SmartyPants NerdCore Stand-Up Comedy Show EVERY SUNDAY @ Steve’s:
featured comics plus semi-open-mic
(If you are dirtier than you are funny, you’re not welcome. Smart and funny WINS.. stupid and filthy goes home.)

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS:
- $2 Domestic Drafts / bottles
- 2-for-1 wells
- $4 House Wine

Hosted by America’s Favorite Comedian Of All Time, Chad Riden.

Every Sunday at 8pm. No Cover. Smoke-free.

Steve’s Restaurant & Bar
604 Gallatin Avenue #217
Nashville, TN 37206
615-227-8383

More infos:
StevesEastNashville.com
(facebook event)

Ahem.. “HEY! Hey, YOU! HEY, DUMB DUMB! YES, YOU! Why are you such a dummy? Why don’t know know about Tim and Eric? Is it because you’re so dumb? Have you been busy watching your VHS tapes of classic Hee Haw skitches over and over laughing at the cutting edge humor? Huh? Have you, dumb person? Is that what comedy is to you? Is Larry the Cable Guy ‘too smart?’ HA HA! Get a clue, dumb person who has never heard of Tim and Eric! You.. you fool!”

Sorry. Seriously, if you like silly things and incredibly awkward comedy, check out the dvd’s (or watch the videos online) of Tim and Eric’s old Adult Swim show and get caught up. If you like that, you’ll probably love “Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie” (Dir. Tim Heidecker & Eric Wareheim, 2012, USA, R, 94min, 35mm). If you DON’T like uncomfortable situations, prolonged silences, miscues, misfires, misfits and of course shrimp and white wine.. this isn’t for you.

The premise is: cult comedy heroes Tim and Eric are given a billion dollars to make a movie, but squander every dime.. and the sinister head of its financier the Schlaaang corporation (Robert Loggia) is pissed! No longer able to pay their life coach (Zach Galifianakis) for advice, they happen upon a chance to rehabilitate a bankrupt mall full of vagrants, bizarre stores and a man-eating wolf that stalks the food court. Tim and Eric see dollar signs—a billion of them. Co-starring John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell and featuring cameos from Awesome Show regulars and many more. Also, some “shrim.”

Here’s the Official Redband Trailer [HD]:

The Belcourt: Fri-Sat, March 2-3 at Midnight

The Belcourt Theatre
2102 Belcourt Avenue – Nashville TN 37212
Box Office: (615) 383-9140
Main Office: (615) 846-3150

Buy tickets in advance, online at Belcourt.org

TimAndEric.com

#SHRIM

Heather Ho on "Parks and Recreation"

NashvilleStandUp alumni Heather Ho (aka “Heather Horton”) has been in Los Angeles for the last few years, doing stand-up, improv, shorts on the web, AND she recently appeared on NBC’s Parks and Recreation (Season 4, Episode 13: “Bowling for Votes”).

She’s in the opening scene, sitting closest to the television in the focus group.. and she delivers her lines about 40 seconds into the episode: “She’s kind of short, don’t you think? Aggressively short almost. It’s like she’s throwing it in my face!” If you missed it, here is the video of the full episode:

N’Sup asked Heather to talk to us about the whole experience.. here’s what she said:

I had only had my agent a few months and had only been on one other audition but I felt pressure to book something soon. That shouldn’t creep into your mind but it does. It’s there – like the memory of that embarrassing moment when someone pants’d you in the school cafeteria in the 6th grade. The day was a Friday. It was raining. They say rain is good luck for weddings. I now say rain is good luck for auditions. It was only 3 days before that a casting director asked me what shows I’d like to work on and I answered “Parks and Rec” and “Modern Family.” So if you believe in that whole putting stuff out to the universe thing, there you go. So I arrived at the audition. I had made my character choice but was loose and ready for re-direct if needed. They were very specific on what they were looking for – women ages 23-60. Fortunately my 25-35 age range just made the cut. Obviously, I would say it was one of my best auditions. Everything just clicked and I knew the casting director liked it.

I booked it! It was my first Co-Star. That co-star credit on your resume gives the casting people the confidence that you’ve been there and you won’t screw up. For some, it helps you get an agent if you don’t already have one. For others, hopefully it leads to other co-stars and so on. We shot the following Thursday. It’s a fast process. They’re constantly casting and shooting, no callbacks for the tiny parts. Something about Hollywood people may not know is that there’s a lot of hopping around with the studios. Parks and Rec shoots at CBS Radford interestingly enough since it’s an NBC show.

My call time was 9:00 AM. I was ushered to my private dressing room where the wardrobe people came in and picked out a lovely purple turtle neck, blue sweater and gold earring combination that fit nicely with the Pawnee town folk character. No, I didn’t get to keep the outfit. Then I waited. 3 hours. They were shooting early that morning and got stuck at the other location. So I got paid overtime to sit in my dressing room and read my Kindle and play on my iPhone. Now you know what
devices I’m “on.” PS I was reading Bossypants. Being on the set was amazing as always. It’s so nice to work with professionals. There’s a reason these guys get paid to do this – they’re professional, hard working and courteous. I have never been on a paid gig where any of the staff were assholes. I have only had that experience on “independent” sets.

The shoot was great. One of the actors had never seen the show. I always find that interesting because I try to catch a few episodes before auditioning for something I’ve never seen. Eventually Amy Poehler breezed through and told us how good a job we were doing. Collectively the group mumbled a blushing thank you. There was, in my mind, one of the most brilliant female comedic actresses
of my generation standing in front of me and the first thing that came to mind was “Holy crap, she’s shorter than I thought.” She’s really short you guys – hence my characters lines if you haven’t seen the episode yet.

She was very gracious and it was great to watch her work; how meticulous she is with each line is amazing. People who “get it” about comedy understand that it’s not easy. Although it’s not shouted to the rooftops by awards shows and the likes, comedy IS well respected by the industry. So for a day, I won the lottery. And that’s what it is. I see some of the best actors not book and I see some of the shittiest actors book all the time so all you can do is put your head down, work hard on your craft and hope you have the winning numbers.

Congratulations to Heather for doing such a fantastic job on one of the funniest shows on tv!

Read more about Heather Horton at your local library! And also around the web:
HeatherHo.com
Twitter.com/HeatherHoComedy
About.me/HeatherHo
IMDB.me/HeatherHorton

Rik Roberts

Happy Global Warming,

I can’t believe how nice the weather has been this winter. The hot air from all these campaigning politicians must have something to do with it.

I wanted to send one last reminder about the upcoming writing class starting Monday. We still have some room in what looks to be an exciting group of students. If you miss this round the next earliest opportunity would be in May or June. Read on for more information on how to sign up.

Thanks!

Rik

Stand-UP Level One: Writing
Mondays, February 6,  20 &  27
5:30-7:30 PM @ Zanies Nashville

E-Mail me at comedyhomework@aol.com
with the following information to reserve your spot:

First & Last Name
Address
Cell #
Past Performance Experience (if any)
Method of payment (check, cash, PayPal, Credit Card)

If you are starting from scratch this is your class. If you have “dabbled” in stand-up and can’t find the consistency you need from your material, this is your class. If you write, blog, tweet or just want to find out how to be funnier … this class is for you.

Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself!

• How solid is your material now?
• Do you know the reason each joke gets a laugh?
• What techniques suit you the best?
• Are you able to mix it up for different types of crowds?
• Can you turn a story into a comedy bit?
• Do your jokes get consistent laughs?
• Are you able to get a laugh every 15 seconds or so?

If you don’t know some of the answers, then you’d benefit enormously from the writing class!

Stand-Up Level One: Writing comes with a ”Lifetime” membership which allows you to attend any and all of the future writing classes at no extra cost.

==========

Performance Class tentatively set for March 5, 12 & 19.

Registration will begin after the writing class is complete. Students who have already taken the writing class have first choice in signing up.

Typically the class fills with these students. If any spots remain open, I will send a notice via this newsletter.

==

Improv Class tentatively April 16, 23 & 30

==

Business of Comedy Class dates TBA

==

Rik Roberts
Principal / Janitor
School of Laughs

JOIN S.O.L. on FACEBOOK

Check out videos of former students:
http://schooloflaughs.tumblr.com/

www.schooloflaughs.com
comedyhomework@aol.com

Here’s a sketch video NashvilleStandUp’s own Chad Riden did with American Idol’s Scotty McCreery to promote Scotty’s ACM New Artist Of The Year nomination. Since Scotty posted the video online a week ago, his fans have warmly embraced Chad as “cousin” JIMMY DALE. Some YouTube comments even go so far as to say Riden should get his own show on CMT.. and we wholeheartedly agree. wink wink

For more Chad Riden’y goodness, visit:
ChadRiden.com
Twitter.com/ChadRiden
Facebook.com/comedychad
YouTube.com/ChadRiden

Mark Anundson: comedian, musician, Champion

Through the magic of Twitter and the fine Interwebs I discovered a
little competition called Iron Songwriter. I clicked on the fancy
link and signed up for one of the few open slots left in the
competition. A few short hours later I received one of the most
professional e-mails of my life and it stated I was accepted into the
competition. I arrived at the Next Level Theater at a very early hour
and was happy to do one of the first sound checks of the night. I sat
just outside the theater and listened to the other six competitors run
through their sound checks. As I sat there and listened I realized
that every other performer was pretty awesome at playing an instrument
and\or singing. I was up against a bunch of musicians that could
musically school me and my gut instinct was to get out of dodge before
the competition started.

I decided to stay and make the best of a weird situation. At the
start of the show they called all of the competitors to the stage and
then asked the audience members for song ideas. The audience was slow
to throw out ideas and may have stalled a little after the ideas of
basketballs and bicycles were shot down by the competitors. Finally
an Angel from the crowd yelled MUSTARD and we all had a good giggle.
We settled on mustard and a calmness came over me unlike ever before.
I know about mustard, I love mustard, I used to tell people I was
going to start my own mustard business. My confidence was restored
and I was off to the back to write what I thought would be the
greatest song about mustard ever told.

The first performer was a guy named Seth, he did a version of
Coldplay’s Yellow but made it about getting a mustard stain on your
shirt before a big meeting. The song was genius! The next competitor
was a guy named Matt who went up there and did a five minute power
ballad about how mustard plays second fiddle to ketchup. It was an
amazing song filled with piano riffs, emotional swells and it was
super funny. I was next and I don’t remember exactly what happened
but I think I made a few jokes before I started my song, got a few
laughs then went into a song that was about how much I love mustard.
It was a pretty dumb song but I was able to rely on the old set-up
punch format, interacted with the audience during the song and made
fun of how bad I performed the song. At the end of my song I had the
audience laughing and win or lose I had a good time. The rest of the
competitors were all fantastic and worthy of moving on to the next
round. Once the show was in full swing I didn’t care about winning or
losing I just enjoyed the process and made some new friends. At the
end of the night they announced the winners and I was shocked to come
in second place. Matt and his power ballad came in first and Seth
tied for third. I look forward to competing in the finals on December
17th.

The final NCT Holiday Show of the season and the BIGGEST Songwriter Challenge to invade Nashville. The day has finally arrived. 3 months ago songwriters started arriving at the steps of The Nashville Comedy Theater. Now 4 of the best of the best will be fighting for a chance to prove they are truly an Iron Songwriter.

Boo Detch
Justin Covergeist
Andrew Thornhill
Mark Anundson

Four songwriters. One audience suggestion. 45 minutes to write a complete song. They’ve done it once before, but can they do it again?

Their suggested topic could be anything from spatulas to zombies to the Dewey Decimal System, but they will need to create a song that will win the hearts (and votes) of you the audience.
And this time the stakes are even higher, pride, bragging rights, a trophy and cash:

1st — $200, a trophy and the title of “Iron Songwriter 2011″
2nd — $100
3rd — $75

While they are writing their song the cast of Nashville Comedy Theater will entertain you with our high energy Holiday themed improv comedy show, and this will be your last chance to catch the amazing delightful, magical, “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Improv” show until next year. Featuring Christmas Carols, an “It’s a Wonderful Life” styled look at the impact of one person’s life on the world and at least a dozen more entirely new Holiday Themed games like Spin the Dreidel, Reindeer Games, Toybox Theater, & HO HO HO, Now I have a Machine Gun.

This Iron Songwriter Championship is going to be epic, with all of the 1st and 2nd place champions from previous months, bringing their rowdy fans, pianos, guitars, ukuleles, and unbelievable musical talents in one apocalyptic showdown.

Beer, wine, soft drinks, bottled water, candy, and snacks are available in the lobby. Tickets are available for purchase online at NashvilleComedyTheater.com (credit card and PayPal accepted). You may also purchase tickets at the door with cash or check, if tickets are still available.

two shows – 8pm – Friday, December 16th & Saturday, December 17th
(but, seriously, go see Mark on Saturday)

The Writer’s Stage / Next Level
1008 Charlotte Ave; Nashville, TN

Facebook events:
http://www.facebook.com/events/199981183418392/
http://www.facebook.com/events/289839074389405/

This year, our own Keith Alberstadt (“Late Show with David Letterman”, CMT, etc) will host AND headline the event which also features Dan Whitehurst, Dawna Kinne, TC Cope, Chad Riden, Brian Bates and Rick Wey.

Keith Alberstadt grew up the son of a Vanderbilt professor and a craft artist. The result . . . a very clever comic with sharp perception, unmatched creativity, and a treasure trove of unique material. His likable personality and down-to-earth charm invite people into his brand of humor—one that is smart but not brainy and relatable but not hacky.

While performing, Keith takes pride in laughing at himself and his “inner dork”, which he attempts to prove is something in all of us. Current events, popular trends, personal details… Keith shares his witty insight on everything, all the while doing it with a mischievous smile that quickly becomes infectious.

A regular performer for the U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Keith has been described as “absolutely hilarious” by Armed Forces Entertainment and “a hidden gem” by the Boston Globe. He’s also a contributing writer for Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, National Lampoon and various online magazines.

Here’s a video of Keith’s Letterman appearance:

“Comics Come Home”
Wed. Nov. 23, 2011, 7:30pm
(facebook event)

Zanies Comedy Showplace
2025 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204

Tickets are available online or by calling 615-269-0221.

GMX, the Geek Media Expo, is Nashville, TN’s Next Generation Multi-Fandom Convention, featuring celebrities, multi-genre programming (comics, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, costuming…21 areas of content!), destination events, contests, workshops, fan panels, vendors and more! GMX takes place October 21st-23rd at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel near downtown Nashville.

New for 2011, gut busting hasn’t been this much fun since ALIEN. Witness the daring comedic feats of the ginormous giants of geek-friendly comedy! We pointed the Batty Signal to the sky, and the call was answered by the area’s top talent. The GMX Geek Comedy Showcase is beaming down this October!

The GMX Girls will host the event (and be hit on by all the comics)

The Geek Comedy Showcase will take place from 7-8:30 PM in the Crown Ballroom immediately following Opening Ceremonies. The GMX Girls (Gia, Mia & Xia) will be hosting the event, which features some of the region’s most talented comedians performing material with a decidedly geek persuasion.

Come laugh at the comedic nerdery of Heidi Ervin & Erin Roberts Grammatico, Ray Price, Gary Fletcher, Chad Riden and James Austin Johnson.

Geek Comedy Showcase @ GMX
Friday, Oct. 21st @ 7pm

Millennium Maxwell House Nashville
2025 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Nashville, TN
USA 37228-1505

For More Information:
GeekMediaExpo.com
(Facebook event)

Billy Wayne Davis is the thinking man’s hillbilly. With a combination of subtle, disarming intelligence and an unmistakable comfort on stage, he has the rare ability to win over every kind of comedy audience imaginable. After making a name for himself in his homeland of Nashville, TN, he has gone on to perform in virtually every corner of the United States, from the deep south to the “alternative comedy” hotbed of Seatte, WA, which he now calls home. Billy Wayne’s comedy really has no discernable category. He can be personal, shocking, political and absurd, but his ability to form an instant connection with audiences allows him to get away with anything and everything. For Billy Wayne Davis, no subject matter is off limits because there is nothing he can’t make funny with his trademark drawl and easy charm. He has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy, including Colin Quinn, Lisa Lampanelli, Louis CK and Mitch Hedberg and has toured as the feature act for national headliner Ralphie May. He has performed festivals, comedy clubs and theaters as diverse as Seattle’s Bumbershoot, The Ryman in Nashville, Comedy Works in Denver and the LA Improv.

Also featuring Dan Whitehurst. Hosted by Gary Fletcher.

$10 at the door or in advance online
7pm Thursday, October 6th, 2011

The Basement
1604 8th Ave South
Nashville, TN
615.254.8006

(facebook event)

Advance tickets are on sale NOW at BrownPaperTickets.com

NEW YORK, NY – The New York Television Festival was held September 19-24, 2011. Nashville animator Mike Salva left the festival with three development deals for his comedic animation work, more than any other artist received at the festival this year.

The New York Television Festival provides unprecedented access for emerging television artists looking to showcase new and innovative ideas for television programming.

Bing “Decisions” Project

NYTVF teamed up with Microsoft’s Bing search engine and Ben Silverman’s Electus studio to develop a new show created by a member of the NYTVF community. Mike Salva’s cartoon “Death Row Diet” won this competition, receiving a $25,000 development deal.

“Death Row Diet” stars Jonathan Katz (best known for Comedy Central’s “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist”) and Tom Leopold (who wrote episodes for “Seinfeld”, “Cheers”, “Will & Grace”, others) about a man who is on death row and Weight Watchers.

MTV’s “Voice and Vision” Awards

MTV offered two development deals at the television festival for comedic animation submissions. The awards, each valued at $5,000, were to be presented to an outstanding comedic writer (“Voice”) and animator (“Vision”). Although the awards could have been given to separate entrants, NYTVF gave both awards to Mike Salva for his “Pound Dogs” cartoon.

“Pound Dogs” was a 100% Nashville-based production, with Nashville standup comedians Ryan Williams and Sean Parrott in the lead roles. Williams and Parrott play comedic cartoon dogs that live in an animal shelter. The cast also includes Andy Merrill (Brak from Adult Swim’s “Space Ghost Coast to Coast”; “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”), Samantha Newark (best known as Jem & Jerrica on the 80s animated series “Jem”) and Nashville filmmaker/singer/producer Steve Taylor.

More information about the New York Television Festival can be found at www.nytvf.com. More information about Salva’s animation work can be found at www.projectmeatball.com. Find Ryan Williams online at MyBlisteringHell.com and Sean Parrott can be reached on Facebook.