Another Fake Criterion, this time made for their “Double Fakeouts” month (fictional movies that are mentioned or made in other works of fiction).

As soon as I saw the theme, I knew I had to do Earth Vs. Soup, if only because the Criterion treatment would finally restore Crow’s vision, allowing me to fictionally right a fictional wrong done by fictional executives to a fictional director… fictionally (watch this episode to experience the heartbreak).

As an extra nerdy bonus, the signature I used for the “Director Approved” sticker comes from a real autograph by Trace Beaulieu, the puppeteer who performed Crow, so it’s legit!

Last night I went to the IFC Center for a screening of films by Don Hertzfeldt, one of my animation heroes, which was followed by a Q&A hosted by Bill Plympton, another one of them.

Afterwards, I went a little gooey on him about his newest film, It’s Such a Beautiful Day (which is excellent), and we chatted briefly and then he was nice enough to draw the above doodle for me in my sketchbook, which, yes, I brought so that he would do that.

Then he shook my sweaty little hand and I went home, clutching the drawing to my chest and sighing dreamily, and wrote all about it in my diary.

Someday I might write more about just why I respect and admire Hertzfeldt (and Plympton) so much.  But for now, let’s just ogle this pretty, funny little gift he gave me that is mine now.

thisawkwardpause:

Gather in the basement of The People’s Improv Theater, The Thunderground, upon the Thirtieth Day of Month named for Mars, God of War, at a time half of nine after the sun has set.  Here, below the earth, we shall create before you a rock experience like none you have seen.

This is your Quest.

This is not my artwork (obviously, ding-dong durrrr it’s Frank Frazetta don’t be stooopid) but I am in this show!  If you like the idea of musical improv but wish it would rock more instead of being all Broadway about it, this is the show for you!

ifc:

Here’s a quick little promo for BUNK. It’s the silliest, weirdest show I’ve ever seen. Check it out June 8, along with Comedy Bang! Bang!

A bunch of my friends made this show.  I’ve seen the stage version several times and can confirm that it’s hilarious and insane, plus they are all good people, so I guess my point is you should watch it because they deserve it.  That is all.

Poster art for the new play A Charlie Brown Apocalypse, which premieres TONIGHT at The Tank in Manhattan.  It’s always fun to do tributes to artists who influenced me, so this Charles M. Schulz homage was a treat.

Here’s a digital collage, commissioned by my friends in the band Fresh Hearts for use on a gig poster last year.  The poster itself turned out well, but mostly I just dig this image.  It was my first time creating something of this type, and the assignment was to do something Robert Pollard-inspired.  It’s sourced from a few different vintage illustrations, photos and advertisements.

It’s admittedly a bit of a cheat to do this stuff digitally rather than with real cut-outs, but what the hell.  I like how it turned out.

sidviscous:

Hey! The 1st Annual NYC Improv Festival starts this Wednesday!

There are great shows happening all week, including all the other teams SV! members are on, but MOST IMPORTANTLY we’ll be participating this Saturday.

Yes! After months of doing scripted material, we’re returning to the…

The NYC Improv Festival starts tonight!

Tuscarora Fire Company Picnic is still in its regular timeslot on Friday at 8, with Borealis. SidViscous! is Saturday at 11 in the PIT Underground space.

Also, SidViscous! has a Tumblr now, for all your SidViscous! informational needs.  Follow, won’t you?

mindblowingwonderfulness:

Hey PITIZENS, 

It’s with a heavy heart that I will be stepping down from my position as Artistic Director of The Peoples Improv Theater as of Monday, April 2nd. 

I think it goes without saying that The PIT has absolutely changed my life and I will forever cherish my time as the AD. I was welcomed into this wonderful community from day one - without question. Instantly I was part of a family - a creative, forgiving, loving, crazy family. Often I would head home after a night of shows and laugh to myself knowing how lucky I was to be part of what is going on here at The PIT. I dove in head first and have loved every moment. Thank you!

I know that everyone thinks the place/thing they love is special somehow - but I truly believe that about The PIT. This place is special. The people, the shows, the students, the interns, the staff each play a part in making this venue, this clubhouse, a place like no other - a home away from home. We grew very quickly in my three years - but the community was always the constant. Always there to pick The PIT up in it’s time of need - just like a family. And even as the community continues to grow - it remains loving, nurturing and humble. It is my hope that this never changes.  

BUT - I’m not leaving - I have too many improv shows to see and too many improv classes to take.  My hope is to shake each of your hands (I’m a hugger) and thank you for making my life these past three years a blessed one.

Please know that this PIT community has given me and my family more than I could ever hope to repay. You have made my job an easy one. Please continue to inspire each other as you have done with me.

A big thanks to Katie Goan, Chris Aurilio and Ali - you took a chance on a guy that you didn’t know and allowed me to do things that I used to only dream of doing. 

Thank you! Thank you!

Jeff

The end of an era.

Jeff Lepine came to The PIT in 2009 and CLEANED HOUSE. Three years later, we have four different nights of solid improv house teams, a beautiful new space with two stages, a slick-looking website, musical teams, video teams, an upcoming slate of sketch teams, and our own festival.

It’s sad that he’s leaving, but this doesn’t really feel like a sad moment. This feels like Jeff dropping the mic and rolling out while his theme music plays.

Best of luck, Jeff!  We’ll see you around!

morningshow:

Just added to tomorrow night’s lineup: Musical guest BEN LERMAN!

Who could resist that face?

morningshow:

Yes, Virginia, there IS a Morning Show this month!

It’s tomorrow!  OMG!

This promo video uses that fast-paced, MTV-style editing the kids are so into these days.