The first one of 2010...

So I know I am way behind writing this blog since the first DC Improvisational Open Mic night of 2010 took place on Friday, January 22nd. Sorry but things have been hectic for me here. Let me first say that I was so not expecting a big crowd to come out. In fact, I woke up not feeling that well and I had mentally prepared earlier in the day for an intimate crowd with mostly people I knew so it would be a fairly easy night. Man was I wrong! There was standing room only and the place was packed. It completely took me by surprise and I was not prepared for it. The only plus was that I was able to use an opening video from a year or so ago (the sex tape) since most people there hadn't seen it. I started the night off and again, I was not firing at the top of my game. I made sure to explain to the crowd that this event is free and that is a safe place for people. I had about 30 people interested in performing that night. We had some hits and missed throughout the evening and I felt that the energy in the room was on the lower end. I guess that's to be expected when it's freezing outside and it's a Friday night in DC. Regardless we pulled it through and everyone got stage time. I brought back the Superheros game since it was a huge success the month before as well as some of the regular hits. However, for the first time in 3 years I actually relinquished my job as the host to my friend Phillipe since I was not feeling well about 2/3 through the evening. This was extremely emotional and hard for me to do since DC Improvisational Open Mic Night had been my baby from the start. I never missed a night hosting and I took that kind of hard. But many thanks to Phillipe and the offers from other people who said they would cover me if I ever needed it. My job can be exhausting and sometimes I just don't have it in me. I have come to realize that my health takes precedent and that in the end it's not about me hosting; it's about giving the opportunity to the community of improvisers out there so they have a place to let go and practice their skills. I'm taking February off but will return on Friday, March 5, 2010. Sign-up is 6:30pm - 7:30pm and the show will begin at 8:05 pm.