Podcasts about playground theater

Having #ADD or #ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their #ADD and #ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.    Our Guest today, Maria Austin, is the lead actor in the Apple TV feature film, “Mercy,” and she will be on stage at the Playground Theater in West London playing in “Agatha,” a multi-award winning play, written by Angela Davis. Maria also founded the production company, Dawn Chorus Films, which is working to bring more women to professional TV crews. Maria is passionate about telling women's stories and experiences and she was diagnosed with #ADHD at 30.   Enjoy!    [You are now safely here]   00:00 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!!   00:44 - Introducing Maria.    02:25 - Maria's diagnosis story and what she is learning now.    03:35 - Being a woman growing up with undiagnosed #ADHD.    05:20 - Going to school with #ADHD.    07:16 - Maria's theater experience.    09:04 - Why she founded Dawn Chorus Films.    11:27 - What would you tell a young person who wants to perform but is scared?    12:50 - "Hyperfixation helps my acting career."   Connect with Maria on Instagram @mlaustin92   If you haven't picked up a copy of my book The Boy with the Faster Brain yet, it is on Amazon and it is a number #1 One Bestseller in all categories! Click HERE or buy your copy at https://amzn.to/3FcAKkI. My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific: https://linktr.ee/petershankman.

Firas Alexander is an improviser, producer and the creative director of the Playground Theater in Chicago, IL. He joins us to talk about how he started in comedy, how you should start in comedy (or any creative endeavor) and what he was creating during the COVID year (or not creating, depending on how you look at it...) This was a really fun one! For information on upcoming shows with The Playground Theater visit their website https://theplaygroundtheater.com/ For the latest be sure to also follow their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theplaygroundtheater   Also, Firas is...also sort of isn't...on Twitter here: https://mobile.twitter.com/firasalexander    Thanks for listening! More episodes on the way! 

Capítulo 029: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Teatro Vista's Co-Artistic Directors Wendy Mateo and Lorena Diaz.  Listen in as we discuss pushing the boundaries of digital theatre, creating a safe space for artists to explore, and a sisterhood that has lasted over two decades. Teatro Vista, Theatre With A View is firmly committed to sharing and celebrating the riches of Latino culture with all Chicago theatre audiences. This commitment stems from the belief that there are as may similarities as there are differences, and that perhaps the answer to breaking down the walls of prejudice and stereotypes lies in understanding these differences. Ultimately, it is through this "view" that Teatro Vista intends to bridge the gap between Latino and non-Latino cultures in Chicago.Diaz and Mateo are a “multihyphenated jefa” comedy duo who have enjoyed their creative partnership for more than 20 years. They co-founded (with six other partners) their own content creation studio, Chicago4Real, and co-host their livestream show Bochinche at Nite on the studio's Twitch channel. They have co-written and directed several films including Good Mothers (official selection of HBO NY Latino Film Festival and the Chicago Latino Film Festival), Sunset 1919, written by J. Nicole Brooks in collaboration with Lookingglass Theatre, and Identified, produced by Full Spectrum Features. As Dominizuelan, they performed nationally for years and pursued several independent projects, including co-writing and starring in the comedy web-series Dominizuelan Consulate, created in collaboration with Fred Armisen, producer/director Alice Mathias and Mas Mejor Productions.Diaz (she/her/hers), a “Made in Chicago” hybrid of Peruvian Indigenous descent and American Latino swagger, has bounced between Chicago's theater and comedy scenes for 15 years. She is familiar to Teatro Vista audiences for portraying Carolina in the company's acclaimed 2018 world premiere The Madres by Stephanie Alison Walker. She subsequently co-directed Teatro Vista's 2019 premiere of Walker's sequel, The Abuelas. Her many other collaborations include work with Jo Cattell and Steppenwolf 1700 (Tumbao, a live radio play), iO Chicago (People in the City), Mike Oquendo Productions, Goodman, Playground Theatre and The Second City. She is most commonly known for her work over six seasons as the snarky Nurse Doris on Dick Wolf's Chicago Med, Fire and PD franchise.Mateo (she/her/hers) is a Chicago-based comedian, actor, writer, director and filmmaker. Mateo has been seen throughout the city's stages including Lookingglass Theatre, where she is an artistic associate, Steppenwolf 1700 and Playground Theater. Her directing credits include the 2018 play Not for Sale 2.0 by Guadalis del Carmen at UrbanTheater Company. On TV she performs in shows like NBC's Chicago PD, as guest star Chicago Med, and as “Ronnie” in the forthcoming Station Eleven on HBO. Aside from her focus on expanding representation in media, Mateo is also an equity, diversity, and inclusion consultant and facilitator with the Nova Collective and her own consulting company, Ina Consulting. Follow Lorena & Wendyhttps://www.instagram.com/itslorenadiaz/https://www.wendymateo.com/https://www.instagram.com/itswendymateo/ Follow Teatro Vistahttps://www.teatrovista.org/https://www.facebook.com/TeatroVista/https://www.instagram.com/teatrovista/https://www.youtube.com/user/TeatroVistaChicago 

It's a new episode! Hooray! Chance intro's the show talking some MISSOURI POLITICS, March Madness, NFL trade news, and he takes you all on a sad walk down memory lane about his 2 year 'The World is Ending' anniversary. Fun stuff! Today's guest is the one and only Jenna Tahhan! Jenna is a producer and comedian in Los Angeles! Chance and Jenna talk growing up in Nixa, hometown beefs, the seriousness of high school musical theatre, going to college in Chicago, the midwestern work ethic, their shared love of the Playground Theater in Chicago, and much more! Follow Jenna! Insta: @jennatahhan Twitter: @evil_jennaFollow the show! @wedidntpeakLike us on Facebook! We Didn't Peak with Chance Nichols Follow Chance! @chanceisloud 

On this episode, David and Joey chat with the newly appointed Co-Artistic Directors of Teatro Vista in Chicago, Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo, about shared leadership, how joy can be your currency, and their incredible 20+ year relationship. Lorena Diaz, a "Made in Chicago" hybrid of Peruvian Indigenous descent and American Latino swagger, has bounced between Chicago's theater and comedy scenes for 15 years. She is familiar to Teatro Vista audiences for portraying Carolina in the company's acclaimed 2018 world premiere The Madres by Stephanie Alison Walker. She subsequently co-directed Teatro Vista's 2019 premiere of Walker's sequel, The Abuelas. Her many other collaborations include work with Jo Cattell and Steppenwolf 1700 (Tumbao, a live radio play), iO Chicago (People in the City), Mike Oquendo Productions, Goodman, Playground Theatre and The Second City. She is most commonly known for her work over six seasons as the snarky Nurse Doris on Dick Wolf's Chicago Med, Fire and PD franchise. Wendy Mateo is a Chicago-based comedian, actor, writer, director and filmmaker. Mateo has been seen throughout the city's stages including Lookingglass Theatre, where she is an artistic associate, Steppenwolf 1700, and Playground Theater. Her directing credits include the 2018 play Not for Sale 2.0 by Guadalis Del Carmen at UrbanTheater Company. On TV she performs in shows like NBC's Chicago PD, as guest star Chicago Med, and as "Ronnie" in Station Eleven on HBO. Aside from her focus on expanding representation in media, Mateo is also an equity, diversity, and inclusion consultant and facilitator with the Nova Collective and her own consulting company, Ina Consulting. Connect with Lorena (she/her) https://www.instagram.com/itslorenadiaz/?hl=en Connect with Wendy (she/her) https://www.wendymateo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/itswendymateo/?hl=en Follow Teatro Vista https://www.teatrovista.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TeatroVista/ https://twitter.com/TeatroVista https://www.instagram.com/teatrovista/ https://www.youtube.com/user/TeatroVistaChicago Connect with David (he/they) http://www.davidmendizabal.com/ https://www.instagram.com/its_daveed/ Connect with Joey (they/them) https://www.instagram.com/mxjoeyreyes/ https://twitter.com/mxjoeyreyes Follow The Sol Project http://www.solproject.org/about-us.html https://www.facebook.com/solprojectnyc/ https://www.instagram.com/solprojectnyc/ https://twitter.com/solprojectnyc This episode was mixed and edited by Iris Zacarías (she/they) https://www.iriszdesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/irismarcelina/

In this episode I sit down with Bobby Andres as we discuss privilege, the Chicago food scene and exploiting the government. Does unemployment pay more than working? Does being a lawyer help you with improv? Listen and find out. Bio: Bobby was born in Chicago and did a stint in Michigan before moving back in 2000. He helps run the Free For All show at The Playground Theater and has been performing improv and stand-up (en lieu of therapy) on and off since 2008. Socials: Facebook @bobbyandres Several review’s on Yelp as Bobby Andres

This week's guest is performance artist and educator Danielle Abrams. Danielle often embodies a cast of characters in her work that represent cross-sections of races, ethnicities, genders, and cultures. This web (or quilt, or weave as eloquently stated in the episode introduction...) of personifications embody the complexity of her own identity. Danielle is the Professor of the Practice in performance art at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. She has performed across the country including the Detroit Institute of the Arts, ICA Boston, Jewish Museum, Bronx Museum of the Arts, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Queens Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art. Along with her collaborator Mary Ellen Strom, Danielle was recently received a residency at the Boston Center for the Arts. Every week this podcast includes a guest who is not a fine artist. This week's "Bridge to Outside of the Fine Art World" is Eric Schwartz. He is a Chicago based comedian, board member of The Playground Theater, and host of Dumb Comic Creators Podcast. Some links: http://www.danielleabrams.com/Danielle's upcoming performance at the USC Live Artists Live III: Despair/Repairhttps://calendar.usc.edu/event/live_artists_live_iii_despairrepair#.X48GTUJKhR4Danielle's performance of Great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8a5FqD8cvM&feature=youtu.beThe SMFA Art Sale: https://smfa.tufts.edu/artsale The Lemon Ice King of Corona:https://www.facebook.com/TheLemonIceKingOfCorona/ Thanks for listening! Remember to hit subscribe!    

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.  This week, Courtney has a very funny conversation with actor, sketch comedian, podcaster, travel videographer, and YouTube sensation, Sean Ely. Courtney talks to Sean about his career, his drive to always be creating, and there are some great tips on making your own content. Also, Producer Mike pops into the episode for his thoughts on Burger King's Mac n' Cheetos. The aim of The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux is to not just make you a better actor, but to help you live a more fulfilled life. Follow Courtney Rioux on Social Media Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook SEAN ELY: Sean Ely is a Chicago-based actor, sketch comedian and travel videographer. His daily comedy web series, Number Six With Cheese, takes a satirical and unnecessary dive into the world of new fast food menu items, and has amassed 30,000 subscribers since 2016 alongside comedian Corey Wagner. They've partnered with brands such as UberEats, Arby's, AT&T and Google. This year, they even launched their own original hot sauce—Sixer Sauce, the perfect drive-thru condiment—which ships anywhere nationwide. Sean is a graduate of The Second City Training Center and regularly performs at The Second City, The Annoyance Theater and Playground Theater. His voice can also be heard in ad campaigns for Checkers & Rally's, Planet Fitness and Root Car Insurance. He's also the co-host of The Unemployables Podcast, all about leaving corporate America, living efficiently and turning your true passions into a career, with new episodes every Monday. Find Sean On The Internet: Sean's Twitter (twitter.com/theseanwow) Sean's Instagram (instagram.com/theseanwow) Number Six With Cheese YouTube Channel (youtube.com/numbersixwithcheese) Number Six With Cheese Website (numbersixwithcheese.com) The Unemployables Podcast On Apple Podcasts The Unemployables Website (theunemployablespod.com/) The Unemployables Patreon Sean's Personal YouTube Channel (youtube.com/socialmediapessimist) ### Credits: Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com This is a PodClubhouse original production. Produced, engineered and edited at PodClubouse Studios. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/courtneyrioux/support

Abby Muldoon is from the sleepy beach town of Melbourne, FL and is never going back! After earning her psychology degree at Florida State University in 2012, she moved to Chicago, IL where she earned her master's degree in women and gender studies making her a Professional Feminist Buzzkill. Abby has performed improv, sketch, and stand-up all around Chicago including Second City, Stage 773, and the Playground Theater. Her sketch group, Needless Productions, can be found performing at Second City and various festivals year round. During the day, she is a behavioral health researcher focusing on LGBTQ/queer young people, HIV prevention, and sexual health. In her free time, Abby and her husband enjoy writing songs about their pit-bull who is a very good boy. The First Time is CHIRP Radio’s Live Lit and Music series. It pairs a reader’s personal story about a specific "first time" -- a different "first" for each show -- with a song performance. This unique structure allows the story to resonate with audience members as they experience the accompanying song covered by The First Time Four. The band takes special care to perform unexpected song arrangements, so it is hard to tell which the audience enjoys more: the story or the song. The First Time is produced and directed by Julie Mueller with Assistant Producer Bobby Evers and Host Jenn Sodini. Podcast produced and recorded by Jenn Rourke. Engineering by Tony Baker.

Michael Barker ’10 is the managing director of the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, CT. He is interviewed by Emily Kling ’20 Prior to the Westport Country Playhouse he was the managing director of Marin Theatre Company, the general manager of Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, and managing director for the Los Angeles classical theater ensemble, The Antaeus Company. Before moving to California, Barker was associate managing director at Yale Repertory Theatre and managing director of Yale Summer Cabaret, and produced the first annual Carlotta Festival of New Plays. He was Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2008 Managing Director Fellow. Barker holds an MFA in theater management from Yale School of Drama and an MBA from Yale School of Management. At Yale, he was the recipient of the Daniel and Helene Sheehan Scholarship for theater management and a Kosciusko Scholarship for outstanding students of Polish descent. He served on the Yale School of Management Alumni Advisory Board, and is a current Association of Yale Alumni delegate. He is a member of the inaugural class of artEquity diversity, equity and inclusion facilitators as well as a member of the vestry at St. Timothy’s on the Hill Episcopal Church in Fairfield. Prior to graduate school, he was associate director of marketing for Court Theatre in Chicago, and also worked with Goodman Theatre, American Theater Company, Sansculottes Theater Company, and The Playground Theater.

Michael Barker joined Westport Country Playhouse in September 2016 from Mill Valley, CA, where he was the managing director of Marin Theatre Company. Previously, Barker was general manager of Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, and managing director for the Los Angeles classical theater ensemble The Antaeus Company. Before moving to California, Barker was associate managing director at Yale Repertory Theatre and managing director of Yale Summer Cabaret, where he produced the first annual Carlotta Festival of New Plays. He was Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2008 Managing Director Fellow. Barker holds an MFA in theater management from Yale School of Drama and an MBA from Yale School of Management. At Yale, he was the recipient of the Daniel and Helene Sheehan Scholarship for theater management and a Kosciusko Scholarship for outstanding students of Polish descent. He currently serves as vice president of the board of the Yale School of Management Alumni Association. Prior to graduate school, he was associate director of marketing for Court Theatre in Chicago, and also worked with Goodman Theatre, American Theater Company, Sansculottes Theater Company, and The Playground Theater. Jeremy is ballsy. A risk-taker. The type of guy who won't take no for an answer (unless you mean it in which case he'll totally respect your boundaries). After growing up in Nashville, TN, studying finance at the University of Georgia and working in marketing in Dallas, Jeremy realized there is more to life than helping State Farm sell insurance, so he quit his corporate job (like a boss) and moved to New York to become a comedian. Through countless hours of grueling labor and an endless supply of Tony Robbins DVDs, he made himself a regular at clubs all over the city and sells-out venues across the country from Zanies in Nashville to Second City in Chicago. He's a writer for Funny or Die, a 6-time roast battle champion, and he currently runs the city's best monthly charity based comedy show, "Stand Up and Save the World" at the New York Comedy Club. So yeah, he's basically a hero. Audio Player

Michael Barker joined Westport Country Playhouse in September 2016 from Mill Valley, CA, where he was the managing director of Marin Theatre Company. Previously, Barker was general manager of Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, and managing director for the Los Angeles classical theater ensemble The Antaeus Company. Before moving to California, Barker was associate managing director at Yale Repertory Theatre and managing director of Yale Summer Cabaret, where he produced the first annual Carlotta Festival of New Plays. He was Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2008 Managing Director Fellow. Barker holds an MFA in theater management from Yale School of Drama and an MBA from Yale School of Management. At Yale, he was the recipient of the Daniel and Helene Sheehan Scholarship for theater management and a Kosciusko Scholarship for outstanding students of Polish descent. He currently serves as vice president of the board of the Yale School of Management Alumni Association. Prior to graduate school, he was associate director of marketing for Court Theatre in Chicago, and also worked with Goodman Theatre, American Theater Company, Sansculottes Theater Company, and The Playground Theater.

Summer is here, and so are sand bags!Despite Emma's love of Steve Carell, she had never seen 40 Year Old Virgin.. until now. Follow our journey through Steve's breakthrough film role, particularly through his brass instrument breakdown. Joining us is Amit Joshi! Originally from Nashville TN, Amit has done shows in various places all over Nashville and Chicago, including Judy's Beat Lounge Second City, Playground Theater, Juicebox Theater, Under the Gun Theater, and many more. Most recently, he was voted as part of the "Elite 8" in the DAS Funny "Funniest in Chicago" March Madness Bracket Contest.

Meghan Powell is an improviser living in Chicago, IL. She can be seen performing with her improv team, Delorean, Tuesday nights in June at 8pm at the Playground Theater. This episode brought to you by- https://soundcloud.com/pdlttfp

 Menu EPISODE #47 APRIL 19, 2019 MICHAEL BARKER Michael Barker joined Westport Country Playhouse in September 2016 from Mill Valley, CA, where he was the managing director of Marin Theatre Company. Previously, Barker was general manager of Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, and managing director for the Los Angeles classical theater ensemble The Antaeus Company. Before moving to California, Barker was associate managing director at Yale Repertory Theatre and managing director of Yale Summer Cabaret, where he produced the first annual Carlotta Festival of New Plays. He was Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2008 Managing Director Fellow. Barker holds an MFA in theater management from Yale School of Drama and an MBA from Yale School of Management. At Yale, he was the recipient of the Daniel and Helene Sheehan Scholarship for theater management and a Kosciusko Scholarship for outstanding students of Polish descent. He currently serves as vice president of the board of the Yale School of Management Alumni Association. Prior to graduate school, he was associate director of marketing for Court Theatre in Chicago, and also worked with Goodman Theatre, American Theater Company, Sansculottes Theater Company, and The Playground Theater.

Michael Barker joined Westport Country Playhouse in September 2016 from Mill Valley, CA, where he was the managing director of Marin Theatre Company. Previously, Barker was general manager of Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, CA, and managing director for the Los Angeles classical theater ensemble The Antaeus Company. Before moving to California, Barker was associate managing director at Yale Repertory Theatre and managing director of Yale Summer Cabaret, where he produced the first annual Carlotta Festival of New Plays. He was Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2008 Managing Director Fellow. Barker holds an MFA in theater management from Yale School of Drama and an MBA from Yale School of Management. At Yale, he was the recipient of the Daniel and Helene Sheehan Scholarship for theater management and a Kosciusko Scholarship for outstanding students of Polish descent. He currently serves as vice president of the board of the Yale School of Management Alumni Association. Prior to graduate school, he was associate director of marketing for Court Theatre in Chicago, and also worked with Goodman Theatre, American Theater Company, Sansculottes Theater Company, and The Playground Theater.

I sit down to chat again with three-time guest Corey Wood. We talk about all kinds of bs as we're drinking, but settle eventually on our show Love Hurts, a resounding success at The Playground Theater. There's one last showing, 12-11 at 8pm at The Playground Theater in Chicago at the corner of Belmont & Halstead. Come see it before you have to have a Netflix subscription! Check out tickets for Love Hurts, only $6 here https://goo.gl/CiKTGh

Molly Jones is an improviser living in Chicago. She can seen performing with the Harold team Gone Gone and This Year in Music at the iO Theater, the Blue Angels at the Playground Theater every Wednesday, and Clued In and Hitchcock Tales at the Annoyance Theater.

Perry and Laura talk with Anish Ramanathan, Prash Sabharwal, and Resham Sarkar. They are all members of Silly Point, an all Indian improv comedy group in Chicago, IL.Follow Silly Point on Facebook (here) and Instagram (@sillypointimprov), Resham guarantees your parents will love it!Check them out every Sunday at 9:15 pm at The Playground Theater!You can follow Prash's sketch comedy side-gig @clapbackcomedy on Instagram.Please generally support Anish Ramanathan by casting him, seeing his standup, or sending him some cash on Venmo.This is a KnaveryInk podcast.

This week, Sarah had Seth Origitano in her bed. Seth's the creative director of Acme Theatrics and a professional clown.  They talked about the pillars of clowning, how the internet is making us less smart, difficulties dating, depression and following what's attractive to you.  Acme Theatrics currently has an Indiegogo, so please support that. They also have a show coming up on Feb. 16th and 17th at The Playground Theater, get tickets here for The Greatest Show Alive Ever Live! "Sadness isn't always funny" "Don't try to act like you're still on your horse or you'll be trampled by it" "Follow what's most attractive to you" Sleeping with Sarah is a podcast where comedian and narcoleptic, Sarah Albritton interviews people in her bed. They talk about sleep, comedy and relationships.Visit www.sleepingwithsarah.com for more information. You can follow Sarah on twitter:@sarahalbritton or visit her at www.sarahalbritton.com To find out more about Super Narcoleptic Girl, please follow on Twitter @SNGWebSeries or visit the SNG Website. 

Today, Dan and Jordan go live at the Playground Theater to discuss the March 1-2, 2012 episodes of The Alex Jones Show. The gents break down how Alex responded to the news that Andrew Breitbart had died. We all cope with loss in our own way, and Alex apparently copes by lying a whole lot and spreading conspiracy theories about the deceased.

Justin and Doug are visited by the mighty Dave Cochrane via Skype this week to talk about the Las Vegas tragedy and gun rights. The trio discuss the sensitive points and common talking points that often arise during these types of events. The heroes talk about the complexities of the guns rights issue as well as the polarizing nature of these types of topics in modern America. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Santa vs. the Easter Bunny. You see Doug performing with the improv team Recess on Thursday, October 5 at 8:00pm at the Playground Theater. Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on iTunes and Stitcher so you don't miss anything!

This week Justin and Doug discuss the tale of Eric Barry, the man who penned a Huffington Post article about why he was breaking up with Chicago, some current events, and the potential deadly feud between the US and North Korea. The two dorks then discuss how we as a society can start bridging the gap between the polarized groups of folks out there today. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Chun Li from Street Fighter vs. Sonia Blade from Mortal Kombat. You see Doug performing with the improv team Recess on Saturday, September 30 at 9:00pm at the Playground Theater. Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on iTunes and Stitcher so you don't miss anything!

This week, immigration attorney Matt Hanley joins Justin and Doug to talk about the state of things with immigration in the US such as DACA, what it means to be an immigrant these days, and some of the frustrating aspects of practicing this side of the law. Matt also sheds some light on why it’s so difficult to affect change when it comes to immigration and what some of the common misconceptions are. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with two Tom Cruise lawyer characters: Mitch McDeere from The Firm vs. LT. Daniel Kaffee from A Few Good Men. You see Doug performing with the improv team Recess on Saturday, September 30 at 9:00pm at the Playground Theater. Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on iTunes and Stitcher so you don't miss anything!

This week Justin and Doug are visited by the charming and intelligent Luke Peña. Doug and Luke talk about how the met in high school, the defining moments in their friendship, and Luke’s secret behind cutting 45 pounds to make weight in wrestling. Our heroes then discuss some aspects of higher education such as the cost to benefit ratio, fluff classes, and outdated curriculum. The dorks then talk about online classes and what will be the wave of the future in education. Things are wrapped up in a throw-down with Luke vs. Doug from their high school years. You see Doug performing with the improv team Recess on Friday, September 15 at 8:00pm at the Playground Theater. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook so you don't miss anything!

This week Justin and Doug are discussing why it’s important for people to be genuine and sincere and how this affects work environments and politics. Doug admits that he’s a terrible negotiator and how he hates doing manual labor. The dorks then share some stories about being stagehands before the conversation drifts into how obsession drives an artist and whether artists are wired differently than other people. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Dredd vs. Judge Dredd. You see Doug performing with the improv team Recess on Friday, September 15 at 8:00pm at the Playground Theater. Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook so you don't miss anything!

Chris Charles, filmmaker and co-founder of Cyntax Sportswear, joins Justin and Doug to talk about some of Chris’ favorite movie making moments, how distribution deals work, and the state of the movie industry. The dorks then talk about how hard it is to act against nothing but a green screen, smaller digital studios versus larger movie companies, and whether virtual reality could enhance the storytelling experience in movies. Things are wrapped up in a throw-down between Steven Spielberg vs. Martin Scorsese. Check out Chris’ new sports clothing company, Cyntax Sportswear, and donate to their Kickstarter campaign! Check out Doug on the improv team Recess on Friday, Aug. 25 at 8:00pm at the Playground Theater! Follow us on Twitter & like us on Facebook so you don't miss anything!

    New "Kahnversations" Podcast with Actor/Writer/Producer Katy Colloton! In this episode of "Kahnversations," we interview Katy Colloton. Katy stars as the narcissistic Ms. Chelsea Snap on TV Land's hit comedy series, TEACHERS. Katy. along with "The Katydids," writes, acts and executive produces TEACHERS alongside Alison Brie (COMMUNITY) and showrunners Ian Roberts and Jay Martel (KEY AND PEELE). Katy received her B.A. in Theater and Psychology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.  After college, she moved to Chicago, where she performed improv and sketch with the Second City House Ensemble, iO Chicago, The Playground Theater and The Annoyance Theatre. She was selected to perform her solo material at Just For Laughs Chicago, appeared in the award-winning Vimeo series, BREAK-UPS, and TimeOut Chicago called her the "breakout" performer at the 2013 Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Additionally Katy has developed TV for NBC Universal and a feature with Bluegrass Films and Scott Stuber. You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!   There are so many inspiring podcasts with fabulous stars out there. But their careers feel light years away from ours, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in Brentwood? We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh. In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

This week Doug and Justin are joined once again by stand-up comedian and teacher, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr. to chat about some great things. The dorks start by chatting about what it’s like to be a teacher at The Second City Training Center, how stand-up comedy is different from improv, and how Sydney developed her comedic voice and style. Then Doug leads Sydney into discussing her disdain for Iliza Shlesinger and her most recent controversial interview about female comics. The heroes then discuss what it’s like being a female comic nowadays. The focus then turns to Tomi Lahren and how Sydney has tried to get her to respond to her on Twitter. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Iliza Shlesinger vs. Tomi Lahren. Check out Sydney’s special at the Elbo Room on July 22 at 7:00pm.  Buy your tickets here! Doug has an improv show at The Playground Theater on Friday, July 22 at 9:00pm. Click here for more info! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook so you don't miss anything!

This week, Doug and Justin talk about the new Netflix movie Death Note coming out on Aug. 25. The movie is an adaptation of an anime of the same name and the two dorks discuss the fan reaction to the American version. Doug eventually asks Justin what he would do if he were to get his hands on a Death Note and then the heroes discuss the idea of justice and whether death is really the answer to someone’s crimes. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Link vs. Legolas. Go see Chris’ new comedy show, The Chris and Matt Show playing at The Second City Training Center on July 14 and July 21 at 8:30PM. Tickets are $13, but enter the online promo code “SQUEEP” to get a discount. You don’t want to miss this show! Doug has an improv show at The Playground Theater on Friday, July 22 at 9:00pm. You can find tickets here: http://theplaygroundtheater.com/shows/house-team-saturdays-2017-07-22/ Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook so you don't miss anything!

This week, Justin and Doug talk about their 4th of July vacations and Justin brings up a Playstation 2 incident that happened in Doug’s family years ago. The dorks then discuss some issues with YouTube, specifically how someone can claim copyright infringement on a video and get it immediately taken down for roughly 14 days without any oversight. The two heroes then discuss the Wall Street Journal’s takedown of PewDiePie and discuss how advertisers have been leaving the YouTube arena due to fear of unacceptable content. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Max Payne vs. The Punisher. Jim Sterling’s video about YouTube and copyright infringement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO-NvN0Diu4 Go see Chris’ new comedy show, The Chris and Matt Show playing at The Second City Training Center on July 7, July 14, and July 21 at 8:30PM. Tickets are $13, but enter the online promo code “SQUEEP” to get a discount. You don’t want to miss this show! Doug has an improv show at The Playground Theater on Friday, July 7 at 8:00pm: http://theplaygroundtheater.com/shows/real-housewives-2-2017-07-07/ Follow us on Twitter & like us on Facebook so you don't miss anything!

Chris Vellucci of The Chris and Matt Show returns to the podcast! The dorks chat about the powers of perception, whether national and state borders are archaic, states seceding from the US, and some pretty insane legislation happening in Missouri. The gentlemen then discuss rimjobs and fetishes and then Justin brings the heroes back into the fold with some questions on perception. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Mario vs. Luigi. Go see Chris’ new comedy show, The Chris and Matt Show playing at The Second City Training Center on June 30, July 7, July 14, and July 21 at 8:30PM. Tickets are $13, but enter the online promo code “SQUEEP” to get a discount. You don’t want to miss this show! Doug has an improv show at The Playground Theater on Friday, July 7 at 8:00pm. Tickets here --> http://theplaygroundtheater.com/shows/real-housewives-2-2017-07-07/

At long last, Mind Gap Podcast super fan Wain Parham joins Justin and Doug this week and it is a doozy! Wain sets a new standard by bringing Justin and Doug a gift, he explains why church music is so different and complicated, and he finally explains to Doug why he’s a fundy Christian.  This leads the heroes down a discussion about human nature, tribalism, and evolving to the next human level. Wain gives his thoughts on Christopher Nolan and talks about his programming skills. The heroes then discuss some of their favorite nerd TV shows and then Justin tries to get Wain and Doug to fight by asking them to debate whether The Dark Knight is a good movie. Things are wrapped up in a throw-down with One Punch Man vs. Iron Fist. Check out Wain’s theatre company, TUTA, for shows and labs: http://www.tutato.com/ Doug has an improv show at The Playground Theater on Saturday, June 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets available here: http://theplaygroundtheater.com/shows/house-team-saturdays-2017-06-24/

This week, Doug helps Justin deal with a caffeine crash as he consumed an inordinate amount of coffee throughout the day, which leads the two to talk about how caffeine affects them. The dorks then discuss the current protests surrounding Evergreen State College in Oregon regarding professor Bret Weinstein and racial tensions. The conversation moves into freedom of speech, absolutes, mob mentality, and liberals galvanizing each other. The heroes then reminisce about situations where they felt stupid in public by hurting themselves. Things are wrapped up in a throw-down with Wonder Woman vs. Thor. Doug has an improv show at The Playground Theater on Saturday, June 24 at 9:00pm. Get tickets here: http://theplaygroundtheater.com/shows/house-team-saturdays-2017-06-24/ Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook!

It's Tuesday and... Adal Rifai is our guest! Adal Rifai has been performing improv in Chicago since 2007. You can see Adal at iO with the house team Revolver, in the weekly show Whirled News Tonight (iO) and around the U.S. with Pudding-Thank-You and El Guapo . Past iO credits include Swim Buddies, Our Feature Presentation: The Improvised Movie, Radical Concept and Hunter Family Crest. He has performed at Second City as a member of Twisty, HouseCo. and SketchCo. Along with performing Adal also coaches and teaches at iO and around Chicago, runs the coaching program at iO, directed the Incubator and coaching program at the Playground Theater and has taught and performed improv all over the U.S. Adal is the voice of Chunt the shapeshifter/badger on the improvised podcast 'Hello From the Magic tavern'.

This week Doug and Justin start out trading stories where they inappropriately misspoke at work. Justin discusses his plans for how he will handle his poop cycle when he runs the Chicago marathon. The twosome then discuss the recent issue in Portland, OR involving two women who were forced to close down their burrito cart when they were accused of cultural appropriation. The dorks then ponder whether two white guys can have a conversation about a culturally sensitive topic and better themselves and then they consider the idea of whether race is a social construct. Then, Doug brings up the Flat Earth conspiracy theory and things go off the rails. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with the xenomorph from Alien vs. the T-800 from Terminator. Doug has an improv show at The Playground Theater on Saturday, June 24 at 9:00pm. Tickets available here: http://theplaygroundtheater.com/shows/house-team-saturdays-2017-06-24/

This week Justin and Doug talk about stand-up comic Bill Burr and how he goes about experience life to generate comedic material. Doug talks about how being a parent affects his consumption of movies and games and goes on a wonderful tangent about the indie game called Inside. The dorks talk about intense scenes in movies, why they’re difficult to watch, and why it’s important to show the consequences of violence in movies. The heroes then talk about how the bad apples in most situations ruin the privileges for everyone else. Things are wrapped up with a comedy throw-down with Bill Burr vs. Louis C.K. Be sure to check out Doug’s improv troupe, RECESS, on May 19th at 8pm at the Playground Theater!

This week Justin and Doug head on an internet adventure through StumbleUpon. Using the StumbleUpon website, the dorks wander through the world wide web to see what they can find to talk about. Such topics include quotes by famous people, 18 best movies on Netflix you haven’t seen, 10 awesome experiences you can only have in Kentucky, 8 great learning vacations in California, a unique way to make money on Amazon, digital collage art, and whether or not food is art. Things are wrapped up with a throw-down with Rocket Raccoon vs. The Punisher. Be sure to check out Doug’s improv troupe, RECESS, on May 19h at 8pm at the Playground Theater!

This week the conversation starts off with Justin excitedly telling Doug about a hashtag he finds very clever, #SkepticalLyrics, but Doug is slow to jump on the bandwagon. This leads the guys to reminisce about jobs they’ve had that played “corporate radio” all day as well as how people got questions answered before the days of Google. Our dorks move seamlessly into their main topic which is different industries becoming automated and the concept of implementing a universal wage in order to lessen the blow of people losing their jobs to robots. The heroes discuss how technology has changed society’s physiology and whether our current society could recover if there was a Walking Dead style apocalypse? Things are wrapped up in a throw-down with today’s society forced back into “hunter/gatherer mode” vs. our original hunter gatherer ancestors. Be sure to check out Doug’s improv troupe, RECESS, on May 6th at 9pm at the Playground Theater! http://theplaygroundtheater.com/shows/house-team-saturdays-2017-05-06/

Last week of 2016 I called on a Chicago transplant and Improv performer, Ian Williams to join me for another positive conversation about the current state of TV & Film.We both shared our critiques on some of our favorite films and shows such as, HBO's Insecure, Westworld, & the critically acclaimed Moonlight. We also dove deeper into how diversity shapes these industries. See Ian perform at the Playground Theater, Wednesdays at 8, He is also apart of the cast "Trash Boy" at the Annoyance Theater every Friday till February at 8 also. Follow him on Facebook at Ian Smailliw. He also produces music under the name Thane Thinna on Soundcloud Listen, Comment, Share, & Review *I do not own the rights to the music used in this production*

Last week of 2016 I called on a Chicago transplant and Improv performer, Ian Williams to join me for another positive conversation about the current state of TV & Film.We both shared our critiques on some of our favorite films and shows such as, HBO's Insecure, Westworld, & the critically acclaimed Moonlight. We also dove deeper into how diversity shapes these industries. See Ian perform at the Playground Theater, Wednesdays at 8, He is also apart of the cast "Trash Boy" at the Annoyance Theater every Friday till February at 8 also. Follow him on Facebook at Ian Smailliw. He also produces music under the name Thane Thinna on Soundcloud Listen, Comment, Share, & Review *I do not own the rights to the music used in this production*

Improv Interviews. Margot Escott speaks with Improv Professional Stacey Smith in Bonita Springs Florida where Stacey was teaching an Improv Workshop and performing with Bonita City Improv. Stacey Smith is a loud Long Islander who can be seen performing regularly in the ensemble at CSz or with The Deltones and The Musical Armando at iO. Stacey has just perfomed two contracts with The Second City aboard the Norwegian Breakaway. In addition to performing, Stacey teaches in both the Youth Program and A-E program at The Second City Training Center as well as at the Playground Theater and CSz Theater Chicago. Stacey is the Creator/Producer of the Chicago Musical Improv Festival. She just recently finished up a successful run of #DateMe in the UP Comedy Club at Second City and got hired as the Training Center Director at CSz Theater Chicago. You can learn more about Stacey Smith at www.staceysmithcomedy.com.

Join us for another Live episode of the Acid Bath Podcast! This week we’re featuring the content we recorded at the Playground Theater as part of the Victor Alpha Showcase on Monday, October 3rd. We decided to use this episode […]

Join us for the first Live episode of the Acid Bath Podcast!  This week we’re featuring the content we recorded at the Playground Theater as part of the Victor Alpha Showcase on Monday, July 18th.  We talk a lot in […]

Doug and Justin dive into the rise and fall, and potential rise again, of M. Night Shyamalan’s film career.  They take a look at his filmography and discuss what they liked and didn’t like about each one.  They start off with The Sixth Sense, then they talk about the hilarity of the protagonist's weakness in Unbreakable, then they reminisce on the horror aspects of Signs.  Doug questions the practicality of the twist in The Village (surprise), then Doug and Justin debate the sanity of Lady in the Water, briefly mention The Happening, and Justin challenges Doug to a viewing party of The Last Airbender.  Things are wrapped up with a throw-down between Juggernaut vs. The Blob. Article by Walt Hickey: http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-death-spiral-of-m-night-shyamalans-career/ Be sure to check out Class Act’s final New New Show performance at The Playground Theater on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 8:00pm for some sweet improv!  Class Act features former Mind Gap guests Maureen Boughey, James Rayhill, Daryl McSweeney, Chris Vellucci, and Doug Cochrane.

John Hartman stops by to talk about Virginia, Michigan, Chicago, movies, and more.  Tuesday June 19th Relief 90x at The Playground Theater 8-11:30 P.M. to help Bill Stern.

Matt Barabera stops by to talk about The Playground Theater's 15th Aniversery, he's time in Chiago, and what he wants to do in the future.

Kara Jakubec head of marketing for The Playground Theater joins the show to talk law school, Ohio, and more. Mel Evans my co-host from An Hour With Your Ex sits in and we yell at each other (in jest) for a little while. Thanks for listening and please tell a friend.

Megan Johns of http://www.thenewcolony.org/ and The Annoyance joins us to talk PBR, starting a theater, and teaching the kids. Matt Owens and Mark Colomb are your hosts. Support the show August 10th, 10 PM at the Playground Theater. It's a Poor Choices Live Event.