Your Host - Jeff Keesee!
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Short form, improvisational sketch comedy at its best! "Improv Road Show" is an Atlanta-based comedy troupe performing all over town - from local theaters to community parties to corporate events - creating on-the-spot, live comic scenes incorporating your audience suggestions. If you like "Who's Line Is It, Anyway?", you'll love "Improv Road Show".
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
SHOW - Sept 8 - Short Form Improv "U.S.S.R.!"
Meet the Host - Laura Scott!
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Monday, August 3, 2015
SHOW - Aug 11 - Short Form Improv "Timmers!"
Meet the Host - John Timmers!
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
SHOW - July 14 - Short Form Improv "Bastille Day"
Meet the Host - Robert!
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Friday, June 5, 2015
SHOW - June 9 - "Big Ben Show"
Meet the Host - Ben!
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
SHOW - May 29 - "Friday Night Jam - Invitational"
Meet the Host - Jess is the best...forget the rest (for now)!
The brand new never before seen
"Improv Road Show Friday Night Jam - Invitational"
is Jess' 2nd chance to host an IRS show THIS MONTH...
she's so nice she's doing it twice!
8:00PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Monday, May 18, 2015
My Take (Jeff Keesee) - "Side Notes"
When I first started improv, I thought, “Great! No lines to learn! Nothing to mess up!”
I quickly found out that "no scripted lines" is not the same as "no lines". There are rules:
1) Pay very close attention to (and remember!) what has been said by your scene partner
2) Acknowledge and build on what has already happened. "That just happened, so now what?"
In reality, you DO have ‘lines to learn’…you are responsible for everything that has been said in the scene. Then another nuance was added to the mix, even while you are NOT on stage;
3) Pay very very close attention to what has been said by everyone on stage. You might need to jump in as side support.
1) Pay very close attention to (and remember!) what has been said by your scene partner
2) Acknowledge and build on what has already happened. "That just happened, so now what?"
In reality, you DO have ‘lines to learn’…you are responsible for everything that has been said in the scene. Then another nuance was added to the mix, even while you are NOT on stage;
3) Pay very very close attention to what has been said by everyone on stage. You might need to jump in as side support.
Key word: "Might". Those actors in the wings have a very important choice to make: What you as an actor need (“I've got a great idea for a joke and I want everyone to see me.”) vs. what the scene needs (“It’s going off the rails and I can fix it!”).
Imagine two actors on stage building a meaningful scene about mother/daughter trust while hanging laundry. The wing man decides HE needs to jump in (as the step dad walking into and soiling the laundry; funny, right?), but he should think long and hard if the SCENE needs him. Dirtying up the clean laundry is a great 1-liner, but if that's not the button ending the scene, then there are now three people on stage that still have to figure out "that just happened, so now what?"
Alternately, picture two actors up on stage in a dog training scene that devolves into boring, one-sided, teaching scene. The SCENE needs a boost, so a 3rd actor jumps in to add conflict or an "until one day" storybook twist (the spoiled husband that needs to be trained).
Trust goes both ways: A good partner knows when you need support and when you are doing great on your own. Side support is a very powerful tool...and that power comes from knowing when it is needed...and when it is not.
Trust goes both ways: A good partner knows when you need support and when you are doing great on your own. Side support is a very powerful tool...and that power comes from knowing when it is needed...and when it is not.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
SHOW - May 19 - "Tug Of War"
Meet the Host - "Jess!!!"
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, April 9, 2015
SHOW - April 14 - "Deadline"
Meet the Host - "Everybody loves Andre!!!"
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Monday, March 9, 2015
Meet the Host - Shawn Whitman
Born in New Orleans, schooled in Memphis, funny in Atlanta, Shawn is a founding member/performer for Improv Road Show! He feels fortunate to get to play with his fellow improvisors and is looking forward to hosting IRS' first competition show. Come cheer your favorite team...Lucky or Charms!
SHOW - March 10 - "Lucky vs. Charms"
Meet the Host - "You're in good hands with Shawn!!!"
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, February 5, 2015
My Take (Laura Scott) - "Yes And-ing in Faux Life Situations"
Anyone who has an inkling of Improv knowledge, or a passing interest in comedy, has heard the old improv adage of, “Yes, And…” These two words involve agreeing to offers or nuggets of information your scene partners present while adding to their initial idea. Together, you create an imaginary world , a universe with its own time, shape, and rules. You say there’s a giant volcano in the middle of the stage. I agree and suggest we explore the lava formations as they relate to the patterns of a snowflake on a molecular level. I’m clearly the scientist, itself an offer via subtext. You agree and the scene is a smashing success.
This idea of yes-and-ing, or just listening in general, applies to life offstage as much as on. Here are three completely fictional examples.
WAYS IN WHICH GIVING AND ACCEPTING OFFERS CAN MAKE YOUR DAY BETTER
1. You are thinking about buying a home. You head to your local coffee shop for some reading/work and order a double dirty iced chai . The barista asks how you are doing. You say, “Fine,” and reciprocate the inquiry. He replies that he is really excited because he just bought his very first home. Whoa! You express that you are also in the market to make your first massive purchase . He gives you advice on mortgages, as well as a hot tip on a real estate agent that is guaranteed to work her ass off for you. Imagine if you had just said, “Oh, that’s nice,” instead of conversing with this nice former stranger/new friend. How sad your life would have been.
2. You are having a terrible day at work. Your boss reamed you out after the toilet became blocked up post “Taco Tuesday” lunch fiesta, though this was not your fault. And, surprise, you are going to have to work MLK Day and President’s Day. You come home to your lazy roommate playing video games. You plop next to him on the couch and sigh emphatically. He doesn’t notice. You ask him how his day is. He answers in monosyllables . Exasperated, you sigh again, and say something like, “Well I’ve had a doozy of a day,” and are met with the dumb look of someone not into accepting offers. It hurts, doesn’t it? Imagine how much better your life would be if you were around people who accepted the offers you gave.
3. The love of your life (only he doesn’t know it yet), sits at a bar. You’re casual acquaintances, nothing more. You know each others’ names, but not each others’ parents’ names. (Not yet, at least.) As you sit down next to Mr. Awesome, he turns to you and says, “Hello [YOU], I’m so glad to see you. I was just thinking about you.” Whoa! Did you hear that offer!? Blushing, you respond with another offer. “Ha, funny. I was thinking the same thing.” You stare into each other’s eyes longingly, which turns to lovingly after another cocktail. It all ends in marriage and baby carriage and everything you’ve ever wanted (if that’s the stuff you want). Just imagine if you had ignored his offer of thinking about you and being glad to see you. You would have none of your wildest dreams. And if he hadn’t heard and accepted your reciprocal offer, you would also not be in your happy place of the future .
As you can see by these highly accurate made up exchanges, being aware of your surroundings and the offers the people in them present to you can be a positive, profitable experience. It’s nice to be heard, and to listen in return. Saying “Yes, And…” will open the clogged communication lines of your mind, heart, and caffeine receptors. Or at a minimum you may learn something new.
This idea of yes-and-ing, or just listening in general, applies to life offstage as much as on. Here are three completely fictional examples.
WAYS IN WHICH GIVING AND ACCEPTING OFFERS CAN MAKE YOUR DAY BETTER
1. You are thinking about buying a home. You head to your local coffee shop for some reading/work and order a double dirty iced chai . The barista asks how you are doing. You say, “Fine,” and reciprocate the inquiry. He replies that he is really excited because he just bought his very first home. Whoa! You express that you are also in the market to make your first massive purchase . He gives you advice on mortgages, as well as a hot tip on a real estate agent that is guaranteed to work her ass off for you. Imagine if you had just said, “Oh, that’s nice,” instead of conversing with this nice former stranger/new friend. How sad your life would have been.
2. You are having a terrible day at work. Your boss reamed you out after the toilet became blocked up post “Taco Tuesday” lunch fiesta, though this was not your fault. And, surprise, you are going to have to work MLK Day and President’s Day. You come home to your lazy roommate playing video games. You plop next to him on the couch and sigh emphatically. He doesn’t notice. You ask him how his day is. He answers in monosyllables . Exasperated, you sigh again, and say something like, “Well I’ve had a doozy of a day,” and are met with the dumb look of someone not into accepting offers. It hurts, doesn’t it? Imagine how much better your life would be if you were around people who accepted the offers you gave.
3. The love of your life (only he doesn’t know it yet), sits at a bar. You’re casual acquaintances, nothing more. You know each others’ names, but not each others’ parents’ names. (Not yet, at least.) As you sit down next to Mr. Awesome, he turns to you and says, “Hello [YOU], I’m so glad to see you. I was just thinking about you.” Whoa! Did you hear that offer!? Blushing, you respond with another offer. “Ha, funny. I was thinking the same thing.” You stare into each other’s eyes longingly, which turns to lovingly after another cocktail. It all ends in marriage and baby carriage and everything you’ve ever wanted (if that’s the stuff you want). Just imagine if you had ignored his offer of thinking about you and being glad to see you. You would have none of your wildest dreams. And if he hadn’t heard and accepted your reciprocal offer, you would also not be in your happy place of the future .
As you can see by these highly accurate made up exchanges, being aware of your surroundings and the offers the people in them present to you can be a positive, profitable experience. It’s nice to be heard, and to listen in return. Saying “Yes, And…” will open the clogged communication lines of your mind, heart, and caffeine receptors. Or at a minimum you may learn something new.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
SHOW - February 10 - "Improv Love Letter"
Meet the Host - "Hi! I'm Laura! I love smiling, smart comedy, and my dog Murphy!
I can't wait to host you at our show on Tuesday!!!"
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Friday, January 9, 2015
My Take (Shawn Whitman) - "Just Be Yourself...or Someone Else."
Interviews . Parties. First Dates. Someone always tell you, “Just be yourself.” Being yourself all the time is boring. Sometimes, you want to be someone else.
I love playing characters in improv scenes. I've been a kid, a jock, an old lady, a talking dog, a princess and the sinister owner of a tobacco/pizza conglomerate, all in the same show. Walking in some other made-up person’s shoes teaches you a lot about yourself. Would I ever want to make everyone addicted to pizza? You’re damn right I would. But would I ever want to kick over someone’s beautifully crafted sand castle moments before the International Sandcastle Championship? Nope. But I’ve played that jerk on stage and learned that I have the power to either support people or knock them down and I like supporting people. (But, knocking them down during an improv scene can empower your scene partner to start off with a low status, shift to high status and win the hearts of the audience! That's what I call support!)
The next time you don’t want to be yourself, take note of your feelings and thoughts and create a character. Maybe you’ll glad you were yourself instead
I love playing characters in improv scenes. I've been a kid, a jock, an old lady, a talking dog, a princess and the sinister owner of a tobacco/pizza conglomerate, all in the same show. Walking in some other made-up person’s shoes teaches you a lot about yourself. Would I ever want to make everyone addicted to pizza? You’re damn right I would. But would I ever want to kick over someone’s beautifully crafted sand castle moments before the International Sandcastle Championship? Nope. But I’ve played that jerk on stage and learned that I have the power to either support people or knock them down and I like supporting people. (But, knocking them down during an improv scene can empower your scene partner to start off with a low status, shift to high status and win the hearts of the audience! That's what I call support!)
The next time you don’t want to be yourself, take note of your feelings and thoughts and create a character. Maybe you’ll glad you were yourself instead
Thursday, January 8, 2015
SHOW - January 13 - "The Laundry Line Show"
Hosted by The Great Kazoo!
7:30PM, The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA
Meet the Host - Jeff Keesee
Jeff - a founding member of IRS - is very grateful to the (other) Atlanta-based improv troupe "Automatic Improv" for its guidance, very very grateful to the (other) founding members of Improv Road Show for their vision, and very very very grateful to his (only) partner Shawn for absolutely everything else.
He can't wait to take the stage as the host of "The Laundry Line Show", a format he helped develop for the Highland Inn Ballroom stage. It is a chaotic, dangerous, unique-to-IRS show that keeps him on his toes...literally. You'll see. "Bring on the dirt!"
Friday, December 5, 2014
Meet the Host - John Timmers
Reluctantly, John decided it was best that he give up his passions in order to lead a normal childhood. Directionless, John would stumble through middle school, high school and college, and find himself back in the greater Atlanta area. There John would meet the brilliant minds that make up the dynamic improv troupe "Improv Road Show"; and the rest, is fairly recent history..
Thursday, December 4, 2014
"My Take (Jeffrey Keesee) - The Trouble with the Future"
I never thought I’d be back on stage. Once upon a time, long, long ago, I thought I could act, until one day, I took a class … and I tried to and spectacularly failed at following the script. The one tiny, little obstacle in my path to the stage…other people’s words. I completely froze up worrying about getting the next line right, unable to concentrate on what was happening in the moment.
Worrying about the future made the present unbearable, for me and the audience.
So, when my partner said “hey! Our next French class is only offered on Saturdays; wanna take Improv class, instead?” my first thought was “never!” But then I thought, if scripts were my problem on stage, then how could I possibly fail at a platform where there are no scripts? No next line? So I said, “yes, and…?”
Soon enough I learned how failure at improv was possible; this time, by not paying attention to the past.
With scripted acting, I thought of the moment on stage as leading towards the next line. In improv, there was no “next line”. But that didn't mean there was nothing to think about. All that time spent thinking about what was coming should now be spent remembering what just happened… and how to build on it.
Finally, I let go of what was going to happen and concentrated on what just happened - on what I had built with my scene partner – and on what we would discover next, together. After taking that first class, we took a 2nd. 2 classes turned into 4. 1 year turned into 2. Then class turned into monthly performances. And I haven’t frozen, yet.
Now, I don’t worry about the future. I remember the past my partner and I have built together and revel in our time together on stage, hopeful for what the future will bring, for us and the audience.
Worrying about the future made the present unbearable, for me and the audience.
So, when my partner said “hey! Our next French class is only offered on Saturdays; wanna take Improv class, instead?” my first thought was “never!” But then I thought, if scripts were my problem on stage, then how could I possibly fail at a platform where there are no scripts? No next line? So I said, “yes, and…?”
Soon enough I learned how failure at improv was possible; this time, by not paying attention to the past.
Finally, I let go of what was going to happen and concentrated on what just happened - on what I had built with my scene partner – and on what we would discover next, together. After taking that first class, we took a 2nd. 2 classes turned into 4. 1 year turned into 2. Then class turned into monthly performances. And I haven’t frozen, yet.
Now, I don’t worry about the future. I remember the past my partner and I have built together and revel in our time together on stage, hopeful for what the future will bring, for us and the audience.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
"My Take (Robert Shelton) - The Magic on Stage"
As improv performers take the stage a miracle happens. We zero in on the scene before us and it becomes our primary focus. Now, that isn’t to say that everything else disappears. For the most part, the audience stays in our ear. Every laugh (or silence) is registered, analyzed, and adjusted upon in an instant. The course corrected. All the while, being well aware of what the others on the stage are doing, maneuvering around the platforms, we find ourselves in a puzzle only together we may solve. The inmates are running the asylum. On the good scenes (I mean the ones that leave the biggest smiles on the faces of the audience, who shake their head in delight, all the while trying to figure out how to exactly describe what they just experienced at work tomorrow)—to those scenes, it feels like a car crash that almost was.
Time will slow down. We find ourselves turning and spinning on premises that we thought were going to take us somewhere but have somehow shifted direction (sometimes multiple times). We are not lost. Instead, we steel ourselves and look to our comrades on stage. Together, through many hours of practice, the trust in each other, our instincts, and just enough luck, we make miraculous magic appear from nothing. Anyone that’s almost had a car accident, but somehow snuck through it unscathed knows this feeling. I think everyday life essentially works on the same premise. In life, as on stage, if we trust in each other, our own talents, and, with just little bit of luck, I think we’ll see more magic in our lives each day.
Time will slow down. We find ourselves turning and spinning on premises that we thought were going to take us somewhere but have somehow shifted direction (sometimes multiple times). We are not lost. Instead, we steel ourselves and look to our comrades on stage. Together, through many hours of practice, the trust in each other, our instincts, and just enough luck, we make miraculous magic appear from nothing. Anyone that’s almost had a car accident, but somehow snuck through it unscathed knows this feeling. I think everyday life essentially works on the same premise. In life, as on stage, if we trust in each other, our own talents, and, with just little bit of luck, I think we’ll see more magic in our lives each day.
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