Comedy « Chemcially Imbalanced Comedy’s Blog

Archive for the ‘Comedy’ Category

A definition

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

comedy_writer_title
comedy -n.

1. a. A dramatic work that is light and often humorous or satirical in tone and that usually contains a happy resolution of the thematic conflict.
b. The genre made up of such works

2. Popular entertainment composed of jokes, satire, or humorous performance.

chemical imbalance-
A popular term of uncertain utility, which refers to a belief that many, if not all, mental disorders are attributable to a disequilibrium of one or more neurotransmitters

Just so now you know. Hope you’re having a fabulous Tuesday!

**Thanks to FreeDictionary.com and Answers.com for these definitions…and George Burns**

Tags: Chemical Imbalance, definition
Posted in Comedy | No Comments »

Improv City Volume IV

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

by Jay Gish

Dedicated to Dave Whalley, who is grounded.

Posted in Comedy, Fun, Fun Stuff, Improv, Improv City, Links | 1 Comment »

If a Shoe Drops in a Forest and No one hears it…

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007

So we are about two weeks away from our Technical Rehearsals for “The Book of Liz” and so far the show process has been flawless. So far we have pre-sold 182 tickets for the run (being three weeks out that is a very big deal), We have sold lots of playbill ads, and we have gotten some awesome sponsors for the show. My production staff has been amazing, and the cast is outstanding. I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Yesterday was our first hiccup in the process and I thought I would share it with our blog readers. The Amazing and Talented Suzanne Sole originally cast to play the role of Oxana in our production called me with news yesterday. She was cast in the National Tour of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and will have to drop the show. Now there is NO WAY she should turn this job down. It is big money and a wonderful opportunity that only most of us dream about getting. Of course I have many feelings about this. 1. How totally awesome is it that CIC is attracting this level of talent to audition and be in our shows. 2. Why or Why don’t we have money so we could keep such wonderful and talented people. 3. Why or Why can’t I come up with a stronger Kool Aid Recipe.

The upside is we have had an understudy in place for every role for just such a situation (partly because I know I can’t ask the world of people when they are doing this for free and shear love, part of it is cause so far we have not done a show where an understudy did not go in). And her understudy is awesome. (Wow if I say awesome or totally one more time I will have to shoot myself in the face). And a company member is going to step into the understudy position, (another amazing performer BTW). So as far as talent goes I am covered. And we are far enough out right now that we can recover nicely.

Of course Suzanne is on the poster, in the Press Pictures, and on our Youtube Teaser. But it is just the little part we get to keep of her from this production. She is already missed and I am blessed to ever have crossed her path.

Our Video can be seen here:

It was filmed by the Amazing and Talented Matt Hendricks. I can’t believe how lucky I am to be surrounded by such talent.

Posted in Book of Liz, Casting, Comedy, Company Members, Cornservatory, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Links, Mr. Marmalade, Sedaris, Stories, Summer Vacation, Video | No Comments »

My Summer Vacation from CIC

Wednesday, July 11th, 2007

By Angie McMahon
So on my summer Vacation from CIC I have been so lucky as to be cast in a show with another Theater Company. The Factory Theater They have been so kind as to cast me as a SoccerMom Zombie in there summer hit Siskel and Ebert Save Chicago.

Not only am I having a really fun time but opening night we had a huge treat. Roger Ebert the man himself came. He reserved the ticket under a false name, and paid cash for himself and his party. He was the last one to be seated in the house, and of course the cast had no idea he was there. We were told he laughed a lot during the show. After the show the buzz started around our 20 person cast that the man himself was just outside. We all gathered on the side walk to watch him hoping to catch some sign of approval from the man we had come to love over the past three months. He instructed his driver to pull around and he put his arm out of the car and gave the cast a big Thumbs Up!

Later in the Run he would write this in his column:

Q. In the wake of “Jerry Springer, the Opera” comes “Siskel and Ebert Save Chicago,” Factory Theatre’s spoof now playing at Prop Thtr. Along with you and Gene, the play factors in Richard Roeper, Mayor Daley, Oprah, Dr. Phil, talk radio’s Mancow Muller, roller-skating she-devils and a plot to conquer the world. What does the Answer Man have to say about all this?

Laura Hunt, Chicago

A. I attended opening night in curiosity mixed with dread but actually enjoyed myself. It’s manic slapstick, heavy on the four-letter words, very physical, with Gene as a James Bond type and me as a movie dork. They’re pretty hard on Richard, too. And Oprah and the mayor — everybody, indeed, but Gene and the Roller Derby she-devils. But the most obvious flaw is that Gene is the hero and has all the best lines, including a closing soliloquy in praise of the movies that is so lyrical and touching, I might have written it myself.

This morning the Cast was invited to the Mancow Show. If I can get the podcast on tape I will add it to this blog later.

EDITED TO ADD:

EDITED TO ADD:
Video in Studio at Mancow

EDITED TO ADD:

Click To Play

This has by far been the most exposure I have ever gotten in a show, and I only have 3 lines. But it has been a ton of Fun, and I hope you will make it out to see the show. It runs Fri and Sat at 8pm and Sun at 7pm through the end of July. Check out Factory’s Website for more info.

Posted in Chicago, Comedy, Company Members, Factory Theater, Fun, Fun Stuff, Mancow, Oprah, Roper, Siskel and Ebert, Stories, Summer Vacation, Windy City Rollers | No Comments »

Improv City Vol 3

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007

By Jay Gish

Once again, dark, shady noir bleeds over onto the world of improv…in Volume 3 of Improv City.

Posted in Comedy, Fun, Fun Stuff, Improv City, Links | No Comments »

Things Not to do at an Audition.

Wednesday, June 27th, 2007

This past week CIC held Auditions for our upcoming show “The Book of Liz” set to open on Aug 29 and run through Sept 30. Angie McMahon was holding the auditions and here is her account of somethings NOT to do at Auditions. These are real things people did this week, but names will be kept out of it.

1. Don’t show up in a “What Would Satan Do?” T-Shirt. I realize we are called “Chemically Imbalanced Comedy” but show us how funny you are with your actions and not your T-shirt. I am all for being casual but you cloths (especially with words on them) are some insite on your personality. My guess is I would feel similarly if someone came in with a “What would Jesus Do” T-Shirt. For me it just feels like that is info for the second or Third Date. After we like each other and know each other a bit more.

2. Don’t read pornographic poems as your monologues. I am all about doing stories from books, movies, poems. But at least memorize it. Also think of your audience. When you do a poem about mutilating the womens vagina and there is a women who is Directing and Casting think that it may not be the best choice. I think dirty jokes are funny for the most part, but this show is pretty far away from being dirty so It is also not something I am looking for. And I don’t like to hear about cutting a women’s Vagina. Period.

3. Ventriloquist Dummies are Funny but unless you have been asked to prepare a Variety act for your auditions I would suggest not bringing them out.

4. I think props are ok BUT ask yourself why must I have this prop. Will it help to clarify a joke that will be lost on a space object? For instance if I feel it is very important to have sunglasses but felt I should mime the cigarette. Personally I don’t think either are necessary.

5. If you are doing a monologue about how you want to FUCK the person you are talking to I would suggest not delivering that directly to the person you are auditioning for. I would further suggest not to deliver that 3 inches from there face. (on a side note I love being told I am pretty and attractive, ask anyone, but it made me uncomfortable beyond explanation)

In closing, I would say don’t sweat it baby. Maybe write something if you can’t find something you like. Or ask someone you trust to help you with it. But learn from this. We will have auditions again in the winter. I hope to see you there. Angie

Posted in Casting, Chicago, Comedy, Fun, Fun Stuff, Improv, Links, Stories | 1 Comment »

You could Sponsor Comedy!

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007

I am having a hard time finding a blog for today so I am gonna do a bit of business.

The following is how you can Sponsor Snubfest.

Description and history of the event or activity to be sponsored.

Mission:
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (CIC) is an organization of artists from the Chicago area and beyond, dedicated to providing performance opportunities for comedic artists. CIC supports the vision of talented writers, directors and performers, and is committed to producing new and previously produced works while also providing a venue for stand-up and improvisational comedy. Through the diversification of our projects and the cross-pollination of artists across multiple disciplines, we look to expand the horizons of our audiences and educate them in the various comedic styles.

History:
For seven years CIC has been a leader in the underground movement to cultivate Chicago comedy for the masses, creating a unique performance environment that includes every aspect of comedy. Throughout that time our weekly showcase has highlighted sketch, improvisation and stand-up comedy giving our audience the opportunity to experience multiple forms of comedy in one evening. The showcase also provides artists with a professional environment in which to perform that includes a production staff and promotions at no cost to the artist. CIC also produces and performs multiple comedic plays per season, both original and previously produced

It is this mixture of the various forms of comedy that makes CIC unique. Gaps between the various styles of comedy are bridged for performer and audience member alike. Performers from within CIC’s ranks and from the community at large have the rare opportunity to stretch their talents across multiple forms of entertainment in a nurturing environment while audiences are challenged to expand their horizons and educated in forms of comedy they may be less familiar with.

Event:
As part of our mission to create performance opportunities we initiated Snubfest, a new breed of comedy festival held in Chicago. In January 2008 the fourth annual Snubfest will continue to provide a venue for artists who have been rejected from other festivals. Sketch, improvisation and stand-up performers also have the chance to compete for performance slots in major comedy festivals throughout the country. Giving an entrance opportunity to up and coming artists who have talent but have not been able to connect with these larger institutions. This festival also empowers the performers to believe in their abilities and push forward to achieve their goals in comedy.

CIC partnered with New York Underground Comedy Festival, LA Improv Festival, Twincites Improv Festival, Phoenix Improv Festival, and Lowell Comedy Festival to provide performance opportunities in our annual Snubfest comedy festival. We also partnered with online content provider ComedyNet.com to produce and release performance clips from the festival on their website, providing greater exposure for participating artists. Press from TimeOut Chicago and the Chicago Reader participated in Snubfest and representatives from Zanies Comedy Club, The Improv Comedy Club and Lincoln Lodge scouted talent at the event, giving access to publications and talent bookers that many of the performers would not have had otherwise.

Why Your Company should sponsor this event or activity.

We feel this is a great opportunity to associate your brand with the exciting visceral experience only a live event like this can offer. People love to cheer for the underdog, and they love to laugh. Associating your brand with that feeling will keep your name on the front of your core demographics minds.

We are excited about our 2008 Festival because we are partnering with New Media Comedy (www.newmediacomedy.com) to be our online content producer. New Media Comedy is lead by the Producers of the New York Underground Comedy Festival. Set to launch in September there cornerstone productions will include the over 400 shows New York Underground Produces each year. We are very excited to be included in the mix of such National Talent that they attract. It also gives us a unique opportunity for our sponsors to hang a banner behind our performers to be seen in the online broadcast through out the year.

Sponsorship levels available (e.g., exclusive, presenting, etc.), including a list of title or other major partners if applicable.

Current Sponsors:
www.NewMediaComedy.com (Official Sponsor)online content Producers

New York Underground Comedy Festival (Sponsor) Performance Slot Provider

Phoenix Improv Festival (Sponsor) Performance Slot Provider

Seattle Improv Festival (Sponsor) Performance Slot Provider

Corn Productions (Sponsor) Location Provider

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy(Presenting Sponsor)

Sponsorship Levels Available:
$5,000 – Presenting Sponsor

As a Presenting Sponsor of SnubFest 2007, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s 3rd annual comedy festival, your company will receive the following benefits:

Sponsor Recognition and Publicity
• Attribution in all promotional materials and signage as Presenting Sponsor.
• Special live acknowledgements by host during the event.
• Rights to utilize SnubFest 2007 event name promoting your support of the event.
• Inclusion in all press releases and media alerts.
• Complimentary full-page advertisement in event program distributed to all attendees.
• Inclusion in direct mailing materials
• Complimentary full-page advertisement in CIC’s Season program distributed to all attendees at all CIC Main Stage Shows through out the year.
• Walk on Role in an Improv Scene with CIC performers during a Snubfest Timewaster to be given to person of Presenting Sponsors choice.

Tickets and Hospitality
• Ten (10) complimentary all Festival Passes SnubFest 2007.
• Ten (10) complimentary tickets to the SnubFest 2007 Party, which will be held on Friday, January