The PIT

The People's Improv Theatre
(The PIT)

Going to see improv shows is somewhat of a gamble. Sitting nervously in the audience you watch people use their wits and instincts to entertain you. With every scene there is a chance of unbearable amounts of discomfort and embarrassment. However, my night at The PIT was devoid of any of the aforementioned, save one improv team that shall remain nameless. It was probably just an off night, which happens! Anyway, I saw 6 brilliant improv groups this fateful Wednesday night and was impressed in one way, shape, or form by their immense talent. My favorites were Local 154, Senator, Big Black Car (Kristen Schaal from HBO's Flight of the Conchords is actually on that team as well, but was not there last night), and The Baldwins. Though, I must say, I am a little biased considering my friends were on a few of those teams, but I really did have a lot of respect for all of them because everyone had such great energy.
Sitting in the audience that night, I have never felt so proud of my friends. For years they have steadily, wholeheartedly worked on their craft and eventually landed into these two amazing improv groups at The PIT that really allow them to showcase their considerable talent. Not to mention they are two of the best people you'll probably ever meet! Anyway, the teams I mentioned made a significant impact on me and performed the kind of imrpov you would easily drop mad bank on, but their performances were free! These guys effortlessly took random suggestions from the audience and put on such an incredible show! From the minute they received the suggestion to the black out they had the entire audience's attention.
The PIT is such a great place to see improv because of it's size and intimacy. Walking out after the show and seeing the actors mingling and joking around really makes you feel more involved in the experience and not just a mindless theatre-goer.

Improv is such a hard art to master considering there is no room for fear or inhibition. Being an improv actor means you are fearless and incapable of timidity. All of the actors last night showed a fearlessness that cannot be denied and brought their A-game.

I can't wait to go back! I'm actually considering (meaning I'm most likely) taking classes offered at The PIT. I have always loved improv and after seeing those shows last night a wave of inspiration swept over me in an overwhelming way!

So go check out The PIT, they have free shows Wednesday nights and other days of the week if you look at their website, but paying that $5-$10 is totally worth it! They offer classe and many chances for amateurs to perform in front of an audience FOR FREE!

Go Improv!!



I'm out.

Snowpocolypse+ Valentine's Gay

In the words of my roommate and I, "It's blizzarding outside."

I love the snow. I'm a huge fan- always have been. Snow days, sledding, snow ball fights, making snow men, all activities including copious amounts of snow and wonderful friends. How could you not like snow?! Alright, I know, it could be a pain, but I love it anyhow.
I'm sitting in my apartment today watching harry potter and the half blood prince, drinking hot chocolate. We actually just braved the cold to procure cake mix and cookies. It was such an adventure, an incandescent adventure! What could be better?!



This will be my last time talking about V-day! Promise.
So Valentine's Days is ever approaching and the biting reality that I am not apart of a couple (womp womp) is slowly caving in on me in an excruciatingly, mortifyingly devastating way. Every shop window (and even freaking delis) is decorated with blood red hearts and teddy bears with little black, encroaching (almost taunting) eyes. And love songs and specials about love and people talking about love escalates to unbearable levels and all you want to do is drown it out with your own desperate screams, entreating the insanity to stop. Sigh. Maybe that's just me. I don't know what it is about Valentine's Day that really just gets on my nerves... Maybe it's the gross amount of time couples put into the impudent floundering of romantic gestures for gratification or to prove their love for each other. Maybe it's the unfortunate societal pressure that insists people need romantic relationships in order to be happy. Maybe it's because this one day spotlights people who are not involved with anyone and somehow manages to embarrass them for choosing singularity.
And now for the mad scramble of people to find dates for Valentine's Days so as not feel the inevitable sting of bachelor/bachelorette(?)-hood on the "holiday of love."
I hope the title of this post didn't offend, it's strictly in jest/humor. As a testament to my distaste for using the word "gay" in a negative context I shall post an important public announcement done by the talented and apparently socially aware Hilary Duff and comedian Wanda Sykes.



STUPID.

Anyway, what I'm really trying to say is, will you be my valentine?


Im (going) out (with you).

ha

Not a Fan of February

It's funny, because not even 2 weeks ago my roommate was talking about how much she hated February. Her reason was though it's the shortest month of the year people seem to forget it's also extremely cold. She says, "If I can make it through February, I know I'm gonna be okay." haha


Now. Here is why I hate February:


1. Black History month: The shortest month of the year is dedicated to history that is apart of American history, yet is marginalized by being squeezed into 28/29 days of watered down accounts of inequality and focuses on the same five black people: Martin Luther King, Jr; Rosa Parks; Jackie Robinson; Harriet Tubman; Malcolm X. I don't feel special during this month, I feel ostracized and paranoid. Are white people being extra nice to me because it's black history month? Probably.

2. Valentine's Day: The most absurd (okay, one of the most absurd) holiday in American tradition. A day when every "single" person in this country feels their worst, whether they admit it or not. A day where the darkest side of me emerges and the sight of affectionate couples enrages me. Can't they put that away?! Also, the shameless prostitution that's perpetuated every year, gifts in exchange for sex? We all know that's what happens. I think Feb. 14 should be called "Legal Prostitution Day." I know I probably sound bitter, but it's just because this society's whole concept of love is warped. Love is so much more than a card or a box of chocolates or a diamond necklace or a pink Cadillac (hm. maybe not the cadillac jk jk!), and yes it's something that you should want to celebrate, but not in a disgusting, capitalistic way like Legal Prostitution Day.

3. It's short. This month makes me nervous, because there are not as many days in it as the others, which makes me think ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. February is a month of mystery and wonder. Why is this month so short? Doesn't it have something to do with a farming calendar or did someone just lop off two days for the hell of it? LAME.

4. Retail is slow, which means I'm not getting a lot of hours, which means I'm barely making any money, which means I HATE FEBRUARY.

5. The name is just plain stupid.

6. Groundhog Day. That poor groundhog. Yet another redonkulous holiday. How two stupid holidays in one month are in such close vicinity is beyond me.


Alright, I think those are all of them. I'm sure I'll be adding to the list later... ha
STINKY FEBRUARY!

At least Lost is starting this month... nah, still don't like it.

*Let it be noted I enjoy many people who's birthdays are in February, but I still hate the month. sorry.

I'm out.