|
|
Jason Pardo reviews “The Brother’s Solomon” and ComedySportz memories.
1. You appear in the movie "The Brother's Solomon." How did that come about?
I was lucky enough to be working with Director Bob Odenkirk (Mr. Show) for the past couple years and had the good fortune to be in on the process of making The Brothers Solomon, from when the script came into the office for review to when the movie was released in theaters. Bob was nice enough to let me audition for a small role they had in the film, and I was lucky enough to make it through the edits and cut-downs and live to see the final cut; not an easy feat, I have learned! And now, my fifteen seconds of screen-time belong to history. Sadly not box office history. The movie is way better than the box office would have you believe. Promise. |
 
|
|
2. Will Arnett or Will Forte?
Will Arnett doesn't need more praise or accolades. Will Forte, I can confidently say, is the nicest person in the history of the universe. It was a treat to get to work so closely with him. My favorite on-set moment was when we ambushed him on his birthday. Cake and singing and laughter and smiles all around. It's super interesting to watch tiny families develop during processes such as movie-making. Camaraderie and love and squabbles and bonding seem to win the day when good people get together with a like-minded unity of purpose. It's pretty refreshing.
3. What other projects are you working on?
Currently I am the Line Producer on a show called "Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job" on Adult Swim, and I continue to act and teach and write and perform in my free time. I work closely with my wife Marion Oberle, various other writers/directors/performers, and Chicago ComedySportz alum Jonathan Browning.
4. As ComedySportz Chicago celebrates their 20th Anniversary this year, what are some of your favorite memories as an ensemble member?
My favorite memory as an ensemble member was one of our first shows in what was the "new space" at the time on Halsted. I remember running out on stage to a packed house of 200+ screaming and smiling fans. I remember looking around at the other players and the ref and the audience and the staff and just floating. It was like a dream. Everyone was amped and excited, and so many people had all come together from miles and miles around all for one reason: to have fun. I imagined that, in the end, we all just want to have a good time with each other. Despite ourselves, I like to think that's the truth.
5. When you return to the Chicago stage - The Red or The Blue team?
Red team! I left, and will therefore always be a visitor. I made my choice, and I accept the consequences. Also, the blue team couldn't improvise their way out of an empty bucket.
-9/15/07 back to top
|
Jonathan Browning's Award Winning "Job."
Jonathan discusses touring the short film circuit and his ComedySportz favorite things.
1. You've written and directed an award winning short called "The Job."
"The Job", a satirical look at the current immigration debate, was a real labor of love. Our entire cast & crew volunteered their time and talents to the project.. (It was a SAG project so technically the cast worked deferred but it is a fancy way of saying free.) We didn't know what would happen once we made it, we just wanted to create something that we could be proud to show to family and friends. To be honest, I'm always a little shocked that people like it as much as I do. So far it has won "Best Short Short" at The Rebel Planet Film Festival, the "Audience Choice Award" at the Lake County Film Festival and "The Image Union" and "Audience Choice Award" at The Chicago Really Short Film Festival. |
|
|
2. Are you traveling the US with the film?
The short started the Film Festival Circuit earlier this year and so far has been accepted to fifteen festivals. We have traveled to Austin, TX (SXSW), Aspen, CO (Aspen Shortsfest), Telluride, CO (Mountainfim in Telluride) Nantucket, MA (Nantucket Film Festival) and many more! Most of the festivals pay your way and treat you like royalty. It's a pretty amazing way to see the country! At least it beats jumping freight trains. The hobo population is slightly lower at film festivals. But that does make it difficult to get a good boot of piping hot hobo stew.
3. You also cast fellow Chicago ComedySportz alumni in the short.
Any success the short has is because of the actors and crew who helped create it! The short stars Jason Pardo & Leslie McManus (two CSz Alumni) as well as Gillian Vigman, Kevin Will & Krista Lally (all great Chicago comedic performers.) It was important to cast great actors who could also improvise. Some of the best moments of the short were improvised by the actors while we were shooting. CSz was a great place to not only learn how to think on you feet, but it was also a great place to make friends that share the same passions.
4. What other projects are you working on?
I am a big fan of the short film! Our goal at Screaming Frog Productions is to create quality shorts that we not only feel passionate about but that also make us laugh. Our next project is a twisted funny short written by Leslie McManus. The premise is simply, "What if Heaven was like high school?" (Let's just say that Jesus is a huge fan of 80's rock ballads.)
5. What are your favorite memories of performing on the Chicago CSz stage?
The short answer...Dr. Jim. The medium answer...I loved that I could invite ANYONE to see a ComedySportz show and they were guaranteed a great time. Every show was clean and consistently funny! I think ComedySportz is one of the few theatres that can make that claim. I liked looking out into the audience and seeing the very young, the very old and everything in between. There was something amazing about being able to entertain such a variety of people.
6. When you return to perform in Chicago - the Red or the Blue team?
Without question, RED! Red always seemed to just "want it more". And the Blue Team stole babies and sold them to gypsies. Very unsportsmanlike!
To see the film at a festival near you: www.screamingfrog.com
-5/08/07 back to top
|
MADtv's Frank Caeti Comes Home
ComedySportz of Chicago alumni Frank Caeti will perform on the ComedySportz main stage as part of the Chicago Improv Festival on April 27, 2007. Frank reviews MADtv, his upcoming projects and prepping to win ComedySportz.
1.) You're in your second season on MADtv. What's been the biggest change since you first started the show?
Now I have a different Mercedes for every day of the week. Really- nothing has changed, except now I live in LA full time as opposed to last year where I was commuting between LA and Chicago. Still adjusting to this LA thing. |
|
|
2.) MADtv has lots of guest stars and musicians stop by. What's a celebrity moment you can share with us?
Our guests are interesting. Many of them I have never heard of, I'll leave it at that.
3.) Speaking of celebrities, you recently appeared the movie The Lake House with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves.
Yes, I was in The Lake House, blink and you miss me. My lines were cut out, but in one of the bar scenes I am sitting next to Sandra Bullock. There was certainly something special between Sandra and me.
4.) What upcoming projects are you working on?
I just shot an episode of Reno 911, not sure when it airs. Going to Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC in May/June to do a show with a former colleague at Second City- Jen Bills.
5.) As ComedySportz of Chicago gets ready to celebrate its 20th anniversary, what are some of your favorite CSz memories?
So many good memories. I guess I used to love to walk up Clark Street (when we were at the Turnaround Theatre) on Friday and Saturday nights to go do the show. It felt like, I live in a great city and I get to go do a show, "How cool is this?"
6.) What will you do to prepare yourself for the upcoming ComedySportz show you're performing in?
I've already started working on the games Da Doo Run Ron and 5 Things. I will do my best not to embarrass myself, sort of my life mantra.
-3/30/07 back to top
|
Tim Chidester Wins Big In Miami
Tim discusses the recent Miami Improv "Best of" win and all things ComedySportz.
1.) You were a founding member of the adult-humor hit show, The Hot Karl. Recently, you took the show to the Miami Improv Festival and won!
Yeah, it was pretty cool. The Hot Karl won "Best Ensemble Performance" at the festival and it was very nice and unexpected to be honored like that. There were a lot of great groups performing so we are all pretty proud of bringing back the gold to Chicago. And we did it with me having stomach flu and Eric Lindberg and Randy Smock never leaving their hotel room. They can't get enough of that Extended Stay America. |
|
|
2.) What's the difference in a midnight audience and a ComedySportz audience?
Degrees of inebriation would be my knee jerk reaction but a lot of times there really is no difference. We built a lot of our repeat audience by inviting people from the 10 PM show at CSz to stick around from the Karl and they've loved it. Even though we bill ourselves as "On Your Face Improvisation," I think the audiences recognize good improvisation.
3.) What are you working on now?
Right now I am performing at IO with The Armando Diaz Experience and Weaselicious, Second City with BizCo and at the Apollo Theatre with Baby Wants Candy. I also do a lot of performing with Dave & Company (run by CSz - Chicago founder, Dave Gaudet).
4.) You performed in ComedySportz for almost 10 years, were a MVP, and also Artistic Director. What were some of your favorite moments at CSz?
Wow, I sound pretty important on paper. My favorite moments at CSz were running auditions. Always hilarious and surprising. Those auditions opened CSz to the rest of Chicago's improv world and helped put us on the map. I am very proud of the people who I hired to perform for CSz during my five years as AD.
5.) Are you excited about the new ComedySportz Theatre opening up in the spring?
The Hot Karl can't wait! This is the longest break we've had in almost 8 years. We are looking forward to having our Saturday at midnight slot back at CSz. We are also planning our belated 7 Year Anniversary show to coincide with the grand opening. The Karl has been floating around a couple ideas that we're pretty excited about. We also plan to display our Best Ensemble Perfromance trophy proudly at CSz and then buy several drinks at the bar!
6.) When you return to the Chicago stage - the Red or the Blue team?
You need to ask that of a guy who started a show called The Hot Karl?
Check out our website at www.thehotkarl.com and our MySpace page at www.myspace.com/thehotkarl
-2/01/07 back to top
|
Hans Holsen Goes "To Prison"
Hans reviews his recent prison break, celebrity sightings and his ComedySportz favorite things.
1.) You were recently in the movie "Let's Go To Prison!"
Yes, I had a great time, and had one line. The best part was that I got to meet Bob Odenkirk, who is a sketch hero to so many Chicagoans. He improvised while the film rolled, and that was a great thing to see.
2.) Any celebrity sighting or set hijinks you can tell us about?
Name dropping: I rode the elevator with Will Arnett on the shoot day. In L.A., I met my friend Jason Pardo and had lunch with him. He's Odenkirk's assistant (and a CSz Chicago alum), and Odenkirk stopped by our table to talk, and then Jay Johnston (Mr. Show) also stopped by. It was good fun. Then I threw up all over all of them. |
|
|
3.) What projects do you have coming up in 2007?
I'm touring with the Second City, and I have a couple other projects on the burner, and they are getting scorched. One is a one-man show, and another is a cabaret-style act. I'm in a video project with current CSz ensemble members called seven8nine.
4.) What are some of your favorite stage moments from ComedySportz?
My first show at CSz, Dave Gaudet pushed me onstage before I was ready - I was laughing through the whole intro. Robyn Norris and I did a lot of 2 two-person shows at CSz. The Hot Karl was always a great time. I had a blast there!
5.) When you return to the Chicago stage - the Red or the Blue team?
Let's go Red. The underdogs
See more of Hans at: www.seven8nine.net
-1/15/07 back to top
|
Marion Oberle Works With John Landis
Marion discusses Mr. Landis, Going to Prison, and her ComedySportz favorite things.
1.) Recently you wrote a sketch scene that was selected to be directed by John Landis!
Yes!! Megan Kellie and I where invited to submit for JibJab's "Great Sketch Experiment". Out of 70 scenes John Landis picked ours, "So You Want To Be A Cop" along with 5 others. We had the honor or working with John Landis and all of the amazingly talented people at JibJab. You can watch it by going to www.jibjab.com. |
|
|
 |
2.) The sketch was also shown on The Tonight Show. Any celebrity stories we should know about?
Ehm....I don't want to get sued.
3.) What other projects have you been working on?
I am in the movie "Let's Go To Prison" that comes out on Thursday (11/17/06). CSz Chicago Alum Hans Holsen is also in it!! And, if you have good eye site or Tivo you might have caught me on Comedy Centrals "Night Of Too Many Stars". |
4.) You are the Director of Group Sales and an ensemble member of ComedySportz in LA. What's the big difference in Chicago and Los Angeles groups?
Los Angeles groups are exactly the same as Chicago- just enhanced through Plastic Surgery.
5.) What are some of your favorite memories while playing at ComedySportz in Chicago?
I loved it all! My husband, Jason Pardo, was in the ensemble as well and it was great to play with him. I always really enjoyed the 24 hour benefit "LAUGH" we did for Gilda's Club!! Also, any time I got to play with Cayne Collier & Tim Mason!
6.) When you return to the Chicago stage - the Red or the Blue team?
Green.
-1/15/07 back to top
|
Lauren Bishop Reports on ComedySportz
Lauren discusses high school sports, ComedySportz and the world of stand-up.
1.) I understand you are the host of a new webcast show.
Prepchannel.com is an amazing project, and I was lucky to land it. It's the first Illinois High School Broadband Sports Network, covering high school sports all over Illinois - football, basketball, chess, you name it, the PrepChannel cameras are there. That's right. I said chess. There's a new episode every week, with Edgy Tim and Adam Dew reporting from the field, and yours truly as the PrepChannel Host. Check it out! www.prepchannel.com. |
|
|
2.) Do your skills from ComedySportz come in handy when doing your show?
You better believe it. When they hired me, they really stressed that they hired Lauren Bishop the comedian to host, not Lauren Bishop as a host, who happens to also be a comedian. They even advertise upcoming standup shows of mine at the end of episodes. I get the script each session, and I'm free to improvise as much as I want, as long as I get the main information out there. Sound like "Day in the Life" to anyone else? Taking the suggestion and riffing on it is a skill I honed on the ComedySportz stage, and I use it all the time when performing.
3.) You also do stand up comedy around the city. What are your shows like and where can we see you?
My shows are funny. Also hilarious. Did I mention funny? I just finished a huge month for standup. I featured at Chicago Underground Comedy, and at Jokers in Cedar Falls, IA, Showcased at Zanies, and Emceed at The Improv in Schaumburg - for Darrell Hammond of SNL. Pretty good week. You can also usually find me trying out new material at The Mix Open Mic on Monday night, which is right next to CSZ's old home on Halsted. *sniff sniff* I just go cause I miss being near that KFC. It smells like fried goodness.
4.) Who are your comedic influences?
I gotta tell you, a lot of the local comics around here completely changed my views of what standup can be. The scene here is vibrant and welcoming to alternative comedy. Mitch Hedberg was an incredible talent. I hate that he's gone. Patton Oswald, Jim Gaffigan, Maria Bamford, David Cross. Those kids are smart. Ron West from Second City, who directed me in Romeo and Juliet Musical for 2 years, has had a profound impact on how I approach the rhythm of comedy, be it within a scene, or when I'm writing a standup joke. I am humbled by his genius.
5.) What are your favorite memories while playing at ComedySportz?
My first show - I'll never forget it. Frank Caeti milked me as I sang about being a cow. I can't remember what the song was about. I just remember feeling completely supported on stage, and free to be funny. I felt like I was home.
6.) When you return to the Chicago stage - the Red or the Blue team?
The red team! I like to be the underdog. But just ask the March Madness teams from last year: I will CRUSH you no matter what color!
Learn more about Lauren's upcoming shows at: http://www.myspace.com/sbellelauren
-10/17/06 back to top
|
Andre Washington on ComedySportz New Orleans
Andre discusses New Orleans, the healing power of laughter, and his ComedySportz favorite things.
1.) Tell us about being the Artistic Director at ComedySportz New Orleans.
It's hard!!! I'm training people who don't know what great improv really looks like. To do something that I love so much - it hurts me when they fail. It's fun to see the glimmer in their eyes when they get it! It's fantastic when everyone lives up to my high expectations. All in all, rebuilding will take time. |
|
|
2.) Being in New Orleans, you must still feel the impact of Hurricane Katrina. How do you feel CSz New Orleans contributes to the relief of such an event?
Yes. We will feel the impact for many years to come. ComedySportz attracts kind-hearted individuals. Those are the type of people who work the hardest to improve the lives of those around them.
3.) Laughter's healing properties have been clearly documented. Have you seen this first hand?
Yes, just last week, an old Alzheimer's patient suddenly remembered his wife after watching a gripping "Day in the Life" musical game. We hugged and cried and laughed.
4.) What is your favorite Chicago ComedySportz stage memory?
The first time I ever played "Audience and Hammerstein" with Dr. Jim and Dave Gaudet. I sang a song called "Bagger was a Hindu." It was the most fun that I ever had playing in Chicago at the time.
5.) When you return to the Chicago stage - the Red or the Blue team?
That I play is more important than the color of the team.
For more information on ComedySportz New Orleans, log onto www.comedysportznola.com
-9/14/06 back to top
|
Cayne Collier's "Elevated" Anniversary
Cayne discusses "The Elevated," comedy audiences and ComedySportz favorites.
1.) You're the creator, producer, emcee and host of a weekly showcase of stand up comedians that is celebrating its 10th anniversary here in Chicago. Wow.
I am so proud not only of this show, but also of the phenomenal comedic talent that has graced our stage. "The Elevated" is a place to explore for myself, as well as other talented folk - and to know that I play a part in creating and offering that...well, it feels good. |
|
|
2.) What are some of the big changes you've seen in stand up over the past 10 years?
Hmmmmnnnn. Truthfully, I don't feel there have been enough "big" changes yet on a national level. Even shows like "Last Comic Standing" are still a little stale for my personal taste. But there have been changes for sure - and that is a good sign. When The Elevated started, it was one of two independent showcases at the time in Chicago. Now, there are three to four other shows running in the city that are independent venues for the so-called "fringe" or "alternative" stand-up comedy scene.
3.) You performed at ComedySportz of Chicago for 10 years and also taught classes. What in your CSz experience transferred into your stand up career?
Easy. Riffing. Going with the flow. I, sometimes to a fault, will happily leave any planned material I have if a moment takes me there. Sometimes it's character bursts, other times stories or rants - many times it's audience interaction. But for sure that is one thing I've taken away and developed, and it's something that I enjoy tremendously with what I do.
4.) What are the major differences between an improv and stand up audience?
Improv audiences are always shorter. And white. One of those is a joke.
5.) Do you have a favorite ComedySportz stage moment?
I don't know about favorite, but I liked one time in the old space on Belmont and Halsted... I got the musical style suggestion of Counting Crows. Specific musical groups for a style of music is very rare. But Jeff Shivar played a wonderful melancholy song and I enjoy terribly singing like Adam Duritz. It was really, really fun.
6.) When you return to the ComedySportz stage - the Red or the Blue team?
My goal is to do it Whig style. Combine both parties. The Purple Team. Besides, purple is my favorite color.
The Elevated 10th anniversary show is August 16th. The Elevated runs every Wednesday night at Cherry Red.
-8/14/06 back to top
|
Updates From Alyssa of MTV's Made!
Alyssa tells us about the ComedySportz Training Center, expanding her imagination, and her future aspirations.
1.) You were featured on MTV's Made as an aspiring improviser, what have you been doing since the show?
I took my first year off of school and did the things I couldn't do while in high school, like traveled a few places and volunteered at a middle school in the art room for a while.
2.) It appears that you received positive responses as an improviser, are you still interested in pursuing comedy?
I would love to pursue comedy, I just would want to do it in a way that is beneficial for other people. |
|
|
3.) You used your ComedySportz Scholarship towards classes; tell us about your experience as a student at CSz Training Center.
I absolutely loved it! It helped me to release certain stresses I had, and unleash things that have been locked up in my imagination. I actually learned a lot of things that didn't have anything to do with comedy.
4.) How has your experience at ComedySportz changed your view on comedy?
Oh boy, I'm really picky now when I watch or listen to comedians. It doesn't take too much talent to talk garbage on a stage, but it does take talent to be clever, witty, and pretend the people in the audience are your friends. I like it when comedians just enjoy and respect laughter.
5.) What do you have in mind for the future?
Well, I'm starting school this fall at Mesa Community College. After my experience on MADE, it's clear to me that I would much rather use my "talents" to help other people and expand imaginations. I'm going to be a high school art teacher. It's everything I love and enjoy in one. I can entertain my students everyday, create art work, be a role model, and provide a class room where the students feel they are safe from anything that troubles them. I want to inspire, and be that teacher that kids remember forever.
-6/27/06 back to top
|
Frank Caeti's MADtv Update!
Frank Caeti recaps his MAD characters, celebrity news, and Hot Karl memories.
1.) You're in the middle of your first season, what is your favorite character you've played so far?
I've been lucky to have a couple original characters get on the show. By original, I mean things I wrote/brought to the show. Writing your own stuff is always a fulfilling experience. As a featured person, I do a lot of supporting roles, two-three lines here or there and sometimes those are fun because you're in, you're funny, and you're out. |
|
|
2.) Any fun celebrity guest story you can tell us about?
We did an Abraham Lincoln sketch where Michael Rappaport played Lincoln and I played his Joe Pesci-esque sidekick. We beat up U.S. Grant (played by Ike Barinholtz) Goodfellas style. So blasphemous...
3.) What in your CSz training helped you the most on MADtv?
I think every theatre experience good or bad has helped me get to where I am today, and I honestly feel prepared for any challenge that the future has to offer. CSz in particular helped me make choices quickly and commit to those choices. Not everything is on the page, so choices by the actors at MADtv can really enhance the scene.
4.) You were a founding member of CSz's midnight show "The Hot Karl." What is your favorite (printable) memory of this late-night, adult comedy show?
For a while The Hot Karl was just five of us (Tim Chidester, Matt Kaye, Trevor Parker, Bill Arnett, and I) every Saturday night. Those days were a ball, I really trusted all of them and I think we did some of the most creative, uninhibited improv I have ever done. That and the constant fear that some drunk guy might storm the stage and try to beat us up.
5.) When you return to Chicago - Red or Blue team?
The blue team (Downtown Chicago Bosses) are the champions and I always like an underdog, so RED!
MADtv airs Saturday nights on Fox 11/10c.
-2/04/06 back to top
|
Beth Melewski Travels the World with Second City
This comedy dynamo is cruising (literally) around the world with Second City, is a two-time National Cage Match winner, and is a ComedySportz junkie.
1.) You are traveling to ports around the world with Second City. Tell us about it.
It's amazing! We get to see so many beautiful places - it's a once in a lifetime trip. It's also great to bring a new type of comedy to so many different people that don't get to see the Chicago comedy scene.
2.) What's the funniest thing about performing on a cruise ship?
I think seeing all the other entertainment on the ship. I've now seen my life's worth of ventriloquists, jugglers and magicians. Oh, and Christmas in Jamaica! |
|
|
3.) What about your ComedySportz training helped you achieve success at Second City?
ComedySportz trained me for stage presence and ensemble work. It has also helped me to think so fast on my feet. Especially with scripted material, which is what I deal with much more now, if you flub a line that quick-thinking comes into play.
4.) How many years did you perform at ComedySportz and what are your favorite CSz moments?
I performed with ComedySportz for almost 10 years in Milwaukee, NYC and Chicago. My favorite moments always came from the annual ComedySportz tournament. It was so fun to go to another city once a year and meet up with all your old friends from around the country to party and learn new things.
5.) When you return to Chicago - Red or Blue team?
Blue baby! Matches my eyes. He he.
-1/04/06 back to top
|
Shon Little on "Everyone Hates Chris"
This Chicago comedy veteran recently appeared on UPN's "Everyone Hates Chris." Shon reveals to us his Rock experience and ComedySportz favorite things.
1.) How was your experience on the show?
I have worked on three episodes and I am scheduled to do a fourth the first week in January. Every time I have worked on the show it has been a blast. Every person on the set from cast to crew is really nice and a lot of fun. On completing my second episode, Terry Crews (Julius) slapped me on the shoulder and said, "welcome to the family." That gives you an idea how friendly everybody is. |
|
|
2.) What about your ComedySportz performing has helped you in your acting career?
My years as a member of ComedySportz have been invaluable to me. It really helped sharpen my comedy skills and taught me how to be quick on my feet. Everyone should take improv classes at ComedySportz...no matter how much the cost...they make you smart, beautiful and give you strong bones and teeth.
3.) How many years did you perform at ComedySportz and we'll need to know your favorite on-stage moment.
I was a member of ComedySportz from April 1988 to August 1997...so a little over 9 years. I have so many great ComedySportz stories...far too many to tell: Liz Cloud's ugly-face characters, Jud Curry eating fire, psychic sessions with Kyle Kizzier, chest-butting Phil Granchi, teaching Mark Boland how to be smooth with the ladies, picking up Nina Leone with one hand...the list goes on.
4.) When you return to Chicago - Red or Blue team?
Are you kidding me? Blue team, of course. The Downtown Bosses kick butt!
For more info on Shon, log onto: www.shonlittle.com
-12/20/05 back to top
|
ComedySportz Veteran Frank Caeti joins MAD-TV
On Friday, July 1st, local comic actor Frank Caeti accepted an invitation to join the cast of MAD-TV, the LA based sketch comedy show, now in its 10th season. Caeti will begin his MAD-TV career as a "featured player" with at least 4 episodes guaranteed in the upcoming season, one of which being the season opener which will air in mid to late September.
Along with acting and improv credits throughout the city, Frank Caeti was a mainstay of The ComedySportz Theatre from 1997 - 2003. At ComedySportz, Frank was a performer, a teacher, and a founding member of The Hot Karl, a late-night cult comedy that began in 1999. In 2001, Frank was named ComedySportz's most valuable player. Resigning from the company in 2003, Frank went on to star in two sketch comedy revues with Second City E.T.C. MAD-TV is Frank's first venture into television of this nature. |
|
|
"This is a totally new adventure. It's the same type of theater I do now, but a totally new type of media," said Frank in a phone interview Thursday, July 8. ComedySportz is a live improv comedy show where there is no script and no chance to re-shoot a bad scene. On MAD-TV, actors say what writers write and a tough scene means multiple takes in front of a studio audience. Frank doesn't seemed phased by the shift. "The scenes are shot live on tape, but the last take is usually improvised. As far as writing goes, I'd prefer to be an actor before a writer, anyway. And, it's definitely collaborative. You're expected to have ideas."
If Frank was to go anywhere in television comedy, it seems like MAD-TV was the place for him: "What I like about MAD is that they push the form a little bit more. They try to get away with more than other shows. And, when it comes to comedy I actually like watching, Fox is the network to beat. They're willing to push boundaries. And also, everyone [at Fox and MAD-TV] have been very, very nice. I'm looking forward to it."
AN EQUALLY "MAD" PROCESS TO GETTING HIRED
Caeti's path to a signed contract with MAD-TV was not an easy one. It began at the end of April, when executives from MAD-TV saw Caeti in "from Fear to Eternity," the current Second City E.T.C. revue. Frank auditioned with other Chicago actors, and then received some good news and some bad news.
"I was told by my agent that I would be flown out to L.A. for a callback, but that there was no way to tell when. But several weeks later, I did get flown out. The whole thing was pretty stressful. I had to test for the producers and the network. I ended up doing 12 different characters and impressions in just one of the screen tests." Caeti's advice to those who wish to get on a TV show, "bring more stuff than what you need."
Because of a prior development deal Caeti signed with Sony Pictures that was never exercised, MAD-TV had to wait until June 30th to pursue the actor further, making the process even longer. Finally, on July 1st, an offer was made and accepted. Caeti definitely believes the process was worth it.
CAETI'S SECRET? "WORKING WITH PEOPLE much BETTER THAN ME."
For six years, Frank Caeti was ComedySportz. He looks back on that time as foundational to his recent success: "ComedySportz gave me the opportunity to perform on a regular basis when I needed to - the chance to work and be directed by people who were much better than me. And not just ComedySportz, but the other shows we did at [The ComedySportz Theatre] like Whose Chorus Line Is It Anyway?, The Hot Karl, and Blind Date. With ComedySportz, they each taught me something different about comedy."
Caeti did not just learn from ComedySportz, he taught others. "I was a teacher for our beginning level. I think where ComedySportz surpasses other training centers is where it prepares you to think quickly and to ultimately have fun. It's much easier to excel if you're having a good time doing it. And that's something that ComedySportz's training center imparts to its students. And ultimately that is a reflection of the show. There is a playfulness that ComedySportz possesses that isn't present everywhere.
CHICAGO: COASTAL COMEDY INCUBATOR?
Frank Caeti is by no means the first Chicago comic talent to go to one of the coasts. In late 2003, ComedySportz's Liz Cackowski was hired to Saturday Night Live. Several performers from Second City, ComedySportz, Improv Olympic, and the Annoyance have all left their mark on both the West and East Coasts.
At last count, half of the repertory players on Saturday Night Live hailed from the Chicago improv scene: Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Rachel Dratch, Horatio Sanz, and Tina Fey, their Head Writer. In addition to Fey, SNL writers include such Chicago talent as John Lutz, Rich Talarico, Jason Sudeikis, and of course, Cackowski. On the West Coast's MAD-TV, Frank will join such Chicago favorites as Stephanie Weir, Ike Barinholtz, Keegan Michael Key, and Nicole Parker.
-7/11/05 back to top
|
Jason Pardo on "American Dreams"
ComedySportz Fanz who also like NBC's "American Dreams" may recognize Jason Pardo as the "cop with an edge," Officer Hillman. He appeared on the January 30th and February 6th episodes. Jason Pardo joined the ComedySportz ensemble in 1998. In addition to performing for ComedySportz and teaching for the ComedySportz Training Center, Jason was involved with several Chicago comedy theaters, including the ImprovOlympic where he performed with the critically acclaimed "People of Earth."
American Dreams airs on NBC, Sundays, 8:00pm Eastern & Pacific, 7:00pm Central
-3/02/05 back to top |
|
|
|
Liz Cackowski Has Left the Building
60 Hours of Comedy
A week for The ComedySportz Ensemble includes five home show appearances, multiple private showings, touring company events, and corporate workshops - sometimes with only a few hours notice. For most people, it's more time on stage than they would ever hope for - most people, that is.
"Between rehearsing and performing, I'm looking at some 60 hour weeks coming up," says Liz Cackowski, recently of ComedySportz, now moving to The Second City Mainstage. |
|
|
A member of the ComedySportz Ensemble since February of 2001, Liz Cackowski will be appearing in The Second City's next sketch comedy revue, yet to be named. In addition to ComedySportz, Liz performed with Boom! Chicago and The Second City National Touring Company.
For many Chicago improvisers, Second City's Mainstage represents the brass ring of achievement in sketch comedy. Over it's forty year history, that now-famous six person ensemble has helped to slingshot the likes of John Belushi and Dan Akroyd into the public eye, along with a host of others. For Liz, it's also a place where older brother, Craig Cackowski, got his name before proceeding to Los Angeles.
So, are the prospects of fame, fortune and the possibility of creating a Cackowski comedy dynasty going to Liz's head?
"It still hasn't hit me, and I start Wednesday!" says she (in an interview two days before!)
The Path to the Path to Fame and Riches?
If Second City is the path to such places as Saturday Night Live and Mad TV, the path to Second City is quickly becoming The ComedySportz Theatre, currently located at The Steppenwolf Theater's old Lakeview East home.
In a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune's Allan Johnson, Second City's Producer, Kelly Leonard said "ComedySportz in many ways trains people better to do Second City than an ImprovOlympic, in part because they get a real, true theater audience, as opposed to an improv-insider audience."
Currently, such ComedySportz notables as Craig Uhlir and Brendan Dowling also perform for The Second City National Touring Company, while ComedySportz alumni Ed Goodman, Kay Cannon, and Frank Caeti performed with the Second City revue in Las Vegas. 1996 ComedySportz veteran, Andy Cobb, currently performs on Second City's "e.t.c." stage as part of their critically acclaimed revue, "Pants on Fire." It would seem that Liz is in good company.
Probably the greatest difference between ComedySportz and most other Chicago improv institutions is that ComedySportz teaches and performs "short-form," a type of game-based improv play that is the staple of TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?" and can trace it's existence back to the early years of Second City's predecessor, The Compass Players.
Improv requires performers to create scenes instantly - no scripts, no set, no props. They just have to make it up as they go along. In short-form, the improvised scenes last 3 to 5 minutes and usually have a "lay-on" - an extra rule that makes the performance of the game more challenging for the players. ComedySportz features a competition between two teams of players who vie for audience applause through a series of these short-form improv games. In contrast, the more commonly studied method in Chicago, called long-form, is based on developing improvisations that run anywhere from 25 minutes to 2 hours.
Of course, the difference in length is only the thin end of the wedge for most improvisers, many of whom advocate one method while taking a violent dislike to the other. Long-form improvisers usually laud their method as one that allows time to develop a subtle, more truthful, character driven product. Short-form improvisers often speak of their craft as more fast-paced, requiring bold character choices and quick, decisive actions on stage. Liz believes a good player needs both.
"People who've only had long-form are missing out on a lot of the fun that short form can be," declared Liz, "That's definitely where Boom Chicago looks." Boom Chicago is a professional comedy theater in Amsterdam that regularly casts and short-lists its ensemble from the ranks of ComedySportz. Boom Chicago currently boasts: Rob Andrist-Plourde, Jim Woods, Brendan Hunt - all alumni of The ComedySportz Theatre.
The difference in form, however, was not Liz's only reason for praising ComedySportz's impact on her craft. Liz also points to ComedySportz's 60 person ensemble.
"You don't get stuck performing with the same people, so you learn how to improvise with people at that moment." The ComedySportz ensemble process exists in contrast to most long-form improv and sketch comedy teams which consist of 6-12 players and rehearse regularly to develop an intimate group identity.
Along with learning how to improvise with anyone, and improvise quickly, she credits playing to ComedySportz's 200-seat crowd as helping her with "stage presence" and being more "funny & witty." To those who wish to follow in her footsteps, (though she audibly gasped when I used that expression) Liz said "taking classes is really important and performing as much as you can." To those who wonder how the fame of a Mainstage position will change Liz, (though she audibly screamed when I used that expression) Liz replied "I'm getting some highlights done at the Aveda Institute."
Hair and makeup aside, Liz is one of ComedySportz's funniest players, and while sad to see her go, we wish her the best of luck!
To find out more about the training ComedySportz offers for improvisers and the general public alike, contact Director of Education, Joe Janes, at joe@comedysportzchicago.com.
-9/23/03 back to top
|
|
|
