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Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Roaring '20s, Improv-Style

Here's how Held2gether long form improv works: We do three separate beginning scenes, each based on different audience suggestions. At the end of the third opening scene, the players can then "clap in" to initiate entirely new scenes related to one of the beginning scenes.

It's super confusing at first, but most of us who have done it are totally in love with the format. And the audience loves it even more! It's like watching a totally unscripted, unrehearsed, off-the-cuff play, which is kinda incredible. Especially if you've met us. Sometimes it's hard to believe we can order breakfast without assistance.

Okay, that's probably just me.

Anyway, here's another little taste of long form for you: the 2nd set of Snow Globes & Shotgun Weddings, which was a huge extravaganza we did in August at the Sky Room Wedding Chapel. In this set, the audience gave us a historical era: the 1920s. And in case you wondered, yes, everyone in the Held2gether long form class was an expert in history. So it's totally historically accurate.

What? Lola was a showgirl, wasn't she?



We'll be doing some short form this Saturday with The Magic Meathands in LA. Come out and see us, and we'll try not to make a mockery of history.

"Try" is the operative word there.

By Sonnjea Blackwell