Magnet Theater Blog: News and Ideas about Comedy, Improv Shows & Classes in NYC

As Hurricane relief continues, Armando Diaz has decided to donate his time and talents to the cause.  That is why on Saturday, Dec. 1st from 12pm until Sunday, Dec. 2nd at 12pm- Armando Diaz will teach & coach improv and sketch comedy for 24 hours straight!  All of the money raised from the Coach-athon will be donated to the Red Cross for Hurricane Relief.

Let the bidding begin: BID HERE! 

Hurricane Sandy has caused a lot of damage and made a lot of people homeless. It has been a really difficult time for so many people and I want to do what I can to help out. So I am going to raise money by attempting to coach and teach Improv and Sketch for 24 hours straight. YES THAT IS RIGHT! I’M GOING TO TRY AND TEACH AND COACH FOR 24 HOURS IN A ROW. All money raised from this Marathon will be donated to the Red Cross.

WHEN IS IT?
Saturday, December 1st at noon through Sunday, December 2nd until noon.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Well, aside from teaching a couple of my regular classes on Saturday, we are offering slots around the clock that you and your improv group can bid on and get coached by me. In those slots we can work on whatever you want. I am at your disposal.

BIDDING
Bidding starts on Tuesday, November 6th at 11 am and will end at Sunday, November 25th at 6pm. Bids will be tallied and winners will be announced on Monday, November 26th after 12 noon. LET THE BIDDING BEGIN!

And on Saturday Dec. 1st AT Midnight there will be a DROP IN CLASS JAM. (Minimum suggested donation is $10 at the door) Groups and individuals welcomed.

And on Sunday, December 2nd from 10 am to 12pm there will be a FREE IMPROV TRIAL CLASS. If you or your friends have been wanting to try improv and don’t mind being taught by someone with a hoarse voice, this is the class to attend.

So if you have always wanted to be coached by me or you just want to see if a man can teach improv non-stop for 24 hours then please join me for The Armando Diaz Hurricane Relief Teaching & Coaching-athon, Sat 12/1 – Sun 12/2. And please help spread the word.

Sincerely,

Armando Diaz
Founder
Magnet Theater, New York

Congratulations to the new Magnet Sketch Teams!  Magnet Sketch Teams are the sketch comedy equivalent of Megawatt, our house improv teams. Sketch Teams are groups of writers and performers who will work with directors to create a run of sketch shows.   Thank you to all those who applied, we’re excited to introduce these incredible teams! The first show is Sunday September 16th at 9:30!  See you there!

TEAM LEONARDO

Ruby Marez

Lisa Herring

Alex Marino

Phoebe Tyers

Todd Shaeffer

Adam Twitchell

Ingrid Ostby

Bob Kern

Steph Garcia

TEAM RAPHAEL

Willy Appelman

Kim Ferguson

Vince Milosevich

Stephanie Streisand

Alan Fessenden

Sarah Pappalardo

Joe Miles

Sean Taylor

Andrew Vuilleumier

TEAM DONATELLO

Emily Shapiro

Jim Turner

Branson Reese

Nivea Serrao

David Rynn

Nick Feitel

Kaitlin Fontana

Geri Cole

Jon Moisan

TEAM MICHELANGELO

Jane Stolar

Gretchen Poole

Jana Schmieding

Ben Kharakh

Matt Antonucci

Danielle Tolley

Lauren Olsen

Joe Lepore

Matt Wassung

This Saturday at 11am at The Magnet Theater, Megan Gray will be moderating a Q & A with improv legends Susan Messing and Christina Gausas!

Messing is a director and actress living in Chicago.  Best known for her work with Second City, iO and The Annoyance Theatre, she is well revered in the NYC, Chicago and L.A. improv and acting communities.

Christina Gausas is an actress, writer and director living in NYC.  She has appeared on 30 Rock, Delocated, Important Things w/ Dimitri Martin,  and Late Night w/ Conan O’Brien.  Christina was named one of “The 10 Funniest New Yorker’s You’ve Never Heard Of” by New York Magazine.  She is also directing “The Subject” at The Magnet Theater, opening Thursday May 3rd at 10pm and running until May 31st!

The Q & A is completely free, RSVP at megan@magnettheater.com to reserve a spot!

Armando Diaz Improv Resource Center Podcast Interview

Magnet Theater founder Armando Diaz was recently interviewed by Kevin Mullaney for the Improv Resource Center podcast.  In the interview Armando discusses the lessons he has learned by opening his own improv theater, how he has evolved as a teacher, how he helps students connect with their scene partners, scene initiations and more!  If you are an improv comedy nerd this is definitely a great interview to listen to!

IRC Podcast 11-09-2010 – Armando Diaz