Entries from April 2008 ↓

What I Learned Today, Episode 1: Conformity and Personality

Here is a rough first draft of an audio podcast I attempted to start a few months back entitled, “What I Learned Today.” This podcast was intended to be my reading and commenting on selections of books and internet links which demonstrated something new I learned. This first clunky and unedited audio (sorry about all the repetition and gaps) is a collection of items I found in a Psychology textbook (cited in the podcast) that I stumbled across at a thrift store. The articles deal with experiments conducted in social conformity. Are opinions and behaviors dependent on surroundings and peers? Thoughts?

It’s finally here! Do you have the improv chops to be on one of Jeremiah’s Improv Dojo House Teams? If the answer is yes or maybe, then come on down to audition in front of the Jeremiah Improv Dojo House Team Committee which consists of me, my pet one-eyed cat Mr. Mozart, and quite possibly more than a few cockroaches.

Requirements to audition:

• Completion of Improv Level Yes! by May 2006
• $50 in cash
• A love of laughter, making people laugh, and coffee
• Pimples on Back
• 2 Wacky Wigs
• Zazz

For the audition please prepare:

• 1 loaf of your best pumpkin bread
• 3 celebrity impression, 1 of which MUST be recognizable
• 2 edgy characters (DAZZLE ME!)
• 2 classical monologues (no yelling, please)
• 3 pieces of movement inspired by the emotions of fear, joy, and “purple frenzy” (note: your movements will partly be judged on how many cockroaches you stamp your feet on, thank you)
• 45 minutes of Billy Joel and/or John Fogerty Tribute

Please wear sweatpants and regret.

Once chosen to be on a Jeremiah Improv Dojo House Team you will perform 2 times a decade.

Thoughts? I’m going for something that conveys a sense of mystery and coincidence in my eyes, as well my natural humor. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Due to popular demand I have once again decided to offer my famous improv class.

Course: Improv Level Yes!
Prerequesites: Improv Level Zip, Improv Level Zap, Improv Level Zop (or equivalent)
Class Size: Limited to 27
Price: 300 Euros (Paypal accepted, but please add 27% to cover fees and snacks)
Instructor: Jeremiah Murphy, B.A. and 30 years old

Do you like to make people laugh? This seven and a half week class will examine the art of improv through my own perspective. Using games that involve clapping, taking off one’s shoes, slapping the floor with open palms, kindergartenesque hip-hoppery, and finger snaps, we as a class will gain confidence and comedic skill. Please dress in jeans and twice worn undershirts. Be prepared to move around under fluorescent lighting.

After this class you will be able to:

• Improvise a scene
• Form a backline
• Sweep edit
• Cook duck
• Play theatre games with less embarrassment than before
• Drive Class D Vehicles on Interstate 30
• Pay for more classes
• Eat Dairy
• Hang out at The Triple Crown
• Complain about how I talk too much in between exercises
• Expound the virtues of art

The class will culminate in a 16 minute show at my apartment for my cat.

About your instructor: JEREMIAH MURPHY traveled to Chicago once in 1999.

Registration Process:

1. Please prepare an audition monologue that describes something that happened to you or your roommate using irony and sarcasm.
2. Pay the course fee.
3. Join us!
4. Pay for another 7 exciting levels.

I’m only this sad on the internet. In real life I’m full of pep.