A Year of My Pursuit

Two new Blogs!

2010-01-19T04:30:00.002-06:00

I've started two new blogs.... please check em out if you get a chance!

Thanks!!!

THE UPDATE: Not Just For Weekends Anymore

2008-11-24T12:35:00.005-06:00

Last night at Genie rehearsal, we had our first FULL SCRIPT read through. I was pretty excited about it. This was the first time I would be able to actually "see/hear" the work. If it made sense. If it was funny. Imagining how it will be staged.

I have to say it went pretty well and was pretty rad to see/hear it all at once. It’s fun to see everyone becoming their characters and to watch the show start to come together. All we have left to write is the music and that is it. Actually, the music is a big thing. It's what…uh…makes it a musical. So, over the next couple of weeks I plan to write some of the lyrics and hopefully at the next rehearsal we can work on them together too.

I've never written music before...like that other people have had to listen to.........okay, I used to write my own lyrics to "Ice Ice Baby" and sing/rap them in the lunch room. True story. Green Trails Elementary School. 1990.

2008-11-23T17:20:00.003-06:00

Sunday Walks

I walk my cousin's dog in return for food, free rent, a bed, heat, a 61" TV...and pretty much my own living quarters in the basement. It's pretty wicked.

As much as I'd rather be sleeping or just watching said 61" TV, I find walking Hammy kind of therapeutic. Having this alone time is great. Just me. Walking. It's pretty nice. I have never been one to want or need alone time in the past. In fact, I never really understood why people needed or wanted it. I get it now. Like I said, it's therapeutic.

Genie rehearsal is tonight. I like Genie rehearsal. I also like that I still call it "Genie rehearsal" even though the name of the show is called "Rubbed: The Musical."

2008-11-22T23:20:00.001-06:00

Choi's 2nd Annual Turkey Day Celebration.

I rocked out on Rock Band. It's true. I have a voice like an angel. Just ask anyone. Seriously, go call, email or text someone right now. Ask them if I have a voice like an angel. I'll wait...
...
...
...
...
What?! No fucking way. They're lying to you. I swear. I'm a good singer! Try someone else. Call them right now!! DO IT!!...
...
...
...
WTF?! Screw that, man. Ya'll just jealous of my talent! You'll see. Biggest mistake of yo' life!

2008-11-21T21:00:00.003-06:00

My last pH show of 2008 is tonight. Actually, it’s my last show for the year. Wow.

I am definitely not improvising as much as I'd like to be. I'm a little bit bummed about this. Now that I’m finished with training, I don't even have classes to look forward to. My independent teams are pretty much no more and I am not "in" the Annoyance family which means I don't play there. Hmmm. This does sort of suck. So many times this year I was improvising and/or rehearsing as little as three times a week and as much as five or six. Now, nothing...for the rest of the year.

Okay. I guess that's not totally true. I will have Rubbed rehearsals, which is exciting. This show is really going to be great. I'm already so proud of it.

And actually on the positive side of not playing as much, I have been writing a ton! Working on spec scripts, Rubbed, digital shorts, the pilot, and trying to keep up with this blog. Those writing projects alone have been consuming most of my days and nights. So in actuality, my creative outlet is still alive and well.

I have to admit it though, I do miss playing. I miss improv. I miss my friends.

2008-11-20T20:19:00.001-06:00

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

A Colbert Christmas: John Legend

Ron Paul Interview
Bob Barr Interview

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

I don't know if people use google reader, but if you don't, you definitely should! Anyway, this video came up on my "FUN" tab.

John Legend performed in Chicago tonight. A concert I would have loved to see. Unfortunately, I didn't get to. 1. Because I didn't know about it till two days before. 2. Because '08 has been rough on Howie financially.

However, when I saw this video on my reader it was a nice little consolation.
Enjoy!

2008-11-19T23:55:00.000-06:00

Tonight was get famous Tuesday at iO. SNL producers were in the audience and Charna had showcases to show off the best that iO has to offer. The house was packed all night. I was told there was even a show at noon today.

Tonight, I pulled the lights for the Reckoning which was the last show of the evening. There was a crazy feeling in the air. It was electric in the Del Close Theater, thats for sure. Everyone knew (or expected) that the performers would be on their "A" games. That this show was the one to watch, because this was the show that lifted "Joe Shmo" to SNL and beyond.

Well, I don't know if that is going to happen or not, but the show was great and got huge laughs. It was fun to be part of it in some way.

2008-11-18T16:45:00.001-06:00

I went on a job interview today that lasted about 8 minutes and when I walked in, the office was playing techno music. I was scared, intrigued, and wanted to do ecstasy and dance with glow sticks the entire time.

I do not think I will be taking this job...

2008-11-17T14:45:00.000-06:00

Unemployment - Round 2. Day 2

I had a turkey sandwich for lunch. I took my time to eat. It feels good to not have to cram my food down my throat and worry about walking in the office three minutes late.

I read a bunch of articles. I will get a chance to write without having to hide it. Besides worrying about money, life is pretty good today.

I do need a job though...badly. Preferably, one that will pay me more than $10 an hour, but I guess something is better than nothing. Money is tight. So if you know of anything at all...please let me know!

2008-11-16T13:50:00.004-06:00

Racism and Improv.

Racism is not okay. Bottom line. No questions asked. I don't think I need to explain why it's not cool, I assume anyone reading this is smart enough to figure that out. Now, with that said, surprisingly there is a place for racism in improv. Improv is an art form. We are actors who are hopefully painting a picture of a world we can bring our audience into each time we play. A world made of up different characters in different situations, but real situations and real characters. ENTER RACISM.

I was in a late night show the other night and it's more prone to being blue and "going there." That is just what the show is all about. Well, in this show some of the newer players were doing "bits" and not scenes. Those "bits" had some terribly racist comments in them that made me feel very uncomfortable and got me pretty worked up. I consider myself to be a strong player who can play through something like that or turn that "racist comment" a fellow player may have made into something that will make him/her look good...and NOT racist. Last night I feel like I failed. I got so upset and frustrated, I had to leave the show. There were NO scenes going on. Nothing in context and to me, the comments that were being made just seemed like the "comedian" making a racist joke or doing shock comedy. One of the players was a black guy. A friend of mine and during the show it made my stomach turn and I think I started to rage a little. There was nothing okay about what was going on. I felt like my friend was being attacked and I didn't think he or the audience for that matter, deserved to be subject to that type of "theatre." If it could even be considered theatre. When you call another player on stage "token black guy", WHO IS BLACK, that is NOT improvising. That is just calling out what you see. When you improvise you should immediately be able to see, touch, feel and smell your imaginary world. It's called playing, and at the very least, it should help you with your scene if you are ever stuck. You can go to the world you created in your mind (which should be real now) and touch it and share it with your scene partner. I tried on a few occasions to rectify what was going on, but I kept getting shut down or steamrolled by fellow players. In the end, I am disappointed in myself that I was not strong enough at that moment to play through it, but I guess on some nights we each have our limits and can only take so much. Last night was one of those nights.

Racism, stereotyping, sexism, weightism (is that a word?) are all okay to perform on stage. Seriously. However, if you are going to do that on stage, it has to be character driven, with a point of view, and in the context of a scene. Many times during an improv show, we will get some pretty blue suggestions like:
1. Dildo
2. Gangbang
3. Nigger
4. Faggot
Some pretty ignorant suggestions that are unbelievably stupid (in my opinion). Now, usually what the audience is expecting to see is a bunch of scenes where we just say, "Hey nigger...get back to work." Or, "You fags want some cocks in your mouth?" Honestly, that's what most people who suggest those words are hoping they will see. Well, it's our job as improvisers to be smarter than that. To show them "Nigger", but in a way they never thought they would see. Usually, what ends up happening, is we do a smart round of scenes and make fun of the incredibly ignorant people that actually think this way. This is our chance to show the entire world (the audience) how truly stupid racist people are.
So, we do end up saying, gook, kike, and faggot, but all in the context of scenes through characters who have a point of view. So an example of an edgy scene WITH context that would be okay if the suggestion was "Faggot" would be something like this:

A gay couple are holding hands about to order a meal at Taco Bell. A redneck sits behind them waiting.
Gay Guy 1 - Honey, I love you so much.
Gay Guy 2 - Yeah, well I love you too, Steven. More than the entire earth!
Gay Guy 1 - Are you my little putty cat?
Redneck guy - (not so under his breath) Aww, Jesus H. Christ. Are you kidding me?
Gay Guy 2 - Not in Taco Bell, Toddypoo. You're naughty...and nasty!
Gay Guy 1 - Hey, I just love being with you. You light up my life. (He touches his nipple) Hey, is that nasty enough for you?!
Redneck - Are you faggots fucking kidding me?
Gay Guy 2 - Excuse me. Is there a problem?
(getting a little bit louder now)
Redneck guy - Yeah, the problem is you two. You don't see me out here jerking off my dog, do you?
Gay Guy 1 - That's disgusting sir. I'm sorry you're not comfortable enough with your own sexuality that you feel threatened by me and (to Gay Guy 2) my little putty cat! Meoowww!
(Gay Guy 1 makes a kissing noise and starts sucking Gay Guy 2's finger)
Gay Guy 2 - ohhh...stop it u! You get me so excited!
Redneck - you fags should all be put on an island...that's what should happen with you.
ENTER GAY POLICE OFFICER
(takes off his hat)
Police officer - Is there a problem here sirs?
Redneck - Yes. (he points at the couple) Gays. That's what. We should do with them what we did to the Jews. Gas em. And put em in a hole.
Police officer - Oh really...well maybe you just haven't had the right experience with gays.
Redneck - The right experience?
Police officer - (winks at the gay guys) Hit it boys.
(Gay Guy 1 and Gay Guy 2 start singing "One More Time" by Daft Punk. The Police officer starts dancing erotically. The gay guys join in. Then the Redneck commits suicide by shooting himself in the face with his shotgun.)

Okay, so that wasn't the most realistic improv scene ever, BUT for this purpose, in the context of what was going on, it was perfectly okay to say "queer," "faggot," or "Jew". You could replace the words in that scene with any...Niggers, Kike's, Gooks....and I think it would have been okay because there were grounded characters and actual points of view.

Keep the integrity. Have a point of view and it's not racism. If you just go out there and think you're entitled to say whatever you want because you're out there...then it is racist...and you just suck.

2008-11-15T14:30:00.002-06:00

There are times when life throws all of its stresses at you at once and you don't know what to do. You try to keep your cup half full, but it empties at a rapid rate. You're down on your luck. Bills are piling up faster than an erection from Pamela Anderson's intro on Baywatch. Shit's gettin' tough. Life's tough. You're not getting cast. You had a bad show. Your girlfriend just hit you in the face. Whatever it is, I think it's important to remember the basics. Remember to breathe. Simplify things. Regroup. Watch some fish for an hour and collect your thoughts.

Life is never as great as it seems, but it's never as bad as it seems either.

-
Howie Kremer

2008-11-14T21:56:00.004-06:00

The Real Rubys.

My pilot, Brotherdum, is about two brothers who are from Sullivan, MO and move to Chicago to help expand their father's tile company (Ruby Tile).

It's loosely based of two brothers from Sullivan, MO - who happen to be two of my closest friends. Non - improvisors (an attorney and a trader) but HUGE supporters of me and my work. They even let me borrow their place (in Chicago) to use as a location for the shoot. It was nice to be able to take them to the Blackhawks vs. Blues game tonight.

Also, I got fired yesterday from my job. It totally sucks, but at the same time it is totally okay. I think it's kind of a blessing in disguise. That place was miserable. The job was miserable. It was pretty much a chop shop (JT Marlin from the movie Boiler Room) and kind of a joke. I've never been so micromanaged in my entire life. It was brutal. I'm free now. Free from calling unsuspecting hospital administrators and acting like I was "pointed in their direction," then proceeding to sell them a conference I know nothing about and is entirely overpriced. I no longer have to utter the words, "This is Howie calling from the National Association of Medical Advancement." - Jeez it made me vomit a little every time. Especially, after I would say the phrase and people would know it's a sales call and be like, "Who?"

Like I said, "brutal." I had to make at least 100 of those calls a day...but no more. Thank you, NAMA.

At least I got an incredible amount of writing done during the day. THANK YOU GOOGLE DOCUMENTS!!!

2008-11-13T19:57:00.001-06:00

Does anyone know the improviser Joe Burton? I don't really know him, but I know who he is. I was eating at Panes tonight and saw this painting on the wall. I think the guy in this painting looks eerily like Joe Burton.

The whole time I was eating my sandwich it looked like Joe was watching me thinking, "Hey Howie, this is pretty good stuff, right?"

It was pretty weird. Go to Panes. Eat with Joe. See for yourself!

2008-11-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

This is not a picture of a guitar. This is a picture from the light booth at Stage Left. I was doing lights for the pH sketch show, Sick/Personal Day.

Tracy, however, was taking guitar lessons. I want to take guitar lessons. I really want to learn guitar. It was a goal of mine this year and I had Charley try to teach me once, but was never able to keep up lessons on a regular schedule with him. I will try and make Tracy teach me everything she learns.

Knowing an instrument like guitar or piano seems almost necessary nowadays in the comedy world. I feel like it has always been an added bonus if you were able to play one. There are more bits you can do and it seems like fun. I've always wanted to do those Adam Sandler song bits, like Lunch Lady Land, Hanukkah Song, Thanksgiving Day Song, etc. Those always seemed ridiculous, funny, and fun to perform.

I wanna melt peoples faces off like Robert Page and make people laugh like Adam Sandler all at the same time.

2008-11-11T22:13:00.000-06:00

This is Art.

Musical improv is one of my favorites to watch and do (even though I am not that great of a singer). As I've said before, it's all about selling it and having fun.

I know it can be very scary to attempt, but once you say, "F it" and just sing, musical improv magic can happen. Even if you "mess" up, the audience still loves it, because you tried and they were with you watching you attempt something and at the very least sell what you were doing. And that is pretty great.

I haven't played in pH's "pHamily the Musical" yet, but am excited to. Check it out here (By the way, the show's on Saturday's at 11pm, not Fridays!)

2008-11-10T23:11:00.000-06:00

SMURFS!!!

Impress These Apes Season 3 Finale was tonight at the Lakeshore Theater. A friend of mine, Peter Kremidas, asked me, Neal, and some other friends to assist him in his finale. He asked us to dress up as some of our childhood characters, dance around and sing background, while Peter played the song "You Give a Little Love" by Paul Williams on the keyboards. Neal and I were Smurfs (I think I made a pretty good Papa Smurf) and we pranced around in a gay, "I'm gonna molest your child" sort of way. It was pretty adorable. My mother would be so proud!

Unfortunately, Peter did not win first place, but came in a respectable second place to Seth Dodson. Although it was a silly bit part, it was nice to be asked to participate. Performing in any way is usually fun, especially when it's with friends and you can be a Smurf. I'd say anytime you can be a Smurf, it's probably a good thing.

2008-11-09T23:55:00.004-06:00

Rubin's Jerk Smirk - about an 8.6.

One of my oldest friends, Josh Rubin, is officially married.

The wedding was great:

1. The sliders at the end of the night were fantastic.
2. I discovered some new sketch/character ideas (I need to write them down).
3. I ate/drank from a chocolate fondue fountain.
4. I danced with (behind) the keyboard player for about 20 minutes.
5. I promised one of my friend's girlfriends that I would paint her...because apparently I am a really really good painter. Specifically, pastels.

2008-11-08T23:36:00.002-06:00

Josh Rubin and Leora Green's Rehearsal Dinner.

Tracy wasn't invited to the wedding and that bummed me out, so all night I pretended she was there. Seriously. I walked around all night with my arm out and after a few cocktails I think I was caught making out with my pretend Tracy...

...The imagination is a horrible thing to waste.

2008-11-07T15:44:00.002-06:00

Yet, another wedding this weekend. I think that makes about six or seven in '08. Suddenly, all of my friends are getting married. It's crazy. This one is in Dearborn, Michigan. I'm sure it will be fun, but I think I'd rather be improvising and/or writing this weekend. Too much time away from performing and writing sometimes makes me a lil stir crazy. I get the itch, which is a good thing...I think.

Regardless, I am excited to stay at home tonight and watch a movie with Tracy. Our lives are pretty hectic and we don't get to spend as much time together (not rehearsing, writing, or with other people) as we'd like. Tonight will be a good chance to relax and hang out...just us. She's a great girlfriend and I'm a very lucky guy!

2008-11-06T22:57:00.004-06:00

30 Rock(s Hard).

30 Rock is getting some big names to appear on the show now that it's no longer considered an "insider's" show. Oprah was the guest star tonight and she was pretty funny. This show is incredibly written. Watching it is like watching a really well performed Harold - with fun and ease. I believe this show really pushes itself each week in such a smart way. They are able to capture the "funny" of the show/plot/premise, while at the same time able to send a "real" message (I'm assuming mostly Tina's voice/message). This show successfully pulls us into Tracy Jordan's absurd world of Star Wars Ninjas and Werewolf Bar-Mitzvahs, while able to remind the world that Women, Black Men, and especially, Black Women are still discriminated against in today's society. By the way, Tracy Morgan in "white woman face" was hilarious!

If you don't watch this show, go to www.hulu.com or www.nbc.com and watch it. All of the seasons. It's great and it's a wonderful 22 minute escape each week.

Tina Fey is one of my heroes. She is one of the reasons I am improvising (even though I've never had the pleasure of watching her improvise) and writing. Also, I openly have the movie Mean Girls as one of my top three!!

2008-11-05T08:48:00.004-06:00

I still can't believe it happened. I am so happy right now. I haven't written a word in like 48 hours, but I am okay with that.

2008-11-04T23:38:00.004-06:00

Yes! History.

Tonight was amazing (I usually hate it when people use that word {because they do, wayyyy too often so it's losing its meaning} to describe something that was not truly amazing. People - are we too stupid to expand our vocabularies and use other wonderful adjectives?? Everything is just not that AMAZING! The turkey sandwich you just ate was NOT amazing. It might have been good or even super tasty, but NOT amazing! The fact that it was 60 degrees out tonight is pretty sweet, but NOT amazing!). Tonight was simply A. Maz. Ing! I have been to a world series celebration. I have been in the streets during a Superbowl celebration and those things have been nuts. However, tonight was what I imagine it would be like if the Cubs beat the White Sox in the World Series and then played the Bears in the Superbowl with Michael Jordan as their quarterback and won. It was amazing. I am so happy and overflowing with joy. I am very proud to be an American tonight. I am proud I drove from Chicago to St. Louis today JUST SO I COULD VOTE (Missouri messed up sending me my absentee ballot and I just found out Friday). It was worth it.

Today was a good day.
Tupac would be proud.

2008-11-03T03:01:00.005-06:00

Don't be an asshole. Vote. If you don't...Shut up!

I've been up since about 9:30pm last night writing:
Brotherdum, Rubbed: The Musical, and working on a Sunny spec. I'm making some real progress on Brotherdum and the Sunny spec. Tonight will be totally worth the lack of sleep. I imagine I'll be up for another hour. Three hours of sleep tonight! Yeah!
DO IT!

2008-11-02T21:27:00.001-06:00

Genie Rehearsal.

I LOVE rehearsal for this musical. As the writer for the show, it is my job to suggest to the other actors/improvisers what I think might be good ideas for the characters I've created. I am never too detailed or specific as the beauty of this entire process and most of the fun, is seeing them put their own twist on their characters and come up with creative, intricate, and interesting ideas. Something I think is much radder than any character created in my own warped mind.

Tonight, Tracy played the Genie's Wife who cried over almost anything. I don't want to give too much of it away...but it was pretty freaking funny.

2008-11-01T23:35:00.006-05:00

pHrenzy pHucked. Left to right: Drew, Micah, Me.

Micah came back! Micah came back!

I was super happy I got to play with Micah. I was green, I was playing and I was having fun. It wasn't my best show, but it also wasn't my worst show. Who cares.

The best part of the night was after the shows, hanging out at Pick Me Up Cafe with Micah, Jason, Tristan, Ben, Tom and Tracy. We were just shootin' the shit, talking about root beer floats, bendy straws, and life on the boat.

We miss you Micah!

2008-10-31T23:24:00.002-05:00

Halloween 2008.

For at least the past five years, I have gone home to see Mark Goldenberg (Golde) and his family on Halloween. He was my former high school teacher and football coach and I am very close to Golde and his family. He has three wonderful kids, Fallon 15.5, Jordan 12 (turns 13 tomorrow), and Mitchy who is 9.

Every year I dress up (no matter what day of the week it lands on) and go trick or treating with the kids. After we've hit the neighborhood (at least twice), we come back to their house to trade candy until everyone is satisfied with what's in their bag/pile. It's become a tradition and I am super sad I have to miss it this year. Due to my recent job situation - one that watches you like a hawk and counts the minutes (to the second) that I'm here - I will not able to sneak out early today to make it back to St. Louis in time. :(

Golde has been like a father to me since my Sophomore or Junior year in high school. I've become a part of his family and they have become a part of mine. Not having a solid father figure in my life, one might think was/is pretty tough, but I got lucky to be able to surround myself with people like The Golde Family. He's better than anything I could have ever received by matter of genes.

Even when times are tough, I can look at the big picture and know how lucky I am.

2008-10-30T20:21:00.004-05:00

Bottom Left on Bumper. This was accidentally taken as a video instead of a picture.

If you look closely, you can see a wizard holding a wand. It says - Voldemort votes Republican.
I thought that was pretty funny.
Actually, I wonder how Voldemort would vote. I feel like he might support Obama, as he would see the Republican party as too much of an evil threat to him and all of his wicked evilness.

I love the Harry Potter series. I highly recommend it to anyone who:
A. Likes reading or wants to get back into reading.
B. Has any amount of an imagination.
C. Secretly wants to be the raddest wizard ever.
These books are great!

2008-10-29T08:17:00.006-05:00

I did the mouth!

I love carving pumpkins. I now (thanks to Tracy) love cooking and eating the seeds as well. As I've mentioned before, I also love getting free candy. I can't wait for all of the candy!!

I've been working on my Sunny spec script a bunch this week. I started the first act and am hoping to have it finished by the end of the week...

Actually, maybe not. As I am writing this post - I just realized I have a lot on my plate this week (end). I've got Brotherdum V.O. to finish up, Rubbed: The Musical to write, and my Sunny Spec to name just a few. Not to mention putting together my costume and of course Halloween, shows, and rehearsal. I also need to try and find time to catch some zzzzzs. Oy.

Okay. I'm cool. Deep breath (takes breath)...

2008-10-28T23:27:00.003-05:00

Chciago Bulls Home Opener - Halftime.

I was very excited to go to the Bulls home opener tonight, however, the best part wasn't that #1 overall draft pick of the Bulls and NBA - Derrick Rose - had a great showing and led the Bull's to victory. It was that at halftime two guys from Cirque du Soleil performed. It was an unbelievablely rad-ass performance. I've seen Cirque du Soleil once before in London, but tonight's seemed better. Maybe it was because it was only two guys and at one point they performed the feat pictured above. If you can't tell by the picture, they are balancing each other only by their shoulders. It. Was. Crazy.

The performance reminded me that there are so many people out there pursuing their dreams. Playing half-time shows around the world. Getting stage legs and doing what they love. It was just another little reminder that I'm doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing and to enjoy every minute of it.

2008-10-27T20:16:00.000-05:00

PEZ.

Halloween is afoot and it's my favorite time, holiday, event or day of the entire year.

1. Free Candy
2. Rad costumes
3. Fun Parties

I am going as the Jolly Green Jewish Giant. If you can't picture it, think this guy -

meets this guy:

+ some gaudy gold chains = Pure Halloween Radness.

Jolly Green Jewish Giant...oxymoron...yes. Will I get mistaken for some sort of Jewish Elf...probably. Will I have a blast...you betcha.

2008-10-26T21:31:00.003-05:00

Genie Rehearsal. (From Left to right) Rasheeda, Tristan, Tracy

Three of the funniest girls I know. Watching them figure out the beats to the fist scene in Act 2 of Rubbed: The Musical was a complete joy. It was amazing. Each lady knew their role in the scene and had a great sense of their "give and take." The characters were solid and really funny.
1. Rasheeda's corky, strong subservient
2. Tracy's quiet, more reserved and always agreeable (to Tristan's character) subservient.
3. Tristan as the Queen Genie.

I laughed and laughed...and laughed and laughed...

This is going to be a good show.

2008-10-25T20:28:00.000-05:00

Hungry Howie's Pizza. YES!

Today was my first time at The Big House (University of Michigan Football Stadium). All of Tracy's family members are big U of M fans, so she wanted to take me to my first game. They were playing their in-state rival Michigan State. I sat on the border of the U of M fans and the MSU fans. Actually, I WAS the border. MSU scored first and the section next to me was cheering like mad men. Specifically, the woman directly to my right started going insane. She was cheering harder than anyone I've ever seen (I'm a big sports fan and have been to many, many games). All of a sudden, she grabbed me and started shaking me like a British nanny.

Lady - Ahh!! Ahhh!
Me - Ahh!!!
Lady - That's my kid! That's my kid who just scored!
Me - Ahhh!!! Wow. That's incredible. Holy shit!
Lady - I know! Ahh!!

So for my first game ever at The Big House, I rooted for U of M and #25 on MSU - Blair White. He was a stud the whole game and one of the main reasons MSU was victorious over U of M.

During the game, I found out the lady - VICKI- and her family are from Saginaw, MI (yes, she showed me where on her hand). Her son is a junior "walk on" and they were just at Northwestern to watch him play for the first time and loved Chicago.

I can't imagine what it must be like to watch your kid do something incredible like that. Whether it be playing baseball at Fenway Park, singing at the Lyric Opera or doing a sketch on The Colbert Report...but watching Vicki and her husband tear up as their son scored his first touchdown was pretty rad.

2008-10-24T22:12:00.005-05:00

Heaven Gallery Show - Thursday 10/30 8:30pm

I have a pH show tonight and literally as I type this, I have come to the realization that with HOWIE! and HANDS on little breaks, pH is the only regular improv in my life right now. I really want to be performing at least a couple times a week. I feel like I was and all of a sudden I woke up and...poof! It's gone.

I guess if you really want to do work, you have to create your own projects. It's nice to get cast in shows, but it's something you can't expect. Many of my friends who play regularly have created their own shows. If they're lucky enough they are able to put these shows up at The Annoyance, iO and Comedy Sportz. However, the ATC and The Playground both have proven to be some great performance venues. Also, the upcoming improv scene in Wicker Park at Heaven Gallery (1550 N Milwaukee - This Thursday 10/30 -8:30pm) draws regular crowds and is a great place to do the make 'em ups, experiment, and work on the craft.

I need something like this...

2008-10-23T13:11:00.008-05:00

From My Stall.

Most of the time when I go to the bathroom at my office it's to get away from work and flush (pun intended) out thoughts or ideas I have for whatever project I'm writing. There's not much time to myself during the day, especially when I work at a job where people are on the phones the entire day and I can barely hear myself think. So getting away to the bathroom is all I have right now.

Unfortunately, for me, this guy was on his phone (on the toilet next to me) the entire time. I was pretty bummed and it was incredibly annoying. It reminded me of a Family Guy episode where a guy is on the phone with his friends while in the elevator with Stewie...it's hilarious.

I wanted to do this to him:

2008-10-22T19:45:00.003-05:00

If I sat in a chair, shirtless with push-pop all over me...would that be acceptable? If not, how can I make it be?

My cousin Max turns 3 this Sunday and we're having a party. There will be cake, ice cream, candy, singing, and some pretty rad games. Sunday, I will be very happy.

2008-10-21T23:46:00.003-05:00

Crazy Italians.

pH rehearsal have been going really well as of late. Tonight we worked on group scenes. Group scenes can be tough, but can also be the most fun and rewarding. There is something special and interesting about watching a group of people jump on board of one idea, match each other and find the pattern/game, and play it. For those specific reasons that is why 3033 is one of my favorite groups to watch. Their ability to follow patterns and their joy is unmatched by most groups...and not to mention they are hilarious.

Group work is hard and takes time to perfect. It was nice to see glimpses of 3033 and The Reckoning (another great example of group work) tonight in our rehearsal. People jumping on the first idea and following the joy of the scene. My favorite part was during one of my group montages...at the top of the scene I was being sternly spoken to by my drill sergeant and he asked me:

Drill Sergeant: Do you want that wall?
Me: Yes sir! I want that wall! (salute)
Drill Sergeant: Are you sure you want that wall?!
Me: Yes sir. I want that wall. I need that wall!!
Drill Sergeant: You want that wall?!
Me: Yes!!! Ahhh!! (I ran full steam into a brick wall {obviously invisible}, smacked right into it and fell to the ground.

What was so rad to me is that each person in my group did the same thing...then we were on the ground (four of us) and transformed the army scene into 8 year-olds (two boys and two girls) who wanted to punch wieners.

2008-10-20T21:17:00.002-05:00

Elephant Larry - Check em out!

Weird is good. WEIRD. IS. GOOD! Don't be scared. Shh...Shh...don't be scared, people. It's just something DIFFERENT than you're used to watching. It won't hurt you. Just watch it for three to five minutes...I bet you might like it...shhh, don't be scared anymore.

Unfortunately, many theater goers, TV viewers, and the general U.S. populous are scared and turned off by "weird." Which sucks because weird is radass. I guess "weird" is kind of a general category. To me, "weird" is doing an edgy sketch/scene or something we don't see that often. Something different. It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to have integrity. Don't apologize for doing it...do it harder (its usually funnier). Same thing for digital shorts, etc. As long as the short has a point to it (which can be: I'm a weird human flower), and you play that hard...it will be good and funny, or at the very least, interesting! The same goes with improv scenes. If you are in a scene and find yourself on all fours...maybe you're a rodent. Be the rodent...have a point of view and let's look at this snippet of life through a rodent's eyes. It's probably really fun, exciting and rad.

Weird is different. Weird is good. Routine is boring and unoriginal. Hamburgers! Key chains!

2008-10-19T11:11:00.003-05:00

The Best Bar-B-Q Ever. Thanks Buddy!

Three ways to tell that food is really good and authentic:

It's a hole in the wall that you would NEVER normally go to unless a local offered to take you to it and pay for it.
It's a family run business with either a really sweet mom or dad running the counter (in this case, it was the sweetest grandma ever).
It's simple. Served with basic utensils and/or required for you to use your hands to eat.

Tracy's left arm...Blake...Me...

Last night was, um, a long evening. A long and very fun evening...of me making that face. I think that's my "gettin' down" face.

Today = Recovery

2008-10-18T16:30:00.004-05:00

pH in Fort Worth?!

Sometimes, I like to think the improv gods are following me around...watching out for me. Cheesy, maybe. Creepy, definitely...but sometimes I really believe it. I perform with a theatre company called "pH" and I thought it was pretty interesting after taking a walk around Four Day Weekend's (A short form improv ensemble started by two Second City Conservatory guys from Chicago) theater space, I immediately saw the sign above.

Also, last night was my Best Man Speech. I wrote out a sketch for the other best man and me to perform. There were roughly 200 people at this rehearsal dinner and about 15 - 20 speeches. These things can get so boring. So I wanted to change things up a bit. I knew a lot of the people there (many were parents of childhood friends) and of course all the out of town guests which were most of my friends. The cool thing about my speech (besides the fact I was giving one for my best friend) was I got to perform in front of people that have never seen me perform or really know what it is I do. Most of the people at the dinner know I do improv and sketch (or what a lot of people refer to as "stand-up" - which annoys me) and often ask me to do some of my routine “right now.” While others, who think they know what improv is, will say, "You're in a bakery wearing white gloves...asparagus. Go!" Anyway, tonight was a nice chance to give all of these people a little taste of what I do devote so much of my time to.

Oh and the speech/sketch killed (I'm pretty sure), and was a blast to do!

2008-10-17T15:09:00.000-05:00

I don't care if it's Blake's wedding weekend, I still beat him at golf!

I've been a groomsman, but never been a best man before...I'm excited. I have known Blake for about 25 years. Often many people remark, "It's so weird and crazy that my friends are getting married." I don't think it's weird or crazy at all really...it's just part of life. These things happen. It's what people do, right? What's "weird" or "crazy" is that for about 25ish years or so, Blake was my best friend. For the past year or two and for the rest of his life, his wife - Aly - will be his best friend. I am not upset at all...I am truly happy for both of them...but it is tough...and it is the third time I've had this feeling this year...within six months. Three of my best friends got married in May, June, and October.

Life is changing (as I guess it's supposed to), but I look forward to this new part of life...I bet it's pretty cool...

2008-10-16T16:02:00.001-05:00

On the Runway.

Going to Dallas/Fort Worth for my best friend's wedding (Blake Halpern) this weekend (I'm the best man). Warm weather awaits me. A king sized bed, fluffy pillows, maid/room service and two nights of open bar also await me. I am very much looking forward to this vaycay.

Holla!!

2008-10-15T11:41:00.002-05:00

PAYDAY! I get regular paychecks again (direct deposit actually)! It's nice to be receiving money for doing a job (again). 2008, has been tough as far as that goes. I was working in commercial real estate during the first half of the year on 100% commissions. It was very tough. No deals + living costs = had to quit and find a new job.

Now, I just have to work on getting paid to do what makes me happy.

2008-10-14T23:44:00.004-05:00

Cafe Nior - Come Here Kitty.

Two of my good friends, Allison Bosma and Jet Eveleth, put up an amazing, weird, wonderful, and artistic sketch show at iO for the past two weeks.

It's nice to see a different show like that go up at a place like iO. Because Jet did a lot of great big characters in the show, Allison had to play the straight man a lot. I really think it showed how good of an actress she is...like in the picture above when she took the role of a silent cat and got loads of positive responses (laughs) from the audience. She's a wonderful actress and really held her own in this edgy, fun show. They were both really wonderful and if they put it up again, I highly recommend it going to see it. Two of my favorite performers to watch in the city.

Jet Eveleth
Allison Bosma

2008-10-13T22:32:00.002-05:00

Frustration is mounting with Brotherdum. We're stuck and I have no clue how to get un-stuck. I don't really want to re-live the four hour meeting we just had, but it's safe to say that things could be better. It's also safe to say that communication is a key part to any sort of group work. Lessons learned...

2008-10-12T21:00:00.001-05:00

Scooter View at 33 M.P.H.

Despite my lack of proper sleep most days of the week, I still have an unusual amount of energy. Especially, when it comes to improv, sketch, and writing...all of my creative projects. Sometimes though, my energy or excitement for a project I'm doing can come do more harm than good. Well, not harm, that's kind of harsh. I think distraction might be a better word. In rehearsal tonight, I even felt it a little bit. It's tough though, as the writer/creator for this show, it is difficult sometimes NOT to sort of take a director's role when speaking. Particularly on this show, since it is still evolving and changing as we rehearse. I definitely don't do it on purpose...I am just so excited all the time about fun shows. This show makes me want to jump up and down for an hour straight because I am so happy and I think it's going to be super funny! Ahhh!!!

2008-10-11T20:07:00.001-05:00

Last night I had a show at pH. I felt really good with the show as a piece and my performance overall. My confidence is strong lately and that's allowing for me to have some really fun shows!

Today was great. I did not do anything that involved writing, performing or watching comedy.

Today we went on hayrides, pet & fed baby goats and llamas, and weird looking chickens. We picked a pumpkin, bought some apple cider, and got lost on the way home. It was such a rad day.

Baby goats!

Didier Farms Hayride.

Once we realized we were lost, we stopped at a gas station to fill up and find out where we were. At said gas station we fell victim to a bit of consumerism. As I was pumping gas, I saw a TV ad (oh yes, they have tvs at the pumps now) for RedBull Cola. So I decided to buy one. Horrible, just a horrible idea. It tasted like flat soda from the soda gun. You know? Wow. Gross. Wow and gross are all I can really say about this nasty, terrible product that has recently been unleashed onto the consumer public. I want answers and I want them now.

A. Who is the moron at Redbull that thought this would be a good idea? RedBull and Cola...No sir. No, thank you.

B. Who is the even bigger moron who let this terrible idea get approved and allowed it to be sold to the public?

These are innocent people. Innocent taste buds. What did we do to you? This is all just terribly horrible. Terrible and horrible...horrible.

Besides this minor episode...a day without comedy and just living is needed every now and then. I find it kind of funny though that a lot of my day would have made for a good sketch and somehow had me thinking of idea after idea of a sketch, or a scene in a show I'm doing. I guess even when I'm not outwardly performing or writing...I'm still doing it...just internally.

2008-10-10T21:35:00.003-05:00

Shows. Shows and more Shows tonight at pH.

Howie is happy it's Friday. Howie is happy he has 48 hours of time to himself.

Howie, Dan and Charley just got done meeting for Brotherdum for the past four hours. Howie thinks they have made some big strides tonight.

Howie got the book above from his girlfriend, Tracy, for his birthday. It's really rad and full of inspiration.

Howie is losing it right now. Howie just went on a laughing fit for like fifteen minutes.

Shows. Shows and more Shows tonight at pH

2008-10-09T15:25:00.004-05:00

I'm tired. I apologize. I'm hungry....

2008-10-08T15:36:00.006-05:00

Neal, Steven and I filmed our third chopsticks short tonight. It was ridiculously offensive, but in a good way. All of the Chopsticks videos are a commentary on ignorant people and how much they suck. Our videos are uncomfortable, dry and weird. When they are done being edited I will post them.

The videos are also a blast to make. One of my favorite parts about the improv community here in Chicago is that everyone wants to work. All the time. We realized we needed one more person to do the short and at the drop of a hat we were able to call up Josh Breit and have him come over within the half hour. I was pretty amazed and excited that at 10pm on a Wednesday we were able to get him to play with us. That is the type of thing I will really truly miss whenever I leave Chicago.

2008-10-07T23:51:00.008-05:00

Octagon Swing

The fun of improv is the surprise...the discovery. Tonight at pH rehearsal, I was pleasantly surprised. I've really enjoyed playing with the people at pH, however, tonight I discovered that I have a really rad energy on stage with a certain pHer - Scott Hogan. Thanks to one of our artistic directors, Tristan, we got to do about a 3 minute mini two-person show. (We had done a few scenes together earlier in the night. One where we were attached at the hip and I guess they were pretty funny.) The mini show was some of the most fun I have had doing improv in a while. Right up there with playing with HOWIE!. I didn't think I would ever write something like that. I guess in a way that is kind of silly - to think I would never be as excited to play with people as HOWIE!. I was really surprised and am pretty excited.

On Thursday nights pH has their Spotlight Series specifically for improv. It's a chance to put up improv shows...and it's something I think Scott and I may look into doing. At least a couple of shows.

I love improv!

2008-10-06T23:46:00.006-05:00

Inspiration. It's fascinating where people get it from. Recently, my grandmother passed. She was a holocaust survivor (Auschwitz). She was an interesting woman and thanks to Steven Spielberg, we will have her survival story forever.

Lately, my grandma and grandpa (also a survivor of the Holocaust) have been my source of inspiration. Their lives were so very interesting. They were survivors, war heroes, had a romantic love story, and eventually moved to the United States to have a better life for their children.

When my grandmother passed, I took that statue of the Wailing Wall from her home. It was the one thing they had always had in their house ever since I could remember. It reminds me of them and has also inspired me. I decided today I am going to write another show (musical). It will be based on their life - a love story - but I'm not sure all of the details yet. I do know it won't be easy, but I am very excited to take on this project. It will be a challenge to tackle such a subject and be able to breathe comedy/laughs into a show about it. I know I am no Steven Spielberg but it will be rad for me to create something that shares their story forever as well.

2008-10-05T11:12:00.002-05:00

pH Bowl-A-Thon.

Raising money for pH is easy when you have a bowling-face like mine. Seriously, I'm a badddd ass and I'm making a fist in this picture which makes me even more bad assier. I am happy to say this is one of the weirdest, most eclectic, bestest pictures I have ever been a part of. I am also happy to say that pH raised well over $2,000 for our theater company.

Full day today: genie rehearsal, football and writing! Let's go Cowboys!!

2008-10-04T18:28:00.005-05:00

Brotherdom. Seven hours of Brotherdom today. Watching, writing, tweaking...it was arduous, but something I haven't really gotten to do during this process. I have been waiting so long to come together as a writing unit, and today we finally did. Our meeting had a bit of a writer's room feel to it (or what I think one feels like), which was nice. We were able to bounce new ideas off each other, fully flush out our intro, and of course, get into a full-blown/raging/pointless argument about what exactly the population of Chicago/Chicago-land area is. At the end of the day though (literally), we walked out with a sense of accomplishment and an overall positive feeling for the first time about this pilot. We've all had our frustrations and doubts - as most writers/actors/directors/producers I'm sure do - but I think we will really have something we will be proud to put our name on and to show to the world.

2008-10-03T23:22:00.004-05:00

After finishing writing the first act of Rubbed, I went to see this movie....wait for it to come out on DVD in order to make fun of how bad it is. It's just not good. I will tell you what is good though...the first act of Rubbed: The Musical. I am very happy with it so far and excited for Sunday's rehearsal/read-through.

2008-10-02T23:45:00.000-05:00

The back alley of iO is an interesting place. On any brisk October night (this year) you are likely to overhear/see a bunch of different things:
1. The Cub fans cheering.
2. Drunk Cub fans trying to form sentences.
3. Improvisers chatting.
4. Improvisers warming up and doing fun/weird warm up games.
5. Bums trying to join in on the games.
6. Bums peeing.

It's an fascinating place. Some really funny people have had many interesting conversations in the back of that theater. I wonder what that alley has seen...what conversations have been had, great ideas had been thought...just outside.

I was out there last night. I had a brief conversation with Connor O'Malley and Jon Barinholtz. I don't know if it was one that will be remembered forever...but I had one:

Howie walks up stairs wearing a bag and scooter helmet still on his head. iPod wires coming through the helmet to his hoodie pocket.
Howie: Hey guys. What's up?
Jon: Hey buddy, how's it going?
Howie: (smiles because he can't hear clearly) ...Oh, nothing
Connor: Headphones?
Howie: (Turns around confused because he still can't hear clearly as the helmet is still on) Huh?
Connor: Headpho - Howie: Headphones. Ha. Yeah.
Connor: Is that just one big headphone device. Ha.
Howie: Ha. Ha. Yeah, it's my headphone helmet. Technology is amazing.
Jon & Connor: Ha. Ha.
Howie: Have a good night guys.
Jon: Later buddy.
Connor: Bye

2008-10-01T23:55:00.006-05:00

doeihawignv$%^&k /asdl/dbj;awegh $#^&@nwkl,d'oiKDYEHDFjmdbfjiagafah832hih4i08!!!!!!

I wrote a lot tonight. Tried another approach for the Brotherdumb intro, hope its closer to what we need this time.

Writing out the scenes from my genie show for pH (Rubbed), and trying to pepper in some jokes.

I don't know if I will be able to attempt an outline for my "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" spec tonight. All I see when I type/write right now is this:

he0[wihgwi(*&^%@wa3hwegio'gnao^#&*1;nt23'[ihagndvdio[gnadsnvasd a

I think I should probably get some sleep. I feel good though. I have a plan and am attacking it each night. Writing is rewriting and I am doing a lot of that lately....so that's got to be good, right?

j*(#3u2j23h8*(@&@^hiodigwein(#*(&&@!kelIW#0!!!

2008-09-30T21:23:00.003-05:00

Rosh Hashanah ended tonight with a feast from Manny's deli. I went to my friend, Danny Raskin's parent's house for some Rosh grub.

I'll be attempting the "Intro" for Brotherdumb tonight. Even though I am still excited, I am starting to get a little nervous. It's hard when trying to write something really unique to not lose sight of the purpose of the task at hand. I know sometimes I get really excited about an idea and it may be really good, but it doesn't always serve the purpose of the piece. That will be the challenge tonight...staying unique in my writing and what we produce as a final product all the while making sure it serves the piece as a whole.

2008-09-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

Good things about Rosh Hashanah Dinner:
1. Food, lots of food.
2. Friends and family.
3. Alcohol.
4. Stories and more food.
5. Tracy and Allison trying their first bite of Gefilte fish. It was hilarious. In the picture above, Allison had just tried it and this is right before Tracy bit in. I was laughing to hard to get a good picture of Tracy's reaction but I promise you, it was priceless.

Side note: I was happily and surprisingly inspired out of nowhere today with a show idea. I'm not going to give out many details yet, but I will say it's something that I think will be one of the most important/special shows I get to do...if I'm able to pull it off.

Happy New Year!!

2008-09-28T17:16:00.009-05:00

My Birthday Cupcake!

I'm 28 today! Rad! I'm going to a surprise dinner tonight with Tracy and got a sweet t-shirt and money clip from her (until today I had been carrying my money and credit cards around in a rubber band). She rocks and is the best girlfriend! I can't wait for tonight...Genie rehearsal then dinner!

I watched the new scenes we shot for my pilot (Brotherdum) today. I am very happy with how it turned out and they DID end up helping the story. Not only did they help, they were also pretty funny. I think the first 15-18 minutes of the show are pretty good. Now we have to figure out a way to quicken up the end of the show and make the ending more satisfying. We will be working on the "INTRO" of the show this week. I think this might be my favorite part. I don't know why, but I LOVE the introductions of TV shows. It seems like there is so much creativity and freedom to do almost anything you want. Arrested Development, Scrubs, My Name is Earl, Doogie Howser, Wonder Years, and Family Guy use some of my favorite show introductions.Needles to say, I am super jazzed about this assignment.

I finally see the light at the end of this really, really REALLY LONGGGG tunnel and really, really, REALLY can't wait to see our finished product.

2008-09-27T23:18:00.001-05:00

Live Band Karaoke!

Everybody wants to be somebody...most of us want to be rock stars! For three minutes tonight, I was Bob Seeger and I rocked out to 'Old Time Rock and Roll'. I had a great night. Piece in Bucktown has live band Karaoke on Saturday nights...so rad.

It was cool to see my two worlds collide a bit (improv and non-improv world). I was happy people were able to come out even though it was a last minute thing. What a fun way to start my golden birthday.

FYI - Yes, that guitar behind me is covered in sparkles and/0r glitter. The drummer was definitely shirtless. The other guitar guy was having way to much fun singing back up and the keyboard guy looked like he was typing on a typewriter only using one finger at a time.

2008-09-26T13:16:00.004-05:00

I saw this on the CIN board. I love it. Thank you Nick Hausman.

I have two pH shows tonight. Hopefully, I make it to them. I might just kill myself if I have to spend one more minute at my job. ;)

For realzies though...I am so happy the weekend is here!!

2008-09-25T20:10:00.002-05:00

This is how I feel.

Okay, let's go over what's going on in my life right now:

- Today my car got towed and I got a $60 ticket.
- Yesterday, my bike got stolen.
- The Cardinals are not in the playoffs.
- The Cubs ARE in the playoffs.
- Finances are extremely tight right now.
- I work at a job that makes me want to punch babies...all the time.
- No one is hiring a writer...or even an assistant.
- I live in my cousin's basement (which is actually a pretty sweet set-up) and she has two babies!
- I am out of shape.

Serenity now. Serenity now...

2008-09-24T21:45:00.001-05:00

Molly Hall's last pH show and a tub of $$$!

100...Years of Losing closed tonight. I really enjoyed playing in this show. I learned (or was reinforced) of a couple things from this show:

1. For some reason whenever I do sketch, I tend to not speak loud enough. I have a strong, loud voice in general. I don't know why I have trouble projecting when I do sketch! Oy.

2. I do not necessarily have a musically inclined voice. However, that does NOT matter in improv or sketch. As long as you commit and sell the shit out of whatever it is your singing, the audience will enjoy it.

I actually really enjoy doing musical improv/sketch, and still have the goal/dream of wanting to play with Baby Wants Candy one day! The dream is alive...

Echem (clears voice) ... Ah, ha, ha, ha, Stayin' alive. Stayin' alive.

2008-09-23T23:37:00.009-05:00

Does confidence equal not caring? It's a theory that I think is unfortunately true. This sounds horrible, but whenever I don't "care" about improv...a workshop, show or audition - I rock out. Bottom line. Somehow not caring translates into confidence for me and probably for a lot of other people too. It's easier to just play when you're not worried or concerned with the outcome of how you perform or what people might think. If you don't put that pressure on yourself, there is nothing to mess up.

So, how do you play like that all the time? That's the trick. Playing like you don't care...all the time. Lets be clear, it's not the work or piece that you don't care about, but the outcome of what you do that you don't/shouldn't care about. Who's watching and what they think...that's what I personally need to start caring less about. I hate to admit it, but I get nervous playing in front of some people. I judge myself and live in my head. It's horrible and has caused me some bad improv moments. Tonight I did a workshop in front of someone I absolutely respect and think is great, but something happened...or didn't happen. Something clicked...or didn't click and I was able to play worry free. I had a good time and thought I did some pretty good work.

Maybe people get to a point in their careers where they just don't care anymore what people think. They just play for themselves and their friends (on stage)...no one else. Hmm...maybe that's the mentality I should start to have. I say this because I just got done pulling lights for The Reckoning and getting to watch them just kinda made me realize. They play for themselves and for the fun they are having at any moment on stage. Nothing else matters.

UCB (Uprights Citizen Brigade) had it part right with their motto - "Don't Think." Maybe it should be "Don't Think. No worries."

2008-09-22T22:36:00.006-05:00

Jason Geis - Genie and Scott Hogan - Lovable Loser.

Ahhh!! Rehearsal for my GENIE show at pH was tonight and it was great! This show is shaping up pretty well and promises to be a lot of fun. I think the scenes that we have so far are pretty juicy and quite funny. Only two or three weeks in, but I am already really proud of this show and can't put into words my anticipation for opening night.

Though, I do have a big task ahead of me as writer for the show. I have been taking notes on the scenes we've been improvising and will need to be able to start putting them into script form this week. The sooner we can get them into script form the sooner we can get each scene/script as tight as possible.

Seriously though, how do I go about putting more hours in each day?! It's either that or rob a bank, and I'm fresh out of ski masks and clown faces.

2008-09-21T23:48:00.005-05:00

In An Acoustic Concert at Schuba's...Jeffrey David

Writing tires me out. I don't know why. I could be well rested, well fed and begin to write, but somehow still get tired. I guess that's why Redbull and Starbucks exist.

I need/want two or three more spec scripts to have in my portfolio and am currently trying to decide which ones to spec. Right now my options are the following:
1. Sunny
2. Samantha Who?
3. How I Met Your Mother
4. Big Bang Theory
5. New Adventures of Old Christine
6. Rules of Engagement

If you have any thoughts/opinions/suggestions/comments, please let me know. I'm looking to only do two, but maybe I'll do three. Any advice would be wonderful.

I have a lot on my plate right now with all the writing I am doing. I am also working on another original sitcom pilot. I've been flushing out the characters for the past couple of weeks and am very excited, VERY, about this one.

There is just not enough time in each day to do all I want to do, but I definitely do all that I can.

2008-09-20T16:46:00.004-05:00

Matt Young (a.k.a. Adam) - "ain't no thang my bros."

A SUCCESS (hopefully). At least if feels like it was which is super rad. This shoot was so much fun. We were able to play more in each scene we did. I thought the scenes were pretty good and definitely helped out the story. However, I am very interested to see what will actually show up on the screen. It's very possible what we did didn't help the story, but unlikely. I can't wait to see the rough cut.

Matt Young (Whirled News Tonight) who plays 'Adam' was a total pro to work with. It was nice having him on board for this project. A fun fact about how Dan and I know Matt - he was our first improv coach for HOWIE!. He really beat the improv into us and made us the players we are today. Not only is he a great coach, he is an excellent drawer...in the beginning, he used to draw us tons of pictures during rehearsals! ;)

2008-09-19T21:49:00.000-05:00

An old picture of Shorty and I.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHORTY!!!

Finalized everything for tomorrow's shoot today. Cast is ready, crew is ready, and lines are almost memorized. I'm going to bed now because call time is 7AM...FUN!

2008-09-18T19:17:00.002-05:00

After finishing a meeting for my pilot, which instead of being titled Lost & Find now might be called Brotherdom or BrotherDumb (incidentally, Brotherdum{b} is pretty close to its original title). We have come up with a new script that I believe will fill in a few holes we had in the first one. We shoot again, Saturday morning at 7:00 am so we need to make sure we're all on the same page. It's been a really tough process the past couple weeks, trying to get the best possible script put together that is not only funny, but also best serves the stories and characters.

I am very optimistic about this upcoming shoot. We have had a few pretty decent re-writes and given the almost ZERO dollar budget this go around, and short time frame in which we had to put a script together...I am excited to see what we will end up with.

I left today's meeting with a good feeling. A feeling of accomplishment and excitement, which unfortunately, is not been how I've left the last couple (frustrated). Saturday promises to be a pretty rad and productive experience.

2008-09-17T23:00:00.003-05:00

I had a quasi-free night tonight. I finished my second to last show of 100...Years of Losing at Stage Left Theater for pH. It happened to be one of our best shows of the run to date. There were only four people there, but we rocked it out for them and they loved it. I was having a blast and I finally sang the songs without being terribly embarrassed. I figured I'd let loose and allow myself to relax for once because there were only four people in the audience. Well, NOTE TO SELF....ALWAYS play/sing like that...it's much more fun and odds are I'll rock it out! I guess that could fall under the category of playing with confidence, huh? Yeah.

I am addicted to Weeds. One of my favorite shows on TV. I am so happy I got to catch up tonight.

My alarm is now set for 3:00 a.m. Tracy is gonna chat/call me from Spain!

2008-09-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

A HOWIE! meeting in my car.

I want to invent a new word (not sure exactly how I could do that) for being "incredibly tired." Something that means SO tired that even if you bit into a hot pepper, you wouldn't have enough energy to react...SO tired that even if you were being sexually molested by John Wayne Gacy, Jr. you wouldn't have enough energy to fight back...SO tired that even as much as you long for a delicious nap, there is absolutely no time for it because you've been going non-stop...I think that word is going to be "Draizzzoughany".

HOWIE! finally met tonight. It's been a meeting I have highly anticipated for the past couple weeks. I've tried to "bottom line" the conversation we all had for a couple people already, but it's hard for me to do. What it comes down to is that we (HOWIE!) are going through a growth period right now in our improv/sketch/comedy careers. At the beginning of our careers, we started improvising together and did so constantly and consistently for two years. Right now, I think we are all a little tired and have had an improv information overload. Now we want to DO and play. We want to be a part of other projects and play with other people, and I think it's very important we allow ourselves this growth period, as artists and as a team.

I'm happy to say HOWIE! has a plan. We are going to cool out for a couple months and finish some other projects we have going on. Around the middle of November we will re-connect, have a show and just play, for fun. During this "off" time we will hopefully find a coach who will commit to us and possibly add a couple new members. Ahhh (sigh of relief), I am very excited we have a plan now and a direction.

We all feel there is so much more to be learned out there and we all want our improv to elevate to the next level. Most importantly, we believe that HOWIE! will be a main tool in helping us achieve that goal.

2008-09-15T22:45:00.001-05:00

Tonight was our first rehearsal for the sketch show I am putting together at pH. I was very nervous. I wrote an outline of scenes and beats for the show and the best part (and how I wanted the show to be created) was for us to use improvisation to write the scenes and scripts for the show. So, that's what we did.

I was a little afraid that the cast would be confused or not GET what I was going for, but that was not the case at all. Everyone jumped in with with both feet and went for it. The scenes/beats we improvised tonight were hilarious. Seriously, I laughed a lot. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. At one point during rehearsal, I remember thinking, "This is going to be way better than anything I would have written by myself." I honestly believe that, because everyone is able to put their twist on it and try out ideas. It already feels like a collaborative piece and something we will be proud to put up.

At the risk of sounding cheesy or like a nerd (which I totally am), Del really knew what he was talking about when he said, "If we treat each other as if we are geniuses, poets, and artists, we have a better chance of becoming that on-stage."

It was such a tremendously supportive feeling, seeing my (weird-ass) idea of a lovable loser who meets a genie, be brought to life...and my peers pretty much saying, "Fuck yeah man. A genie. Awesome. Let's rock it out!"

I am so lucky to be surrounded by such completely rad geniuses, poets, and artists.

2008-09-14T23:56:00.005-05:00

Went to the Kansas City Chief's home opener for part II of Blake's bachelor party today. Fun day for me, but a bad day for Blake because the Chief's are horrible. Ha!

Recently, I have fallen back in love with flying. When I go on planes, it is one of the ONLY times I am alone and can focus on writing without any distractions. Tonight I worked on my new pilot idea. It was a short flight, but I think I made some good progress.

For my birthday (Sept. 28...buy me stuff), I wish I could finagle people into purchasing plane tickets for me or giving me cash so I can take flights to places...anywhere really, I don't care...so I can be alone with no distractions...and write.

...Ooo, maybe train tickets too!

2008-09-13T23:31:00.003-05:00

Was I playing blackjack with founder of KFC, Colonel Sanders? I think I might have been.

2008-09-12T15:59:00.004-05:00

HAIRCUT!!!! I feel like a new man.

I'm going to St. Louis after work today ...so no improv this weekend...just football. Okay, okay, I will probably do some writing. Either way, this weekend will be a great weekend...family, football and Cardinals. GO CARDS!!

2008-09-11T09:05:00.005-05:00

Seven years have passed already and it feels as though I have just blinked my eyes. Crazy. I remember exactly where I was, as if the tragic day of September 11, 2001 were just yesterday.

Peoria, IL - Bradley University - Delta Upsilon Fraternity House - Room 17 (a triple I shared with Tommy Choi and Edwin Vdovets) - 8:30 am CST.

For some reason I decided to get up early and shower for my class, which back then, was a rarity for me. Ha. I remember taking my clothes off and turning the TV on to catch some possible cartoons before I showered. I turned on the TV (just in my shower towel) and didn't move until 5pm CST.

2008-09-10T23:43:00.003-05:00

Sitcom TV. Some love it. Some hate it. Some NEED it in order to fall asleep. Sometimes, I think I want to make a baby with it and name him Rust Riley Kremer. Mostly though, I want to write for one. Preferably, one I create...it would be a dream come true...and of course, being able to improvise on the side.

Tonight I had a meeting for the pilot (Lost & Find) tonight. We are so close to being finished, but still so far away. We need to add some re-writes, support some jokes, and then place the finishing polish. Dan, Charley, and I finally came together and agreed on what we think the show needs to make it the best (story-wise) and funniest. When working on a project like an original sitcom pilot, frustrations can come easily. And, they did. However, I am really happy with the outcome of tonight's meeting. It's also what I love most about working with Dan & Charley. No matter how upset and mad we get at each other...we work it out and find a compromise.

Like I've said before, this process has been a tremendous learning experience and I am so thankful for being able to go through it and have it be a successful finished product. I am so psyched about writing Lost & Find that it got me inspired to write another original pilot idea. I've been working on it for a month or so and I am really excited about it. Mostly because the second time going through this process, I feel like I will know MORE about what I'm doing and in turn be a MORE efficient writer.

2008-09-09T22:33:00.005-05:00

ou can't tell in this picture, but from where I was standing on Broadway and Lawrence, you could clearly see The Hancock Building. It was such a great view and a gorgeous night…most likely one of the last really nice nights of the summer. However, I love the fall - October might be my favorite month of the year (especially if the Cardinals are in the playoffs).

A show I have been working on for the last few months finally got accepted and will go up at pH. Originally, I wanted to pitch this show to The Annoyance Theatre, as it has a very Annoyance feel to it, but I am excited and happy to have it at pH. It will be featured in pH's new sketch series at 8pm on Wednesday nights, even though it isn't really a sketch show. It's more of a play...well, a rock-opera...well, it's something.

I wrote an outline of what I want the show to be and we (the cast) will write all of the scenes through improvisation. I like creating a show this way because then other players can suggest scenes and/or put their own twists on characters and choices they make during an improv scene. It makes the show feel more like a piece we created together, instead of something Howie wrote and we are just acting in. There's a little bit more ownership. After improvising the scenes from the outline, we will write them out, and eventually memorize the scripts we create. I am a big fan of this process and can't wait for our first rehearsal (Monday the 15th).

We had our first meeting tonight and I am officially jazzed about this show! I am going to be playing the role of the Lovable Loser's Best Friend and the Genie's Best Friend. That's right folks, there is a genie in this show! Get excited!

The cast is absolutely wonderfully talented:

Jason Geis

Scott Hogan

Tracy Meyer

Rasheeda Moore

Tristan Tanner

One more person TBA soon...

Directed by:
Chris Edwards

I can't wait! Holla!!

2008-09-08T23:24:00.003-05:00

Tonight was the last night of the Rad-Fest, YES II run. Insult to Injury and HOWIE! both had fun, gay shows. It was a long run and at times got frustrating. A few things I've learned with our second RFY run:

1. Attendance for 10pm Monday night shows can be tricky.

2. When it's hard to get people to shows, the overall run can get a little tiring.

3. If you feel yourself getting burned out, taken out of a show, or blank slated with nothing to say...the only way to get out of that funk is to push through it. Do a high energy warm-up before the show to get yourself going. During the show, find something in a scene that cracks you up and do it more and more.

And most importantly…follow the joy. Whether it's the joy of the run, the show, the scene or your scene partner.

After the show, we went to Town Hall to have some drinks and hang out. As I was sitting in the bar, I could not help but wonder if this was the last time I would be chillin with the dewds of HOWIE!...as the group HOWIE! I don't want the group to end, and it very well may not, but sometimes what you want and what actually happens are two different things. I guess Mick (Jager, not Napier) knew what he was talking about when he said, "You can't always get whatchoo want." Hopefully, I'll get what I need.

2008-09-07T14:20:00.007-05:00

I don't have an updated picture of my dad's side of the family (who are from Israel and I don't get to see too often) so I am using the one above (I freakin' LOVE Family Ties!). But, spending time with them has really been great. They are so funny and the culture differences are hilarious to me. Since she's been in the states over the past week, my "baby" cousin (18 years old), eats at least 2 EGGO waffles everyday for breakfast. My favorite part (which I think she gets from me) is that she fills in every square with syrup. I love it. Whenever she has been hungry, she taps two fingers on the inside of her elbow like a heroin addict, and in a middle eastern/Israeli accent says to me, "Waffle. Waffle. Howie, I need waffle." They apparently don't have waffles in Israel and now she is addicted to them.

This trip has been a constant character study and unexpectedly filled with non-stop laughter...which is just what the doctor ordered.

Grieving is no fun.

Reconnecting with my family and hanging out with people who live in a completely different world is totally refreshing and pretty radass.

I miss them already and I haven't left yet…

2008-09-06T15:01:00.001-05:00

I'm in Ft. Lauderdale, FL for the next few days, unfortunately it's not for fun. I am sitting shiva for my grandmother. Shiva is the week-long period of grief and mourning for family members in the Jewish religion. Usually, it's only for immediate family. It is considered a great mitzvah (good deed) of kindness and compassion to pay a home visit to the mourners. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva_(Judaism).

Pretty much all day people come over (bring tons of food) and hang out. In this case, it was mostly non-stop old people coming by. Many holocaust survivors (both my grandparents were) and generally really, really old people.

The people in the picture above are 99 and 100 years old, and they look like they are maybe 75 years old. That's insane right? Do you realize what they have seen in their lifetime???

1. Electricity in homes
2. Cars
3. Planes
4. Televisions
5. Computers
6. The Internet
7. World War I
8. The Great Depression
9. World War II -The Holocaust, Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima & Nagasaki
10. Vietnam
11. Cuban Missile Crisis
12. The birth of Improvisational Comedy!
13 The Beginning of Second City
14. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement
15. The First Episode of Saturday Night Live
16. Both Gulf Wars
17. The Cold War, Tiananmen Square, The Berlin Wall
18. 9/11
19. The Pet Rock
20. Reality T.V.
21. The rise and fall of Disco.
22. The clothing/hair of the 80's
23. Sitcoms
24. The following Presidents of the United States:

Roosevelt, Theodore
1901-09

Taft, William H.
1909-13

Wilson, Woodrow
1913-21

Harding, Warren
1921-23

Coolidge, Calvin
1923-29

These two people are a wealth of knowledge and walking history books. It was an incredible experience speaking to them all day. I just realized that their parents were most likely alive during the time that Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States. Incredible.

My favorite part of this couple's visit was them talking to me and telling wonderful stories about my grandmother and answering all sorts of questions I had about their long lives...they both were so full of life. Then when they were leaving, my Aunt Rachel walked them to the door and the conversation went like this:

Aunt Rachel: Thank you so much for coming over. We all really appreciate it.
Howie (from the couch): Bye! It was a pleasure meeting you.
Old People: Bye, bye. Have a good day.
Aunt Rachel: Do you need help getting to your car?
Old People: No we'll be okay.
Aunt Rachel: Okay. Again, thanks for coming by.
Old Woman: Who are you?

2008-09-05T23:29:00.002-05:00

Tonight is Micah's last show with pH until next year. He is departing on Sunday to play on a Second City Cruise Ship for a few months. Micah is a main reason I joined and stayed in pH. He is one of the most generous, YES players I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. As I am in the beginnings of my improv/acting life, it is nice to have my paths cross with someone like him.

A major reason I joined pH was to get notes from Micah. I heard he was this wonderful person who has some great insight. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this group, but thought if I could get notes once a week from him, it would be well worth it for me to join. Lucky for me, I got more than just some incredible notes. I found a wonderful theatre company that was and is pushing me to be a better improviser. Not to mention a place I can put up my own weird shows and call home.

I don't have a crystal ball and can't see the future, but I do know that meeting Micah is a big reason I stayed in pH and got to meet all of the wonderful people involved, as well as, pushing myself in this craft.

Check it out! - www.whatisph.com

2008-09-04T23:52:00.004-05:00

It's nice when friends who don't live in Chicago are able to come see me perform. My friend, Erica, is in from New York and was able to come check out my show last night. She was a real trooper. Got off the plane and hopped in a cab from O'hare to come to Wrigleyvile (during a Cubs Game) and catch my show. Didn't even stop for food. After the show we ate almost everything at D'Agostino's.

Foods I love:
Pizza
Buffalo Wings
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Sandwiches
French Fries
Candy

We had almost all of those things.

One day - I wanna open a Candy/Pizza/Wing place. I think it would be really popular and do really well. Especially in a town like Boulder, CO or places were there are large population of pot smokers.

2008-09-03T23:25:00.007-05:00

After a week off, the sketch show I'm in (100...Years of Losing) was back on last night. I was pumped to do the show, but a little nervous because I was running late and barely got a chance to do a run-through. We share the theater with Stage Left and they have plays there all the time and are constantly changing sets.

So, besides having a new set to deal with, Jason Geis was back, which meant I would NOT be in some scenes and NOT be saying certain lines I previously did in the last performance…which was also the first time I did the show. On top of all of this, my grandmother passed away today. I've been thinking about her a little bit today...but haven't had a chance to really sit down and reflect yet. Although she lived in Florida and I didn't see her often, I am going to miss her a bunch.

I was a little flustered at the top of the show, but after the first scene, I started having fun. The performance was good, can, and will be better next week. Playing with Jason was great and he was full of surprises for me, which I loved! We found fun games in our scenes together, which was pretty rad.

I'm extremely tired. I got into work at 8:08am today and, was told I need to get into work closer to 8am. Oy.

2008-09-02T15:28:00.008-05:00

Work. Wow...it's such a different setting for me then I am used to. I haven't had an office job in four years and I don't really know how to act when I go in. At my last job, my boss was a family friend and a year or so after I started we hired a really good buddy of mine, Mike Bradshaw.

At my current job, I don't really say much. I will be quiet for like an hour or so straight, but whenever I talk - I say something really random. I have just started to show my true colors. I can see my boss trying to make conversation with me and trying to get me relaxed around coworkers. Last week he was busting my chops and out of left field I threatened his anus with my fist - givin' it right back to him. The room fell silent for a moment. Although the comment was a bit of a curveball our secretary defended me by saying, "if you're gonna dish it out, you better be able to take it."

Today I had this interaction with my boss:

Boss: Are you going to be okay by yourself while I step out, Howie?
Howie: Yeah, I'll be alright.
Boss: Okay.

Boss slowly walks to the door, as he is opening the door, I yell:

Howie: I'm gonna blow shit up!!

Boss turns around and looks at me confused as if I might actually blow shit up.

2008-09-01T23:28:00.005-05:00

HOWIE!, minus nick.

Our show got canceled tonight. No surprise as it is Labor Day and people are probably still wasted and desperately trying to recover so they can pseudo-soberly stumble into work tomorrow. But, we all know when they get to work, they aren't going to talk to anyone the first hour anyway. They will just sit there and check their emails, read blogs, newspapers, and shop on zappos.com for shoes they want, but don't need. So, since they are statistically (98.98%)* going to do the latter...they might have well come to see The Rad-Fest, YES II tonight at the Playground...had a few more beers and then went home to pass out. You jerks! JK...JK...chill out, I'm joking.

Oh well. No worries. It gives me time to work on my new writing project that I am very nervous and excited about. I am writing a ROM-COM with a new writing partner, Andrew. I have always been very nervous about writing a feature...but I guess you just gotta jump in feet first and hope you don't sink, right? I feel less nervous though because I will have Dan and Tracy helping out with the story. I think when taking on any writing project like a pilot or a screenplay...it is important to have an outside eye to help you. Especially with a screenplay - it's much longer and developing the story can be tough without some help.

* = Statistics are strictly from Howie Kremer's mind and no where else.

2008-08-31T22:36:00.009-05:00

Improv has given me friends for life. Rick, who recently moved back to Milwaukee and subsequently had to become an Alumni player of HOWIE!, got married tonight to Kaylan Tolfa. It took place outside in a small town due west of Milwaukee and it was beautiful.

Rick, Dan, Richie, Neal, Nick, Adam, and I all went through classes together at iO. We formed our group during level 2 and have been together for about 2 years. Quite impressive, I think, but even more we have built unbelievable friendships. Which I believe and have been told, comes through on stage. People often tell me after our shows, "You can really tell you guys love each other and are having fun," and it has never, NOT been true. We do and we are. Strong independent teams are a rare breed in the Chicago improv scene. Most independent teams don't usually last long and are often rough to watch. I take pride in our group. We've grown together, struggled together, and experienced together, and that has been more than I could ask for out of an independent team. Not to mention, we consistently put on some pretty entertaining shows.

As with most teams, and to no surprise, every few months you need to re-evaluate the team's goals and do a check-in. Not being attached to a theater is a catch 22. On the positive side, we are not governed by anyone but ourselves, which gives us the freedom to do what we want and grow at our own pace without fear of being cut from a schedule. But the same can be said from a negative standpoint - we are not governed by anyone but ourselves. The "freedom" is great because we can decide what kind of shows and improv we want to do. However, it can also lend itself to players sometimes not treating rehearsals or the group with the same level of importance they give to other groups. And, we all get that...and it's mainly because our other groups are attached to a theater. Battling with commitment and growth as an actor/improviser is tough to do...but we've been doing it for two years now, and I don't see this as something that will disband the group. We have figured it out for the past two years and each time we meet - we get excited, refreshed, and ready to re-commit to each other and our group.

In the end, this is a place where we consistently do our best work, have the most fun, and will hopefully continue to do so as long as we can.

2008-08-30T23:19:00.002-05:00

Chicago is great. Walking along the river with Tracy after dinner tonight, I had one of those 'stop and smell the roses' moments by the Wrigley Building. Despite the ridiculous weather sometimes, Chicago is one of the raddest cities. We have it all, from sports, to skyscrapers, to amazing cuisine, it's the mecca for improvisation and sketch comedy, and we have a Great Lake! Everything a young comedian could ever need, right? Right!
Plus, Chicago has a road called "Jerusalem Way." Representin...Holla!!!

I love Chicago!

2008-08-29T10:12:00.000-05:00

I've taken up drawing the past couple days at work. I think I'm coming along pretty well.
The only things I think about during the day at work are:
1. What time is it?
2. Ideas for my new pilot I'm writing and Sasquatch Shorts.
3. Improv.
4. Is it to early to go to the bathroom and play Tetris on my phone while I pretend to poop?
5. Writing and Improv.

I think we get out at 12pm today. HALF DAY! YES!
I have a show at pH tonight. I can't wait.

2008-08-28T23:54:00.001-05:00

HANDS SHOW 6!!

Final show of the run and it was the dope show! Da Bomb DOT COM! A Salami Sandwich! (Any other catch phrase that will fit - insert here!) We have really come together and found our stride as a group the past couple weeks. What has started off as a group I am really excited about and intrigued to see what happens, then turned into something was a bit frustrating at times, ended up being something I am really proud of and stoked about its future. I am really happy with where our improvising is right now. We are doing whole shows that have themes, characters, listening, good group scenes and are FUN! Also, we have a book of sketches we've written perviously that can easily be added to from scenes that we improvised in this run. All of this without having a coach or director. I'm impressed. I am, however, a little bummed we lose Derek for a few months (he is going on a SC cruise ship in a week), he has become a very strong improviser and I will miss his energy. On the bright side, I am excited to get a director and put up a show for Sketchfest 2009 with the remaining cast. I can' wait to see what the future brings for this group.

2008-08-27T22:48:00.004-05:00

Warbling Thrush....directed by Adam Schwartz and starring:

Dan Aho, Tristan Tanner, Ben Johnson and Sarah Fineout.

The Annoyance Theater has been doing Triple Feature shows over the past few Wednesday nights where new, original short plays are directed by different people each week. Tonight was Adam's and it was great. This was Adam's directing debut and it was the show's second performance.

It was exciting for me because a few of my good friends were part of the show. Adam, one of my first improv friends, as well as, Dan who is also my writing partner for Sasquatch Shorts. And of course the wonderfully talented Tristan Tanner, whom I play with at pH. So, before the show even started I was already jazzed to check it out.
I loved the show for many reasons, but one main reason was its creativity. It took place in the 1800's, in Warbling Thrush, England. The costumes were very real looking and the acting was...spot on. Ha. Ha. Seriously though, it was very funny. There is something about watching British people dressed in corsets and suits, discussing orgasms that just tickles me.

I was very happy for everyone and especially Adam, as I think it is a big accomplishment to do something like this and put it together in about an eight week time frame.

Kudos. Kudos.

2008-08-26T18:00:00.003-05:00

My First CTA - Bus Ride

That's right, I've lived in Chicago for a little over two years and have never taken the bus...until today. It was everything I thought it would be. The bus driver was an angry lunatic and yelled at everyone that walked on the bus. The old Russian guy behind me in the picture started yelling at me because he thought I was pushing him. I almost started laughing during our conversation:

Old Guy: ::Glares at Me::
Me: ::Gives a curious look::
Old Guy: Stop pushing me.
Me: Sir, I'm smashed against this pole. I don't think I'm pushing you.
Old Guy: You're pushing me. Stop pushing me.
Me: I'm really don't think I'm pushing you, sir.
Old Guy: You're pushing me. Stop pushing me. What are you doing?
Me: ::Trying not to laugh.:: I'm smashed against this pole on a moving bus.
Old Guy: ::Waves his hand at me and gives me a look of "shut up.":: Ahh.

I love the CTA.

2008-08-25T21:21:00.000-05:00

Last SC Conservatory Show

I'm feeling relieved actually. Second City Conservatory has taken a lot out of me. Don't get me wrong, it was a great experience learning how to put up a SC style sketch show and getting to work with Norm Holly was super fun, but for some reason I was not passionate about the show. I loved the scene I did with Allison each week - we plan to use it again in our two-person show we're working on too. It landed every time, which was totally rad, but besides that scene and maybe one other scene...I just wasn't into it. Maybe because it is difficult working and putting up a show with 15 people or maybe because it simply wasn't as much fun, challenging, and risky as shows I've done in the past...I'm not sure. I am, however, thankful that my Monday and Thursday nights are a little bit free-er now. I can relax now or most likely I'll use that time and energy to do another project, show, or write!

2008-08-24T14:30:00.001-05:00

Annika and Howie

I have slept four a total of 12.5 hours so far today. This was my first meal (Fruit Loops - love em!) at 2:00pm.
I love sleeping. I am literally going to take another nap as soon as I publish this post.

I am really looking forward to HOWIE! rehearsal tonight. I've barely been gone and I already have an itch to improvise.
Also, I'm really excited to the road trip home. It will be a blast because I love driving...it's peaceful to me, and I always eat fun crap in the car ride.

A list of food I usually have in a car on a road trip:
Sour Patch Kids
Starbursts
Diet Green Tea
Monster Mocha Energy Drink
Jacks Links Beef Jerky - Hot & Sweet
Banana
M&M's
Sunflower Seeds.

ROAD TRIPS!!

2008-08-23T21:45:00.001-05:00

Ahoy mates!!!

Tracy's mom took us on Lake Erie today from Port Clinton, OH. I LOVE boats...it was a blast. I didn't have sunglasses, so that blew, but besides that it was pretty rad.

My little two day sabbatical has been nice. I haven't written anything in a couple of days.

It's nice to finally relax. My brain doesn't hurt as much as it usually does...

2008-08-22T22:29:00.000-05:00

ROAD TRIP!

Ann Arbor, Michigan to see Tracy's sister and brother-in-law, and most importantly her niece - ANNIKA.

Also, my buddy Josh Rubin just moved there because he is doing his residency at U of M. It will be nice to get away, even if it's for a couple days!

I'm so very tired...

2008-08-21T23:52:00.001-05:00

HANDS sans Dan Aho.

HANDS Show Five!

This was easily in my top three of the best and most fun improv shows I have performed to date in Chicago. It was only the four of us (no Dan), so we decided to do one group scene and see how long we could play in it. We told ourselves that if it ended naturally and before the show was up, we would do a quick run of scenes based off the characters in the group scene and possibly try to bookend the show by doing a second beat of that first group scene.

The first scene we did lasted about 15 minutes and it was incredibly fun. I felt sooo supported out there. I started taking risks and throwing some major curve balls into the scene. They were each met with a ton of support and completely YESANDed. It was totally rad. Tonight is why I fell in love with the art of long form improvisation. Everything I've been taught and love about improv, happened tonight.

Sometimes the craft and industry can be really tough, and getting validation is something many people look for as a sign of success, progress, and moving forward with one's career. I know when I first started doing this, I looked for validation everywhere. It was very important to me. Well, let me tell you, tonight was all the validation I needed. As time goes on, I'm realizing that while having other people's approval is nice...doing the work...good work, having fun and having a knock out show is more than enough. It reminded me that I am on the right path and getting better each time I play. That's enough validation for me.

2008-08-20T22:19:00.001-05:00

A pay phone by my work. Pay phones?

Tonight was my first pH sketch show - 100...Years of Losing. Wow, it was a rush, but it was really fun. Lot's of fun scenes...although I don't think I was truly having fun with it yet. I was too worried about remembering my lines and more importantly...my dance moves. Yeah, that's right...there's dancing. And, I sing. It's a treat, a real treat.

I'm happy to be doing scripted work. Every time I do a sketch show, I feel my acting improves a little bit more, which is nice. Improving my acting is definitely something I want to work on. I am still pretty green to all of this...I've been in Chicago, acting for two years now. Most of my peers have been acting since at LEAST college. I know it seems silly, but its the competitive part of me coming out. I feel like I want to keep up with my peers as far as skills go. I think this is part of what pushes me to become better, whether it's acting, writing, whatever. The other part is my pure love for the work.

I love improv!

2008-08-19T18:40:00.003-05:00

This is what I look like most of the day at my new job.

I have no computer here yet, so lately it's been really hard to blog, chat and hang out via the World Wide Web. Which I have realized would be so rad to get paid to do...if somehow I can find that job I'd be set. Paid to play on the computer all day and write sketches, shorts and scripts...

I know I'm a few days behind on POSTING this blog, but I'm exhausted. Not only do I have a new job (with NO computer!), I literally have had a show and/or rehearsal nine out of the last ten nights. I wake up at 7:00 am (which is wayyyy earlier than I am used to getting up over the past four years at my old job) and go to sleep at like 1:00am. It's tiring. I'm tired. TIRED!!!! But, sooo worth it...cuz I love playing!

Last night I had a terrible show. The overall show was actually pretty good, but my personal performance was poop. I could actually feel myself be taken out of it. I was literally blank at one point. Thankfully, my teammates (who are wonderful) were there to pick me up. People who usually don't drive shows...did last night. Everyone felt me not being myself and put on their "A" games. It was incredible to be "out" of it and see that happen. To tell you the truth, it was a sigh of relief that I think allowed me to get a second wind.

Honestly, I don't know what happened tonight...I am really bummed I wasn't "in it" the entire show, because it looked fun! However, putting all that aside, in a couple of the last scenes of the show (because I was being so supported up till that point) I was able to get back "in it." I had a great scene with Nick and it was really fun.

What am I going to take away from this show...sometimes you just don't have it some nights, and if you can recognize that, push through and still have a fun scene...that's a huge plus.

2008-08-18T02:34:00.001-05:00

Maybe it's because its 2:30 in the morning, maybe its because I am Jewish, but all you can eat bacon does not sound appealing right now...or ever.

Two shows tonight and I am on little sleep...I feel like I'm burning out on improv...burning out on life...burning out on this blog...

Seriously...all you can eat bacon? Gross