Inspirations

Holmes

Holmes

of the Rare Bird Show
#21
#21
That's a great point, Andrew. When I compiled my list, I thought of several things that others would mention or that you'd think I might mention that I'd say really didn't influence me at all (Whose Line) and that I honestly haven't even seen much of (UCB, Strangers with Candy) and also things that I like now but wouldn't really call an inspiration (Flight of the Conchords).

I am interested to hear about inspirations for real, even if it's something that you wouldn't expect.

Actually, I'll make an addendum:
When I went to summer camp as a kid, the older kids and counselors did these sketches and I remember thinking they were really cool and funny. They were like semi-scripted, semi-improvised, live, in-character game shows. They did Family Feud and came up with funny punchlines as the dorky or cool family. They did the Newlywed Game as the geeky couple, the couple where the wife is really really pregnant and the husband is really really drunk. I asked one of them how they remembered their lines and they said they just made 'em up, and I was really surprised and impressed. I can still remember some lines.
 
B

buseman

New Member
#22
#22
how 'bout pro wrestling?
I used to love wrestling, and i think a lot about the entrances now, as they relate to improv. I love to see a group take the stage with confidence, and cringe when there is hesitation and confusion on the part of group member's. There's a confidence in wrestling entrances that i really dig.
 
amutepiggy

amutepiggy

crappy hepburn
#23
#23
this thread is great, thanks to all who have posted. it's pretty inspirational to read all of it, and i would thank everybody except then i'd look like a hippie kindergarten teacher who says shit like "Hooray! Now EVERYONE'S a winner!" So I will say that JessiSnow, that is one of the nicest things anyone has said about me and thank you. It's been a joy growing and growing in this community with you. This past year I've seen your work reach a new level of awesome. One word: GLORIA.

I am inspired by so many people, not the least SwitchBoard, the Reckoning, Brian O'Connell, and Mary Carpenter. Don Montey, too.

Some non-improv inspirations:
Monty Python, The State, Rocko's Modern Life, the Upright Citizens Brigade, Space Ghost Coast to Coast. These were the shows I used to watch alone in my basement and think "I am the only one in the world privy to this amazing secret." Then when I got to college, I learned other people knew these shows, and now I had somehting to talk about with the coolest nerds on campus.

Also, those books that came with a tape that had a story on one side and blank nothingness on the other. The one side was blank so you could record your on story. And I did.
 
M

mirra

New Member
#24
#24
I think I was inspired to attempt being funny when I realized I was no longer the tallest and most athletic kid on the playground. That happened in 6th grade.

Growing up my comedic inspirations were Monty Python, The Far Side, and A Prairie Home Companion. Which is a very interesting trifecta, when I stop to think about it. And my father, the practical joker.

Improvisationally, I think I've taken the most from my college friends, with whom I've had the blessing of consistently performing alongside. We've grown together as improvisers, which sounds pretty mushy unless you frame it in a sports context. In which case it's scrappy and tough.

Aside from that, UCB's Dillinger/The Shoves and Death By Roo Roo, and D.C.'s Dr. Fantastic consistently put on the kind of shows that make me think, "I want to be as good as that."

My two cents.
 
P

Pold

New Member
#25
#25
Sketch Inspiration

I moved back to Philly in 2007 and was amazed to find this whole culture of comedy right here in my very own Philadelphia.

Before two years ago, the closest to comedy I had gotten was being that guy who people tell to do stand up. After some repeated nudging, I tried a few open mics at Helium and the Raven's Lounge. Pretty disasterous, so I moved into sketch where I've enjoyed myself tremendously and learned a lot about comedy and myself and the relationship between those two things.

In the midst of performing I've been exposed to many of your performances. Just seeing people do comedy and take it seriously and do something well without losing the love for it is inspiring. Rare Bird Show is a favorite. m@& is one of the most impressive and dangerous things to see. Comedy Sportz is awesome.

I don't get to see as much Philadelphia comedy as I'd like, but whenever I do I find that I walk away having learned something about what we're trying to do. Learning comedy is one of the more enjoyable things to learn about.

Outside of strictly Philly inspirations, I find people who can command a room impressive. Daniel Tosh, Kristin Schaal, Jim Gaffigan.
 
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