CIC: So Don Hall you have been on the Advisory Board for CIC for the past 4 years. When was the first time you heard about CIC and what was your impression?
Don: The first time I heard about the group was from Angie. She was booking acts over at Frankie J’s at the time and I had taught a few dramatic improvisation classes for Frankie. Angie told me that she had started up a company devoted to comedy called “Chemically Imbalanced Comedy.” The name made me laugh. I wished her well and hoped the name didn’t become a burden should they ever decide to attempt to get government grants.
You know there’s, like, a whole war on drugs, yeah? The G doesn’t dig the
drug humor.
CIC: You are currently directing CIC’s sponsored Troupe Cornwallis and have been for the past 2 years. Recently they were won a spot in the Phoenix Improv Festival while competing in Snubfest. Give us some thoughts on your work with this group.
Don: Has it been two years? Wow - I’m surprised they put up with me.
It’s been very gratifying watching the group get better and better. They
are one of the few improv groups that can consistently surprise me and make
me laugh. I think that’s a good thing unless I’m just drunk and everything
surprises me and laughter is merely a defense against fear.
CIC: Speaking of Snubfest you hosted this years “Last Snob Standing Contest” and the previous years you were a panel Judge. Tell us some thoughts on Judging the first two years and sitting back and watching this past year.
Don: I prefer judging because being forced to watch some of the horseshit that folks pull without the opportunity to say “FOUL!” is hard for me. On the other hand, the quality of talent has risen steadily since CIC started it
and that keeps me from strapping on a suicide bomb and blowing the whole place up.
CIC: You are a very busy guy around town working on lots of projects, anything you want to plug for us?
Don: Folks should come to the Workshop in Progress on Sundays. Folks should come see the Eighth Annual SKALD Storytelling Competition the second week of June at the Chicago Cultural Center. WNEP is presenting, like, our sixth fully realized DADA soirée in the fall featuring a cast of nine.
CIC: Anything you would like to add about your experience with CIC?
Don: With show like “The Vietnamization of New Jersey” (which was great) and “Mr. Marmalade”, the CIC is growing up some, attempting some work with a bit more edge and adult perspective. I love that. CIC is likely the most successful independent comedy theater in town, outside of the Playground. In Chicago, that’s saying something.