Tag: sketch comedy

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E73 – Gary Rideout Jr.‘s Habitat for Comedy

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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dkzh8-10f1a98

Chances are if you’ve performed comedy in Toronto, you’re likely one degree of separation from this episode’s guest; Gary 

Rideout Jr., owner of Toronto’s famous Comedy Bar & Director of Business Development at The Second City in Toronto. This episode dives into Gary’s timeline as a budding comedian-turned-business owner and  tracks the many successes he’s had along the way, the struggles that come with taking risks and putting yourself out there, as well as some truly great lessons learned along the way.

With the recent tease on social media announcing the opening of a second Comedy Bar location, on the Danforth, we’re thrilled to get to chat with Gary about his journey in Toronto comedy and his excitement for all that’s to come. 

This is an episode for comedians and for fans of comedy. You’ll see what it takes to create a space for an entire community of comedy artists; how to foster that community and the heights where it can lead. 

KEY CREATIVE TIPS:

Comedy, Writing, Performance, Touring, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Accessibility.

 

Nick’s Update:

Editing again, and prepping for NaNoWriMo

Brie’s Update:

Niagara Falls Night of Art, Improv Fallout back at Mahtay Café, Writing Accountability Partner

 

RESOURCES

Comedy Bar

The Second City

 

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E70 – Kirk McCullough on the Balance Between Money and Joy

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https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-b32jz-1075a0c

In this episode, Nick and Brie celebrate the end of the school year with improviser, producer, and Kindergarten teacher Kirk McCullough. Kirk came into the Toronto improv community as one of the most organized show producers on the scene. One half of the improv duo Cadley Brooper, Kirk produces Duo Derby, one of the only live shows to seemingly seamlessly transition to an ideal online improv experience. Having studied at The Second City and now a member of the Assembly, Kirk is bringing positive, supportive and joyful vibes to the community, both online and off.

When it comes to splitting focus between teaching kids and improvising with grown-ups, balance is required, and we learn some of the challenges Kirk has faced along the way when it comes to making sure he’s putting his energy in the right places.

Teacher by day, performer by night. This episode answers the ultimate question: “HOW DOES SHE DO IT?”

Key Creative Tips:

Live / Online Comedy Show Producing, Improv, Teaching, Teaching Online, Finding Balance, Going with the Flow, LGBTQ Pride.

 

Nick’s Update: No writing. Spending time with Kids.

Brie’s Update: New Second City class on Hosting. Having enough students signed up to hold classes.

 

RESOURCES:

More from PATRICK & RYAN

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Improv, Shows, Sketch Comedy

Variety Comedy Show

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Improv Niagara recently held a Variety Comedy Show in St. Catharines. We wanted to challenge our comedic abilities and present a show completely different from the improv shows we normally perform. Our newest member Pat shared the following about his experience branching out into the word of musical comedy:

I’ve been a super fan of Improv Niagara since their very first show at Mahtay Café. I’ve attended improv shows in Chicago, New York City and Toronto. And I love shows like ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ It became very clear to me how quick, versatile and in-tune one had to be to ‘play’ in the big leagues.

I wanted to play in the big leagues.

I was lucky enough to study improv at The Second City Training Centre in Toronto, but driving two hours around the lake was becoming less and less of an option for me. Along came Improv Niagara; led by amazing improv and theatre professionals, they’ve added to the heartbeat of downtown St. Catharines. I watched as they found their rhythm, grew their skills and packed the house!

I wanted to get involved. Just over a year after seeing their first show, I was finally in a place where I could participate in my first show with Improv Niagara. And it wasn’t even Improv! It was a Variety Comedy Show!

Watching the gang perform improv over the year, I thought I knew what they were capable of. But gee golly, was I wrong! Every single person left their comfort zone at the door and took a chance doing something spectacular! Collectively, we had acts ranging from stand-up to sketch comedy and even interpretive dance!

I chose to combine my love of music and a few accents and performed a Christmas song I used to hear when I “lived above a hostel.”

It was a great and eye opening night, one of many I’m looking forward to sharing with my new peers at Improv Niagara. 

Patrick Gagliardi, Improv Niagara’s Newest Cast Member

Don’t miss Pat in our upcoming Holiday Edition of Improv Fallout, actually performing improv this time, on Friday December 27th 2019 at 8pm.