Against All Odds

A month ago or so, I finally managed to put together a two person team.  (It was in part an excuse to lock the phenomenal Nicole Drespel onto a team.)  And so Against All Odds: An Improvised Breakup.  (Note to hosts: You can just call it Against All Odds.) 

The concept is pretty simple – a breakup.  I like it for a bunch of reasons.  While it is restrictive and sets our relationship before the set even starts, there is a wealth of material in that setup.  Their are  infinite types of couples and infniite types of breakups.  Two people allows people to focus on character and relationship (especially in this case) and to takle things slow.  And it is a bit of an excuse to go emotional, which I sometimes avoid because I worry it will take over a scene.  In this case, that IS much of the scene.

I could go on and on, but I am trying to not deconstruct the whole thing too much. 

We've only performed twice and both times felt very good.  Effortless and honest.  Not forced.  I couldn't be happier about it.

Against All Odds is available for bookings.  Our next show is on Feb. 13th (just before the dreaded Valentine's Day) at 10pm at The Creek.

Against All Odds: An Improvised Breakup

Last night was a last minute whipped together System Error show at the Parkside Lounge.  I still had tons of fun (big props to JR and LBizzy).

Since it was basically un-attended (thanks Bozarth for coming out... and LBizzy and LBizzy's friend who wasn't wasted like the Bizz-master), Nikki D. and I decided to try something we had talked about earlier in the week.

When I say "earlier in the week," let me be clear.  On Wednesday night I had an idea of a two-person improv form I wanted to try with Nikki.  On Thursday, I IMed her about it.  I believe our entire discussion about it was about 60 gChat lines from 10:30am to noon.  That was it.

So 80 hours later, without talking about it anymore than those 60 lines (besides saying "This seems like a good idea"), we were up on stage doing it.

And it was fun.  And I think it was funny.  And ripe with potential.  It's not a wholly original form or anything.  But it allows me (1) to do two-person improv which I've wanted to do for awhile, (2) do slower improv, (3) focus tightly on the relationship in a scene, (4) walk closer to that edge of sad and emotional and funny which is a space I enjoy, and (5) work with Nikki D. who I makes me happy, both as an improviser and a person.

It's very nice when things work out so well.

Anywhozits, Against All Odds: An Improvised Breakup is available for bookings.