Now Miami’s longest-running improvisational theatre troupe, The Laughing Gas Comedy Improv Theatre Company was founded in November, 1992 by former members of Mental Floss, Coconut Grove’s once-legendary troupe, which lost its theatre after Hurricane Andrew devastated the Miami area. The actors formed a new company, which became Laughing Gas. After a ten-year run at the New Theatre in Coral Gables, they have made their home for the last four years at The Main Street Playhouse, located at 6766 Main Street, in Miami Lakes. January marked the beginning of their 16th season, and they are now appearing every Friday and Saturday at 11 PM. Admission is $10, no age restriction, no minimums (this is an alcohol-free event). 305-461-1161
Website
laughinggasimprov.com
Influences
Del Close, Keith Johnstone, Sandy Mielke, Second City, Mental Floss, The LA Connection, Upright Citizens Brigade, Improv Olympic
Members
Current cast members include producer/director Gerald Owens, Nicole Areu, Wing Armstrong, Gene Ballard, Marilyn Brito, Anthony Camilo, James Carrey, Valerie Carrey, Kimberly Cox, L. A. Edwards, Mark Ginzo, Denden Girmay, Jessica Gross, Carl Guerra, Linda Jarvis-Guerra, Erika Johnson, Kimberly Jones, Michael Joseph, Heather Kashick, Damian Lang, Aniela McGuinness, Eric Mullins, Keldrick Mobley, A. J. Navarrete, Todd Rice, Rita Ritvin, Benjamin Shahoulian, Fawad Siddiqui, Ethan S. Smith, Andrew Sottilare, and Susanne Kreitman Taylor.
For pictures, resumes and biographies of the cast, visit our bios page.
TV Shows
Here is a short documentary segment on the troupe from WLRN TV:
Films
For film and television resumes of the individual cast members, cast, visit our bios page.
Laughing Gas's Interests
General
Improvisational theatre, both short and long form. We also offer INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS in improvisational acting at Peaches School of Dance, 2018 NE 155 Street, in North Miami Beach. Class meets every Thursday from 8:00 to 10:30 PM, and the cost is $15 per session. Just shoot us an e-mail to register. For travel directions and a list of frequently asked questions, go to: http://members.aol.com/lafimprov/class.html
Television
Whose Line Is It, Anyway? SCTV
Books
Click on any title--the links are active. Impro,
by Keith Johnstone. An innovator in his own right, Johnstone devised an approach to improvisation in the UK, working independently of Spolin and the Chicago school of improvisors. Includes much useful information on status relationships; Guru:
My Days With Del Close, by Jeff Griggs. Del Close may not have been the father of American improvisational theatre, but he was certainly its crazy uncle. He was mentor to many improv greats, including Bill Murray, John Belushi, John Candy, Tim Farley and Mike Myers; Truth
in Comedy, by Charna Halpern and Del Close. This book by the founders of Chicago's "Improv Olympic" (now simply "IO"), offers a foundation for all improvisational technique, as well as the structure and strategies of long-form improvisation; Improvisation
for the Theater, by Viola Spolin. Spolin was the pioneer in the field, and the formats she created at the University of Chicago in the 1930's and 40's provided the groundwork for nearly all improvisational theatre since. Her students founded the "Compass Players," which eventually evolved into "The Second City"; The
Second City Almanac of Improvisation, by Anne Libera. Chicago's improvisation and sketch comedy theatre, "The Second City," is legendary as the launching pad for hundreds of actors, including many who became famous on Saturday Night Live.
About me: The Laughing Gas Comedy Improv Theatre Company is the longest-running professional improvisational theatre troupe in South Florida. We present a 90-minute, interactive show combining music, sketches, and improvised comedy based on your suggestions from the audience. And we've been doing it since 1992! Laughing Gas is a leader in satirical and politically relevant comedy, often taking on social issues and pop culture. Here is a selection of show clips, improvised in front of live audiences. First, we have an ensemble piece, "The Six Degrees," with Gerald Owens, Fawad Siddiqui,Todd Rice, Anthony Camilo, Andy Sottilare, and featuring Kimberly Ann Jones as Courtney Love.
Next is Valerie Carrey and Andy Sottilare as a dysfunctional couple in "Pick a Line."
Benny Shahoulian and Keldrick Mobley as two unlikely rafters in "Emotions."
Here are Andy Sottilare, Gerald Owens, Todd Rice, Benny Shahoulian, Anthony Camilo and AJ Navarrete in "The Six Degrees."
Fawad Siddiqui and Keldrick Mobley as Muslim astronauts during Eid ul-Fitr in "Pick a Line."
"Mating Game," featuring Gerald Owens, Keldrick Mobley, Andy Sottilare, AJ Navarrete. An unsuspecting audience member participates in an improvised dating show.
Andy Sottilare and Gerald Owens provide dubbed voices for Wing Armstrong and AJ Navarrete in "Foreign Film."
Gerald Owens, Michael Joseph, Keldrick Mobley and Benny Shahoulian in "Double Jeopardy."
Here we have Andy Sottilare and AJ Navarrete as a scoutmaster and boy scout in the untamed Florida Everglades in "Pick a Line."
Hi there!! hope all's good wit ya!!Thanx so much for the request!!! Your support is much appreciated, please check out my music and let me know what you think :-) peace, hilary mills
Skot Olsen's Frankenstein Opening Night Artist Reception!
Opening Night Artist Reception: Saturday, August 2 from 7-10pm
Join us for an evening of wine and cheese, meet the artist and have a copy of the graphic novel signed!
As a special bonus, DJ *elyse* will present a live version of a set specifically composed to compliment the work of artist Skot Olsen during the opening reception.
Don’t miss this rare chance to pick up an affordable piece of original artwork from Skot Olsen
