PITcast

Opening act: The wonderful Rebecca Vigil accompanied by ​the debut of Cameron Ford! And for the main event, don't miss our all-star cast: Jonathan Desley, Jeff Scherer, Rachel Scherer, Lou King and Matt Giroveano With Foley, announcements, and sound design by the wondrous Frank Todaro   Audio Recording by: The PITcast  

Opening act: the hilarious Rory Scholl (Royals Improv) improvising 1940's-style tunes based on your suggestions! Accompanying him—the amazing Rachel Kaufman on keys! And for the main event, don't miss our all-star cast: Jonathan Desley, Jeff Scherer, Rachel Scherer, and Beth White! With Foley, announcements, and sound design by the wondrous Frank Todaro   Audio Recording by: No Future Photography   NEXT SHOW THURSDAY SEPT 8th at 7pm!

Jenn and Jay are joined in the attic by their producer Mark to discuss the devastating events of the past couple of days: Alton Sterling and Philando Castile along with the events of the past few months. How do we change things for the better? Where do we go from here as a society? Why is Jenn doing the podcast with her head on a pillow?   Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun Produced by: The PITcast

The Improvised 1940s Science Fiction Radio Show!  Starring: Rachel Sherer, Jeff Sherer, Beth White, Matt Giroveanu, Geoff Grimwood and King Lou Opening Act: Rebecca Vigil with Dan Reitz Announcer / Foley Artist /  Music Direction: Frank Todaro Created by: Tony Carnevale  

Mark sits down with comedy legend Michael McCarthy in the PIT Attic to talk about Second City, teaching comedy writing, improv as an artform, the benefits of martial arts and the joys of humility.    Sign up for Michael McCarthy's workshop "Extreme SNL" on May 29th from 1-4pm at the PIT.  https://thepit-nyc.com/class/2016-05-29-extreme-snl   PITcast Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Jenn and Jay take to The PIT's Underground Stage for a live recording of the podcast. They are joined by special guests Miss Piggy and John Wayne as well as a very passionate audience member, Braxton.  Special Guest: David Carl Produced by: The PITcast

The Improvised 1940s Science Fiction Radio Show   featuring: Jonathan Desley, Lou Fernandez, Jeff Scherer, Beth white, Greg Triggs, Michael Sansonia   Musical Guest: Greg Triggs   Musical Accompaniment by Michael Sansonia   Announcer/Foley Artist/Music Direction: Frank Todaro   Tech by: Christine Pynn

Jenn and Jay sit down with their producer, Mark, on the day of Prince's death to discuss: - their favorite Prince song - Lasagna - Jay on Kelly and Jay - The Guggenheim and other museums - Heaven vs. Jamaica - #buttcheckholes produced by: Mark Stetson and The PITcast  

Jenn and Jay hang out in the attic with their producer, Mark, and talk about auditions you may/may not be good for, Kobe Bryant and what it's like being friends with comedians.    Theme song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Jenn and Jay are joined by the hilarious and talented Katie Hartman in the PIT Attic. They get into topics like: sexism in comedy, what it means to be objectified in comedy and the one Vanessa L. Williams in the room.   Produced by: The PITcast Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark sits down with Brian McCann, former writer of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", producer of "Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell", head writer of "Nikki & Sara Live", executive producer of "White Guy Talk Show". They talk about Brian's upcoming show, aptly titled, "Talk. Show.", a completely improvised Talk Show. They also talk about which of his characters were his favorite from "Late Night with Conan", why certain kids' movies from our childhoods don't hold up, how hard it can be to be truly bi-coastal with a family and what is surprisingly impressive about Donny Osmond.    Upcoming Brian McCann shows: "Talk. Show." (improvised talk show) Saturday, April 9th @ 9pm - The PIT Loft  "McCann and McCartney" (two-prov) Saturday, April 19th @ 9pm - The PIT Loft.    Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Opening act: Evan Kaufman accompanied by Michael Sansonia   X Plus One Cast: Jonathan Desley, Lou Fernandez, Matt Giroveanu, Geoff Grimwood, Jeff Scherer, Rachel Scherer   Announcer/Foley Artist/Music Direction: Frank Todaro   Created by Tony Carnevale   PITcast Theme: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun   Next Show, THURSDAY, April 7th @ 8pm!

Jenn and Jay meet up in the attic to talk about being overwhelmed, how to use Snapchat, their daily routines and age gaps in dating.    Produced by: Mark Stetson and The PITcast Theme Song: "Breakdown" Homesick Sun

Mark chats with Bruce Jarchow and Nancy McCabe-Kelly ("Second City") about their show this weekend, "Been There, Still There" on The Striker Stage. They talk about being at Second City in the 70s, how "Blues Brothers" changed the way movies were made in Chicago, working with Del Close, Paul Sills, Harold Ramis, John Belushi, and many more names and stories that made Mark drool.   Produced by: The PITcast Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Jenn and Jay took Here's What I Would Say to the New York Improv Festival Stage with Special Guest, David Carl. They got "celebrity call-ins" from Bill Clinton, Sylvester Stallone and Miss Piggy.   NYCIF Tech: No Future Photography PITcast Tech / Producer: Mark Stetson Impressions by: David Carl

Mark sits down with PITizen and Second City Alumn, Patrick McCartney to talk improv, the arc and future improv, New York City Theater scene in 90s, and comic books memories!   Sound Recording by: The Atlantic Transmission Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Jenn and Jay bring on guest producer, Myka Fox, to discuss topics such as: Loneliness, Nose Herpes, sleep-farting and the acceptable timeframe for a hug.   Produced by: Mark Stetson and The PITcast   Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Opening act: Robin Rothman accompanied by Michael Sansonia   X Plus One Cast: Jonathan Desley, Lou Fernandez, Geoff Grimwood, Jeff Scherer, Rachel Scherer, Beth White   Announcer/Foley Artist/Music Direction: Frank Todaro   Created by Tony Carnevale

Episode 2 of the now-weekly podcast, "Here's What I Would Say With Jenn and Jay" where they host a number of different callers, such as Gary Busey, Nick Nolte and Foghorn Leghorn. Special Guest: David Carl Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

The first episode of the Here's What I Would Say podcast on The PITcast network! Jenn and Jay take questions from fans and talk about the status of the world, their friendship and sex.    produced by: Mark Stetson and The PITcast   Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Pete joins Mark in The PIT Attic to talk about his upcoming SOLO show "A Special Evening with Pete LePage". They talk about their hometown neighborhood spots, the first comic books they ever got and their deep loves of FUNK. Oh...and they talk about improv and teaching improv and all that good stuff too!   Audio Engineering by The Atlantic Transmission "PITcast" Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Attention, earthling! Prepare yourself for X Plus One, the improvised science-fiction radio show straight out of 1940. Recorded live at WXPO studio as we fight bravely against the terrifying scourge of monsters, aliens, and women in the workforce. Get your fix of atomic saucers, ray guns, and metal men when you tune in for X Plus One! X Plus One's rotating cast includes stars of stage and screen! Jonathan Desley, Lou Fernandez, Matt Giroveanu, Geoff Grimwood, Jeff Scherer, Rachel Scherer, Beth White, and Marshall York! "X Plus One" Music by: Rebecca Vigil  Audio Engineering: The Atlantic Transmission "PITcast" Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun  

The multi-talented and silky-voiced Marshall York joins Mark in the PIT Attic to talk about his 31/31 project where he records a new song every day during the month of January. He has done so for the past 6 years. He shares his secrets to discipline, his musical inspirations and why he loves 24-hour improv festivals.    Audio Engineering: The Atlantic Transmission Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun End Song: "Risky Endeavors" by Marshall York  

The absolute joy, Rachel Scherer, and Mark hang out in the PIT Attic and talk about her hit show "X plus One", mutual friends and how differently comedy is experienced all over.   NYC Audio Engineering by The Atlantic Transmission Mexico Audio Engineering by Mark's Cellphone Theme song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Erick joins Mark in the PIT attic to breakdown what he loves about improv, what he imparts on his students and how improv has changed his life for the better.   Audio by: The Atlantic Transmission   Theme song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Join moderator Peter Michael Marino (Edinburgh Fringe, Orlando Fringe, Hollywood Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, Brighton Fringe, Philly Fringe) and his experienced panel of festival­performers for a one­hour glimpse into the world of arts festivals so you can aim for the right one for your show. Panelists include:Harmon Leon, David Carl, Leila Ben­Abdallah, Les Kurkendaal, Christian Kelty, Michole Biancosino, Lucas Brooks, Wanda Carroll and Jon Bennett.   Theme song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark and Nick go deep about racial issues, doing Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and pre-life hacks.    Audio Services provided by: The Atlantic Transmission Theme: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Chelsea and Mark delve deep into Chelsea's work on VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live", how she got "TRL" and what she did with Ralph Macchio's banana...   Audio Engineer: Kent Wilhelm Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark and Caseen Gaines, author of "We Don't Need Roads: The Making of Back to the Future" and "Inside Pee-Wee's Playhouse", talk about the history of and the phenomenons that are BACK TO THE FUTURE and PEE-WEE HERMAN. They also riff on White Manna and what makes an on-point Pee-Wee Herman laugh.  Special Song Credit: "White Manna" by Winter is Coming Audio Engineer: Kent Wilhelm Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Peter Michael Marino takes Mark through the beginnings of SOLOCOM, his love of the Edinburgh Fringe and his journey as a Solo performer.  SOLOCOM is November 20th - 22nd at The Peoples Improv Theater   Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark meets up with Jeff Solomon, from "Elephant Larry", in the PIT Striker dressing room where Jeff breaks down the history of Elephant Larry, where the name comes from and what it's like to work with John Landis, director of "Blues Brothers", "Coming to America", "Three Amigos", etc.   Sound by: Kent Wilhelm Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark and Nikki meet up in one of the Striker green rooms to talk about Super Free Mondays, podcasts, making a house team and farts (insert fart joke here).   Sound Engineer: Kent Wilhelm Theme song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Back in 2013, Mark and Iliana Inocencio (then co-host of The PITcast) sat down with Daily Show writer Zhubin Parang to hear about what it takes to be a Daily Show writer and a successful comedian in NYC. Since then, Zhubin has become the Head Writer for The Daily Show!   Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark and JW continue their converstation by discussing JW's other show, Gas Station Horror, his relationship with improv and sketch writing and producing. Mark gets both JWs name (what JW stands for) and where JW is from totally wrong!   Theme: "Breakdown" by Homsick Sun

Mark and Mehdi finally get to talking about Bunch Night and Mehdi and Jamie's big show at Caroline's on Broadway on Sept 10th at 9:30pm.    Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Intending to talk about Brunch Night, these two knuckleheads spend the better part of the episode talking about the ridiculousness of video production and Burning Man.  Tune in next week to hear all about Brunch Night and their epic show at Caroline's on Broadway on September 10th.    Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Christine Liz Pynn is the silent hero of many of the shows she works on. The comedy world does not often recognize those that work behind the scenes and make sure the lights go on when they are supposed to. And the sound cues hit at the right time. No one is better at this than Christine Liz Pynn. We talk about how she has found a way to be a very real presence in the shows she techs and how she has found a way to make a living doing theater.    Sound Engineer: Kent Wilhelm Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark gets existential after watching a meteor shower in Cape Cod. Mark and Chris talk about his creative process, "High Maintenance" and Chris's production company, "Bankrukt".   Theme Song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Mark and JW meet up at The PIT and discuss the Ins & Outs of sketch writing, alter-egos and JWs monthyl show, "Sktch Shw" that goes up August 8th at The PIT.   Theme song: "Breakdown" by Homesick Sun

Part 2 of Mark's interview with PIT Founder and Caretaker, Ali Farahnakian. Where Ali takes about the dreams that took him to New York, getting hired by and then leaving SNL and what his current dreams are for The PIT and for himself. 

Mark sits down (well, Ali chose to lie down) with PIT Founder and Caretaker, Ali Farahnakian, at Simple Studios. Ali breaks down the inception of The PIT, where it is now, where it has come and his legendary solo show, "Word of Mouth".  Tune in next week for Episode 2 - where he talks about working on SNL, how it was pivital to his realizing his destiny and what his dreams are for The PIT and himself.

In our first episode back, Mark sits down with PIT veteran Chris Roberti up in the PIT attic. They discuss Chris’s beginnings in improv, his life as an artist and his new one-man show, “Chris Roberti: A Cult of Relentless Positivity”, playing this week, July 14-17, in The Underground.

Mark sits down with Philip Markle (NY Director of Education, “The Annoyance”) and Bob Kulhan in Brooklyn where the Chicago-based Annoyance Theater has just landed! They talk about the history of the Annoyance, the future and dreams of the Annoyance Theater in Brooklyn, The NYC Improv Festival at The PIT and, of course, Flash Gordon! NYC Improv Festival March 19th - 23rd @ The PIT! PITcast Theme - “Breakdown” by Homesick Sun

Mark meets up with Andrew Jupin and Eric Szyzka of We Hate Movies at Simple Studios where they break down The Polar Vortex, the origins of We Hate Movies, and the art of podcasting. You can find them on iTunes or…: web - www.whmpodcast.com twitter - @WHMPodcast facebook - www.facebook.com/WeHateMovies PITcast Intro: “Breakdown” by Homesick Sun

Mark visits Nathan Phillips and Joe Schiappa at their We Work Space down by Wall Street. We discuss the artsy fartsy artform that is improv, homemade Passover Haggadahs, and Morrissey (love em or hate em).  PITcast Theme: “Breakdown” by Homesick Sun

Hanging out in the newly renovated PIT loft with Squirm and Germ (Tim Girrbach and Rodney Umble) where we talk about No Doubt, Forensics, and growing up Mennonite in Lancaster, PA! Stay tuned til the end of the Episode to hear their hit single, “Pregnant in the Club”! PITcast theme: “Breakdown” by Homesick Sun

Stone and Stone’s parents buy Mark dinner at a diner as the duo discusses their stint on Last Comic Standing, Burning Man, and Rita… (apologies for any mic malfunction in the intro and outtro)

Mark sits down with comedy duo Dave and Ethan at Dave’s West Village Apartment as they discuss their friendship, how they became Dating Coaches, and, finally, how they wrote their own song for The Tonight Show. 

We sit down with Kevin Allison and discuss storytelling, The State, and getting Risky as an artist. 

Mark sits down with the Drunk Girls in Heels after their first LIVE show at The PIT. They talk about sex, money, drunk hookups, feminism, sexism in the comedy world, and of course, how the Drunk Girls got together. They are joined by special guests: Hot Mess Moves and Jermaine Fowler.  Drunk Girls next two LIVE shows are: Dec. 5th @ 11pm Dec. 19th @ 11pm

Sheldon Patinkin has been a part of and/or helped build some of the most influential theatrical and comedic institutions in Chicago and of our time: Compass Players, The Second City, SCTV, Steppenwolf, and more! Including…Columbia College Chicago’s dynamic theater program where he was Chair of the Department for more than 25 years (and where Mark went to theatre school). Hear him talk about the evolution of The Second City, living with John Candy, and how he saved Del Close from getting devoured by the Spider King!