations
as a non-stop, half-hour performance structure was
finally settled upon. This has been the form for The
Trans4merZ show ever since. Along the way, notable
personalities such as Cynthia Stevenson
("Happiness," "Oh, Baby,") and Lisa Kudrow
("Friends," "The Opposite of Sex,") were regular
performers with the group. Guest performers have
included Jon Lovitz and Conan O' Brian.
Please go to
www.Trans4merZ.com for more info and videos of
recent performances.
Bios of the performers scheduled
to appear:
Chris Ellis After
graduating Manchester University with a degree in
drama, spent time in London playing Shakespearian
idiots and fools, as well as some contemporary
morons. Also, in London, he appeared on BBC TV's
"The Young One's" and spent two years as the
Associate Director of Inter-Action Theatre
Productions. After moving to Los Angeles he became a
film editor, editing nine movies, including films
for CBS, Disney and Paramount, as well as writing,
directing and editing award winning videos and film
installations for The Ford Motor Company, NASA'a
Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers. He has written
and directed a film for Universal Studios theme
parks starring Steven Spielberg, as well as a series
of original short-form comedy films for Oxygen Media
and Saturday Night Live. He most recently wrote and
directed the film that can be seen at the U.S.
Pavillion at the World Expo in Japan.
Harry Hannigan began
his showbiz career talking a small dog off some
insulation in a popular commercial, propelling him
overnight into receptionist work. His television
appearances include "The Tonight Show", "According
to Jim" and he recently played the role of
Neanderthal Chieftan "Clive" in the low budget film
"The Hunters." He now writes for "The Troop" on
Nickelodeon and only answers his own phone. He is
proud to be the most physically appealing (male) of
The Trans4merZ, but realizes the bar is set very
low.
Jay Kogen Raised in
Los Angeles, Jay first performed on "The Dean Martin
Show" in 1968 at the age of 5. He continued acting
with small parts on "The Bob Newhart Show,"
"Newhart," "The Bronx Zoo," "It's Garry Shandling's
Show," was future man in "Great Scott" and was
recently on Zrock. At 16 did standup and studied
improvisation at The Groundlings. Jay started
writing for television on "The Tracey Ullman Show,"
then wrote and produced the first four seasons of
"The Simpsons" winning two Emmy Awards..He
co-executive produced "Frasier," for which he won
two more Emmys, including Best Writing For A Comedy
Series and a humanitas award! Jay has written for
many shows including "Malcolm In The Middle",
"Everybody Loves Raymond"; "The George Lopez Show";
"Wanda At Large"; "The Class" and he's currently
executive producer of "The Troop" for Nickelodeon.
In movies, Jay was shot in the head by Jason
Priestly in "Cold Blooded," tortured by Pauly Shore
in "Jury Duty", wrote and produced the "Wrong Guy"
staring Dave Foley (which won Best Writing at the
Aspen Comedy Festival) and appears as himself in
"The Aristocrats" He has written many movies that
never got made and helped out on a few that did
including: "The Nutty Professor"; "The Cat In The
Hat"; "The Spy Who Shagged Me"; "Madagascar"; "Goldmember";
"Bad Company"; "Shrek II"; "Shark Tales"; "Shrek
III"; "Super Hero!"; "Meet Dave"; and "The Love
Guru."
Tanya Scheer is
Lifetime's new Buzz Girl and can be seen daily at
MyLifetime.com. She has performed stand-up comedy at
Los Angeles's "Comedy Store", "Impov" and "Ice
House" and performs regularly at the "Groundling's"
theater in "The Crazy Uncle Joe Show, and was twice
awarded Female Performer of the Year at "ACME Comedy
Theater". She is the author of "How to Raise an
Amazing Child, Without Getting Upstaged." and
co-wrote "Rush" with Michelle Alexander, author of
"How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days". Tanya was a founding
member of "The Last Women on Earth", an all female
improv group with Kristen Wiig. She currently
appears on various webisodes such as Effenfunny's
"Legend of Neil", "Stop It", and "Carol and Diane".
She currently resides in Los Angeles with her
husband Eddie, and their 3 year-old daughter Ava
Rose.
Jonathan Stark has
been performing with this rag-tag band of misfits
for the past 18 years. Previous to that Jon was a
member of The Groundlings and was a regular in Bill
Steinkellner's, "InstaPlay." As an actor he has been
featured in the films "Project X", "Fright Night"
and the mega-bomb "House 2." Since he realized,
rather early on, that making a living from improv
was impossible, to support his family he turned to
the world of television writing. He has worked on
such series as "Cheers", "Bob", "The Nanny" and
"Ellen", for which he won an Emmy award for his work
on the coming out episode and co-created ABC's
long-running comedy "According to Jim". He has
written a movie about women pirates and one about
aliens and is now penning one about a monster under
the bed. As you can plainly see, Jonathan is all
over the map.
LOUISVILLE IMPROVISORS with
special guest "Jazz Guru" TODD HILDRETH
The Louisville Improvisors originated ensemble
Improvisation in Louisville ten years ago and
continue to explore the unique art form of
Theatrical Improvisation. Their concept shows walk
the tightrope of unscripted theatre…combining
traditional stage work with the unpredictable
element of improv. The result is an adrenaline
pumping night where anything goes…and usually does.
The Louisville Improvisors are: Chris Anger, Josh
Lane, and Alec Volz.
Improv Classes -- Beginner and Experienced
| Class |
Start |
Finish |
Description |
| Intro to Improv |
11/7 |
12/19 |
No prior experience necessary.
This class meets for 6 Saturday mornings 10 - 12pm starting on
Nov. 7 ending ending Dec. 19 (with the Thanksgiving weekend
off).
In this class you will be exposed to and participate a variety
of games and exercises that will teach you how to be in the
moment, listen, relax and trust your partner. The essentials of
improvisation. |
| Creating Improvised
Scenes |
11/4 |
12/9 |
Some prior improv experience or formal acting training
This class meets for 6 Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm starting on
Nov 4 and ending Dec. 9.
In this class you will expand on the essentials of improv
(as seen above) , and focus on character, stage skills ,
acting and performance oriented scenework. |
To register or for more information e-mail
chris@louisvilleimprov.com or call (502) 485-9064
The cost is $25 per class or $20 if you pay for all classes in
advance ($120 total)
All classes take place at the Louisville Improvisors training center
at
627 S. 4th St.
The 2nd Annual Irish Hill
Improv And History Festival
with the Louisville Improvisors and Special Guests - Improv Nashville
Special Presentations by Metro Council member Tom Owen and Author and Historian
Clyde F. Crews
Friday and Saturday August 21 & 22nd 8pm
$10.00 at the door.
Walden Theatre
1123 Payne St
In celebration of one Louisville's most
interesting (yet often overlooked) neighborhood's, the Louisville Improvisors
will present living historical improv shows based on two noted local historians'
talks on the history of Irish Hill. The opening night speaker will be Tom Owen,
"A Short History of Irish Hill" Saturday night's speaker will be Clyde F. Crews,
"Irish Hill, Yesterday and Today"
Louisville Improvisors, Louisville's
longest running improv company, established ensemble improvisation in Louisville
10 years ago. They have hosted the highly successful improv festival "Improvapalooza"
for 9 years bringing some of the country's top improvisors to Louisville
audiences.
www.louisvilleimprov.com
Louisville Improvisors have always been committed to exploring and expanding
the art form of improvisation by creating original concept and long form shows
like, "Heaven or Hell", "Behind the Improv", and "Burnin' Love". And that's why
they wanted to create a show based on the rich history and tradition of Irish
Hill.
"We just thought it was about time Irish Hill got the love and attention it
deserves," Alec Volz of the Louisville Improvisors said. "If Butchertown can be
hip, why can't Irish Hill," said Chris Anger, (also of the Louisville
Improvisors) "Irish Hill, it's not hip – it's real," added Louisville legend and
LI member Todd Hildreth.
Also on the bill is Nashville Improv,
Music City's first and only improv and sketch Comedy Theater. Just named "Best
Improv Troupe 2008" by The Nashville Scene. Founded in 2005, Improv Nashville
now boasts the area's best improvisers performing and sharing what they have
been doing for years. Their cast members have performed in hundreds of shows in
troupes all over the country, and they take a mature approach to improvisation,
focusing more on character and story than gags or gimmicks.
www.improvnashville.com
Added Festival Highlights:
The Irish Hill Neighborhood Association will be curating an Irish Hill History
exhibit in the lobby both nights.
The Highland Coffee Co. will be donating a special limited run Irish Hill blend
of their coffee.
Come and Meet Irish Hill's oldest living resident!
More to come!
Sponsors - Walden Theatre, Irish Hill
Neighborhood Association, Hurt Printing, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Highland
Coffee Co.
********************************
Louisville Improvisors will be performing at The Motherlodge Festival,
at the Rudyard Kipling on April 1st.
[More Information]
********************************
Louisville Improvisors and
The Necessary Theatre in
cooperation with The Springhill Suites By Marriott,
Hurt Printing,
and
21C
present:
Improvapalooza 9
Two nights of improv in the round at the MeX Theatre in the Kentucky Center,
January 9th and 10th at 8pm.
The $15 tickets go on sale 12/16 at the KCA Box office (584-7777) or online
at www.kentuckycenter.org
*** get special discounted Improvapalooza rates at SpringHill Suites Louisville
Downtown ***
Featuring
STEPHANIE COURTNEY (Flo
on the Progressive Commercials, Mad Men, and
member of L.A.'s The Groundlings, performing as a guest member
of the Louisville Improvisors on both the 9th and 10th.
Check her out on IMDB and YouTube.
LOUISVILLE IMPROVISORS with special guest "Jazz Guru"
TODD HILDRETH Louisville
Improvisors originated ensemble Improvisation in Louisville nearly ten years ago
and continue to explore the unique art form of Theatrical Improvisation. Their
concept shows walk the tightrope of unscripted theatre…combining traditional
stage work with the unpredictable element of improv. The result is an adrenaline
pumping night where anything goes…and usually does. The Louisville Improvisors
are: Chris Anger, Josh Lane, and Alec Volz
www.louisvilleimprov.com
INDYPROV makes their first appearance in the festival.
Formed in 2003, Indianapolis' first and only independent improv comedy troupe
has traveled all over the US performing for organizations and individuals.
Appearing in the Friday night show
www.indyprov.com
IMPROV NASHVILLE is Music City's first and
only improv and sketch Comedy Theater. Just named "Best
Improv Troupe 2008" by The Nashville Scene. Founded in 2005, Improv Nashville
now boasts the area's best improvisers performing and sharing what they have
been doing for years. IMPROV NASHVILLE creates an evening's entertainment unlike
any other in Nashville. Their cast members have performed in hundreds of shows
in troupes all over the country, and they take a mature approach to
improvisation, focusing more on character and story than gags or gimmicks.
Performing in Saturday night's show their signature
Homunculus, an improvised one-act play based on a single suggestion.www.improvnashville.com
NEW Come see Chris in the Necessary Theatre production of
Durang/ Durang
Directed by Alec.
THE IRISH HILL IMPROV FESTIVAL
INAUGURAL BALL
Louisville, KY - At the Fox's Den in City Block, the LOUISVILLE
IMPROVISORS, Louisville's premiere improv troupe and BACKSEAT
SANDBAR (www.backseatsandbar.com),
Louisville's premiere music blog, will host the IRISH HILL IMPROV
FESTIVAL INAUGURAL BALL featuring Louisville's ownTHE INSTRUCTION
and the legendary BODECO. The Irish Hill Improv Festival Inaugural
Ball celebrates the return of Los Angeles-based comedic institution
THE GROUNDLINGS to Louisville. Though it's not held in Irish Hill,
the event will feature the best of Irish Hill Culture. There will be
door prizes, a costume contest, where you can dress as your favorite
historical Irish Hill figure (past or present), and a dance contest
where you can show off your Billy Goat Strut, Nannie Goat Strut, or
Irish Hill Crawl, which was developed during the flood of 1937 (it's
like the Charleston, but underwater). Put your money where your
strut is!
The Instruction formed in 2005 and has been playing shows around
town performing with the likes of Your Black Star, as well as
national acts MC Chris and Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down.
Currently, the band's songs have been featured on WFPK and they are
in the process of completing their debut Failure By Design.
Louisville stalwarts Bodeco rose to prominence in the burgeoning
1990s independent music in scene in Louisville. Bodeco has earned
legendary status with their mix of rockabilly, hardcore, and
concrete blues. Though they only released two albums, Bodeco broke
into WFPK's top 100 albums of all time with Callin' All Dogs, which
was better than fugue in F sharp by Mozart. But, Bodeco's power has
always been in live performance. Behind the guttural yawlp of Ricky
Feather, Bodeco has earned praise from critics and audience's alike.
Trouser Press called them "[o]ne of the most underappreciated combos
in the early-to-mid-'90s indie roots-rock movement". The New York
Times raves: "[t]here's nothing quaint, cute or five-and-dime about
Bodeco's brand of rockabilly. Greasy as a truck-stop burger and
bumpier than a high-speed ride in the back of a pickup, this band of
Louisville wild men eschews retro contrivances in favor of gristle,
marrow and the occasional backwoods yowl."
For more information, please contact Chris Anger:
chris@louisvilleimprov.com
or visit www.louisvilleimprov.com
A flyer for the event is available upon request!
ABOUT THE IRISH HILL IMPROV FESTIVAL AND INAUGURAL BALL
The Irish Hill Improv Festival starring The Groundlings and
Louisville Improvisors will be performed at 8 pm at Walden Theatre,
1123 Payne Street.
Tickets are $20 per night and will be available at the door.
The Irish Hill Improv Festival Inaugural Ball will take place at the
Fox's Den in City Block. Doors open at 10 pm on Friday, September 5.
Tickets are $10.
$25 gets you access to both an improv show and the Inaugural Ball.
THE IRISH HILL IMPROV FESTIVAL
Louisville, KY -- On September 5th and 6th, 2008, the LOUISVILLE
IMPROVISORS, Louisville's premier improv troupe is pleased to
announce the return of THE GROUNDLINGS, Los Angeles's comedic
institution which gave rise to the careers of Phil Hartman, Paul
Reubens, and many others.
Returning from their sold out shows at the Kentucky Center in
January, the Louisville Improvisors and The Groundlings will be
performing two shows on Friday, September 5th and Saturday,
September 6th at 8 pm at Walden Theatre, 1123 Payne Street during
the first IRISH HILL IMPROV FESTIVAL. In addition to both
shows the Louisville Improvisors, in conjunction with Backseat
Sandbar (www.backseatsandbar.com),
Louisville's premier music blog, will host the Irish Hill Improv
Festival Inaugural Ball featuring some of Louisville's prominent
bands.
For more information, please contact Chris Anger:
chris@louisvilleimprov.com
or visit
www.louisvilleimprov.com
ABOUT THE IRISH HILL IMPROV FESTIVAL
The Irish Hill Improv Festival starring The Groundlings and
Louisville Improvisors will be performed at 8 pm at Walden Theatre,
1123 Payne Street.
Tickets are $20 per night and will be available at the door.
The Irish Hill Improv Festival Inaugural Ball will take place at the
Fox's Den in City Block.
Doors open at 10 pm on Friday, September 5. Tickets are $10.
$25 gets you access to both an improv show and the Inaugural Ball.
10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THE IRISH HILL
IMPROV FESTIVAL:
- It's the first one!
- There actually aren't enough improvisers in Irish Hill to make a
"festival" so we had to bring some in from "Los Angeles."
- It's annual?
- It takes place in Irish Hill. That's in Louisville, Kentucky. That's in
the United States. Which is a country on planet Earth. The Earth is in the
solar system. Well, the ball won't happen in Irish Hill, but the rest apply.
- When the wind blows right, you can smell Butchertown.
- The Irish Hill Neighborhood Association won a prolonged bidding war
against Deer Park to host the festival. The Upper Highlands dropped out
early.
- Improv is an artform. Invented by the original inhabitants of Irish
Hill: the Swedes.
- The Groundlings also performed at the First Annual Toluca Lake Improv
Festival.
- Andy Dick WILL NOT be attending.
- Irish Hill was once known as Billy Goat Hill. The name was changed after
a copyright infringement suit was filed by Billy Goat Strut alley downtown.
Billy Goat Hill henceforth became known as "Irish Hill"
THE GROUNDLINGS
Born out of countercultural 1960s comedy troupe the Committee, Los
Angeles's Groundlings have been practicing their high-octane brand
of anything-goes improvisation for three decades. Audiences know the
group for their wacky sketch comedy and lightning audience
participation rounds. Its alumni include a laundry list of "Saturday
Night Live"-ers (Phil Hartman, Julia Sweeney, Will Ferrell, Laraine
Newman), Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson and Emmy-winning "Friends" star
Lisa Kudrow.
www.groundlings.com
Current members scheduled to appear:
Kevin Berntson has been seen on TV in "ER", "Monk", and in recurring role
on "Reno 911!". He's not an insomniac, but he plays one on TV
commercials with a beaver and Abe Lincoln.
Jordan Black has been a series regular on such shows as "Punk'd",
"Halfway Home", MTV's "The Lyricist Lounge Show", the WB's "On the
Spot" and E!'s "Star Dates". His voice has been heard on "South
Park" and he's been seen and heard on "MadTV", "Free Ride",
"Significant Others", "Cedric The Entertainer Presents", "The Andy
Dick Show", and According to Jim, as well as the Christopher Guest
film For Your Consideration. Jordan's writing credits include
"Saturday Night Live", Fox's "Stacked", VH1 "ILL-ustrated", VH1 "Big
in 2002" Awards, and the WB's "Hype".
A California native, Candace Brown debuted in her Fourth
grade production of "Pandora's Box" where she was initially cast as
a goblin but was recast as "Hera" when her classmate suspiciously
fell ill on performance night. Candace has no comment. Candace has
appeared on Comedy Central's, "Sarah Silverman Program", NBC's
Windfall, and Universal's "The Cat In The Hat", starring Mike
Meyers. She can be seen on The Disney Channel's "Wizard's Of Waverly
Place", and will recur on season two Head Case on the Starz Network.
She is a Groundlings Sunday Company Alumni, and performs improv and
sketch at The Improv Olympic West with her 2007 Harold champion team
"Local 132". "The Smith Brown Project", a comedy show written by
Candace and her writing partner Colleen Smith has appeared at Improv
Olympic, UCB as well as numerous times at The Comedy Central
Workspace. In addition the two co-created
www.DateGarden.com,
a comedy dating website.
www.candacebrown.com
Stephanie Courtney is a main company member of The Groundlings who has
appeared on the small screen with roles in "Mad Men", "Tim and Eric
Awesome Show Great Job!" and on the big screen in "The Heartbreak
Kid" and "Blades of Glory."
Colleen Smith is a correspondent on "The Showbiz Show with David
Spade". Her other television credits include "The Office", "World
Cup Comedy", "The Singles Table", "Carpoolers", and "King of the
Hill".
http://www.myspace.com/colleen_smith
LOUISVILLE IMPROVISORS with special guest "Jazz Guru" TODD
HILDRETH
Since 1999, the Louisville Improvisors have delighted audiences in
The River City. Josh Lane and jazz guru Todd Hildreth join
co-founders Chris Anger and Alec Volz to craft hilarious, original
material every performance. They have been entertaining audiences
across the Midwest at The St. Louis Improv Festival, Chicago Improv
Festival, and other festivals and colleges in between. Locally, the
Louisville Improvisors have produced 8 Improvapalooza festivals and
delighted Louisvillans at the Clifton Arts Center, The Rudyard
Kipling, Kentucky Center for the Arts, and now defunct Twice Told
Coffee Shop. Co-founder Chris Anger ran for mayor in 2006. The bid
was unsuccessful, but he got more votes than Elvis, Jesus, and Phil
McCrevice. For more info, visit
www.louisvilleimprov.com
Louisville Improvisors present
Improvapalooza 8
2 Nights of Improv in the round at
the MeX Theatre in The Kentucky Center
January 11-12 8:00pm
Tickets: $25.00
Tickets available at the KCA Box office 584-7777 or
online at www.kca.org
Tickets go on sale November 29th at 10 AM.
Featuring:
The Groundlings
Born out of countercultural 1960s comedy troupe the
Committee, Los Angeles's Groundlings have been practicing their high-octane
brand of anything-goes improvisation for three decades. Audiences know the group
for their wacky sketch comedy and lightning audience participation rounds. Its
alumni include a laundry list of "Saturday Night Live"-ers (Phil Hartman, Julia
Sweeney, Will Ferrell, Laraine Newman), Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson and
Emmy-winning "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow.
www.groundlings.com
Current members scheduled to
appear:
Kevin Berntson has been seen on TV in ER, MONK, and
recurring role on RENO 911! He's not an insomniac, but he plays one on TV
commercials with a beaver and Abe Lincoln.
Colleen Smith
is a correspondent on "The Showbiz Show with David Spade". Her other television
credits include "The Office", "World Cup Comedy", "The Singles Table",
"Carpoolers", and "King of the Hill". http://www.myspace.com/colleen_smith
Drew Droege's TV credits include RENO 911!, HALFWAY HOME, CAMPUS
LADIES, and THE 70's HOUSE.
Drew's also the voice of Feathers on the popular
online cartoon PLANET UNICORN and has done videos for Funny Or Die, Channel 101,
and Super Deluxe. He's on myspace but not facebook -don't even think about
getting him hooked into that racket.
Jordan Black has
been a series regular on such shows as Punk'd, Halfway Home, MTV's The Lyricist
Lounge Show, the WB's On the Spot and E!'s Star Dates. His voice has been heard
on South Park and he's been seen and heard on MadTV, Free Ride, Significant
Others, Cedric The Entertainer Presents, The Andy Dick Show, and According to
Jim, as well as the Christopher Guest film For Your Consideration. Jordan's
writing credits include Saturday Night Live, Fox's Stacked, VH1 ILL-ustrated,
VH1 Big in 2002 Awards, and the WB's Hype.
A California native, Candace Brown debuted in
her Fourth grade production of "Pandora's Box" where she was initially cast as a
goblin but was recast as "Hera" when her classmate suspiciously fell ill on
performance night. Candace has no comment.
Candace has appeared on Comedy Central's, "Sarah Silverman
Program", NBC's Windfall, and Universal's "The Cat In The Hat", starring Mike
Meyers. She can be seen on The Disney Channel's "Wizard's Of Waverly Place", and
will recur on season two Head Case on the Starz Network.
She is a Groundlings Sunday Company Alumni, and performs improv
and sketch at The Improv Olympic West with her 2007 Harold champion team "Local
132." "The Smith Brown Project", a comedy show written by Candace and her
writing partner Colleen Smith has appeared at Improv Olympic, UCB as well as
numerous times at The Comedy Central Workspace. In addition the two co-created
www.DateGarden.com, a comedy dating website.
www.candacebrown.com
And
LOUISVILLE IMPROVISORS with special guest "Jazz Guru" TODD HILDRETH
The Louisville Improvisors
originated ensemble Improvisation in Louisville nearly ten years ago and
continue to explore the unique art form of Theatrical Improvisation.
Their concept shows walk the tightrope of unscripted theatre...combining
traditional stage work with the unpredictable element of improv. The result is
an adrenaline pumping night where anything goes...and usually does.
The
Louisville Improvisors are: Chris Anger, Josh Lane, and Alec Volz
www.louisvilleimprov.com
"Seat-of-pants flying is what these guys do best" Cindy Lamb in LEO Weekly
"The Most substantial Group in Town" -Louisville Magazine
"Best
Performing Arts Group" -The Readers of the LEO Weekly
Louisville
Improvisors, Comedy Caravan, and Wild And Woolly Present the return of
INSTANT CINEMA!
Photo included.
(Photo credit – Angela Shoemaker)
Louisville
Improvisors, Comedy Caravan, and Wild And Woolly, present INSTANT CINEMA
with Todd Hildreth, Chris Anger, Josh Lane, and Alec Volz.
Augst 15th and 29th
10:00pm
The Comedy Caravan
Mid City Mall
Admission: $5
Tickets and info available by calling (502) 459-0022
www.louisvilleimprov.com
www.comedycaravan.com
"The same old movie
with a brand new soundtrack"
Noted piano man-about-town Todd Hildreth
(Java Men, King Kong) joins forces with Louisville Improvisors – Chris Anger,
Josh Lane, and Alec Volz – to present the return of INSTANT CINEMA.
These strong artists are going to take a B movie and redub it, adding their
own dialogue and music. All completely improvised.
This 30-minute live movie
event will be followed by a set of improvised scenes based on audience
suggestions accompanied by Todd Hildreth on the piano and organ.
"Nightlife: ‘Instant Cinema': The movies are B but the talent is A+"
- Cindy Lamb Leo Magazine 4/10/06
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Louisville Improvisors, host's and executive producers of Improvapalooza the longest running improv comedy festival in the Southeast are proud to announce the final lineup for Improvapalooza 12.
