Improv Group Auctions Opportunity to Name Them on eBay
Auction starts on July 10th
Name our Improv Group!
Anyone who's ever formed a garage band, started a company, or even owned a pet knows coming up with a name can be a stressful endeavor. But when eight people have to agree on that name it can be a nightmare. That's why a new (as of yet, unnamed) comedy troupe performing improv at New York's Magnet Theater have decided to auction off that decision on eBay.
After disagreeing over possible names such as 'The Handlebars', 'S.P.E.C.T.R.E.', 'Carpe Diem á la Mode', and 'What if Maradona and Pelé had a Baby?, agreeing to let some lucky eBay user come up with a name was an easy decision. "When new improv groups form, something as simple as the group name can be a major point of contention," states group member Alex Farlow. "I'm sure, had eBay been around back then, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, all would've gone this route." Funds from the winning bid will help pay for rehearsal space and a regular improv coach.
The group was formed as part of an ongoing resident ensemble workshop at New York's Magnet Theater. Performers submit to an intensive 8-week audition process where director, Armando Diaz, identifies strong improvisers who work well with each other. Those asked to continue, perform regularly at the theater, located at 254 West 29th St.
Another member of the eight-person group, David Furfero, knows full well they might be setting themselves up for disaster. "I've been in several improv groups over the last five years. Joke names are always tossed around, inappropriate names or ridiculously long names. We might get a horrible name some other improviser always secretly wished he or she could use. I might even put in my own bid for 'Mister Fister's Misfit Sisters'."
The 10 day auction will start July 10th under the heading, "Name our improv group. The only stipulation is the name has to be friendly enough to appear in print. "We want people to come to our shows, not be turned away by a string of cuss words on a postcard." says Beth Cartier. "Maybe someone will name the team after themselves or well get a corporate sponsor. I wouldn't be surprised if the suggestion is amazingly goofy and brilliant. But if it's stupid? We're doing comedy, not 'War and Peace'."
The rest of the team is Jarret Berenstein, Alan Lidogoster, Peter McNerney, and Shawn Wickens. The group name will be revealed before their first show together Saturday, July 22 at 9 PM.
Established in early 2005, Magnet Theater offers classes in improv and sketch comedy from the best teachers in NYC. In addition to its dedication to teaching the craft of comedy theater, Magnet features shows four nights a week, including the Magnet's resident improv ensemble show, Megawatt, every Saturday starting at 9PM.
The auction will end at approximately 3pm EDT on July 20th.
Bid now!
