Q & A With The Laughing Parrot
By Kristy Mangel in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 18, 2010 7:00PM
This past summer, the Internet begat a new Chicago comedy website, dedicated to highlighting the extensive off-loop live comedy performances in the city. We asked Laughing Parrot Executive Editor Tina Smothers a few questions about this brand-new, slick website and resource guide, and her goings-on in the Chicago comedy scene.
So, Laughing Parrot seemingly came out of nowhere a couple months ago. What's the origin story of the site?
Alan and I were searching for an improv show to go to one night and when we noticed the lack of a robust, extensive Chicago comedy calendar or blog. At the time I was having fun building my photography website, and Alan suggested I start a comedy blog. I jumped on the idea to build another website. When I started building the comedy website, it morphed from a blog format to what it is now: more of a magazine format. Alan and I were the main writers at first, but I've moved more into an editor/webmaster/administrator/promotions role (wow, that's a lot of roles LOL) now that we have a lot more contributors.
Can you describe the site and the various parts that make it up?
Our site is a guide to live comedy in Chicago. We have things that are of interest to both audience members and performers of live comedy. We cover the off-loop theater scene in sketch comedy, improvisation, comedic plays, musical comedy, and stand-up comedy (and various combinations thereof).
The main components of the site are the calendar, "People You Should Know" articles, news, reviews, webisodes/videos, curriculum profiles, and resource list. I definitely want to expand into other areas, but I want to fill up these components with a lot more content before further expanding.
What's its mission; what are you trying to accomplish with it?
We're trying to unite and build the live comedy scene here, even more than it already is. We want to create a community space with information that benefits everyone. Chicago is the sketch and improv capital of the world, and yet many people, aside from comedy students, don't know much about the incredible scene here. There are so many unbelievably talented performers who aren't getting the exposure they deserve, and we seek to change that. I'm hoping that the calendar feature will appeal to a general audience, who may then be intrigued by an article on the site, and thus become more interested in live comedy.
Where does the rest of the Laughing Parrot staff come from?
Several people approached me very excitedly as soon as they found out about the site, wanting to be a part of it. Almost everyone on staff is involved in comedy, whether they're students at Second City or iO, or out there performing, or both. The site is staffed completely by volunteers, so most of the staff not only works full-time, but they also have rehearsals and/or classes, AND they write for the site. Now THAT’S dedication! It seems to be typical of the comedy scene here in general, as almost none of the performers are making any money, but doing it on top of a full time career elsewhere because they are so passionate about it.
What are you currently working on?
I'm a photographer by day. I do headshots, portraits, and modeling composites. One of the initial ideas of the Laughing Parrot was for Alan to be the writer, and I'd be the photographer. It hasn't exactly worked out that way! I am too busy with other duties for the site to take any photos, but I would LOVE to take photos of comedy ensembles at some point!
How long have you been performing comedy in Chicago?
I just graduated from Second City's improv program last week, and have started Level 1 at iO Chicago. I am on an improv team but I'm not going to say which one! I'm too much of a beginner still and don't want an audience bigger than 10 strangers haha. One step at a time...
Anything you’d like to add about the website?
The Laughing Parrot is named after my parrot Cherry, who really does laugh. Talk about a great audience member!
Our calendar is the biggest, best, and most utilized feature of the site. We combine over 30 venues to list all shows in sketch comedy, improv, musical comedy, comedic plays, and stand-up comedy. One of the greatest features of the calendar is the ability to anyone to create a free premium listing (with photos and/or graphics) via a simple online form. Their listing will then be available on our calendar within 12 hours. Right now we have over 1,500 shows listed for the next 3 months alone and over half of these are user-submitted. This week there are about 110 shows to choose from.
Not only does each listing give information about the show, but also has information about the venue.
Also, the calendar is very user friendly. It is easy to filter shows by date, neighborhood, type of comedy (sketch, improv, stand-up, etc), or venue.
I love our calendar :)