8 years ago today CIC had its first show in the Back of the Wise Guys Bar.
The Line Up was:
Bare Essentials (Who later changed there name to just Bare)
LFO
Sirens
Hosted by Rodney Hood
We have come a long way Baby!
We are excited to start our 9th season in our own Theater and are able to continue to have our Comedy Showcase of Improv and Sketch groups that gave us our start.
Sponsored Improv Troupe Roboctopus just got accepted to the Providence Improv Festival. Here is a recent clip of one of the shows they had with CIC:
Congrats to sponsored Improv group Counter Productive Lover on getting into the Del Close Marathon in New York City. Here is a recent clip from one of the shows they had at CIC:
Space Orgy
See them perform at the Chemically Imbalanced Theater on Saturday June 21 at 10:30pm
by Jay Gish
Dedicated to Dave Whalley, who is grounded.
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.
Now a few pictures from our Company BBQ
Artistic Director Farrell Walsh with our New Company Manager Owen
Lina gets the Bago Ready for the Tournament
Jill and Owen Talk about Marketing Plans for our Upcoming Season
Looks Like Owen was born for this kind of fun!
I guess Mike Devine wasn’t grilling?
Pete is wondering if Farrell is gonna eat that chicken wing?
Cornwallis stops for a photo opp
And last but not least we have to Thank Elisabeth for opening up her home for this years BBQ.
By Jay Gish
Once again, dark, shady noir bleeds over onto the world of improv…in Volume 3 of Improv City.
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
We are officially on Summer Break! We want to thank everyone for a wonderful season! Starting this week we will cut our Blog down to once a week and only post on Wednesdays through out the summer.
Keep an eye out for upcoming auditions for “The Book of Liz” by the Talent Family and Sponsored Improv Troupes. As well as Festival tours, and “Bad Review” at the Lakeshore Theater!
So we will be around, just kind of hanging out by the pool. Enjoy the Holiday!
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
Web Site Presence
• Inclusion of your company’s logo and a link to your company’s site on the Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (www.cicomedy.com) and SnubFest (www.snubfest.com) web sites.
Onsite Exposure / Sampling & Display
• Opportunity to hang three (3) sponsor-provided banners on-site at event. Including banner on stage to be seen in online broadcast. Clips produced by www.NewMediaComedy.com and release through out the year.
• The opportunity to establish a corporate area during the event, dedicated to displaying and distributing product and literature.
$2,500 – Official 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 Official 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 Official Sponsors choice.
Tickets and Hospitality
• Ten (10) complimentary tickets to SnubFest 2007.
• Ten (10) complimentary tickets to the SnubFest 2007 Party, which will be held on Friday, January
Web Site Presence
• Inclusion of your company’s logo and a link to your company’s site on the Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (www.cicomedy.com) and SnubFest (www.snubfest.com) web sites.
Onsite Exposure / Sampling & Display
• Opportunity to hang one (1) sponsor-provided banners on-site at event (stage not included).
• The opportunity to establish a corporate area during the event, dedicated to displaying and distributing product and literature.
$1,000 – Lead 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 Lead 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.
Tickets and Hospitality
• Ten (10) complimentary tickets to SnubFest 2007.
• Ten (10) complimentary tickets to the SnubFest 2007 Party, which will be held on Friday, January
Web Site Presence
• Inclusion of your company’s logo and a link to your company’s site on the Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (www.cicomedy.com) and SnubFest (www.snubfest.com) web sites.
Onsite Exposure / Sampling & Display
• Opportunity to hang one (1) sponsor-provided banners on-site at event (stage not included).
• The opportunity to establish a corporate area during the event, dedicated to displaying and distributing product and literature.
$500 – Supporting Sponsor
As a Supporting Sponsor of SnubFest 2007, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s 3rd annual comedy festival, your company will receive the following benefits:
Publicity
• Inclusion in all press releases and media alerts.
• Special live acknowledgements by host during the event.
• Complimentary half-page advertisement in event program distributed to all attendees.
Tickets and Hospitality
• Four (4) complimentary tickets to SnubFest 2007.
• Four (4) complimentary tickets to the SnubFest 2007 Party, which will be held on Friday, January
Web Site Presence
• Inclusion of your company’s logo and a link to your company’s site on the Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (www.cicomedy.com) and SnubFest (www.snubfest.com) web sites.
Onsite Exposure / Sampling & Display
• The opportunity to establish a corporate area during the event, dedicated to displaying and distributing product and literature.
Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s
SnubFest 2007
$250 – Participating Sponsor
As a Participating Sponsor of SnubFest 2007, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s 3rd annual comedy festival, your company will receive the following benefits:
Publicity
• Inclusion in all press releases and media alerts.
• Special live acknowledgements by host during the event.
• Company logo in event program distributed to all attendees.
Tickets and Hospitality
• Two (2) complimentary tickets to SnubFest 2007.
• Two (2) complimentary tickets to the SnubFest 2007 Pre-Party, which will be held on Friday, January
Web Site Presence
• Inclusion of your company’s logo and a link to your company’s site on the Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (www.cicomedy.com) and SnubFest (www.snubfest.com) web sites.
Sampling & Display
• The opportunity to establish a corporate area during the event, dedicated to displaying and distributing product and literature.
Under $250 – Sponsor
As a Sponsor of SnubFest 2007, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s 3rd annual comedy festival, your company will receive the following benefits:
• Inclusion in all press releases and media alerts.
• Special live acknowledgements by host during the event.
• Company name in event program distributed to all attendees.
• Inclusion of your company’s logo and a link to your company’s site on both Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (www.cicomedy.com) and SnubFest (www.snubfest.com) web sites.
In Kind – Donor
As a Donor of SnubFest 2007, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s 3rd annual comedy festival, your company will receive the following benefits:
• Special live acknowledgements by host during the event.
• Company name in event program distributed to all attendees.
• Inclusion of your company’s logo and a link to your company’s site on both Chemically Imbalanced Comedy (www.cicomedy.com) and SnubFest (www.snubfest.com) web sites.
Program Advertiser
As a Program of SnubFest 2007, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy’s 3rd annual comedy festival, your company will receive the following benefits:
• Company ad in event program distributed to all attendees.
Quarter Page ads available for $25
Half Page ads available for $50
Full Page ads available for $100
Deadline for sponsorship decision.
October 31, 2007
Site last updated December 19, 2011 @ 4:27 pm