The Groundlings is an improvisational comedy troupe based in Los Angeles, California, USA. The troupe was formed by Gary Austin in 1974 and uses an improv format influenced by Viola Spolin to produce sketches and improvised scenes.[1] The troupe moved into their current location on Melrose Avenue in 1979.
The Groundlings School holds new sessions every two months with up to 300 students per session, with over 1,000 students per year going through the program. The competitive program consists of 4 levels (Basic, Intermediate, Writing Lab and Advanced). Participants must be successfully advanced from each level by the instructor. After completing the Advanced level, one may be voted into the Sunday Company, which performs on Sunday. Members of the Main Company are selected from members of the Sunday Company.[2]
In September 2008, The Groundlings began producing short form sketch episodes for Crackle.[3]
Many Groundlings performers have found success in movies and television, including several who have become cast members and writers on Saturday Night Live, MADtv, and Reno 911!.[4]
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David Blaine Street Magic
In 2006 The Groundlings recorded a skit in the alleyway behind the theater called David Blaine Street Magic. It was later uploaded to YouTube where it's become one of the most popular videos on the website.[5] As of October 2008, the video has had over twenty million views and forty five thousand comments since 12 October 2006.[6] The skit stars Mitch Silpa parodying David Blaine in both the nature of Blaine's performance and his mannerisms. The skit is written by Michael Naughton and Mikey Day, who play the two innocent bystanders on whom Blaine performs his tricks.
Notable alumni
References
- ^ Gary Austin, Improv Interviews, February 19, 2007
- ^ Groundlings School Information Page, http://www.groundlings.com/start.htm
- ^ "Crackle Launches New Original Programming". PRNewswire. 2008-09-11. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/09-11-2008/0004883317&EDATE=. Retrieved 2009-02-25.
- ^ Groundlings School Alumni Page, http://www.groundlings.com/start.htm (see also citations for individual alumni below)
- ^ LA Times Entertainment 22 June 2008. Collected 9 October 2008.
- ^ David Blaine Street Magic at YouTube. Collected 9 October 2008.
- ^ Beaver, Jim. Life's That Way, 2009, Putnam/Penguin Books
- ^ http://www.lifesthatway.com/aboutCecily.html
- ^ Interview with Joey Arias, Bowie LiveChat, March 18, 1999, http://www.bowiewonderworld.com/chats/dbchatjoey0399.htm
- ^ a b c d e f Liner notes, 7307 Melrose Ave CD. 1996, rip hummer music (634479552052)
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p DIG THE GROUNDLINGS; L.A.'S PREMIER IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS, Los Angeles Daily News, September 24, 1999
- ^ The Groundlings and Improv in L.A., http://www.trazzler.com/trips/the-groundlings-and-the-improv-in-la
- ^ Groundlings website, alumni list, http://www.groundlings.com/g-about2.swf
- ^ From Takeshi's Castle to MXC: Most Extreme Elimination Challenge!, BBC, August 18, 2004
- ^ When Groundlings Attack, Backstage West, February 22, 2001
- ^ Eliza Coupe - Ten Comics to Watch, Variety, July 17, 2006
- ^ The strange allure of the Progressive insurance girl, Austin American-Statesman, October 20, 2008
- ^ a b Groundlings' 'Street Magic' seals the deal, Los Angeles Times, June 22, 2008
- ^ a b c d 'Hostage' pushes Alliance's limits, Los Angeles Times, June 27, 2003
- ^ Live From New York: Introducing New SNL Star Abby Elliott, People magazine, March 9, 2009
- ^ Jimmy Fallon's pleasant tomorrow, USA Today, October 7, 2004
- ^ Groundlings going digital, Variety, April 21, 2008
- ^ http://hnv.nin.net/hnv6/flanagan.html
- ^ When Groundlings Attack, Backstage West, February 22, 2001
- ^ Groundlings going digital, Variety, April 21, 2008
- ^ Burton, Tim. Burton on Burton. Faber & Faber, 2006, ISBN 0571229263, p. 47
- ^ CBS network website Alex Kapp Horner, http://www.cbs.com/primetime/old_christine/bio/alex_kapp_horner/bio.php
- ^ Morrow: WWE star Chris Jericho muscled his way out of Morristown, Knoxville News-Sentinel, November 28, 2008, http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/nov/28/wwe-star-muscled-his-way-out-of-morristown/
- ^ Nancy Cartwright Chats with Tress MacNeille, Animation World News, December 18, 2008
- ^ CC Swiney, Ultimate Improv, http://www.ultimateimprov.com/cast.php
- ^ It's Edie in Here, Back Stage West, October 30, 2003
- ^ Groundlings prove comedy is all about teamwork, Daily Trojan, July 2, 2008
- ^ COMIC 'GROUNDLINGS' HAS ROOM FOR IMPROV-MENT, New York Daily News, September 7, 1998
- ^ Oscar Nuñez "Accounts" for The Office's Success, TV Guide, May 10, 2007
- ^ Conan O'Brien Biography, A&E Biography, http://www.biography.com/articles/Conan-O%27Brien-9542192
- ^ Q&A with Kaitlin Olson, Oregon Daily Emerald, August 20, 2007
- ^ Just Shoot Me Official Site, Sony Pictures Television, http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/shows/justshootme/about.phtml?Action=producer&prod_id=12
- ^ In Praise of Silliness - Los Angeles' own Groundlings are celebrating two decades of, well, just plain silliness. Is this someone's idea of a joke? You bet and it's paid off, Los Angeles Times, September 18, 1994
- ^ Groundlings going digital, Variety, April 21, 2008
- ^ Groundlings sputter, singe, Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2003
- ^ Famous Michiganders, Outdoor Michigan, http://www.outdoor-michigan.com/Famous_People.htm
- ^ "Family Matters" Actress Dies From Stomach Cancer, Associated Press, December 24, 1998
- '^ Michaela Watkins has 'Back-Up Plan, Hollywood Reporter, April 23, 2009
- ^ Groundlings going digital, Variety, April 21, 2008
External links
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