This Week in the Mercury

Geek Out

Film

Geek Out

Devil's Advocate


Workhorse Wines

Food and Drink

Workhorse Wines

For Under $15!



  |  

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Comedy Sketch Comedy in Portland and The Return of SWEAT

Posted by Alison Hallett on Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 12:27 PM

20110616_sweat_2299_1500px.jpeg

We've shed a lot of ink on Portland's standup scene recently, but there hasn't been as much to say about sketch comedy. Because there just hasn't been much sketch comedy. Long running troupe the 3rd Floor hasn't done a show since November's Killing Time, which wasn't even sketch (it was a largely unsuccessful digression into a full-length theatrical production, the likes of which I doubt we'll see from them again anytime soon. They will be putting out another sketch show for the holidays, though). We haven't had a citywide Sketch Fest since 2008. I don't know what the hell happened to Superego; Eastland Academy hasn't performed as such since February, by my count; occasionally other groups pop up but nothing seems to have had much staying power.

I emailed Portland Sketch fest founder/3rd Floor member Ted Douglass for his take on what the heck is up with sketch these days:

There have been many many discussions among a lot of us sketch veterans on the national circuit as to what happened to the sketch scene. The general consensus is that our generation grew up with SNL in its prime, Monty Python, Kids In The Hall, Mr. Show and the like as inspiration, while the current generation was introduced to sketch through MadTV (not a fan), the various failed sketch ventures of the '00s and the mostly horrid wasteland of YouTube. It's not to say that there isn't good, sometimes great, sketch happening out there, but the numbers have massively dwindled. I anxiously await the next sketch renaissance. I think it'll eventually come back around, just as is happening with stand-up right now.

I gotta assume, too, that at least a few of the folks who ten years ago might've been performing sketch are working on web stuff instead. (Relevant: Marc Maron's interview with Aubrey Plaza.) The local improv scene* seems to be buzzing along healthily, however, with two designated venues in the Brody and Curious Comedy... the point is, I don't understand any of this, but I've been a sketch fan since seeing the 3rd Floor in high school (sorry dudes) and so I'm pleased that comedy troupe Sweat is returning with a new show this fall. Erik Henriksen loved their first show last September, calling the actors "five of the funniest people in Portland." Interestingly, the upcoming production is directed by Portland Playhouse's Brian Weaver; the troupe itself consists of 3rd Floor/ROADHOUSE: The Play/ Live Wire veterans Shelley McLendon, Michael Fetters, Jason Rouse, Sean McGrath, and Andrew Harris. For more info, go right over here.

*I am probably over-explaining here, but sketch=scripted. Improv=unscripted.

 

Comments (5) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment
1
Those folks behind Roadhouse should just do more of the same, that was one of the funniest shows I saw all year.
Posted by cat & beard on August 10, 2011 at 12:55 PM · Report
2
What did happen to superego? They were one of the funniest sketch groups I'd ever seen, and then they vanished.
Posted by Bob Dole on August 10, 2011 at 1:04 PM · Report
3
sweat is hilarious
Posted by miguelaron on August 10, 2011 at 2:23 PM · Report
4
Cat- I believe that everyone in SWEAT was also involved in Roadhouse. And they are, indeed, freaking hilarious.
Posted by Miranda on August 10, 2011 at 5:23 PM · Report
5
BUTT SWEAT.


Sorry, it means nothing yet had to be said.
Posted by Commenty Colin on August 10, 2011 at 5:40 PM · Report

Add a comment

Our Friends

Our Enemies

/images/adoftheweek.gif

ad of the day

The Handyman Pro - Your Honey-Do Specialist
Don’t let our name fool you. The Handyman Pro, LLC is a repair and remodel service provider with over 25-years experience. We cover all aspects of construction and repairs for residential and commercial clients.go


post an ad

All contents © Index Newspapers, LLC

115 SW Ash St. Suite 600
Portland, OR 97204

Contact Info | Privacy Policy | Production Guidelines | Terms of Use