The music of 365 Sketches

We're less than a week away from the Opening Night Extravaganza of 365 Sketches.

Which means we're also less than week away from "Weeks 3 & 4: Diversity Chicken," which is the 10 pm show on opening night.

Which means it's Sound Design Time.

I've been using the Speakeasy voice recording app on my iPhone to record original material, the interwebz to find non-original material, and Garage Band on my trusty Mac to compile all of this material into something that serves the show, and it was during this process that I realized what a simply bizarre set of sounds we've put together for this project.

Our evening includes music by:

• The Beatles
• Abdel Alim Hafez
• The Squirrel Nut Zippers
• Electric Light Orchestra
• Joe Cocker
• Keith Jarrett
• Tan Dun
• Joe Esposito
• The John Barry Orchestra
• Wings

It also includes two different kinds of gunfire, three different computer sound effects, an egg frying, a gong, three different TV/radio theme songs, the sound of a skillet hitting someone in the head and an angry mob.

Weirdest mix tape ever, Joe. What have you gotten us into?

TimeOut - Chicago

A 365 shout out from TimeOut - Chicago

click HERE

I Won't Count The Days...

because I'm apparently not very good at that.

But the first show is next Thursday at 8pm. The first of 26. I sat in on their rehearsal last night. This is a very experienced improv/theater/capoeira/sketch comedy crew and they are bringing it.

Thursday, June 3 - 8PM – Weeks 1 & 2 “Dancing with the Devil” (director – Mary Jo Bolduc, cast: Dennis Frymire, Fuzzy Gerdes, Andrew Jordan, Gabe Garza, Marsha Harman, Jill Fenstermaker, Sara Gorsky, original music by Edesio Sanchez-Gomez, transition music by Jen Taylor)

The cast is great and have a handle on the material under Mary Jo's direction. It features a few of my favorite scenes, which I didn't expect to be able to say about the first two weeks of the 365 project. "Lottery Winner" is so well acted that it's almost simultaneously heartbreaking while making me laugh, as in "Better Than Money". "Babies Are Assholes" is a fun song and I can sit through it without cringing at the lyrics I wrote. It occurs to me that some of the themes laid down in the first two weeks came back a lot over the year - the economy, work, theater, relationships, death and God. You know, all the funny topics.

This block also features "Single Slices", which is a speed dating scene jumping back and forth between couples in different age groups. As a writer, I found this scene to be an encouraging green light for the 365 project. It seemed to come out of nowhere (although it contains many biographical elements) and I simply would never have written it had I not taken on the year long project.

Here's Mary Jo with Sarah Gorsky, Dennis Frymire, Marsha Harman and Fuzzy Gerdes rehearsing "Single Slices" at Zoo Studios.

365 in Russia?

Okay. This is strange. In doing a search for what kind of "buzz" was going on about the upcoming shows, I stumbled across this site run by someone in Russia. It looks like they took my 365 posts, translated them into Russian, and then back again into English. It's hysterical. My favorite new title might just be "Spy World Health Organization Dated Me" or “Spell On My Mode To Hell." I don't think this means anyone in Russia is doing my scenes, but I can dream.

Here's the LINK. Keep clicking to the right and you'll see the re-translated scenes come up in reverse order.

All 365

Here's the final list of all 365 scenes sent out to the managing directors for them to look at and regard. Withing their one-week subdivision, they are not in chronological order, but alphabetic. The day of the months are included at the terminal of the rubric. The dramatised personae size is in parenthesis.

“365 Sketches” – Breakdown by week (updated 1/21/10)

WEEKS 1 & 2 – “Saltation with the Devil” – minimum cast of characters size: 7

(4)Infants Are Assholes.1.25.09”

(7) SPINCYCLE.1.24.09

(7) Cernik on the passenger vehicles.1.22.09

(2) positioned on.1.19.09

(4) LOTTERYWINNER.1.21.09

(2) Make in China.1.20.09.physician

(6) single slices.1.23.09

(5) Dance with the Devil.1.29.09

(5) Chet Later on.1.30.09

(1) Forcing The Envelope.1.26.09

(3) Better Than Money.1.27.09

(6) BROWN BAGGING IT.2.1.09

(6) Chet At Lunch.1.31.09

(3) Neighbours.1.28.09

WEEKS 3 &A; 4 – “Diversity Chicken” – minimum cast of characters size: 7

(7) “Another Ace of Those Blackouts.2.7.09”

(4) “Tit for Tat.2.3.09”

(3) “Diversity Chicken.2.4.09”

(2) “Hemlock.2.6.09”

(3) “KATJITSU.2.2.09”

(3) “Medusa.2.8.09”

(2) “Single White Friendster.2.5.09”

(4) “Gravy Boat.2.11.09”

(3) “Spy World Health Organization Dated Me.2.15.09”

(2) “Looking Great.2.10.09”

(3) “Macbeth.2.9.09”

(3) “NPRpart1.2.12.09” – could be done live or prerecorded

(2) “NPRpart2.2.13.09” - could be done live or prerecorded

(3) “NPRpart3.2.14.09” - could be done live or prerecorded

WEEKS 5 &A; 6 – “Zombie Space Aliens” – minimal dramatised personae size: 7

(4) “Bad News.2.18.09”

(2) “Termination.2.17.09”

(4) LOUD SUNSHINE.2.22.09”

(3) “Mercury Poisoning.2.19.09”

(3) “In one case Upon A Clip in the Church Basement.2.21.09”

(3) “Public Hair.2.16.09”

(3) “Suess Club.2.20.09”

(7) “Mr. Mysterium.3.1.09”

(4) “Zombie Space Aliens.2.23.09”

(5) “That’s Merely Jay.2.25.09”

(3) “TheC-E-Yos(a rap song).2.24.09

(2) “The Third I.2.26.09”

(7) “The Wretched Refuse2.27.09”

(1) “This Is My Fine art.2.28.09”

WEEKS 7 & 8 – “Dried and Cured Meats” – minimal cast of characters size: 6

(3) “Way out, Pursued By A Bear.3.6.09”

(1) “TheTwittysburgAddress.3.5.09”

(3) “HealthNut.3.7.09”

(2) “PaulinaStop.3.8.09”

(3) “PuzzleNight,Part1.3.2.09”

(3) “PuzzleNight,Part2.3.3.09”

(3) “PuzzleNight,Part3.3.4.09”

(4) “DriedAndCuredMeats.3.12.09”

(2) “WeReachWithRadio.3.15.09”

(1) “HappyEnding.3.14.09”

(6) “IciclesofEvil.3.11.09”

(2) “SelfStorage.3.13.09”

(5) “SomethingRotten.3.9.09”

(2) “TheDayTheEarthStoodByWaiting.3.10.09”

WEEKS 9 &ere; 10 – “The End of the World” – minimum cast of characters size: 7

(2) “BigFatLies.3.17.09”

(2) “WE REACH WITH RADIO II.3.22.09”

(4) “Blogger.3.21.09”

(3) “Bully.3.16.09”

(3) “CoffinMax.3.20.09”

(6) “OpenCasket.3.19.09”

(3) “RecollectionsOfACountryLife.3.18.09”

(4) “77.3.28.09”

(2) “WorksBetterOnChildren.3.25.09”

(7) “AGoodMan.3.23.09”

(2) “MattNeedsYourHelp.3.24.09”

(2) “TheEndOfTheWorld.3.26.09”

(4) “TheMachineAlsoRises.3.27.09”

(3) “WEREACHWITHRADIOIII.3.29.09”

WEEKS 11 & 12 – “An Affair to Whatever” – minimal cast of characters size: 8

(4) “AGhostsStory.4.1.09”

(8) “WhatAmericaRunsOn.4.2.09”

(2) “AnAmericanMugging.4.3.09”

(3) “Cannibal78.3.31.09”

(3) “CauldronFresh.3.30.09”

(5) “HowSweet.4.4.09”

(2) “TheCustomerIsAlwaysRight.4.5.09”

(2) “AnAffairtoWhatever.4.11.09”

(2) “TheTip.4.12.09”

(3) “AprilShowers.4.7.09”

(7) “ChickenMagnet.4.6.09”

(3) “EasterEggHuntingwithBubWinkerman.4.9.09”

(2) “ILikeYouBetterWhenYou’reNude.4.8.09”

(4) “PitchBleak.4.10.09”

WEEKS 13 &ere; 14 – “Spell On My Mode To Hell” – minimal cast size: 6

(6) “AFriendintheEnd.4.19.09”

(6) “WhileOnMyWayToHell.4.18.09”

(2) “DuallyNoted.4.14.09”

(3) “OfficerArsenty.4.15.09”

(3) “StellaonTuesdays.4.17.09”

(5) “Stripperer.4.16.09”

(3) “WarIsHardWork.4.13.09”

(3) “Fillips.4.26.09”

(2) “WalterGoldstein.4.25.09”

(3) “CreptOut.4.23.09”

(2) “OffTheGrid.4.21.09”

(2) “QueenofBees.4.22.09”

(6) “SearchingforJossWhedon.4.20.09”

(2) “UPSSucks.4.24.09”

WEEKS 15 & 16 – “Weenus” – minimal cast of characters size:

(3) “BackgroundCheck.5.1.09”

(3) “Weenus.5.2.09”

(8) “DeathToTyrants.4.28.09”

(2) “Dumdum bullets.4.29.09”

(5) “JohnIrvingness.4.27.09”

(2) “Truckin.4.30.09”

(4) “TwoOnTheAisle.5.3.09”

(4) “BraceBeer.5.6.09”

(3) “Wishes.5.4.09”

(3) “BulletFlu.5.7.09”

(8) “HippyBathday.5.5.09”

(2) “SeaWatchers.5.10.09”

(3) “ThrowingChonos.5.8.09”

(4) “WhyIHateFrenchCinema.5.9.09” – English version, for mention

(4) “WhyIHateFrenchCinema.5.9.09A” – French-ish version, for performance

WEEKS 17 &ere; 18 – “Demoes You Would Ne'er See If You Didn’t Know Somebody In The Contrive” – minimal cast of characters size: 7 (Director: Scott Olson)

(2) “AKissAnyway.5.16.09”

(6) “Untucked.5.14.09”

(4) “Nighthawks.5.13.09”

(4) “ProblemSolved.5.15.09”

(4) “PromNight.5.11.09”

(6) “Smile.5.12.09”

(6) “SummerEvening.5.17.09”

(2) “CasadeNed.5.21.09”

(7) “TimeBeavers.5.23.09”

(2) “PawnBroken.5.18.09”

(2) “RomeoPizza.5.22.09”

(3) “ShowsYouWouldNeverSee.5.20.09”

(3) “The Hitchhiker.5.24.09”

(1) “TheDeafofTheater.5.19.09”

WEEKS 19 &ere; 20 – Chekhov in the Trailer Park”- minimal cast of characters size: 7

(6) “BookClub.5.26.09”

(5) “WideWithPride.5.25.09”

(2) “CarryingAPorch.5.28.09”

(4) “ChekhovInTheTrailerPark.5.31.09”

(2) “LangleyandPratt5.27.09”

(2) “Listening.5.30.09”

(7) “StretchLimousine.5.29.09”

(3) “AnOnLineEducation.6.6.09”

(3) “WhereTheresSmokeTheresSmoke.6.2.09”

(4) “FascinationStreetBakery.6.5.09”

(1) “HowToWriteAComedySketch.6.4.09 – this is an already brought forth video

(5) “IDoHoldOn.6.1.09”

(2) “SwimmingforNonSwimmers.6.7.09”

(4) “TheLifeandstrangeSurprizingAdventuresofRobinsonCrusoe.6.3.09”

WEEKS 21 &A; 22 – “Jerk Sandwich”- minimum dramatised personae size: 8

(7) “TheInternationalComedyWritingInstituteofAmerica.6.8.09”

(2) “TheConstantPresent.6.12.09”

(8) “RocknRollTrouble!.6.14.09”

(4) “KennySpicerman.6.11.09”

(2) “IfIWereYou.6.9.09”

(3) “FunkandWagnall.6.13.09”

(2) “ExtractionNumber2.6.10.09”

(2) “ChryslerOnAStick.6.16.09”

(4) “Don’t Enquire, Don’tShout.6.19.09”

(2) “FarmersfromHell.6.21.09”

(2) “JerkSandwich.6.20.09”

(7) “MyFathersBeret.6.17.09”

(2) “Tracer.6.15.09”

(6) “ZombiePizzaParty.6.18.09”

WEEKS 23 & 24 – “Red, White and Beer”- minimal cast of characters size: 9

(3) “EverybodyPoops,EvenNeil.6.23.09”

(3) “JensMomNancy.6.26.09”

(4) “PeopleWhoLiveInCandyHousesShouldn’tThrowVegetables.6.22.09”

(7) “PhilliptheFriendlyDinosaur.6.24.09”

(3) “TheAmazingMaxwells.6.25.09”

(9) “TheSemiHardTruthAboutViagra.6.28.09”

(1) “ThingsIPutInMyMouth.6.27.09”

(6) “GronkGoesBonk.6.30.09”

(3) “HowBadsTheCoffee.7.4.09”

(4) “KidzNewz.7.1.09”

(2) “NewBlood.7.5.09”

(3) “Red, White and Beer.7.3.09”

(3) “TheCarpetCave.6.29.09”

(3) “TheDeathofMe.7.2.09”

WEEKS 25 &ere; 26 – “Twi-Lite “ – minimum dramatised personae size: 7

(7) “YouHavePlacedAChillInMyHeart.7.10.09”

(4) “WildIsTheWind.7.11.09”

(4) “Twi-Lite.7.6.09”

(2) “ThoseWhoCan't.7.12.09”

(5) “TheHIPPENING.7.9.09”

(7) “DownontheFarm.7.8.09”

(3) “BedtimeStories.7.7.09”

(2) TheLastWord.7.19.09

(3) AlienationofAffection.7.14.09

(2) AngryCow.7.17.09

(5) BigBother.7.15.09

(4) GiantLeap.7.18.09

(3) NeverBeenRuffied.7.16.09

(5) Sunburn.7.13.09

WEEKS 27 & 28 – “Disco Heaven“ – minimum dramatised personae size: 6

(2) “WTF.7.25.09”

(5) “VioletsinGarlicSauce.7.26.09”

(5) “TurkeyFingers.7.22.09”

(4) “DryDock.7.20.09”

(2) “DiscoHeaven.7.21.09”

(5) “BuenosAires.7.23.09”

(2) “ALittlePsycho.7.24.09”

(2) “WithorWithout.7.28.09””

(6) “DearPenthouse.7.27.09

(6) “DingDongSchool – HeWhoSitsInTheShadowOfHisTail.7.29.09”

(4) “FrenchIsEasy.8.2.09”

(5) “MercenaryAir.7.30.09”

(2) “NewYorkNewYork.8.1.09”

(2) “Weepy.7.31.09”

WEEKS 29 & 30 – “Tomfools Pelt along In Where Angels Fear To Treadmill“ – minimal cast size: 6

(3) “ThoughtsOfADyingAtheist.8.6.09”

(6) “FoolsRushInWhereAngelsFearToTreadmill.8.8.09”

(2) “AfterWorkBeforeBed.8.3.09”

(2) “BlackCoffee.8.7.09”

(3) “MandingoRex.8.9.09”

(2) “PeopleLetMeTellYa.8.5.09”

(1) “TheDingDongSong.8.4.09”

(2) “Simplifying.8.13.09”

(3) “ACupo Joe.8.16.09”

(1) “AnOperatorTriesToHelpJimCroce.8.12.09”

(6) FreeSoda.8.11.09

(6) “GrekkortheAlien.8.15.09”

(5) “OnAStick.8.10.09”

(4) “Pepper.8.14.09”

WEEKS 31 &A; 32 – “A Thing I Write“ – minimum cast size: 6 (Director: Chris Othic)

(3) AMemberoftheChurchofGod.8.22.09

(4) ArtAndAboutWithRandyCarson.8.23.09

(6) HadThisBeenAnActualEmergency.8.19.09

(6) StopSHOUTING.8.20.09

(4) TheCaseoftheSpeckledBullet.8.17.09

(4) TheUnicornAndTheVengeance.8.21.09

(4) WhatPriceGory.8.18.09

(6) AGospelSongforAtheists.8.24.09

(6) AThingIWROTE.8.30.09

(4) BodyFallingDownstairsSlowly.8.28.09

(2) InterestDue.8.26.09

(3) StillLife.8.25.09

(6) TheEighthWonderoftheWorld.8.29.09

(2) Wasp.8.27.09

WEEKS 33 & 34 – “Boris vs. Nature“ – minimum cast of characters size: 6

(3) ACivilWar.9.6.09

(3) AFlyOnTheWall.9.4.09

(6) BorisvsNature.9.1.09

(3) Bouncer.9.3.09

(2) ByAnyOtherName.9.5.09

(3) EnoughRope.8.31.09

(5) ILove2Boogie.9.2.09

(2) AHitForWeddingsorFunerals.9.8.09

(5) APennySaved.9.11.09

(2) Gary’sGotAProblem.9.12.09

(2) GuntherLandorsHouseoHealing.9.13.09

(2) IHateCleaning.9.7.09

(4) INeedLunch.9.10.09

(2) WartsandAll.9.9.09

WEEKS 35 &ere; 36 – “Oblique Oblige“ – minimum dramatised personae size: 6

(1) Ain’tThatLove.9.16.09

(3) EtTude.9.18.09

(6) Late.9.19.09

(2) LikeABaby.9.14.09

(5) Pinocchio.9.20.09

(2) Pullover.9.17.09

(5) TheFilmofMyLove.9.15.09

(4) ClimateChange.9.22.09

(4) Detained.9.25.09

(4) ObliqueOblige.9.23.09

(2) Runaway.9.21.09

(2) TheAwakening.9.26.09

(6) ThreeBagsFull.9.27.09

(3) TypewriterRepair.9.24.09

WEEKS 37 & 38 – “What If They Hold A Peace Rally And Nobody Come up?” – minimum cast size: 6

(3) ComeAgain.10.2.09

(6) ComeAgainAgain.10.3.09

(1) DesMoines.10.1.09

(6) Flesh out.9.28.09

(5) GiveALittle.10.4.09

(2) LighthouseHill.9.30.09

(4) TheLastUnicorn.9.29.09

(2) BabyMilosh.10.06.09

(4) HappyAlzheimer’s.10.10.09

(2) JustInCase.10.5.09

(3) MeatSubstitute.10.8.09

(4) PopsicleStick.10.9.09

(4) Spuhllujah.10.7.09

(6) WhatIfTheyHeldAPeaceRallyAndNobodyCame.10.11.09

WEEKS 39 &A; 40 – “St. Drunken’s Day” – minimum cast of characters size: 8

(5) BoxingDay.10.18.09

(2) Chicago.10.15.09

(3) HowToHaveSexWithWomen.10.17.09

(4) SlowDownLifesTooShort.10.16.09

(2) SomethingsDifferent.10.14.09

(6) TheWeepingLlama.10.13.09

(1) ToWake.10.12.09

(2) Bunch.10.19.09

(2) Dayhawks.10.22.09

(5) GoodSeats.10.23.09

(2) MrJones.10.25.09

(8) PositiveLoitering.10.20.09

(2) RoominNewYork.10.21.09

(3) St.DrunkensDay.10.24.09

WEEKS 41 &ere; 42 – “Dear Cancer” – minimal cast of characters size: 7

(2) AMothToAFlame.10.29.09

(3) Christopher.10.27.09

(2) HotelRoom.10.31.09

(1) LifesTooShortTo.10.30.09

(7) LittleDrummerBoy.10.28.09

(2) Procrastination.11.1.09

(7) TheGoInTheGo.10.26.09

(2) 911.11.2.09

(5) DearCancer.11.6.09

(2) ExcursionIntoPhilosophy.11.5.09

(3) LakeRood.11.7.09

(2) SocialIssues.11.4.09

(6) ThisWillBeOurYear.11.3.09

(2) ThreeWishes.11.08.09

WEEKS 43 & 44 – “You Cognise – The likes of The Terminal of the World” – minimum cast size: 6

(5) AFistfulofYarn.11.15.09

(2) Retard.11.10.09.

(6) Séance.11.11.09

(2) StayingUpLate.11.12.09

(3) TeachAManToFish.11.9.09

(5) Thief.11.13.09

(2) WinningTheLottery.11.14.09

(2) FutureElectric.11.19.09

(3) GrandOpening.11.20.09

(2) KickTheCan.11.22.09

(3) NotAllDogsGoToHeaven.11.18.09

(2) PlanB.11.17.09

(2) ToTheImpossible.11.16.09

(3) YouKnowLikeTheEndoftheWorld.11.21.09

WEEKS 45 &ere; 46 – “Who’s Afraid of Virginia, Wolf?” – minimal cast size: 6

(3) TheLibrary.11.25.09

(6) CatMenOnTheMoon.11.29.09

(4) Digger.11.27.09

(3) HeldUp.11.28.09

(4) NoThanks.11.26.09

(5) SomethingToBelieveIn.11.24.09

(2+) TheFirstTeaPartiers.11.23.09

(5) WhosAfraidofVirginiaWolf.12.6.09

(3) ChristmasComesEarlyMaybeLate.12.5.09

(6) FirstFlight.12.3.09

(4) ForcedSmile.11.30.09

(4) OnFire.12.4.09

(2) RacistInABox.12.1.09

(2) TheFoodChain.12.2.09

WEEKS 47 & 48 – “Barflies At The Beach” – minimal cast of characters size: 6

(4) WindowShopper.12.10.09

(3) BarfliesAtTheBeach.12.9.09

(3) Bunny.12.11.09

(2) Grosseries.12.13.09

(2) OBGYN.12.8.09.medico

(2) Settling…Up.12.12.09

(1) SlowWalkWithLimpInEcho.12.7.09

(5) AChristmasStory.12.16.09

(5) AnyoneforTennis.12.18.09

(3) ASigningFromGod.12.19.09

(6) AtTheStarbucks.12.17.09

(4) Free Hugs.12.16.09

(2) JockItch.12.20.09

(3) SoHelpMeGod.12.14.09

WEEKS 49 &ere; 50 – “Farewell To Monster Island” – minimum cast of characters size: 5

(3) AmericanGuitarHero.12.22.09

(3) GodHatesFags.12.26.09

(3) ItsForTheBest.12.24.09

(3) LoveBirdsAndCatThieves.12.23.09

(2) PhantomBooger.12.27.09

(2) TheFiveDollarMystery.12.21.09

(4) TheThoughtsThatCount.12.25.09

(2) MuchToDo.1.2.10

(2) Blockbusted.1.3.10

(3) DiningInHell.12.31.09

(4) FarewellToMonsterIsland.1.1.10

(5) FuckYou, Harry Chapin.12.30.09

(3) iMiranda.12.29.09

(1) Listless.12.28.09

WEEKS 51 & 52 – “” – minimum dramatised personae size: (7)

(4) SmoothSailing.1.10.10

(3) Anna.2.1.6.10

(2) Steps.1.8.10

(2) Hi.1.5.10

(6) OurManInAccounting.1.7.10

(5) PolkaDotsandMoonbeams.1.4.10

(2) RateofDecay.1.9.10

(3) BornAgain.1.15.10

(6) CurtainCall.1.17.10

(3) Unity Night.1.13.10

(3) PayItSideways.1.16.10

(7 or 11)Pigeon.1.12.10

(4) TurkeyInTheStraw.1.11.10

(5) WhiteChocolate.1.18.10

(1) YourNewImprovCoach.1.14.10

Math Skillz

13 - 3 equals 10, right?

Apparently, it's not entirely true when applied to the science of calendars!

We've been promoting our show as being 26 shows over 10 nights with 177 actors.

It's 11 nights!

Count it out on your hand if you don't believe me. It was pointed out to me last night. We have been lying to you. Of course, we're not going to change all our promotional materials. And 10 just sounds better than 11, unless you're cranking up the amp of an electric guitar.

As a result of this information, I went back and checked all the math on this project. There's actually only 12 shows, 3 actors and I'm 143 scenes short of 365 sketches.

Buy a ticket anyway. We'll fill the gaps with some free form improvisational jazz.

PerformInk Article

Here it is!

Joe doesn't even sound douchey...

Back in fall of 2006, theatres around the country got together on one of the most ambitious national performing-arts undertakings ever attempted. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks’ 365 Days/365 Plays hit the boards in many incarnations, combinations, and interpretations. Chicago alone saw over 50 companies presenting Parks’ work from November 2006 to November 2007.
 
Joe Janes, longtime sketch performer, director, and writing instructor at the Second City , saw what Collaboraction did with their portion of the Parks experiment, and discussed the project with many other colleagues. “I was left with the idea that people were talking more about the event than the material,” Janes says. Still, he was intrigued enough by the concept to give it his own spin. Thus was born 365 Sketches.

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The Book

Less than two weeks away from all 365 sketches being performed at Strawdog Theatre. Can't see all the shows? Can't see any of them? Don't worry. There is hope for you.

Hold 365 Sketches in your hot little hands...http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/365-sketches/11034531?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/2

The (Almost) Complete Guide to 365 Sketches

(I say almost, because I heard from a director or two earlier this week that they may have a cast change, but haven't heard back.)

On January 19, 2009, Joe Janes decided to write a comedy sketch a day for a year. He did that. On June 3, 2010, Don Hall of the WNEP Theater Foundation will produce them. All of them. Don and Joe have gathered together over 200 Chicago actors and directors and over ten days presented 26 shows each featuring two weeks worth of sketches. Yep. Crazy.

“365 Sketches” – Strawdog Theater – June 3 – June 13, 2010

scenes listed by cast size – title – date written

THU 6/3
8PM – Weeks 1 & 2 “Dancing with the Devil” (director – Mary Jo Bolduc, cast: Dennis Frymire, Fuzzy Gerdes, Andrew Jordan, Gabe Garza, Marsha Harman, Jill Fenstermaker, Sara Gorsky, original music by Edesio Sanchez-Gomez, transition music by Jen Taylor)

(2) laid on.1.19.09
(2) Made in China.1.20.09
(4) LOTTERYWINNER.1.21.09
(7) Czernik on the bus.1.22.09
(6) single slices.1.23.09
(7) SPINCYCLE.1.24.09
(4) Babies Are Assholes.1.25.09”
(1) Pushing The Envelope.1.26.09
(3) Better Than Money.1.27.09
(3) Neighbors.1.28.09
(5) Dancing with the Devil.1.29.09
(5) Chet Later.1.30.09
(6) Chet At Lunch.1.31.09
(6) BROWN BAGGING IT.2.1.09

10PM – Weeks 3 & 4 “Diversity Chicken” (director – Jason Fleece, cast: Jeremiah Howe, Jessica Bennett, Jill Olson, Chris Brown, Andy Cameron, Kristen Secrist)

(3) KATJITSU.2.2.09
(4) Tit for Tat.2.3.09
(3) Diversity Chicken.2.4.09
(2) Single White Friendster.2.5.09
(2) Hemlock.2.6.09
(7) Another One of Those Blackouts.2.7.09
(3) Medusa.2.8.09
(3) Macbeth.2.9.09
(2) Looking Great.2.10.09
(4) Gravy Boat.2.11.09
(3) NPRpart1.2.12.09
(2) NPRpart2.2.13.09
(3) NPRpart3.2.14.09
(3) Spy Who Dated Me.2.15.09

FRI 6/4
8PM – Weeks 5 & 6 “Zombie Space Aliens” (director – Regan Davis, cast: Jon Sales, Ed Sanchez-Gomez, Brenda E. Kelly, Patrick Michael Kelly, Erin Johnson, Mikayla Brown)
(3) Public Hair.2.16.09
(2) Termination.2.17.09
(4) Bad News.2.18.09
(3) Mercury Poisoning.2.19.09
(3) Suess Club.2.20.09
(3) Once Upon A Time in the Church Basement.2.21.09
(4) LOUD SUNSHINE.2.22.09
(4) Zombie Space Aliens.2.23.09
(3) TheC-E-Yos(a rap song).2.24.09
(5) That’s Just Jay.2.25.09
(2) The Third One.2.26.09
(7) The Wretched Refuse2.27.09
(1) This Is My Art.2.28.09
(7) Mr. Mysterium.3.1.09


10PM – Weeks 7 & 8 “Dried and Cured Meats” (director - Rebekah Walendzak, cast: Heather Adams, Ryan Ben, Jeffrey Bouthiette, Earliana McLaurin)

(3) PuzzleNight,Part1.3.2.09
(3) PuzzleNight,Part2.3.3.09
(3) PuzzleNight,Part3.3.4.09
(1) TheTwittysburgAddress.3.5.09
(3) Exit, Pursued By A Bear.3.6.09
(3) HealthNut.3.7.09
(2) Belmont.3.8.09
(5) SomethingRotten.3.9.09
(2) TheDayTheEarthStoodByWaiting.3.10.09
(6) IciclesofEvil.3.11.09
(4) DriedAndCuredMeats.3.12.09
(2) SelfStorage.3.13.09
(1) HappyEnding.3.14.09
(2) WeReachWithRadio.3.15.09

Midnight – Weeks 9 & 10 “The End of the World” (director - Rinska Prestinary, ass’t directors - Emily Cooke and Hannah Herbert, cast: Steve Casillas , Alex Farrington, Pat Whalen, Chris Petlak, Jack Gallagher, Edgar Sanchez, Matt Steffen, Torian Miller, Dana Young, Meredith Daufenbach, deejay-Zan Rosenthal)

(3) Bully.3.16.09
(2) BigFatLies.3.17.09
(3) RecollectionsOfACountryLife.3.18.09
(6) OpenCasket.3.19.09
(3) CoffinMax.3.20.09
(4) Blogger.3.21.09
(2) WE REACH WITH RADIO II.3.22.09
(7) AGoodMan.3.23.09
(2) MattNeedsYourHelp.3.24.09
(2) WorksBetterOnChildren.3.25.09
(2) TheEndOfTheWorld.3.26.09
(4) TheMachineAlsoRises.3.27.09
(4) 77.3.28.09
(3) WEREACHWITHRADIOIII.3.29.09

SAT 6/5
8PM – Weeks 11 & 12 “An Affair to Whatever” (director – Dunbar Dicks, cast: Bryce Fishman, James Sienko II, Chris Savell, Mike Dobbyn, Kate Compton, Katherine Li, Hassan S. Ali, Tessa O’Connor)

(3) CauldronFresh.3.30.09
(3) Cannibal78.3.31.09
(4) AGhostsStory.4.1.09
(8) WhatAmericaRunsOn.4.2.09
(2) AnAmericanMugging.4.3.09
(5) HowSweet.4.4.09
(2) TheCustomerIsAlwaysRight.4.5.09
(7) ChickenMagnet.4.6.09
(3) AprilShowers.4.7.09
(2) ILikeYouBetterWhenYou’reNude.4.8.09
(3) EasterEggHuntingwithBubWinkerman.4.9.09
(4) PitchBleak.4.10.09
(2) AnAffairtoWhatever.4.11.09
(2) TheTip.4.12.09
10PM – Weeks 13 & 14 “While On My Way To Hell” (director – Rebecca Langguth, cast: Kim Boler, John Brewster, Ben Harpe, Trey Hanks, Briana Hansen, Brett McGovern)

(3) WarIsHardWork.4.13.09
(2) DuallyNoted.4.14.09
(3) OfficerArsenty.4.15.09
(5) Stripperer.4.16.09
(3) StellaonTuesdays.4.17.09
(6) WhileOnMyWayToHell.4.18.09
(6) AFriendintheEnd.4.19.09
(6) SearchingforJossWhedon.4.20.09
(2) OffTheGrid.4.21.09
(2) QueenofBees.4.22.09
(3) CreptOut.4.23.09
(2) UPSSucks.4.24.09
(2) WalterGoldstein.4.25.09
(3) Bonus.4.26.09
Midnight – Weeks 15 & 16 “Weenus” (director- Derek Van Tassel, cast: Jacob Clausen, Harter Clingman, Lori Lewis, Molly McCormick, Mal Merpi, Mike Newquist, Eric Prather, Jess Elfring Roberts)

(5) JohnIrvingness.4.27.09
(8) DeathToTyrants.4.28.09
(2) DumDums.4.29.09
(2) Truckin.4.30.09
(3) BackgroundCheck.5.1.09
(3) Weenus.5.2.09
(4) TwoOnTheAisle.5.3.09
(3) Wishes.5.4.09
(8) HippyBathday.5.5.09
(4) BraceBeer.5.6.09
(3) BulletFlu.5.7.09
(3) ThrowingChonos.5.8.09
(4) WhyIHateFrenchCinema.5.9.09 – English version, for reference
(4) WhyIHateFrenchCinema.5.9.09A – French-ish version, for performance
(2) SeaWatchers.5.10.09

SUN 6/6
7PM – Weeks 17 & 18 “Shows You Would Never See If You Didn’t Know Someone In The Cast” (director - Scott Olson, ass’t director - Jackson Haywood, cast: Dylan James Hackworth, Sam Hubbard, Jessica Cook, Jack Bourgeois, Meg Harkins, Cassie Ahiers, Liz Siedt, Dan Planz, Kevin Branick)

(4) PromNight.5.11.09
(6) Smile.5.12.09
(4) Nighthawks.5.13.09
(6) Untucked.5.14.09
(4) ProblemSolved.5.15.09
(2) AKissAnyway.5.16.09
(6) SummerEvening.5.17.09
(2) PawnBroken.5.18.09
(1) TheDeafofTheater.5.19.09
(3) ShowsYouWouldNeverSee.5.20.09
(2) CasadeNed.5.21.09
(2) RomeoPizza.5.22.09
(7) TimeBeavers.5.23.09
(3) The Hitchhiker.5.24.09

9PM – Weeks 19 & 20 “Chekhov in the Trailer Park”- (director – Rich Baker, cast: cast: Tom Burns, Nicole Devin, James Honey, Kerri Morrison, Jacob Schneider, Lauran September, Clay Stevens )

(5) WideWithPride.5.25.09
(6) BookClub.5.26.09
(2) LangleyandPratt5.27.09
(2) CarryingAPorch.5.28.09
(7) StretchLimousine.5.29.09
(2) Listening.5.30.09
(4) ChekhovInTheTrailerPark.5.31.09
(5) IDoHoldOn.6.1.09
(3) WhereTheresSmokeTheresSmoke.6.2.09
(4) TheLifeandstrangeSurprizingAdventuresofRobinsonCrusoe.6.3.09
(1) HowToWriteAComedySketch.6.4.09
(4) FascinationStreetBakery.6.5.09
(3) AnOnLineEducation.6.6.09
(2) SwimmingforNonSwimmers.6.7.09

MON 6/7
8PM –Weeks 21 & 22 “Jerk Sandwich”- (director – Lillie Frances, cast: Alaina Hoffman, Gillian Bellinger, Robert Reid, Jeremy Schaefer, Sayjal Joshi, Patrick Kent)

(7) TheInternationalComedyWritingInstituteofAmerica.6.8.09
(2) IfIWereYou.6.9.09
(2) ExtractionNumber2.6.10.09
(4) KennySpicerman.6.11.09
(2) TheConstantPresent.6.12.09
(3) FunkandWagnall.6.13.09
(8) RocknRollTrouble!.6.14.09
(2) Tracer.6.15.09
(2) ChryslerOnAStick.6.16.09
(7) MyFathersBeret.6.17.09
(6) ZombiePizzaParty.6.18.09
(4) Don’t Ask, Don’tShout.6.19.09
(2) JerkSandwich.6.20.09
(2) FarmersfromHell.6.21.09

Weeks 23 & 24 “Red, White and Beer”- (director- Wendi Weber, cast: Bernie Balbot, Will Casey, Rammel Chan, Jackie Durruthy, Justin Fletcher, Govind Kumar, Lara Jo Hightower, KT Mack)

(4) PeopleWhoLiveInCandyHousesShouldn’tThrowVegetables.6.22.09
(3) EverybodyPoops,EvenNeil.6.23.09
(7) PhilliptheFriendlyDinosaur.6.24.09
(3) TheAmazingMaxwells.6.25.09
(3) JensMomNancy.6.26.09
(1) ThingsIPutInMyMouth.6.27.09
(9) TheSemiHardTruthAboutViagra.6.28.09
(3) TheCarpetCave.6.29.09
(6) GronkGoesBonk.6.30.09
(4) KidzNewz.7.1.09
(3) TheDeathofMe.7.2.09
(3) Red, White and Beer.7.3.09
(3) HowBad’sTheCoffee.7.4.09
(2) NewBlood.7.5.09

TUE 6/8
8PM – Weeks 25 & 26 “Twi-Lite” (director – Janna Sobel, cast: Andy Tommello, Brett McGovern, Jen Spyra, Lauren Robertson, Wolfgang Stein, Michael Rychlewski, Erin Morrill, Jeff Rukes)

(4) Twi-Lite.7.6.09
(3) BedtimeStories.7.7.09
(7) DownontheFarm.7.8.09
(5) TheHIPPENING.7.9.09
(7) YouHavePlacedAChillInMyHeart.7.10.09
(4) WildIsTheWind.7.11.09
(2) ThoseWhoCan't.7.12.09
(5) Sunburn.7.13.09
(3) AlienationofAffection.7.14.09
(5) BigBother.7.15.09
(3) NeverBeenRuffied.7.16.09
(2) AngryCow.7.17.09
(4) GiantLeap.7.18.09
(2) TheLastWord.7.19.09

Weeks 27 & 28 “Disco Heaven” (director – David Rocco Facchini, cast: Lisa Burton, Lindsey Ganote, Ryan McDermott, Heather Lynn Muth, Matt Noonan, Michael Tatar and Greg Wendling)

(4) DryDock.7.20.09
(2) DiscoHeaven.7.21.09
(5) TurkeyFingers.7.22.09
(5) BuenosAires.7.23.09
(2) ALittlePsycho.7.24.09
(2) WTF.7.25.09
(5) VioletsinGarlicSauce.7.26.09
(6) DearPenthouse.7.27.09
(2) WithorWithout.7.28.09
(6) DingDongSchool – HeWhoSitsInTheShadowOfHisTail.7.29.09
(5) MercenaryAir.7.30.09
(2) Weepy.7.31.09
(2) NewYorkNewYork.8.1.09
(4) FrenchIsEasy.8.2.09

WED 6/9
8PM – Weeks 29 & 30 “Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear To Treadmill” (director – John Hildreth cast - Gillian Bellinger, Mary Jo Bolduc, Janna Sobel, John Brewster, John Mobley, Rudy Voit)

(2) AfterWorkBeforeBed.8.3.09
(1) TheDingDongSong.8.4.09
(2) PeopleLetMeTellYa.8.5.09
(3) ThoughtsOfADyingAtheist.8.6.09
(2) BlackCoffee.8.7.09
(6) FoolsRushInWhereAngelsFearToTreadmill.8.8.09
(3) MandingoRex.8.9.09
(5) OnAStick.8.10.09
(6) FreeSoda.8.11.09
(1) AnOperatorTriesToHelpJimCroce.8.12.09
(2) Simplifying.8.13.09
(4) Pepper.8.14.09
(6) GrekkortheAlien.8.15.09
(3) ACupO’Joe.8.16.09
Weeks 31 & 32 “A Thing I Wrote” (director - Chris Othic, cast: Mike Bauman, Geoff Crump, Becca Levine, Chris Othic, Nat Topping, Mackenzie Yeager)

(4) TheCaseoftheSpeckledBullet.8.17.09
(4) WhatPriceGory.8.18.09
(6) HadThisBeenAnActualEmergency.8.19.09
(6) StopSHOUTING.8.20.09
(4) TheUnicornAndTheVengeance.8.21.09
(3) AMemberoftheChurchofGod.8.22.09
(4) ArtAndAboutWithRandyCarson.8.23.09
(6) AGospelSongforAtheists.8.24.09
(3) StillLife.8.25.09
(2) InterestDue.8.26.09
(2) Wasp-18.8.27.09
(4) BodyFallingDownstairsSlowly.8.28.09
(6) TheEighthWonderoftheWorld.8.29.09
(6) AThingIWROTE.8.30.09

THU 6/10
8PM – Weeks 33 & 34 “Boris vs. Nature” (director – Becky Eldridge, cast: Alaina Hoffman, Shelby Burton, Ross Foti, Jarrad Apperson, Scott Olson, Robert Reid)

(3) EnoughRope.8.31.09
(6) BorisvsNature.9.1.09
(5) ILove2Boogie.9.2.09
(3) Bouncer.9.3.09
(3) AFlyOnTheWall.9.4.09
(2) ByAnyOtherName.9.5.09
(3) ACivilWar.9.6.09
(2) IHateCleaning.9.7.09
(2) AHitForWeddingsorFunerals.9.8.09
(2) WartsandAll.9.9.09
(4) INeedLunch.9.10.09
(5) APennySaved.9.11.09
(2) Gary’sGotAProblem.9.12.09
(2) GuntherLandorsHouseoHealing.9.13.09

10PM – Weeks 35 & 36 “Oblique Oblige” (director – Rose Kruger, cast: Donna Ray, Dave Fink, Joel Reitsma, Lila Collins, Emily Claiborne, Jon Cohen, Ian Knox, Anya Clingman, David Schaplowsky, Nate Stoner, Charlie Cascino - fight choreography)

(2) LikeABaby.9.14.09
(5) TheFilmofMyLove.9.15.09
(1) Ain’tThatLove.9.16.09
(2) Pullover.9.17.09
(3) EtTude.9.18.09
(6) Late.9.19.09
(5) Pinocchio.9.20.09
(2) Runaway.9.21.09
(4) ClimateChange.9.22.09
(4) ObliqueOblige.9.23.09
(3) TypewriterRepair.9.24.09
(4) Detained.9.25.09
(2) TheAwakening.9.26.09
(6) ThreeBagsFull.9.27.09

FRI 6/11
8PM – Weeks 37 & 38 “What If They Held A Peace Rally And Nobody Came?” (director – Amanda Rountree, tech director – Jessica Landis, cast: Dominique Lewis, Ed Smaron, Erin Orr, Kelsie Huff, Kevin Gladish, Lori Goss, Michael Carothers, Scott Whitehair)

(6) Elaborate.9.28.09
(4) TheLastUnicorn.9.29.09
(2) LighthouseHill.9.30.09
(1) DesMoines.10.1.09
(3) ComeAgain.10.2.09
(6) ComeAgainAgain.10.3.09
(5) GiveALittle.10.4.09
(2) JustInCase.10.5.09
(2) BabyMilosh.10.06.09
(4) Spuhllujah.10.7.09
(3) MeatSubstitute.10.8.09
(4) PopsicleStick.10.9.09
(4) HappyAlzheimer’s.10.10.09
(6) WhatIfTheyHeldAPeaceRallyAndNobodyCame.10.11.09

10PM – Weeks 39 & 40 “St. Drunken’s Day” (director – Mary Williamson, cast: Mackenzie Yeager, Zoe Shwartz, Heath Cordts, Isaac Holter, Josef Bette, Chris Chmelik, The Band - Amanda Batterson, and Chance Bone)

(1) ToWake.10.12.09
(6) TheWeepingLlama.10.13.09
(6) SomethingsDifferent.10.14.09
(2) Chicago.10.15.09
(4) SlowDownLifesTooShort.10.16.09
(3) HowToHaveSexWithWomen.10.17.09
(5) BoxingDay.10.18.09
(2) Clump.10.19.09
(8) PositiveLoitering.10.20.09
(2) RoominNewYork.10.21.09
(2) Dayhawks.10.22.09
(5) GoodSeats.10.23.09
(3) St.DrunkensDay.10.24.09
(2) MrJones.10.25.09

Midnight – Weeks 41 & 42 “Dear Cancer” (Director – Tony Soto, cast: Dree Elfring, Megan Householter, Sarah Beckett, Mike Newquist, Wayne Brumgard, David Stookey, Gavin Robinson)

(7) TheGoInTheGo.10.26.09
(3) Christopher.10.27.09
(7) LittleDrummerBoy.10.28.09
(2) AMothToAFlame.10.29.09
(1) LifesTooShortTo.10.30.09
(2) HotelRoom.10.31.09
(2) Procrastination.11.1.09
(2) 911.11.2.09
(6) ThisWillBeOurYear.11.3.09
(2) SocialIssues.11.4.09
(2) ExcursionIntoPhilosophy.11.5.09
(5) DearCancer.11.6.09
(3) LakeRood.11.7.09
(2) ThreeWishes.11.08.09

SAT 6/12
8PM – Weeks 43 & 44 “You Know – Like The End of the World” (director – Bina Martin, ass’t director – Johanna Meyers, cast: Dan Carr, Jo Feldman, Jeff Hedges, Jen Malinsky, Matt Malinsky, Vanessa Menton)

(3) TeachAManToFish.11.9.09
(2) Retard.11.10.09.
(6) Séance.11.11.09
(2) StayingUpLate.11.12.09
(5) Thief.11.13.09
(2) WinningTheLottery.11.14.09
(5) AFistfulofYarn.11.15.09
(2) ToTheImpossible.11.16.09
(2) PlanB.11.17.09
(3) NotAllDogsGoToHeaven.11.18.09
(2) FutureElectric.11.19.09
(3) GrandOpening.11.20.09
(3) YouKnowLikeTheEndoftheWorld.11.21.09
(2) KickTheCan.11.22.09

10PM - Weeks 45 & 46 “Who’s Afraid of Virginia, Wolf?” (director – Rachel Staelens, cast: Matthew Scott, Sarah Mikayla Brown, Andrew Kraft, KTMack, Sam Bailey, Steve Hund, Toni Machi, Vinnie Lacey)

(6) TheFirstTeaPartiers.11.23.09
(5) SomethingToBelieveIn.11.24.09
(3) TheLibrary.11.25.09
(4) NoThanks.11.26.09
(4) Digger.11.27.09
(3) HeldUp.11.28.09
(6) CatMenOnTheMoon.11.29.09
(4) ForcedSmile.11.30.09
(2) RacistInABox.12.1.09
(2) TheFoodChain.12.2.09
(6) FirstFlight.12.3.09
(4) OnFire.12.4.09
(3) ChristmasComesEarlyMaybeLate.12.5.09
(5) WhosAfraidofVirginiaWolf.12.6.09

Midnight – Weeks 47 & 48 “Barflies At The Beach” (director – Danni Parpan, cast: Pat Whalen, Reeny Hofrichter, Grace Wagner, Sasha Smith, Chelsea Brand, Eric Prather, Michael Bartz)

(1) SlowWalkWithLimpInEcho.12.7.09
(2) OBGYN-Detroit.12.8.09.doc
(3) BarfliesAtTheBeach.12.9.09
(4) WindowShopper.12.10.09
(3) Bunny.12.11.09
(2) Settling…Up.12.12.09
(2) Grosseries.12.13.09
(3) SoHelpMeGod.12.14.09
(4) Free Hugs.12.15.09
(5) AChristmasStory.12.16.09
(6) AtTheStarbucks.12.17.09
(5) AnyoneforTennis.12.18.09
(3) ASigningFromGod.12.19.09
(2) J ockItch.12.20.09

SUN 6/13
7PM – Weeks 49 & 50 “Farewell To Monster Island” (director – Trish Vignola cast - Andrew Kraft, Mal Merpi, Steve Konet, Emily Walker, Greg Callozzo, Jessica Bettini, Jack Farrell)

(2) TheFiveDollarMystery.12.21.09
(3) AmericanGuitarHero.12.22.09
(3) LoveBirdsAndCatThieves.12.23.09
(3) ItsForTheBest.12.24.09
(4) TheThoughtsThatCount.12.25.09
(3) GodHatesFags.12.26.09
(2) PhantomBooger.12.27.09
(1) Listless.12.28.09
(3) iMiranda.12.29.09
(5) FuckYou, Harry Chapin.12.30.09
(3) DiningInHell.12.31.09
(4) FarewellToMonsterIsland.1.1.10
(2) MuchToDo.1.2.10
(2) Blockbusted.1.3.10

9PM – Weeks 51 & 52 “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” (director – Jen Ellison, cast: Patrick Brennan, Kevin Gladish, Merrie Greenfield, Mary Jo Bolduc, Rebecca Langguth, Dave Stinton, Amanda Rountree)

(5) PolkaDotsandMoonbeams.1.4.10
(2) Hi.1.5.10
(3) Anna.2.1.6.10
(6) OurManInAccounting.1.7.10
(2) Footprints.1.8.10
(2) RateofDecay.1.9.10
(4) SmoothSailing.1.10.10
(4) TurkeyInTheStraw.1.11.10
(7) Pigeon.1.12.10
(3) One Night.1.13.10
(1) YourNewImprovCoach.1.14.10
(3) BornAgain.1.15.10
(3) PayItSideways.1.16.10
(6) CurtainCall.1.17.10
(5) WhiteChocolate.1.18.10

More Rehearsal Pictures

I have been visiting rehearsals this week and struck with the same sense of astonishment that all these people are putting so much time and energy into some stuff I wrote. When I teach, I stress to students to consider exactly what they are asking of their future actors and crew. Your scene is more likely to be done if it isn't a pain-in-the-ass or next-to-impossible or too expensive to make work on stage. Well, that didn't stop me from writing scenes that involved cow pyramids, moon landings, caskets or eviscerated Easter bunnies.

It's tricky. A writer doesn't want to create something regarded unproduceable, but it's also theater. The only limit is imagination. Part of the fun in a production is to see how an ensemble will tackle the impossible and make it work on stage.

Here are some pics I took. No cow pyramid. Wouldn't want to spoil that.


This is Becky Eldridge's crew for “Boris vs. Nature” - Thursday, June 10th at 8pm - featuring Alaina Hoffman, Shelby Burton, Ross Foti, Jarrad Apperson, Scott Olson and Robert Reid. Above, from left to right, are Jared, Shelby, Scott, Alaina and Robert working on "I Love 2 Boogie." They also have a song, "I Hate Cleaning" that they worked miracles with by adding singing furniture to an upbeat tune composed and played by Jared.



This is Jason Fleece's cast working on scenes from “Diversity Chicken” - 10pm, June 3rd - featuring Jeremiah Howe, Jessica Bennett, Jill Olson, Chris Brown, Andy Cameron, Kristen Secrist. Above is Kristen as Medusa trying to convince her mortal lover, Jeremiah, from breaking up with her for turning the cable guy, Andy, into a statue/vase.

A Thing Joe Wrote

A few months ago, Joe asked me to direct a show for his 365 project. After carefully and deliberately reading all 365 scenes he wrote last year (okay, I had been reading them as I went, and I think I have read all but maybe a handful) I decided on a nice little block called “A Thing I Wrote.” There were a couple of scenes that jumped out at me, one of which being a Sherlock Holmes murder mystery titled “The Case of the Speckled Bullet.” I was also fond of staging a scene featuring King Kong, and there were a few others I liked as well.

I decided early on that I’d like this to a Robot vs. Dinosaur joint, since we are Joe’s soul mates (cell mates?) and I knew we would have a lot of fun. Once we figured out a night that most of us could meet (Wednesdays) we set the rehearsal schedule and have been rehearsing for the last three weeks.

Now for some reason, and I don’t know what that reason is (okay, vanity, you caught me) I decided I would also like to perform in this little powerhouse of scenes. Truthfully, I really wanted to butcher an English accent in the Sherlock Holmes scene, so sue me. I’ve always enjoyed performing, but I’m a little rusty as it’s been about three years since I’ve done any real acting other than some understudy stuff and a walk on role here and there. Add to that the challenge of directing myself and the rest of the cast and, well, it’s been an interesting mess inside my brain. It hasn’t helped matters that RvD is also prepping our next show (warning: plug ahead), 12 Angry Sketches, that opens at Donny’s Skybox on June 4 (just 5 days before our 365 show). So I’ve been busy.

Good organized thing I’m.

As far as the acting goes, I think I can pull it off because so far no one has seen through my calm and cool exterior to realize that I am FREAKING OUT ON THE INSIDE!

Rehearsals have helped to calm me down though, because I have a cracker jack cast (I always wanted to use that phrase and it fits so I’m using it). Most of the cast are veteran RvD writers and performers. They are, in order of the size of their genetilia: Mike Bauman, Geoff Crump, Becca Levine, myself, Nat Topping and Mackenzie Yeager. Mackenzie is the one newbie in the group but she comes with great credentials and has rapidly gotten used to our shorthand way of communicating, mostly through dick jokes and obscene hand gestures. These guys are all good enough that if it comes down to it I can just hide behind them and they can run with the show and only my Mom would miss me.

Thus far we have blocked everything but our special silent scene and will be running and working and working and running scenes going forward. I block fairly quickly and I think that went smoothly, but we had a helluva fight on our hands wrestling the lyrics to “A Gospel Song for Atheists” so they would fit with music. (No fair changing Joe’s words, we somehow made the music fit.) And I would be petty if didn’t thank Joe for rhyming “spaghetti.”

I have also had some fun with the title scene (“A Thing I Wrote” in case your forgot), breaking it up and sprinkling it throughout so that it sort of forms the spine of the show (very much the way RvD likes to do things). It also features a glasses wearing, slightly balding, comedy writer character that I can only say is very much like someone you know if you have read this far into this blog entry. I shall do my best to do this character justice.

Ahem. I’ve said too much.

Wednesday, June 9 (paired up with “Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear To Treadmill” which starts at 8 p.m.) Our show will begin shortly after theirs ends and it’s only $10 for both shows!

“A Thing I Wrote” (Director - Chris Othic. Cast: Mike Bauman, Geoff Crump, Becca Levine, Chris Othic, Nat Topping, Mackenzie Yeager)

The Insanity

Today, Tuesday, May 18th, puts us 16 days away from opening night!

There's a lot of momentum going on. All across Chicago, there's 179 actors working on their lines and blocking and, I hope, having a great time. For a writer, this is mind blowing. By June 3rd, I will have very little mind left.

Don Hall is working on figuring out how we can squeeze in more people into Hugen Hall because tickets are selling fast.

I was interviewed about the project by Jason Heidemann of TimeOut Chicago. My first interview on the project and a great opportunity to sort out some thoughts on the project. In my conversation with him, I discovered there was a perception that I wrote 365 Sketches first and then decided to have them all produced. The decision to have them produced came much earlier.

As I was writing them, I knew I wanted something to happen with them, but not sure what or how. When one writes for the stage, the process isn't complete until the damn thing is on the stage. Somewhere around sketch #50, Don Hall liked what he had been reading and insisted that we put them all up. Quite a task that neither of us could put our heads around as to how to do it. Do we literally do them all in one big ass show? Do we have comedy groups and theaters around Chicago do a show each in their own spaces? Through several conversations we came upon doing them all in one location and realized sometime around June 2009 that the best way to do it was to break the scenes up into two-week blocks. Each two-week block would be a "show." Two-week blocks meant 26 shows. 26 shows meant 26 directors. Both of us are pretty good at directing sketch comedy, but knew we would both have our hands full producing the event. We needed help.

Starting last June, I began lining up directors with the goal of having a cross-section of people representing different theater companies, comedy groups and, by association, different institutions (Columbia College, DePaul University, Second City, iO, Annoyance, LOL, ComedySportz, etc). Specifically looking for people who had the gumption to take on something as ridiculous as this and could pull their show together with little supervision and ZERO budget.

We have a wide variety of directors who have brought in a wide variety of talent. It's great for me to see so many new faces mixed in with some of my favorite actors. I'm also proud of the fact that over half of our directors, 16 to be exact, are women. Women get shafted as sketch comedy directors in this town and there's absolutely no justifiable reason for it. I hope this project helps change that.

How did knowing they would be produced by mid-project affect the writing? I'm not really sure that it did. I always write with the intention that what I'm writing will be staged. It's the main reason I don't just throw myself into writing screenplays or spec scripts. I'm reasonably sure that when I write a sketch or play, it will get done. Unless it sucks. Then I don't want it to get done.

Tomorrow, I'll post some rehearsal pics.

Getcher tickets!

Tickets for 365 are selling briskly. Buy your ticket in advance so you don't miss out.

BUY TICKETS - CLICK HERE!

"Farewell to Monster Island" or as I like to call it...

..."Farewell to Little House on the Prairie"?

What a week! Blocking wise, we are two scenes away from having the entire show completely blocked and we've also started our super secret opening number. Things were going great, until...

I have an actress who came down with what?!

I have an actress who came down with the onset of Scarlet Fever. Yup, Scarlet Fever. We are two steps away from putting Greg Callozzo in a dress and staging "Little Women."

In response, Steve Konet has now declared that he has TB. Greg has come down with a touch of the polio and Jess...well, Jess Bettini has declared a plague of locusts.

I hate comedians.

Stay tuned...

"Farewell to Monster Island" June 13th, 7 PM at the Strawdog Theatre with Steve Konet, Emily Walker, Jack Farrell, Jess Bettini, Andrew Kraft, Mal Merpi, Greg Callozzo. Directed by Trish Vignola.

Tickets Now On Sale!

https://secure2.sellingticket.com/design22/clients/list/index_byUserListAll.aspx?OrganizationID=26

The Flotsam of Joe Janes' Cranium

As we gear up for the Main Event, there have been some multiple prop requests from the Directors.  The list gives you some idea that Mr. Janes may be legally retarded.

An Operator's Headset
A Dunce Cap
A Large Handbell
An Alien Mask (ala District 9)
A Pimp Hat
A Stewardess Costume
2 Paramedic Costumes
Lab Coats
Old Lady Wigs
2 astronaut costumes (I know it's ambitious, but it would be super amazing to have them)
A man-sized jumpsuit-looking thing (80's looking, preferably)
A large oscar-the-grouch style trash can
A chaw spittoon.  yeah, you heard me.
Any kind of large animal head.  real or no.
Any sort of animal costume
Ninja masks

and

I need card board boxes. Like.......refrigerator size. Other sizes are
acceptable as well. But especially BIG boxes.
anybody just move......a refrigerator....?

Babies Are Assholes

One of the first scenes I wrote, and the first song I wrote, for 365 is called "Babies Are Assholes." The title sprang out of a feedback session in a class and it stuck with me. I wrote a very rough draft in my head in a drive from Cincinnati to Chicago after visiting some friends for the holidays. My initial vision for it was to be a rocker, kind of a punk pop song.

When Mary Jo Bolduc took on directing the first two weeks of shows, we chatted about this song and the difficulty of breaking out a rock band, especially for just one song. I hooked her up with Ed Sanchez-Gomez, a former student of mine, who had commented on this particular song in passing and said he was interested in setting it to music.

What happened next took an odd turn. The main character singing the song is Gunner, a hipster musician, who is discussing the future with his girlfriend. They talk about kids and he breaks out his electric guitar to sing to her about why he doesn't want to have a baby. Unfortunately, the guy playing Gunner doesn't play guitar. But he does play ukulele.

Um, what?

Here's the demo track of what Ed came up with and I love it! That's him singing and playing.

NSFW - put your headphones on.

365 Revisited

It took awhile, but last night I finished going through all 365 scenes doing tweaks here and there, fixing typos, and, in a few cases, a bonafide rewrite usually in the form of adding or deleting a character, cutting chunks of dialogue, or changing an ending to make it more satisfying (or less embarrassing!).

I didn't track it formally, but I did begin to notice recurring themes and references. If I were to make a word cloud of it, it would includes words like the above image, courtesy of Wordle.