This Friday night is the night a lot of American @montypython fans have been waiting for, as 5/6ths of the group re-unites for a 40th anniversary screening of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It’s being presented in association with the Tribeca Film Festival, which is presenting a full slate of Python films this weekend. I’ll be posting, tweeting Facebooking, Tumbling, etc. over the course of the weekend, so be sure to check back for updates. And if you’re thinking of attending, you can find more info here.
Monthly Archives: April 2015
Python Process Redux…
I’m always a little uncomfortable blowing my own horn here, but I’m about to start another session of iO Chicago classes. The ever-popular Python Process class, gets under way Sunday, May 3 at 12 noon, and spots in the class are disappearing faster than…well you can insert your own joke here. Students will learn about the Monty Python approach to sketch writing, with a heavy emphasis on re-writing and collaborating. But if you’re a Python fan–or even if you don’t think you are–you’ll enjoy watching classic videos, rare pre-Python clips, exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories . Want to know what it was like backstage when the Pythons played the Hollywood Bowl? What a visit from Graham Chapman was like? What I learned from years working for John Cleese? I’ll tell you what I remember (and that’s going to be getting less and less as the years go by, so this is a good time to find out). This class sells out every time, so if you haven’t signed up yet, I wouldn’t wait.
And then, I’m going to be teaching a brand new class, also on May 3, starting at 3 pm. If you’ve taken The Python Process or the iO’s great SNL sketch-writing class, I hope you’ll consider my Sketch to Video Process class. This is aimed at people who have experience writing sketches, but then want to take it to the next level by recording them. Want to learn how to shoot and edit videos with your smartphone (or more sophisticated equipment) edit the results, and post them on-line–or compile your own video portfolio? This is the place! Get in on the ground floor by signing up here for the Sketch to Video Process!
If you’re in the Chicago area, and love sketch comedy, your options used to be limited. Very limited. Like, say, Second City and the occasional group that had found an empty stage to play on. That’s changed over the years. Now, the newest theatre has opened their second revue, and you do not want to miss it.
It’s called Undressed, by the same people who brought you Trap at The Mission Theatre, which is part of the iO Chicago theatre complex. I really enjoyed Trap. Undressed is even better. The seven-person ensemble has now been working together nearly nine months, and it shows. They have become very comfortable working with each other, and with their directors, David Pasquesi and TJ Jagodowski. Full disclosure: I have been lucky enough to know TJ for several years, and David for several decades. But even if I hadn’t, I’d still be recommending this show. So go. Now.You’re welcome.
#io #improv
What I’ve been doing…
Sorry I’ve been so frightening busy that I haven’t had time to post lately, so here’s a catch-up on a couple of fun things.
I spent last Sunday with a gaggle of my Python Process students at the iO Chicago, filming one of the sketches written during the last session. I’ll be posting the link here as soon as we get it edited. From left to right in the photo, it was written by Iris Kohler (with Justin Sikes), and features Sarah Wisterman, Vickie Eisenstein, and Matthew Ephraim, with camerawork by Adam Kurschat. This is the kind of silliness we’ve been up to in the class, and I can’t wait to show it to you, and tell you why we filmed it! BTW, sorry about all the moss in the writing room…
And last night, I was proud to host a panel celebrating the book release of a terrific volume by David Pasquesi and TJ Jagodowski, with Pam Victor. Improvisation at the Speed of Life tells how they do the incredible improvisation they do every week, for years, and years, and years. Personally, I think their secret is mental telepathy, but they’re so good it doesn’t matter. I’m not saying this because I’ve known Dave since his first improvisation class with Del Close (I haven;’t known TJ nearly as long–it just feels that way). Great guys, great book. Order it. You will not regret it.
Stamp out Monty Python! …#montypython
Yes, it’s the day no one thought would ever come, least of all the Pythons. And releasing it on April 1st didn’t make it any easier to believe. But it’s true–the Pythons are being featured in their own postage stamp! It’s only being released in Britain, though you may be able to order them here.
I’ve known about this for a while but I was sworn to secrecy. I’m also peripherally involved in this project, but I’m sworn to secrecy about this as well (at least for the time being). Stay tuned but be patient.
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