Banned in Boston

So, I am deep into a fun writing project right now: creating SNL-type comedy scripts for the annual charity event Banned in Boston.  It's a real challenge, as the performers are mostly non-actors, performing with no rehearsal and with scripts in hand.  So it must be funny, light, satrical, quick and VERY actor friendly.  And, of course, focused on Boston themes.  It's all for a very worthy, wonderful cause. 

All the info is below, so please spread the word, and I hope you can make it!

Here's the press release:

Banned in Boston is the only annual fundraiser for Urban Improv (www.urbanimprov.org). Our mission is to promote positive youth development as a catalyst for violence prevention and social change. Urban Improv strategically uses improvisational theater to provide young people with a realistic and compelling forum to engage in self-exploration, practice self-expression and critical decision-making. The methodology taps participants’ creativity to address issues such as violence, bullying and cyber bullying, homophobia, ostracism, racism, and peer pressure.

Over the past 20 years, Urban Improv has built a reputation as one of the most innovative and effective violence prevention programs in New England. Grounded in best practice research, Urban Improv helps urban youth develop skills of positive problem solving, conflict resolution, cooperation, and leadership. We call it “A Rehearsal for Life.”

Banned in Boston is a lively evening of satire and fun. We write the show (are we nuts?) in the Saturday Night Live type format. Some of our “cast members” over the past 20 years: Senators Kerry, Brown, and Simpson; Governor and Mrs. Patrick; Harvard Presidents Faust, Bok and Summers; MIT President Susan Hockfield, actress Anna Deavere Smith, Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton, the “Car Talk” guys, and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.) Many of these folks were in the show last year, and will be back with us in April, including Governor and Mrs. Patrick. This year’s revue is being written by award winning playwright and actor John Kuntz. We hear he has a birthday surprise or two in store!

The evening is a hoot and so vitally important to supporting Urban Improv and the critically important work we do with the children of inner city Boston.