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Posted by Let's just say "Liz" on Thu, May 21, 2009
Boldy Going Where No Pecs Have Gone Before...
Filed under: Improv, Tips on How to Live a Life, The Future, Things that are Awesome
Attention ladies (and most gents): a few weeks ago America was blessed with a new sex symbol. Let’s take a moment to bask in the geeky glory that is:
I’ll wait for the nerds to stop screaming about how I’m a bandwagon fan and how I don’t deserve to like Star Trek because I don’t know Khan’s full name.
(Are they done?)
The new franchise (“Star Trek: The Search for Mo’ Money”) is doused in a sheen of hotness; it is full of youthful, energetic actors that fit snugly into the familiar roles, and who stand to make more money off of them than Shatner could have dreamed of. Through this hottie overload, for some reason its our favorite Vulcan, played by the lurvely Zachary Quinto, who induces the most girlish sighs out of the audience, more than even Captain “My Head Is Shaped Like A Shoebox” Kirk. Why is that, gentle reader?
It is because the movie-going public is slowly realizing something TSFers have known for years: smart is sexy.
Read on to discover just how sexiness can be tied to improv (it's possible!)...
Mr. Spock.
I’ll wait for the nerds to stop screaming about how I’m a bandwagon fan and how I don’t deserve to like Star Trek because I don’t know Khan’s full name.
(Are they done?)
The new franchise (“Star Trek: The Search for Mo’ Money”) is doused in a sheen of hotness; it is full of youthful, energetic actors that fit snugly into the familiar roles, and who stand to make more money off of them than Shatner could have dreamed of. Through this hottie overload, for some reason its our favorite Vulcan, played by the lurvely Zachary Quinto, who induces the most girlish sighs out of the audience, more than even Captain “My Head Is Shaped Like A Shoebox” Kirk. Why is that, gentle reader?
It is because the movie-going public is slowly realizing something TSFers have known for years: smart is sexy.
Read on to discover just how sexiness can be tied to improv (it's possible!)...
Posted by Ricky on Sat, May 09, 2009
Lazy Days of Summer
Filed under: Rants & Raves
TSF isn't a year-round club. As part of the University of Florida, we are somewhat tied to the tide of students, who all leave for the summer.
While the humidity index hits record highs, killing daytime entertainment and several senior citizens, the amount of Gainesville improv plummets to stock-market lows.
So, we have to fill our time with adventures.
This is where the guest in Party Quirks is sent.
TSF members love to do "cool things." It's part of improv: create something no one's ever seen before. We've done things like drive across the country and hold a fake wedding. We think of even more ridiculous things to do when we don't have classes dragging us down.
This summer, we have more adventures than normal:
Tour de States - six of our friends, led by the incorrigible Skyler Kern, are currently bicycling across the United States. Kern, who's gone through more iPhones than Steve Wozinak at anger management, is a modern-day Huckleberry Finn: broke and always exploring.
He and the gang plan on traveling 2,000 miles in 40 days to raise money for Relay for Life and create a documentary of their trials. You read about their interactions with rural America and each other at tourdestates.com.
Tour de France - Kate LeBlanc, our love-child of the St. Petersburg Times, has escaped to the opposite corner of the world to explore the oh-so-hilarious country of France. She will spend four weeks dropping Lumiere references across la terre, hoping some hip garcon will surrender a hon-hon-hon (French laughter). Keep an eye on her at her blog. Liam Neeson is.
Weinermobile - Yup, TSF has contacts everywhere. We will soon be in control of the world's fastest dick. The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile will soon be driven by our own Torey Greenwald. She will travel around the northeast promoting the O-S-C-A-R M-A-Y-E-R, and informing thousands of disappointed customers that they DO NOT have hot dogs on board. Read her many witty, witty hot dog puns at her hot dog blog beginning June 7.
TV Show - Finally, the rest of us who haven't fled Gainesville will be spending our time making a TV show. The series, which will be more than 100 minutes long, is about to leave the writing phase and enter a shooting schedule. From what I've heard, it's going to be a grueling task.
You'll be able to see the finished product on the dorm resident channel in the Fall and on the Web.To read a behind-the-scenes look at production, keep this Web site in your favorites. We'll update it as we fill video tapes.
AND, in addition to all that, we'll be doing our normal improv stuff starting in July!
While the humidity index hits record highs, killing daytime entertainment and several senior citizens, the amount of Gainesville improv plummets to stock-market lows.
So, we have to fill our time with adventures.
TSF members love to do "cool things." It's part of improv: create something no one's ever seen before. We've done things like drive across the country and hold a fake wedding. We think of even more ridiculous things to do when we don't have classes dragging us down.
This summer, we have more adventures than normal:
Tour de States - six of our friends, led by the incorrigible Skyler Kern, are currently bicycling across the United States. Kern, who's gone through more iPhones than Steve Wozinak at anger management, is a modern-day Huckleberry Finn: broke and always exploring.
He and the gang plan on traveling 2,000 miles in 40 days to raise money for Relay for Life and create a documentary of their trials. You read about their interactions with rural America and each other at tourdestates.com.
Tour de France - Kate LeBlanc, our love-child of the St. Petersburg Times, has escaped to the opposite corner of the world to explore the oh-so-hilarious country of France. She will spend four weeks dropping Lumiere references across la terre, hoping some hip garcon will surrender a hon-hon-hon (French laughter). Keep an eye on her at her blog. Liam Neeson is.
Weinermobile - Yup, TSF has contacts everywhere. We will soon be in control of the world's fastest dick. The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile will soon be driven by our own Torey Greenwald. She will travel around the northeast promoting the O-S-C-A-R M-A-Y-E-R, and informing thousands of disappointed customers that they DO NOT have hot dogs on board. Read her many witty, witty hot dog puns at her hot dog blog beginning June 7.
TV Show - Finally, the rest of us who haven't fled Gainesville will be spending our time making a TV show. The series, which will be more than 100 minutes long, is about to leave the writing phase and enter a shooting schedule. From what I've heard, it's going to be a grueling task.
You'll be able to see the finished product on the dorm resident channel in the Fall and on the Web.To read a behind-the-scenes look at production, keep this Web site in your favorites. We'll update it as we fill video tapes.
AND, in addition to all that, we'll be doing our normal improv stuff starting in July!
Posted by Rudy on Fri, Nov 21, 2008
Meet Josh Breit
Filed under: Tips on How to Live a Life, Things that are Awesome, Alumni
Hey everybody, I got another interview for you! Josh Breit left TSF
about 3 years ago for Chicago and has been rippin it up ever since
then.
See a clip of Josh rapping as Challawood after the break...
 | Among his many
talents, Josh is known for his insane freestyle rapping ability. He
showcases this talent every week at the ComedySportz theatre in The
BeatBox, a show that blends hip hop and improv into an amazing
spectacle of long-form improv and fast-paced high-energy
rap. |
See a clip of Josh rapping as Challawood after the break...
Posted by Ricky on Wed, Jan 07, 2009
Spring Awakening
Filed under: Announcements
Cast off that blustery 70-degree winter, Florida. Spring is here! And so are new TSF flowers for bees to pollinate.
TSF is proud to present its new TSF Academy this semester, a three-level training ground for both beginners and experts. If you've seen our shows, loved "Who's Line is it Anyway?" or think Wayne Brady is dreamy, you're going to have a blast learning improv in our fun and supportive environment.
The Academy will meet Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Constans Theatre Building in room CON-G12. The first day of school is THIS Monday, Jan. 7! No experience is necessary- only incurable curiousity. If you have any questions, send an e-mail to theatrestrikeforce@gmail.com. Also: it costs FREE!
Also, be sure to attend Sunday Group, Middle Group and Apprentice Group auditions on Jan. 14 in CON-G12. These troupes specialize in more complex and more amazing improv, and are the pride of TSF. Sunday Group has a number of distinguished alumni around the country leading the continuing education of improv as an art. No experience is necessary! Just fill out the SG/MG/AG Application and show up. For any questions, please e-mail us.
For those who enjoy TV shows like The Simpsons, SNL, 30 Rock and the Office, TSF Sketch is accepting applications for its spring writing team. This is the group who created the successful "Gary" show last fall. If you've ever wanted to learn how to write comedy on paper, this is the place to learn. Simply fill out the TSF Sketch Application and e-mail it to theatrestrikeforce@gmail.com. No experience necessary!
Finally, for those with a Siren's voice, AM Radio is having audtions on Jan. 25. AM Radio has been dazzling audiences with completely improvised one-act musicals for the past year with original characters and kick ass songs. If you've ever sang Bon Jovi at a party or Rent in the shower, this is the group for you! Audtions are in a room TBA and, you know what's coming...
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
TSF is proud to present its new TSF Academy this semester, a three-level training ground for both beginners and experts. If you've seen our shows, loved "Who's Line is it Anyway?" or think Wayne Brady is dreamy, you're going to have a blast learning improv in our fun and supportive environment.
The Academy will meet Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Constans Theatre Building in room CON-G12. The first day of school is THIS Monday, Jan. 7! No experience is necessary- only incurable curiousity. If you have any questions, send an e-mail to theatrestrikeforce@gmail.com. Also: it costs FREE!
Also, be sure to attend Sunday Group, Middle Group and Apprentice Group auditions on Jan. 14 in CON-G12. These troupes specialize in more complex and more amazing improv, and are the pride of TSF. Sunday Group has a number of distinguished alumni around the country leading the continuing education of improv as an art. No experience is necessary! Just fill out the SG/MG/AG Application and show up. For any questions, please e-mail us.
For those who enjoy TV shows like The Simpsons, SNL, 30 Rock and the Office, TSF Sketch is accepting applications for its spring writing team. This is the group who created the successful "Gary" show last fall. If you've ever wanted to learn how to write comedy on paper, this is the place to learn. Simply fill out the TSF Sketch Application and e-mail it to theatrestrikeforce@gmail.com. No experience necessary!
Finally, for those with a Siren's voice, AM Radio is having audtions on Jan. 25. AM Radio has been dazzling audiences with completely improvised one-act musicals for the past year with original characters and kick ass songs. If you've ever sang Bon Jovi at a party or Rent in the shower, this is the group for you! Audtions are in a room TBA and, you know what's coming...
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Posted by Erik on Thu, Nov 13, 2008
New Improv Training Program to start Spring 2009!
Filed under: Improv, UF, Announcements, The Future, News
Hey there!
Are you itching to perform comedy for a live audience? No? Just itching, then? Okay...
Hey, you! Did you catch "Captain Herpes" over there? Yeah, crazy, huh? Anyways... you look like you're interested in doing improv. You may not know it yet, but you are.
Theatre Strike Force would like to announce its new improv training program starting in the Spring 2009 semester!
In these sessions, you will learn the style of improv comedy TSF performs regularly on campus. Our top performers will instruct these sessions, which will feature exercises in spontaneous performance, various improvised "games," and general improv technique and theory.
The goal? To make you a more confident comedic performer and the newest member of the Theatre Strike Force team. So if you're interested in learning and performing improv comedy at UF and joining Theatre Strike Force, this is the place for you.
This training program is FREE, and no experience is necessary. Even if you've never performed before, come out anyways. It's a ton of fun and a great way to perform comedy with an interesting group of people.
The sessions will meet Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m., at a location TBA.
Space is limited, so if you're interested, please contact us at via the contact page as soon as possible to register.
We're looking forward to working with you!
Erik
Erik Voss is the president of Theatre Strike Force. He was voted "Loudest Moo-er" in the Animal Day Parade in Ms. Miller's 1st grade class. He was 19.
Are you itching to perform comedy for a live audience? No? Just itching, then? Okay...
Hey, you! Did you catch "Captain Herpes" over there? Yeah, crazy, huh? Anyways... you look like you're interested in doing improv. You may not know it yet, but you are.
Theatre Strike Force would like to announce its new improv training program starting in the Spring 2009 semester!
In these sessions, you will learn the style of improv comedy TSF performs regularly on campus. Our top performers will instruct these sessions, which will feature exercises in spontaneous performance, various improvised "games," and general improv technique and theory.
The goal? To make you a more confident comedic performer and the newest member of the Theatre Strike Force team. So if you're interested in learning and performing improv comedy at UF and joining Theatre Strike Force, this is the place for you.
This training program is FREE, and no experience is necessary. Even if you've never performed before, come out anyways. It's a ton of fun and a great way to perform comedy with an interesting group of people.
The sessions will meet Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m., at a location TBA.
Space is limited, so if you're interested, please contact us at via the contact page as soon as possible to register.
We're looking forward to working with you!
Erik
Erik Voss is the president of Theatre Strike Force. He was voted "Loudest Moo-er" in the Animal Day Parade in Ms. Miller's 1st grade class. He was 19.
Posted by Erik on Sat, Oct 25, 2008
TSF is Gary
Filed under: Improv, UF, Shows, Announcements, Things that are Awesome, Press, Our Videos, News
Hey there! At the height of a hotly contested election season, Theatre Strike Force would like to announce its endorsement of Gary for President in 2008!
Finally, a candidate who knows how to connect with the American people. Gary is the only person in America who knows what America really wants. He's a lunch tray full of all your favorite foods. You can hold on to the cake, Lunch Lady Liberty -- we got bowl-full of icing.
We couldn't be more excited about this guy, and neither can a growing number of Americans, according to an article in the Independent Florda Alligator. Gary has literally made his mark on UF campus. He's cozied with students in their dorm rooms via inspiring TV spots. Gary enthusiasts have rallied in Turlington Plaza shouting their support of the candidate America has been waiting for.
As a climax to this exciting campaign, TSF will be presenting a political rally in support of Gary this Monday, Oct. 27, at 9 p.m. in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom. Join us for a night of special guest speakers, inspirational videos, and a rousing speech by the messiah himself.
Political comedy, folks. It's in. The truth makes everything funnier. Scarier, but funnier.
We'll see you Monday night. We are Gary.
Erik Voss is the president of Theatre Strike Force. He lies to his mom about getting bullied at school because he's ashamed.
Finally, a candidate who knows how to connect with the American people. Gary is the only person in America who knows what America really wants. He's a lunch tray full of all your favorite foods. You can hold on to the cake, Lunch Lady Liberty -- we got bowl-full of icing.
We couldn't be more excited about this guy, and neither can a growing number of Americans, according to an article in the Independent Florda Alligator. Gary has literally made his mark on UF campus. He's cozied with students in their dorm rooms via inspiring TV spots. Gary enthusiasts have rallied in Turlington Plaza shouting their support of the candidate America has been waiting for.
As a climax to this exciting campaign, TSF will be presenting a political rally in support of Gary this Monday, Oct. 27, at 9 p.m. in the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom. Join us for a night of special guest speakers, inspirational videos, and a rousing speech by the messiah himself.
Political comedy, folks. It's in. The truth makes everything funnier. Scarier, but funnier.
We'll see you Monday night. We are Gary.
Erik Voss is the president of Theatre Strike Force. He lies to his mom about getting bullied at school because he's ashamed.
Posted by Rudy on Sat, Oct 18, 2008
Meet Jon Forsythe
Filed under: Improv, UF, Tips on How to Live a Life, Things that are Awesome, Alumni
Strike Force has a rich history that is really interesting to me. I love learning about alumni and where they’re at nowadays.
This past summer I had the good fortune of being in Chicago for two months and I went out of my way to meet and watch TSF alumni do their thing across the city. It was insane! All the big name improv theatres like iO, The Annoyance, The Playground, and ComedySportz had Strike Force Alumni performing and they were some of the best talent as well. It made me really proud to be a part of this organization.
I wanted to momentarily put the spotlight on one alumnus that I feel is doing a lot of great work in Chicago but has gone under the radar of modern day TSF for a while.
Continue reading for Rudy's insightful interview with Jon, delving into his improv history with TSF and now in Chicago:
This past summer I had the good fortune of being in Chicago for two months and I went out of my way to meet and watch TSF alumni do their thing across the city. It was insane! All the big name improv theatres like iO, The Annoyance, The Playground, and ComedySportz had Strike Force Alumni performing and they were some of the best talent as well. It made me really proud to be a part of this organization.
I wanted to momentarily put the spotlight on one alumnus that I feel is doing a lot of great work in Chicago but has gone under the radar of modern day TSF for a while.
Continue reading for Rudy's insightful interview with Jon, delving into his improv history with TSF and now in Chicago:
Posted by Erik on Mon, Sep 22, 2008
When the cold opening can't get hotter
Filed under: Improv, UF, Shows, Behind the Scenes, Look, We Found Funny, The Internets, Press, Our Videos
Hey everyone,
What a time for strong openings!
A few weeks ago in Beijing, American Olympic athlete Lolo Jones got off to an early lead in the women’s 100 meter hurdle, just to have her foot snag the second to last hurdle. The minor stumble cost her the gold medal.
Back in June, Sen. Barack Obama’s numbers were soaring in the polls after he clinched the Democratic nomination. Now, he’s bogged down trying to explain what he meant by “lipstick on a pig.”
On that same note, two weekends ago saw the return of two live comedy shows that had strong openings and mediocre follow-ups. Luckily, in the world of live comedy, audiences are surprisingly optimistic. One solid joke can save a good backrub’s worth of eye-rolls. And if you catch them at the start, they’re more willing to wade through the muck with you.
Posted by Ricky on Thu, Aug 28, 2008
We want YOU for TSF!
Filed under: Behind the Scenes, Announcements, News
Come one, come all! Be apart of the excitement, education and elite of being a part of a Theatre Strike Force troupe!
Theatre Strike Force is having auditions for a number of groups, which are all excellent opportunities to learn and explore improv or sketch comedy.
First is AG and the Sunday Group.
AG and the Sunday Group are TSF's premiere long form troupes. They focus on improvisation scenes with a focus on relationships and characters. Anyone who would like to become better at the art of improv should attend.
No experience is necessary! The cast includes both those with improv experience and those who did their first scene at the audition!
Long form is very much like an episode of Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm. So if you enjoy watching those shows, and always thought that you should be on them, come on out to auditions.
The audition is Tuesday, September 2, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in room G14 in the Constans Theatre Building at UF. The only preparation you need is to bring the audition sheet: AG and Sunday Application
Next, TSF's musical troupe is looking for new talent!
Only eight months old, AM Radio is the exciting new troupe on the scene bringing laughter and music to audience's ears around Gainesville. They use long form and music to create a half hour musical on the spot!
They recently had a hugely successful performance at the GIF Summer Shuffle, which can be seen HERE. All those who are interested, those with musical experience and those without, are encouraged to attend.
AM Radio will have auditions Sunday, August 31, at 2 p.m. Meet at the information desk in the Reitz Union.
Finally, TSF is having auditions for it's new sketch arm, TSF Sketch.
TSF Sketch focuses on the writing aspect of comedy. The group will have from 6 to 10 writers who will prepare sketches for Gator Nights and other TSF events.
If you've ever laughed at Saturday Night Live and thought, "Hey, I could write that," this group is for you!
Everyone interested should fill out the application and send it to theatrestrikeforce@gmail.com by Thursday, September 4:TSF Sketch Application
Good luck to everyone!
Theatre Strike Force is having auditions for a number of groups, which are all excellent opportunities to learn and explore improv or sketch comedy.
First is AG and the Sunday Group.
AG and the Sunday Group are TSF's premiere long form troupes. They focus on improvisation scenes with a focus on relationships and characters. Anyone who would like to become better at the art of improv should attend.
No experience is necessary! The cast includes both those with improv experience and those who did their first scene at the audition!
Long form is very much like an episode of Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm. So if you enjoy watching those shows, and always thought that you should be on them, come on out to auditions.
The audition is Tuesday, September 2, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in room G14 in the Constans Theatre Building at UF. The only preparation you need is to bring the audition sheet: AG and Sunday Application
Next, TSF's musical troupe is looking for new talent!
Only eight months old, AM Radio is the exciting new troupe on the scene bringing laughter and music to audience's ears around Gainesville. They use long form and music to create a half hour musical on the spot!
They recently had a hugely successful performance at the GIF Summer Shuffle, which can be seen HERE. All those who are interested, those with musical experience and those without, are encouraged to attend.
AM Radio will have auditions Sunday, August 31, at 2 p.m. Meet at the information desk in the Reitz Union.
Finally, TSF is having auditions for it's new sketch arm, TSF Sketch.
TSF Sketch focuses on the writing aspect of comedy. The group will have from 6 to 10 writers who will prepare sketches for Gator Nights and other TSF events.
If you've ever laughed at Saturday Night Live and thought, "Hey, I could write that," this group is for you!
Everyone interested should fill out the application and send it to theatrestrikeforce@gmail.com by Thursday, September 4:TSF Sketch Application
Good luck to everyone!
Posted by tsfimprov on Wed, Jul 23, 2008
TSF presents: SUMMER KNIGHTS
Filed under: Improv, UF, Shows, Tips on How to Live a Life, PSA, Announcements, The Future, News
It's summer in Gainesville, and the city is on fire.
So what do we do? Do we place our hopes in an idealist politician to clean up the streets? Do we channel our fear to fight our enemies on our own terms? Or do we simply ask...
...WHY SO SERIOUS?
Come laugh away your worries with a wild night of FREE improv comedy with Theatre Strike Force. Starting Friday night, people will laugh.
Meet us at the auditorium (room 1064) in Weimer Hall, the journalism building that is located across the North Lawn from the Reitz Union. Show starts at 10 p.m., and seats are first come, first serve, so get there early!
(Do it for Heath. He watches you.)
