Since their premier in November of 2005, Parallelogramophonograph has been more than just any improv troupe. Fiercely dedicated to the craft and art of improvised theatre, PGraph has held a weekly show non-stop for almost 7 years. Early on in their time together Kaci Beeler, Kareem Badr, Roy Janik, and Valerie Ward knew they wanted to do something different onstage. Intrigued by the challenge of telling fantastic fully-improvised stories together as an ensemble, PGraph spent years developing original formats and studying the art of theatre, improv, and storytelling. They’ve toured the country and the world performing and teaching their unique brand of improv with appearances in over 35 cities in the US, Canada, and the UK.
Parallelogramophonograph doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon, but they still want to celebrate their milestones. For show #50 there was a surprise video from local improvisers wishing them well. For show #100 they revived their first original format, After School Improv. On their 5-year-anniversary they all got tattoos. PGraph figured for Show #500, the best thing they could do would be to debut a totally new and original format – Look Hear!
Inspired by early 20th century filmmakers and stars Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Mary Pickford and classic radio dramas from the 1920s-1950s, Look Hear! is the latest in Parallelogramophonograph’s catalog of improvised theatre concepts. For this production PGraph has turned their attention to entertainment pastimes that operated without sound as well as those without sight.
Look Hear! presents multiple interweaving comedic tales as the four-person ensemble takes the audience back-and-forth from suspenseful radio dramas (complete with live foley and charming commercials!) to a fully improvised silent “film” that will stay true to the spirit of the original flickers. If you know PGraph, you know they love old-timey things, and this show combines two old-timey things in one!
So join us in celebrating one of Austin’s gems on Sunday, September 15th at 7:00pm. There will be drink and food discounts as well as a party after the performance!