The New Movement

Block Party: 2009-2016

Chris — Wed, 25 May 2016 16:46:57 +0000

From nearly the very beginning of The New Movement’s existence Block Party has been a staple. Every Thursday at 9:30p the open mic with an open mind proudly housed comedy in many forms. There was improv, sketch, short films, and stand-up, of course. But there was also food eating competitions, arm wrestling, magic, yoga demonstrations, and staring contests. People signed up for Block Party just to break up with their partner on stage via telephone. Others went on dates on stage. One time James Patrick Robinson, one of the show’s original hosts, screamed a stand-up set while locked in the bathroom.

When The New Movement opened in New Orleans in 2012, Block Party was one of the first programs to crossover. The neighborhood on Burgundy avenue saw the posters, thought we were throwing an actual Block Party, and sent us angry letters. We explained that Block Party was just the name of the show and not an actual party, but they still complained because the show was at midnight, the show was very loud, and someone ended their set by running out of the theater screaming.

Block Party will re-brand as a monthly midnight engagement in New Orleans while in Austin it’ll be retired permanently. Thoughts and feelings from the people involved, before closing night Thursday May 26th at 9:30p.

Former Austin host Rob Gagnon: “I had been in Austin for almost a year, struggling at other local open mics, when I first found Block Party. My world expanded. All the weird bits I was trying at traditional open mics finally had a fair shot. The room was wide, the bathroom door was in view of anyone watching the show, strangers could wonder in off the streets at any moment… and they did. It was exciting. Block Party inspired me to stay experimental, to be open to new ideas. I took big chances at Block Party and I’d like to think, since they shaped my approach to comedy, they’re still paying off.”

New Orleans co-host Emily Chervony: “Block Party was and is the best. It was a weekly venue, at first, for me to try out some character monologues. Then it was a weekly hosting gig. About a year ago I basically got married at Block Party. I’ve learned so much by participating in this beautiful creative dumping ground, and getting to watch some amazing people do hilarious and also very weird things. I got to reunite and do a set with my college improv troupe. David balanced countless stools on his head. I watched Anthony get his head shaved. Twice. I’ve gotten to see many people perform their first stand up sets, and see dozens of experienced stand ups refine their jokes on our stage. I’ll miss getting to do it every week, but am pumped to see what people will bring to the table when they’ve got a whole month to get ready.”

Austin co-host, Terance McDavid:
“I started hosting Block Party only a few months after I’d started doing stand-up, which was very daunting and weird. That was probably spring of 2013 – I’ve been hosting it nonstop in Austin since then. I definitely credit Block Party with teaching me how to host and to be more comfortable on stage in general. I still don’t consider myself an amazing host by any means – some people are naturally better at it and that ain’t me – but it’s not for lack of experience, and Block Party helped me get out there and learn and practice until it was perfectly normal to step onto any stage, do a set, and introduce a bunch of comedians.”

Austin co-host, Yusef Roach:
“I was asked to co-host Block Party a little over two years ago with Terance McDavid, and since then it’s been such a treat. Not only has it given me the weekly platform to practice hosting a stand-up show, but it’s also allowed me the opportunity to meet so many comics in Austin, new and old alike. I’m really going to miss this mic, and am so honored to have been able to be a part of it.”

New Orleans co-host, Nick Napolitano:
“Block Party has meant so much to my TNM career in so many ways. It was one of the first shows I attended when I started at the conservatory, and after that first show I knew that I had to be involved with it in some way. When Chris Trew gave me the chance to be the host of the show and bring it back to the TNM NOLA schedule, I was ecstatic. One of my favorite memories of the show had to be Emily’s bachelorette party episode. We had an amazing signup from the community, plus Emily’s college improv troupe did a set together for the first time in years. That’s what Block Party was about, a celebration of why we all do this. BP was the ultimate reminder and pleasure of why I do comedy. Sometimes we all have the craziest ideas, and it was great to have a place to see what sticks to the wall. It will forever be engrained in my comedian brain, and it has made me the host/producer that I am today. I’ll always be proud to call myself a Block Party host. Goodbye (for now), BP!”

Announcing: New hires at TNM Nola!

Chris — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:42:21 +0000

The New Movement recently hired a handful of local badasses to manage several positions at the theater. We’re proud to have them on the team. To the introductions!

Stacey Sharer – Assistant General Manager

Stacey is on the very edge of being a TNM graduate. It’s so close she can taste it. To help take her mind off of how excited she is to officially be a TNM alum, she keeps busy as a house manager on Wednesdays, Hell Yes Fest hospitality coordinator, Intern Coordinator, and Brock LaBorde’s personal assistant. She can also be found lurking outside of many of New Orleans open mic nights, waiting in case any comedians sprain an ankle getting on stage so she can swoop in and steal some stage time.

Stacey on her new position: “TNM has become my second home, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute more to making the magic happen behind the scenes. The best part is, as Intern Coordinator, I have a great reason to get to know all of our amazing and talented students.“

Scott Anderson - Tech Director

Graduated from TNM NOLA in November of 2014. Started as a courtesy intern in level 2, working his way up to tech on Thursday’s and eventually Friday. He helped tech Hell Yes Fest 2014 and has studied the recording industry at MTSU. Scott is currently in troupes Arbor Day, Manifesto and LochNessFoot.

Scott on his new position: “I’m very excited for this opportunity, especially with the direction and ever growing community here at TNM. This place has no ceiling and I am fortunate to be involved.”

David James Hamilton – Assistant Conservatory Director

David James Hamilton is a New Orleans born and bred improviser and actor. He is an alumnus of The New Movement, where he teaches Level 1 and Level 2 improv. He is also the organizer of The New Movement’s Business Workshop program, and the co-organizer of Training Camp, The New Movement’s improv intensive.

David on his new position: “This theater has given me so much; I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the day-to-day operations as the Conservatory Assistant to continue to share the joy of TNM improv with as many people as possible.”

The Programming Team
While TNM co-founder Chris Trew is remaining in the position of Creative Director, there is now a team of programmers in place that are booking the vast majority of the schedule. Let’s meet ‘em!

Kaitlin Marone started improvising in 2010 and joined up with The New Movement in 2012. She performs regularly with the improv troupe Dean’s List and teaches Level 4 in the TNM Conservatory. She also hosts the weekly stand-up showcase Go Ahead and can be seen performing stand-up comedy all around southern Louisiana.

Kaitlin on debuting new groups in her Thursday show Lights Up: “I love whenever I get to have a troupe debut on Lights Up! because it’s just great getting to watch new talent come into the theater and just get better and better.”

Nick Napolitano started his comedy career at The New Movement in March of 2012. He graduated from TNM’s conservatory in June of 2013 and has been extremely active as a member of the improv troupes Assembly, Science and, most recently, Tiny Bruises. Also, as a sketch writer and performer, worked with the sketch troupe Table to put up the show ‘Neighborhood Watch’ at 2014’s New Orleans Fringe Fest. Currently, he serves as the host of TNM’s anything goes open mic ‘Block Party,’ as a guest player in The Megaphone Show, and does many things around TNM. Maybe stop and give him a high five sometime, he likes those.

Nick on joining the programming team: “As a new member of the programming team, I am most excited about working with up and coming producers to generate fresh content and shows at TNM. It’s crucial that TNM keeps generating the freshest content while being a space where producers of any experience level can hone their craft and strengthen their production chops.“

Quinn McCourt is an improviser living in New Orleans, LA. His comedy career is brief but has been told he “did a good job up there” on multiple occasions. Winner of Miss Megaphone 2014. You can see him in the troupe Female Punk Band at The New Movement in New Orleans.

Quinn on joining the programming team: “I’m excited to be on the programming team because it gives me an excuse to watch even more shows at the theater.”

Aw, come on Quinn.

Moontower @ The New Movement

Derek Dupuy — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 01:22:07 +0000

The New Movement‘s got sketch and improv comedy locked down during Moontower. We’ll feature some of the best groups from TNM Austin as well as the rest of the country, and every show is different and unique and special, ok? Check out the lineup below and grab tickets now!