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Back to the March 2008 Newsletter
Sources
Improv Everywhere official site
Charlie Todd's Profile
Street Fighters
The Ten Funniest New Yorkers You've Never Heard Of
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 Charlie Todd has a vision: riding the subway without pants. Or at least that's part of his vision. Todd is the ringleader of a group called Improv Everywhere, a New York City comedic ensemble he created in 2001. Improv Everywhere, by its own admission, attempts to "cause scenes of chaos and joy in public places," a mantra that has elevated the group from neighborhood pranksters to near-viral celebrity mischief-makers. Todd often brings together hordes of agents to set the stage for ridiculous acts-some of which actually include riding the subway without pants (an annual event, in 2008 included over 2,000 participants in 10 cities globally, about 900 participants in New York City alone). Another plot included the direction of 200 agents to simultaneously freeze for an allotted time in New York City's Grand Central Station.
Topping the list of "The Ten Funniest New Yorkers You've Never Heard Of," Todd stumbled his way on to the improv scene. His first stunt was an accident, when he was spotted in a bar and mistaken for rocker, Ben Folds. Todd played up the case of mistaken identity, taking advantage of a full night of free drinks. Later, the real Ben Folds caught wind of the stunt and enlisted Todd and company to prank a Ben Folds audience, posing and playing Folds songs before the real Ben Folds came out and caused a scripted scene.
Through its official internet site and active participation in social medias like YouTube and Facebook, Improv Everywhere is able to create a worldwide presence. Currently, Improv Everywhere has posted over 62 videos to YouTube, the most popular stunt entitled "Frozen Grand Central" garnering over 8.2 million views. News programs like Good Morning America, Today, and ABC's Nightline have caught wind of the buzz created by Todd and featured stories about the actor and creative entrepreneur. You can learn more at www.improveverywhere.com.
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