Maybe I’m ready to start writing again. I had a pretty brutal couple of weeks there, but things are slowly beginning to become funny again.
As most of you might know by now, my itty bitty Peanut recently passed away. However, she did used to shed a lot, so I have since collected and created a fur-doll with her remnants. It’s almost as though she hasn’t gone at all!
New necklace. Why yes, that is regurgitated cat fur!
I’m also somewhat looking for jobs as it has become necessary since I’m on the verge of losing my current one. I can’t say I’m happy with my employer’s decision, so to make it right I will be spending my remaining time there repeating work I’d already completed to render my redundancy notice accurate.
CBC to cut 657 jobs, will no longer compete for professional sports rights – Canada – CBC News http://t.co/Ps7NBv1uQr
My bridesmaid’s dress has arrived from China. When I told everyone at work it was too big, they all congratulated me for having lost weight. I didn’t tell them I ordered the dress 2 sizes too big.
Just take a couple inches off…
My new sketchprov troupe (that’s what you call it when your troupe performs both sketch and improv comedy) “Red Herring” are excited to announce we’ve applied to our first comedy festival; the Detroit Improv Festival. Fins crossed. I hope we get in. I really need the motivation to get my damn passport renewed. For some reason, the call of chicken wings from Buffalo just isn’t strong enough for me these days. We also have a few cool shows coming up in May and June. It’s always so great working on a promising new project that can actually go places, like Detroit!
It’s Spring. The Earth is waking up and so am I. <—- who says that shit?
Well blog, I’m sorry. It’s been a while. I know you’ve been sitting here, waiting for me to feed you, but I’ve been busy. I know that’s not a good excuse, but I’m here now aren’t I? So let’s get to it.
Huge news. I’ve recently been OFFICIALLY hired by The Second City to lead improv workshops in French and English as part of their Educational Company. Last Friday, I lead my first workshop at a high school in Brampton and I was absolutely thrilled to go back to feeling the way I did when I was a tour guide, or a cadet instructor, but for something I like even more than First World War history and paramilitary youth engagement; improv! Good old fashioned make-em-ups! Hopefully one day I’ll have the same impact on a kid’s life as Daniel Ayotte did on mine when I was a young Rosario Tanguayan in Welland; making things up on the spot and feeling tremendously free; even for an 11 or 12 year-old, who was already pretty void of responsibility. Sure, I may have lost it for a while there after high school, pretending to be a very serious political scientist, but it’s such a joy to have it back and to now get to share it with others.
Le sit, le stand, le bend, mes amis.
Also great, my boss at el-dayjob and I worked out an arrangement so that I can continue to work at both companies without conflict… of course I had to clear it with my team, the union and Human Resources, but that’s the joy of kindof working for the government.
In addition to that, I have a new comedy troupe in the works. We’ve performed one improv spot to date, and we’ve got a few sketch shows in the works. Right now though, we’re all very concerned about our Second City general audition. After such a great year working on Conservatory material, it’s wonderful to start thinking about the next steps the Toronto comedy scene has to offer, and though that sometimes feels very scary and uncertain, it also lights a fire under one’s ass to get producing funny ass shit for the world (and mostly your friends, peers and family) to see.
On the home front, my Peanut has fallen ill with a bit of a weak liver. She was hospitalized for two days last week and let out right before my birthday, which was a phenomenal gift! Though I have to feed her myself these days because she’s not got much interest in eating, she is doing a bit better. She used to hide under the bed all day, but now she surfaces up onto the bed and appreciates a good cuddle. Hopefully she will become stronger (and hungrier) as the days progress.
Recovering Nut
As a result of the Nut issues, I had to cancel a gig this past week, and I feel absolutely horrible about it; they were very understanding, but there’s something about not-showing up for a gig, especially when the people who run it are awesome in every way, and it involves Star Trek cosplay, that really bites total butt. Tina Fey talks about saying yes to everything, but at that moment, I had to say yes to making sure this tiny creature under my care survived the night off her IV, even if that meant omitting the strenuous process of putting a sock in my hair to simulate Captain Janeway’s awful hairdo from Seasons 1 – 3 ST Voyager.
Was there an on-board stylist? Computer, hairstyle variation 372-D.
Writing all this helps with stress. I’ve been feeling it pop up a bit more frequently lately, maybe because so much seems to be happening all at once. But it’s not as bad as this dude on the streetcar after the Blue Jays game who kept making really loud exhales whilst punching the side of the streetcar wall. I suppose we all have our own techniques of dealing with stress, but I awful concerned this dude was going to have a total Hulkesque breakdown and just smash the back of the streetcar and go running down Bathurst Street jumping on cars and crushing them in his wake.
Wait for it… SMASH!
Maybe he just needed a nap.
Speaking of which, the hour has arisen, I must bathe and retire for the evening. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Last night I had the pleasure of hosting a fantastic comedy variety show at Musideum; that word, that name… you know any venue with a Latin suffix is bound to be awesome! This amazing little space on Richmond St. was filled with hundreds of musical instruments, a beautiful grand piano and, in this case, a bunch of hilarious performers and a super-supportive audience.
The weekly show is put on by The Sandbox, comedy troupe formed in the Second City’s Conservatory program, who’ve stuck together to continue their comic journey. Damnit, now I’m describing the Conservatory program as a journey. What have I become?
Anyway, The Sandbox kicked off the show with some great fun and lively improv. They were followed by a musical comedy troupe called The Sour Keys, who were super impressive. They performed songs ranging from adorably punny to really disturbingly cute. Next on the bill was 2 Humans, a great little sketch duo set to perform at this year’s Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival (so go check them out!) Finally, closing the billed show was a solid and hilarious improv set put on by well-known troupe Sneak Attack. The night wrapped with an improv lottery jam, in which yours truly was invited to participate; and I was a dinosaur and a horned-up old lady at the LCBO hitting on a 19-year wine salesman. Playing within my range, y’know.
Oh, did I mention there was a gigantic, awful, miserable snow storm yesterday? And yet, the Musideum was packed to the brim for the show with a warm and very supportive audience of people who just seemed happy to be there and were rewarded and delighted by the night’s hilarious performers.
What a fun night of comedy! Even better, there’s a new Comedy Night at Musideum every single Wednesday, so next time – you can be there to experience the fun for yourself!
2nd Audition of the year, folks. Not too bad considering we’re not even into January’s double-digits. I wonder at what point this process will begin to get easier, or at least, less nerve-wracking? I thought this would be a good role for me, it asked for a bit of tom-boy-ish-ness, and I mean, come on, I was an army cadet for 7 years, I’ve got a bit of that in me, no doubt, but why is it so difficult to bring it up on command? Especially when there’s someone else in the room sucking out everyone’s energy asking the world to pay attention to “them”? You know, those people?
The kind of person who, like, your friend would say “I just got engaged!” and immediately afterwards they would chime in with an: “OH MY GOD, I HAVE A HANG NAIL AND MY LIFE IS GOING TO END! EVERYBODY PAY ATTENTION TO ME!”
You know that kindof person? What are they called again? Oh right. Actors.
Anyway, despite the attention-hog, I think the audition went well. I’m beginning, slightly, to feel more comfortable, and like I have a right to be there. I don’t know why, maybe because I didn’t go to acting school, but I always sortof feel like I’m imposing on some world or universe I’m not supposed to be a part of; seeeeeecrets. I think the audition room should be a more welcoming environment, acknowledging and encouraging optimal talent and possibility, rather than petty competitiveness and oneupmanship. But what do I know? I’m just a silly comedian.
Speaking of welcoming, I attended the 5th Anniversary of Natasha Boomer’s community-building weekly Wheel of Improv tonight at Comedy Bar. (And it took me less than 5 minutes to get there. OMG Love my new apartment!) I’ll admit I haven’t gone to that show as much as I would have liked. The last time I went, it was still in the JCB and I had only begun to crush on my now 3 years & counting man-beau (because that’s what improv is all about, amirite ladies???) …and then there was that one time a few weeks ago at BGS’ Holiday party, and there were treats, and treats are fun. (because that’s what improv is all about, amirite ladies???)
“Wheel” is such a positive space; there’s a variety of different levels of experience, and the more people play together, the better we all get, collectively. So, cheers to 5 years of that sexy sexy Wheel and I hope, especially now that I’m so close, I will motivate my own ass to attend more frequently.
If I lived in Mississauga, I would still be driving home right now. (What?)
On Saturday, December 14th, my Second City Conservatory class completed our year-long training program at the Second City Training Centre teaching us how to improvise and develop premises for scenes used to create a Second City-style production. We performed it on the Main Stage at 3pm. I arrived home in Streetsville at 3am. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my comedy career to date.
Because I feel this blog post won’t truly be able to describe the sheer joy, thrill, pride (the good kind), love and fun that resulted from that day’s performance, I thought maybe instead, I’d offer up a few things I’ve written down over the course of the last year that I thought were worth remembering, and if anyone else happens to stumble upon this page, maybe you’ll find it helpful in your own pursuit of improvisational nirvana:
When you get lost, Stop & Explore;
Really Listen – like, the way you have to when someone with a heavy accent is speaking to you and you want to make sure you don’t give them the wrong advice, or send them in the wrong direction, unless you do it on purpose for hilarious consequences, but seriously, listen up!
Stuck asking questions in a scene all the time? How about using a little thing called your emotions. Be affected by the offers you’re receiving. If someone says something mean, be angry, DAMNIT! Don’t just try to think up some clever comeback. Stop trying to be so damn clever, will you?
Learn the Dinosaur Game, because it’s fun.
Be present in your scene.
Like a fine wine, let those special moments breathe in your scene;
Shut the fuck up backstage!
If and when possible, use pyrotechnics.
Play real life characters, give people something with which they can identify.
Read Lord of the Flies;
Don’t be afraid to kill your babies, (even if they are great songs you worked your ass off re-writing)
Forgive yourself; the 2nd time you run a scene will probably be the worst. Know that, and run it until it works;
Push your limits, and don’t rein it in until you’ve gotten as far as you can go – and then some.
It also helps to work with an amazing group of people who are all hilarious and wonderful; all from different stages in the game; all dealing with their own crap outside the classroom, but all of whom have had a remarkable impact on my comedic education thus far. I was really lucky to get to work with such a great group of individuals and at the risk of sounding corny, I’m ridiculously sad that we only get to play together once more.
Oh that’s right, I didn’t mention the REMOUNT? Well, for those of you who didn’t make it out on the 14th on account of the absolutely awful weather conditions, book off Friday morning from work because we’re boarding The Bipolar Express one last time on Thursday, January 23rd at 11pm at the Second City Main Stage and trust, you do not want to miss this party.
What a year, CCC readers. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
I was feeling a bit frustrated the past couple days because I really wanted to check out the opening of the new Second City main stage show, We Can Be Heroes, but tickets were sold out and short from showing up and sneaking in, I couldn’t really afford to go anyway. I attended one opening when I worked there and it was such a great atmosphere among the crowd, which was filled with Second City alumni and friends of the community just buzzing over the accomplishment and excitement of putting on a brand new show.
So, I wondered what I could do that would be comedy-productive, since checking out the new revue wasn’t happenin’. I decided trying to get on at Yuk Yuk’s that evening would be that thing. It feels like it’s been a century since I last performed stand-up comedy.
I signed up for Humber night and was put on the stand-by list. I pretty much swam to the club in yesterday’s crazy downpour and enough people hadn’t shown up that I was given a set in the middle of the line-up. The sent went really well. The club wasn’t packed, but the crowd was so into it, they were laughing heartily. Ahhh… music to my ears! Granted, I was a little out of practise, but – I was still pleased with how it turned out. It was also great to see some Humber folks, past and present still going hard at working on their craft.
When I got off stage, I checked my watch and realized there was still time to make it to the Second City Training CentreTuesday night improv drop-in that I normally don’t drop-in on on Tuesday nights because I typically have class. And after 8+ hours of work and 3 hours of improv, I’m normally pretty pooped. Anyway, I went – attended, participated as “The Mighty Cheese” (which is now my wrestling name) and had a fun time playing some silly improv games in what is admittedly far to close to an actual WWE wrestling format for my comfort. But we gotta break out of those comfort zones, n’est-ce pas? I played a game working on emotional levels, and another sortof confusing larger group scene which was… shall we say… interesting?
What a fun and productive day! New jokes were told, new improvisers were met, new underwear were worn (I wish – I’m broke!)
Next on the agenda: I’m getting new head shots! Sidenote: I’ve been meaning to get this done for MONTHS! (It’s FINALLY gonna happen!!)
It’s been longer than I would have liked it to have been between blog posts, but there was a good period there were my sole energy was spent on trying to stay awake, and thus blogging became less of a priority. I have a new bed now, so that seems to have helped the situation, for now.
Also, I just read something that really inspired me to keep writing my little CCCs. So back on the saddle again I go.
Today I am beginning the first day of my 4th Second City Conservatory course. This is, for those of you who are not aware, when we begin to write what will eventually become our own little Second City-style revue. We’re down two (and nearly 3 for a while there) people from when we began the process in January. (Was it January? Let me go back and check…yup January.) We’re starting fresh with a new teacher (this guy) and we were just asked to read this incredible blog about creating a Second City show from the perspective of a former Main Stage director in Chicago. I was glad to have had the opportunity to have worked at the Second City as a host, specifically because I was able to witness this process first hand. (Not through the eyes of a director, however – Melody didn’t think the surgery would be particularly beneficial on her end…) However, I got to see what it was like for one show to slowly absorb new material and evolve into what would become the next revue. I saw it and I wanted so badly to be a part of it. And here we are in Con 4, a taste of what it would be if we were performers on the Main Stage.
I look forward to documenting (more closely hopefully) the process from here until our big sexy Conservatory 6 production.
***
Simultaneously, I am working at CBC still.
Simultaneously, I just moved to the suburbs.
Simultaneously, I continue to contribute my help, where possible, to the Canadian Comedy Awards Communications Committee.
Simultaneously, I try maintaining a relationship with a bear.
Simultaneously, I am working with my Water Wings partner on bringing the show a bit more up to snuff to take to Winnipeg, where hopefully we will get a bit more support from the community in terms of seeing our little comedy show and enjoying it. We met a few days ago to discuss some modifications to the scripts, an edit here, an added dance here. Things we can do to tweek the show and to make it better. Not, because we didn’t think it was good before, but because these things are in a constant state of evolution. What worked in Montreal may not work in Winnipeg. What worked in Toronto didn’t work all the time in Montreal. Adjustments, tweeks and rehearsals are critical within the next few days in order to ensure the show is superb by the time we bring it to Winnipeg. I had my first over-the-phone interview in French, by the way. That was pretty excitant! (But not in the France French way.)
I leave for Winnipeg in a week. Holy crap.
I’ll have to miss two Con 4 classes for this.
And use up all my CBC vacation time.
But this isn’t complaining. This is what has to be done.
Eee! Last night I performed with my Con class in our first Con show to date! I think it went well for the first time all of us performed together and I look forward to doing it more frequently. But when? I’ve been so busy lately, except when I spoke to someone the other day, I was like… “oh you know how slow January can be?” What? How can my brain think it’s simultaneously slow and incredibly busy?
I blame the weather. It’s more difficult to operate at my pace when all day it feels like it’s 7pm, until 4:30pm, at which point it feels like it’s midnight.
But I digress. So Con’s going well. The Incubator’s going well. I’ve got an upcoming news-show I’m beginning to prepare for with some other exceptionally talented ladies. Trying to do sets here and there. And I really want to get writing some spec scripts and other types of packets.
Also, I just found out I get to help out again at this year’s Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival! CODPIECE wasn’t quite ready to apply for the festival, so I’m glad I can participate at least in some small part! Keep an eye on my posts on the TO Sketchfest website and BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
PS. The Second City Festivus party was awesome. Working at the Second City and therefore having that venue in which to party is right up there with: Partying at the Governor General’s house and Partying on the battlefields of the Somme. (Man, I’ve worked in some pretty cool places! #lucky)
Last night, I produced the first ever edition of Geekomedy, a show intended to incorporate aspects of media & technology into works of comedy. I myself made a silly intro with the Voice Plus voice-changing app on my iPhone (my BROKEN iPhone!) and later incorporated the technological element of the George Foreman Grill to my show, by making an audience member a panini.
See what a difference technology adds to humour, folks? Paninis!
The wonderful and dynamic duo Laura Bailey and Josh Bowman improvised a conversation on Facebook chat for a segment they called “IM-prov.” Proof that some of the funniest writing people can produce is at home in front of a computer screen IMing to friends/family/ex-lovers recently escaping the confines of the closet.
I heard a comment from someone who walked into the segment late, about how strange it was to walk into a dark space lit only with a screen, to complete silence, and to still be entertained thoroughly simply through the act of reading a comic scene take place right before their eyes.
See kids, reading CAN be fun!
Next up was a PowerPoint presentation by Ashley Moffatt – hilarious as usual, Ashley incorporated elements of her regular routine, but added some flash to it with amazing photos of her famous plant wigs and, dogs. Dogs everywhere. I think PowerPoint stand-up is such a great idea, similar to the way SNL’s Weekend Update’s jokes are amplified by silly graphics, or Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert’s stuff – it adds to the joke. The joke itself is funny, but with the right animation, it can take a chuckle to a full-blown guffaw.
Camille Côté was up next, regaling us with the tale of an incredibly awkward textual encounter she got in after meeting face-to-face and talking to him for a whole of 10 minutes, who later make very bizarre assumptions about her in txt form. She made a good point about how some guys can be really brave, but only behind some form of screen. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go back to eating my bagel now. (wink wink)
Finally, the fabulous physical comedy of Jorge Viveros brought to the stage a real-life Angry Birds game, where members of the audience could throw Jorge, the angry bird, into stacks of cardboard boxes for FUN!
Many thanks to the audience members who came out to support the show, even though right off the bat, the host told us we all stunk. (Thanks a lot, Bob Banks!) It’s OK though, he was referring strictly to our hygiene and not to the quality of our comedy, which makes it better, right? Right?…
Anyway, here’s hoping there’s more interest in tech-themed comedy down the line. I think the next logical step would be installing a transporter directly in the Comedy Bar, saving time AND the need to dress according to the climate. (And allowing for an easier stumble home post-alcohol-consumption.)
Brie Watson 