To curb team members flaking on performances and practices, a number of local indie improv teams have adopted a blood in blood out policy, and are mercilessly beating anyone who doesn’t show up for their improvised commitments.
Improvisers once ready to flake on a show at Neon Venus are now treating attending practice like performing on weekends at Upright Citizens Brigade.
But, not everyone is ready for the level commitment these hard core teams require. Greg Emanuel an aspiring actor heard of an open spot on “Funny on Paper”, one of a growing number of blood in blood out teams. “I thought it was going to be improv punches, you know just miming, but these were real punches. One of them had the UCB Manual he used as a weapon. I begged them to stop, but they just kept shouting ‘YES, AND.’ I blacked out, and next thing I knew, I was in the group.”
“Across the board, commitment is a huge issue in the improv community.” Andie Rose, one of the founders of “Funny on Paper” explained. “Every week someone either had work, an audition, or just spaced. We’re trying to build group mind.” Rose grabbed an empty bottle of Pellegrino and excused herself. A few minutes later Rose returned, obviously disheveled, threw away the remaining portion of a broken bottle and sat back down. “Sorry, I just killed a guy who’s team doesn’t stick around to watch after they perform.”
But, this policy is hurting more people than those who commit to Truth in Comedy. “A coffee shop in Eagle Rock used to have a comedy night on Wednesdays and they cancelled it for music. The next day the whole shop burned down. I don’t know if it was improv related, but the fact I’m even wondering.” Funny on Paper coach George Barber said, “Sometimes I ask if it’s really worth it. But, you know, these kids do a pretty good living room opening.”
For Emmanuel, the commitment to his team close to to paying off, “I got a pilot. I had to turn it down because shooting would conflict with practice.”
