Posts Tagged ‘the best’
“Round Trip” is the newest installment of The Director Series, a 4-week series of performances wherein a Director selects a cast and presents a different form. This month Armando Diaz is directing “Round Trip.” We conducted an interview with Armando via email to talk about the show.
What is Round Trip?
The Round Trip is an original form that tells the story of a cast of characters through a series of mono-scenes. The show begins with the suggestion of a location for which the first mono-scene will take place. In that location we meet the characters in the story and discover what the story is about. After the first mono-scene ends the cast improvises a second mono-scene in a different location featuring all the same characters. And finally we see the characters back in the first location for a final mono-scene and this is where all the storylines resolve. In short, the Round Trip is like an improvised one-act play.
Why did you choose to direct it?
Megan told me I had to direct something for the Director Series show. I had no choice in the matter.
What makes a great scene?
The truth! As much as it is good to know the mechanics of improv at the end of the day what makes us laugh is when improvisers find truth in their work. You can be technically perfect in a scene but if it doesn’t find the truth it just won’t be that funny.
No.
I hope it becomes more courageous and less, “edgy”.
The last performance of Round Trip takes place on Thursday, February 28th at 10pm. For more information, CLICK HERE!
Over the weekend the Director’s of The Magnet’s Musical Improv Program held a town hall to discuss changes in the program. Here is a recap of what was discussed:
1. There will be a Curriculum Change:
That’s the recap! See you at the shows!
“The Blackout” is the newest installment of The Director Series, a 5-week series of performances wherein a Director selects a cast and presents a different form. This month Louis Kornfeld is directing The Blackout, featuring Phoebe Tyers, Alexis Lambright, Ely Aina Rapoza, Rebecca Robles, Charlie Whitcroft, Rob Penty, Eli Itzkowitz, and Desiree Nash.
Photo by Woody Fu
This past Thursday saw the premier of “The Blackout”, a unique and refreshing improv show relying solely on scenework. The cast, proficient in subtlety and poise, performed the series of scenes in two and three person combinations that came together naturally and comfortably to fill the hour with standalone vignettes and thematic revisitations under the direction and technical expertise of Director Louis Kornfeld.
Photo by Woody Fu
Photo by Woody Fu
Photo by Woody Fu
Photo by Woody Fu
The audience watched childhood friends discussing the ups and downs of having two mothers, a needy secretary fail to grasp the humor of a screen-saver, a married couple deal with three years of built up frustration and resentment, teens peeping on their “girlfriend” undressing in her bedroom, and a man out himself to passengers on his plane during a recreational flight, among many other episodes. Never a dull moment, while all of the energy of this show flowed steadily and with intention.
There are four more opportunities to catch “The Blackout” – January 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 10:00 at The Magnet Theater!
The Magnet Theater is proud to announce New Magnet Sketch Teams! Thank you to everyone who applied! We had an overwhelming response and are proud to add two new teams! Sketch team shows will resume Sundays in January at 9:30pm.
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Will Quinn
Jason Salmon
Rob Asaro
Emily Newhouse
Clark Lantz
Kristen Bartlett
Fredric Goldstein
Billy Bob Thompson
Joe Lepore
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
