Chemcially Imbalanced Comedy’s Blog

By Jay Gish

If you’d told me when I was a child that one day I’d grow up and get to perform improv in Hawaii, I’d have said, “Wow! I can’t believe I’ll get paid to go to Hawaii!” When you then replied that I did not get paid to go to Hawaii, my child self would have said, “Wow – then I must grow up to be rich! And probably also really good-looking!”

Unfortunately, none of that has come to pass. Except for the part about getting to perform in Hawaii. So, good job by you, nailing that one.

And good for all of us who got to experience the Hawaii Improvaganza this year — a great time, at an unforgettable place. Here’s a small travelogue….

Sharing some post-show-party fun with festival coordinator, Garrick:

Tom McMahon, P.I. (and the creator of the warm-up exercise, “Tables”), poolside:

96D, seaside at dusk:

The view of Waikiki from our Hotel:

Indiana Petts and Lyon Arboretum (comng to a Cineplex near you):

Banyon Trees are awesome, and don’t tell me J.R.R. Tolkein didn’t play round on one as a child:

Gorgeous Hanama Bay, where sinshine beats sunscreen (juding by my back after the snorkeling):

Diamond Head, our climbing foe in the distance:

One of Diamond Head’s intimidating tunnel-stairway combinations:

Them a steeper stairway, in case your will wasn’t already wavering:

Then Finally, the triumphant view from the top:

September 25, 26, and 27 CIC’s very own 96D will be performing in the 3rd annual Hawaii Improv Festival.

They were invited along side 5 other mainland groups. This will be the first time Mainland groups have been invited to participate in the festival.

A Brief History of Improvaganza

Improvaganza is the brain child of local improviser and festival executive producer Garrick Paikai. It was first produced in November of 2006 by Smash Box productions and Paikai’s own improv group ON THE SPOT (OTS). Improvaganza 1 featured four Local improv acts with the sole purpose of giving local improvisers a place to showcase their talents and providing entertainment for Hawaii Audiences. The festival raised the profile of the Hawaii improv scene and inspired new improvisers to start their own acts. The one night event sold out, turning away people at the door.

The following year OTS and Smash Box teamed up again to produce Improvaganza 2. This time the festival would feature two nights of performances adding an extra two acts to the bill. Producers focused their attention not only on continuing to showcase local talent, but also on presenting improv as theatre and providing information to the public on improv classes being taught around Oahu. Improvaganza 2, like its predecessor sold out every performance.