Blacktop Comedy Troy Wallis
When you see posters at the theater, or something funny onstage Troy is likely involved. Troy has been with Blacktop over 3 years, and makes every show better.
When you see posters at the theater, or something funny onstage Troy is likely involved. Troy has been with Blacktop over 3 years, and makes every show better. He also make Blacktop a more beautiful place with his graphic design skills. Troy opened up, and here's what he shared: How Long Have You Been Improvising? I have been doing Improv for a little over 3 years. I started at Blacktop Comedy doing the weekly Playground. Shortly after taking their Level 1 and 2 classes a couple times, I auditioned for the short form team. What's your favorite show at Blacktop? There are so many different shows at Blacktop it is hard to choose. The Shorties is a crowd favorite. I enjoy the Harold team Houdini. What sort of person is going to love this show? Blacktop has something for everyone. We do a kid friendly Family Show. Belly Laughs with real belly dancers. Short form & long form improv. So, if you want to be entertained, this is the place. What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage? Depends on who's standing next to me in the dark green room. What makes a good scene partner? A good scene partner is someone who listens and supports. Has a "Yes, and..." attitude. What is the best improv advice you ever received? Don't try to be funny. It's the quickest way to disconnect you from your partners and the audience. Do you have any pets? I love dogs and have always had one. I have a large Boarder Collie named Duke. Lucky he is cute, because he isn't real smart. Have you ever given someone a handmade present? What was it? I give handmade presents all the time. I am a Graphic Designer and run a high end digital printing studio. It's good to be able to create your gifts and customize peoples houses and cars or whatever. What is your favorite book? Why? The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Helps calm an overactive mind. Something I have dealt with my whole life. Also teaches you to live in the "Now" which is the only way to do Improv. #btc #improvcomedy #rocklin #roseville #fun #saturdaynight #Loomis #datenight #actorslife #funny #lol #truestory #interview
Teen Slasher October
We kicked off the 4th season of Teen Slasher with our first rehearsal. The team got to meet each other, review the new ideas for the show, and suggest changes.
**I've taken three stabs at writing this blog post. And, each time my mind focuses on something completely different. It's like a mashup of three thoughts. I've been trying to tease them a part, and maybe develop them individually, but then realized they all kind of need each other to work as one post. So, I'm leaving them together. This blog post is a big stew of thoughts, and I hope it helps you in some way. If you like the announcement of Teen Slasher, our Fall comedy, great! If you connect with my thoughts on format versus team, fantastic! If you like my ideas on team bonding, huzzah!**
This week was a big deal. We kicked off the 4th season of Teen Slasher with our first rehearsal. The team got to meet each other, review the new ideas for the show, and suggest changes.
The team is the most important thing. A format is fun, but a committed team that loves each other is paramount. I think a show is as good as unity of the team. The improv format, harold, narrative, short form, is icing on the comedy cupcake. None of it works though, if everyone doesn't have each others back.
I'm holding my breath at the first rehearsal. I'm always nervous. We cast the show, but will it work? Will this configuartion of players work?
Of course, I don't know why I worry. The teams are always brilliant, the players talented, and the vibe is one word: "family." This years cast is Betsaida Lebron, Cristian Amaral, Jordan Mata, Ben Woehler, Chris Kimbrough, and Aeriel. I (Paul Burke) am directing. Everyone was giddy, and excited to launch Teen Slasher. We used the first rehearsal to sit in the writers room, and talk. Just talk. I think it's one of the most important rehearsals any improv team can have. Share ideas, hopes, and directions for the show. Get on the same page. That's important. Make sure everyone buys into the vision on the first night of rehearsal.
Like I mentioned, this is the 4th year of Teen Slasher, and like all sequels, we want to avoid feeling stale. Hell, look at Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace. The fourth film in the Star Wars franchise wasn't..... um..... well received.
Teen Slasher is one of our favorite shows, and we want it to feel fresh and new. Thankfully, the Placer and Sacramento audiences love the live show too. It's the perfect comedy how Halloween, because it's a ridiculous send up of Horror films, complete with buckets of blood. We're adding some surprises to this years Teen Slasher. It'll be even more audience interactive. We can do more with sound and lights then ever before. Will it be an improvised musical? No, but music will play a big part.
It's the perfect comedy, and we have one of our best casts yet. The cast is everything. When players love each other, they'll take huge risks onstage, because they know they have support. It's a safe space.
Sometimes I wish we we always had an audience. There are so many brilliant moments at rehearsals, I'm frequently thinking, I wish I was recording that!
This week was like that.
Deni Scofield Interview
Who is the storyteller for this weeks True Story? Actress and Mesa Verde High School drama teacher Deni Scofield! She has developed an
True Story returns this week after a two week hiatus. We loved having The Alternative Arts Collective in the space, and we're thrilled to be back!
Who is the storyteller for this weeks True Story? Actress and Mesa Verde High School drama teacher Deni Scofield! She has developed an incredible program over at Mesa Verde and has nurtured a stronger arts program throughout the San Juan Unified School District. When she's not teaching, and directing she's onstage, having just performed this summer in MacBeth, at Chautauqua Theater.
We have a chance to ask her a few questions!
Who inspires you, who is your role model?
Hmm…that’s quite a list, so I’ll try to narrow it down to just a few. First one! My 100 yr old grandma. She lived on her own until she was 96 and could beat me in a mean game of pinnacle untilshe was 100. She died today and that sassy, spit and vinegar lady will be dearly missed.
My second person is Walt Disney… a creative genius who didn’t know the meaning of the word “box”. He had the heart and soul of a dreamer and knew how to dig in and immerse himself in the love and joy and laughter and life.
My third is Robert Redford….just because he’s freakin’ sexy and…nope, enough said!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
As a teacher, I find an incredible amount of joy and satisfaction in knowing that I’m making a difference in the lives of my students…and I get to do it with teaching something that I love, THEATRE! I get to have an impact on their lives and watch my students develop and grow as human beings. I get to be creative and inventive and sensitive…even when I don’t feel like it. It’s a challenge at times, but the fun and delight outweighs any of that yucky stuff!
Do you ever get starstruck?
See above comment (think Sundance) oh, and the Duke aka John Wayne. Loved that guy…once tried to win a free lunch with John. Cried when I didn’t win!
What do you do when you’re not working?
Reading plays (and sometimes writing them), walking my dogs, and celebrating life with friends!
What work are you most proud of?
Well, as a writer I am most proud of Clippings, my first published play. As a director, the sheer number of plays I’ve put on with my students over a 24 year period, and as an actor, I would have to say this summer’s TAAC production of MACBETH…the role of HECATE was immensely AWESOME!