improv – Page 5 – The Comedy Bureau

The 2016 Big Pine Comedy Festival Is Now Open for Submissions

April 18, 2016

arizona, big pine comedy festival, comedy festival, flagstaff, improv, sketch, stand up, submissions

Big Pine, Flagstaff, AZ’s comedy festival is returning for another year and another round of discovering whatever comedy gems they can find. This time around, paid accommodation and more spots are up for grabs.

They’re considering stand-up, sketch, and improv performers for shows running from Thursday, September 22nd-Saturday, September 24th.

The early deadline is Sunday, May 15th and costs $25 for stand-up and $30 for sketch and improv teams. Submit here.

February 21, 2016

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comedy shows, eugene cordero, improv, improv shows, indie improv, lennon parham, los angeles, los feliz, rebecca drysdale

One of the currently longest running indie improv shows in LA, The Manifesto Show, celebrates its 4th year by having a pretty swell line-up of some of LA’s best teams including:

Crashbar – Lilan Bowden, Will Doughty, Casey Feigh, Jacob Womack, Diana Wright
Reuben Starship – Eugene Cordero, Katie Dippold, Anthony King, Chris Kula, Lennon Parham, John Reynolds, Charlie Sanders, Eric Scott, Kate Spencer, Joe Wengert
Booberry Canadian Holocaust – Heather Anne Campbell, Colton Dunn, Scott Rodgers
Shakedown – Joel Jensen, Nick Mandernach, Rene Gube, Toni Charline, Hector Santa Cruz
Penguins on the Playground – Mark David Christenson, Jen Krueger
Convoy – Alex Berg, Todd Fasen, Alex Fernie
Toledo Rep – Suzi Barrett, Eugene Cordero, Rebecca Drysdale, Tricia McAlpin, Johnny Meeks, Billy Merritt, Joel Spence

Catch it this week on Fri. Feb. 26th at The Clubhouse at 1607 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA (next to Jons) at 8PM for FREE.

Poster by James Mulholland

Phoenix’s First ‘Bird City Comedy Festival’ Is Now Taking Submissions

December 8, 2015

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arizona, bird city comedy festival, comedy festival, improv, musical comedy, phoenix, sketch, stand up, submissions

Phoenix, AZ is getting a brand new comedy festival, The Bird City Comedy Festival, and in its inaugural year, it’s taking submissions for stand-up, sketch, improv, and more. The festival is taking place on the weekend of Apr. 8th going through to Apr. 10th.

Right now, the submission fee is $15 until the early deadline of Dec. 15th, then $25 for the final deadline on Jan. 15th, 2016.

Learn more here and submit here.

We’re Always Taking Submissions

December 7, 2015

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comedy, improv, stand up, submissions, web series

Want to have your comedy web series, video, short film, podcast, album, special, book, audio book, essay, stand-up, improv, sketch, play, variety show etc. featured and/or listed at The Comedy Bureau?

Well, just send us your stuff at thecomedybureau@gmail.com for consideration! If we dig it, we’ll post about it or list it. We love discovering new folks, troupes, and more, so don’t feel intimidated in ever sending anything in.

Three things:

1) For now, we’re based in LA, so if you’re submitting a show for listing, please have it been within the Greater LA area. Otherwise, we’ll take in anything else to be potentially featured from anywhere else in the world.

2) Do keep in mind that we’re short staffed, so keep your submissions brief (i.e. don’t send EPK or extensive bios/descriptions) so we can get through submissions as quickly as possible.

3) Please submit recent work only i.e. anything that’s been posted or released from beyond two weeks of your submission. We like keep things fresh at the Bureau.

July 2, 2015

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improv, improvised stand up, santa monica, stand up, westside comedy theater, wormhole

We’re going back into a wormhole with our show that cross dimensions of jokes, bits, meta jokes and bits, and even something deeper and more hilariously bizarre than that.

Once again, Wormhole is improv based on stand-up based on improv based on improvised stand-up.

Join us, Matt Kirshen, Pretty Pretty Pony, and Matt McCarthy on Tues. July 14th at Westside Comedy Theater at 9PM for the journey that will probably change your life, but will most certainly make you bust up with laughter.

It’s only $5 to strap in and go into the vast, undiscovered territory of deep(?) comedy. Get your tickets here.

We’re Going Into Another “Wormhole” on July 14th

June 30, 2015

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cole stratton, improv, improvised stand up, matt kirshen, santa monica, set list, westside comedy theater, wormhole

While an unmanned Space X ship exploded recently, we’re just going ahead with jumping into deep space, comedic deep space that is, and headed into other comedic dimensions again with our show/experiment Wormhole.

For those not acquainted, Wormhole takes you through improv that’s based on stand-up that’s based on improv that’s based on improvised stand-up.

Internationally renowned comedian Matt Kirshen, acclaimed improv group Pretty, Pretty Pony, and another special guest will be taking us through the various dimensions/self-referential bits/etc..

Join in Tues. July 14th at 9PM at Westside Comedy Theater $5.

May 16, 2015

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chris fairbanks, comedy shows, drennon davis, improv, improvised stand up, karen kilgariff, los angeles, stand up

The amazing Drennon Davis and Karen Kilgariff will joining us in our great big comedy experiment, Wormhole, this Sun. 5/17 at El Cid.

Doors 7PM/Starts 8PM/21+ only/FREE

Don’t miss comedy history.

Our “Wormhole” Now Has Chris Fairbanks and WCT’s Draft Pick Leading Us Into The Comedy Unknown

May 14, 2015

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chris fairbanks, el cid, improv, improvised stand up, stand up, westside comedy theater, wormhole

Yesterday, we announced our latest live show endeavor, Wormhole, would break new ground in comedy.

Now, we’re happy to announce that the likes of the hysterical Chris Fairbanks who you’ve most certainly enjoyed on Conan, and some of Westside Comedy Theater’s finest improvisers will be leading us through the new, uncharted dimensions of the show.

Don’t miss out on going to somewhere potentially way cooler and definitely more fun than Mars, especially because it’s free, by going to Wormhole this Sun. at El Cid, doors 7PM/starts 8PM.

May 13, 2015

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comedy shows, el cid, improv, improvised stand up, los angeles, stand up

So, here’s The Comedy Bureau’s next live show: Wormhole

Unlike anything that’s ever been done in the entire history of comedy, Wormhole is a show featuring improv based on stand-up based on improv based on improvised stand-up.

If you’re thinking this is the comedy equivalent of Inception, you’re on the right track.

Featuring LA’s best stand-up and improvisers TBA
Presented by The Comedy Bureau

Sun. May 17th
El Cid-4212 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Drinks on the patio 7PM
Starts 8PM
FREE

New Paul F. Tompkins Podcast “Spontaneanation” Coming to Earwolf Apr. 1st

March 21, 2015

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earwolf, improv, paul f tompkins, podcast, spontaneanation

For those with a general sense of yearning since Paul F. Tompkins’ Pod F. Tompkast’s last episode, you might not yearn any longer (also, you should probably check out Dead Authors and Superego).

Paul’s got a brand new podcast for us all.

Come Apr. 1st. (which is not a prank), Earwolf will premiere Spontaneanation with Paul F. Tompkins. It’s an improvised podcast that will feature Paul and the various friends of his that are exquisite improvisers letting loose based off a conversation.

From the sounds of this preview, the likes of Lauren Lapkus and his Superego partners will be joining Paul in the fun, so you’re definitely going to want to listen and subscribe.

Some of “The Late Show” Staffers Do Some Improv, Kind Of

January 15, 2015

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improv, letterman, parody, the late show

David Letterman let his staff get a loose last night by having a few of them that have formed an improv group do a scene during The Late Show.

Watch and enjoy it here and let’s hope that in these final months of Letterman’s tenure at The Late Show, he keeps up this sort of great weirdness going.

Watch Teaser for “Yes, and…” with Sean Patton and Brooks Wheelan

November 18, 2014

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brooks wheelan, improv, new orleans, rory windhorst, sean patton, yes and

While there are plenty of great series that follow the lives of stand-up comedians, you would hard pressed to find great show that follows the lives of an improv group.

Sean Patton and his writing partner Rory Windhorst might have come up with that very series in “Yes, and..” It centers on a dysfunctional improv group based in New Orleans and has Sean Patton and Brooks Wheelan in the cast.

Watch the teaser to see what we’re talking about (password: yesand1).

YouTube Holding Live Interactive Worldwide Improv Event

August 1, 2014

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epic rap battles, improv, lloyd ahlquist, london, los angeles, tokyo, youtube

(via Variety)

Through the power of the Internet, YouTube will be hosting a live improv streamed online on Aug. 1st and Aug. 2nd from Tokyo, London, and Los Angeles.

Led by Lloyd Ahlquist of Epic Rap Battles of History, suggestions will be given online and improvisers from around the world will do short from improv games that will be later cut up into a web series.

With the aid of the Internet, we wonder if people will be able to give better suggestions than “your mom”.

The 12 Annual LA Improv Festival Begins Today

June 1, 2014

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comedy festival, improv, io west

The 12 Annual LA Improv Festival Begins Today

iO West is putting on, for the 12th year, their Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival. Starting from today, it will go all week and spans all three stages they have with plenty of improv, sketch, workshops, and even a stand-up competition.

Rather than check out all the tourists and what they’re doing on Hollywood Blvd., this would definitely be more worth seeing.

USA’s “Playing House” Does Live Improv at UCB

June 1, 2014

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improv, jessica st clair, lennon parham, long form, playing house, ucb

Several weeks ago, Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham from the very funny series Playing House performed an evening of long form improv at the UCB Theatre here in LA. They rounded up the hilarious likes Zach Woods, Jason Mantzoukas, Brad Morris, and Joe Wengert to join them on stage for their scenes, which they made clear that they won’t be from the show, but will be like how they write the show.

We just hope TV shows with wonderful improvisers keep doing this sort of thing. Give part of a scene a watch here.

Fox’s Live Improv Game Show “Riot” Premieres Tonight

May 13, 2014

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fox, improv, riot, rove mcmanus, steve carell

Fox’s Live Improv Game Show “Riot” Premieres Tonight

From Steve Carell’s Carousel Television, Riot will be a brand new live improv show hosted by the very funny Rove McManus premiering tonight on Fox.

Cast regulars including John Ross Bowie, Jamie Denbo, Brian Palermo, Jordan Black, Jessica McKenna, Meryl Hathaway and Rob Gleeson will improvise in games with celebrities including Jason Alexander, D.L. Hughley, Cheryl Hines, Tom Green, Chris Kattan, Mayim Bialik, David Arquette, Oscar Nunez, Andy Dick, Orlando Jones, Nicole Sullivan, Michael Ian Black, Will Sasso, Andy Buckley, and Rob Delaney.

So, just to be clear, Steve Carell will be doing improv games and all of this goes down for the first time at 9PM tonight on Fox.

Please Support The Kickstarter For The New ‘Clubhouse’

April 27, 2014

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clubhouse, improv, indie improv, kickstarter

Improv, variety and more here in LA has found a wonderful home for awhile at The Clubhouse, but is now moving to a safer, better, newer, bigger location. To keep their doors open and get basics like chairs, lights, bathrooms, etc., they need your help.

Please support one of the great indie venues, The Clubhouse, in LA comedy starting anew right now. They’re aiming for $40,000 by June 20th and already got $10,538 as of this post.

3rd Annual LA Indie Improv Festival Open For Submissions

April 17, 2014

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comedy festival, improv, la indie improv festival, submissions

3rd Annual LA Indie Improv Festival Open For Submissions

The LA Indie Improv Festival is now in its 3rd year, which impressive knowing how DIY/indie this festival is, and is still open to all improv teams to submit to potentially play on May 24th.

The deadline to submit is Apr. 30th and there is a submission fee of $10 and would be a good opportunity to join in the improv scene here in LA, which is, whether you know it or not, pretty vibrant.

Fox Coming Out with Improv Show Riot That Will Feature Steve Carell, Jason Alexander, Cheryl Hines, and More

April 8, 2014

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fox, improv, riot, steve carell

Fox Coming Out with Improv Show Riot That Will Feature Steve Carell, Jason Alexander, Cheryl Hines, and More

Fox’s is joining in what might be a resurgence of improv of television. Starting next month, Riot will have feature improv from what will be the show’s regulars in John Ross Bowie, Jamie Denbo, Brian Palermo, Jordan Black, Jessica McKenna, Meryl Hathaway, and Rob Gleeson as well as the great Aussie comedian Rove McManus hosting.

They’ll also have Steve Carell, Jason Alexander, Michael Ian Black, Cheryl Hines, Oscar Nunez, Rob Delaney, Will Sasso, Chris Kattan, D.L. Hughley, and much more guest starring.

It’ll be interesting to see how this stacks up against America’s longest running televised improv show, now on the CW, Whose Line Is It Anyway?

And Now, The House of Lies Live Improv Special at UCB

December 30, 2013

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ben schwartz, comedy special, don cheadle, house of lies, improv, kristen bell, new year's eve, showtime, ucb

As promised, Showtime has posted The House of Lies Live improv comedy special, taped at the UCB Theatre here in Los Angeles, online for all of us to enjoy. Yes, it does have Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell doing improv with the likes of Ben Schwartz, Lauren Lapkus, and more.

So, you can watch it now or you can watch it/watch it again on Showtime tomorrow/New Year’s Eve at 10PM.

Showtime Kicking Off New Year’s Eve With ‘House of Lies’ Improv Special

December 24, 2013

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ben schwartz, don cheadle, house of lies, improv, kristen bell, lauren lapkus, showtime, ucb

Showtime Kicking Off New Year’s Eve With ‘House of Lies’ Improv Special

The cast of Showtime’s House of Lies actually did a couple of improv shows at the UCB Theatre here in LA, which are now going to be aired as a New Year’s Eve special. So, you can stop making fun of Ryan Seacrest for an hour and watch Ben Schwartz, Don Cheadle, Kristen Bell, as well as guest improvisers Eugene Cordero, Lauren Lapkus, and more offer up something entertaining that isn’t pop stars singing their hits.

If you can’t wait a day more, this House of Lies Improv Special will also be online the day before.

Budd Friedman, Founder of The Improv Comedy Clubs, Talks Jimmy Fallon Making It in Comedy

November 28, 2013

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budd friedman, comedy history, fallon, improv, late night

The very first Improvisation Comedy Club, now known internationally as The Improv with several locations across the U.S., was founded by Budd Friedman and he stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to wax nostalgic about Jimmy coming up in comedy.

Watch a nice walk down comedy lane between Budd and Jimmy here.

LA’s Premiere Indie Improv Venue, The Clubhouse, Wants to Improve Their Venue

October 8, 2013

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clubhouse, crowdfunding, improv, los angeles

LA’s Premiere Indie Improv Venue, The Clubhouse, Wants to Improve Their Venue

The Clubhouse, home to so much awesome DIY improv shows, etc. is trying to raise money to make their already pretty great space even better for audience members and performers alike by improvements such as having risers.

They’ve already raised the small amount they’ve asked for, but why not help them out a little more?

Lexus To Have Improvisers Do Live Ad During Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

September 19, 2013

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advertising, improv, jimmy fallon, late night, lexus, nbc

Lexus To Have Improvisers Do Live Ad During Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

An interesting experiment is coming tonight in advertising in an attempt for you to not mute, walk away, look at your mobile device and ignore a TV commercial. In promotion of a new car model, Lexus is having improvisers take suggestions, then improvise a car commercial during the broadcast of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Our guess is that they are in no way going to call this “Whose Car Is This Anyway?”, right?

The UCB Improv Manual To Come Out Soon

July 2, 2013

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improv, manual, ucb

The UCB Improv Manual To Come Out Soon

The improv manual to one of the most popular and successful improv schools in the world is to be released for purchase soon. The Upright Citizens Brigade Improv Manual was just revealed during the most recent Del Close Marathon this past weekend and will be available for purchase soon.

Maybe now we can all get those inside jokes improvisers make to each other?

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