New improv comedy show takes By ANDREA ROBINSON Collegian Staff Writer Top-paid scientists might not be able to figure out how a human being could transform herself into a chest of drawers, but Amy Von Freymann figured out the secret. On the new original F/X series, "Instant Comedy with the Groundlings," (Monday through Friday, 10 p.m.) cast member Von Freymann has been asked to pretend she is many things from a chest of drawers to a transvestite. The show, which premiered in Septem ber, is based on the 24-year-old improv comedy troupe, The Groundlings, which is required to act out suggestions it receives from the audience. For example, in an episode of "Instant Comedy," one of the cast members comes out and asks the audience to make up a name for a talk show host, a theme to a song The Groundlings will sing or a dis ease the guest star has to diagnose. For example, when Groundling-alumnae Kathy Griffin was on the show, she had to guess from a series of clues from the oth ers that she had the made-up disease, "drop -to-the-ground-syndrome." "Sometimes the audience will shout out r yoGA 235-5350 Clip Coupon for free session tonight at 6:30 336 S. Fraser St ATHLETIC CONNECTION EARN MONEY GOING TO CLASS! NEED GPA 3.2+ Now Hiring Notetakers for SPRING 1999 Notetakers Needed for: Nittany Notes 238-0623 •:: **NNITE CLUB i .•::::* 0 , ••:•:-:. .: i :::-.••••::::: •:::.::' %::::: • •:•:•:. • .. •:•:•:•: %::•:-...."::: •:•:. .:e.:•7 ::•:•::.. e . .....; 4 P , '' --;••• -......./ - • • V oney Joesn t stretch far enough? ,se Collegian Coupons!! "... the more normal a suggestion, the funnier the situation turns out to be." Amy Von Freymann the most bizarre suggestions because they think it will be funny to see," Von Frey mann said, "but the more normal a sugges tion, the funnier the situation turns out to be." In addition to Von Freymann, a more recent addition to the group, other mem bers of the cast include Mindy Sterling and Mike McDonald, both of whom have appeared on "Ellen" and the movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Brian Palermo, a former staff member of "Wheel of Fortune," is a regular on the show. Before becoming Groundlings, cast members had to pass a series of classes at The Groundlings School of Improvisation. McDonald decided to join the school after seeing the show. "I was blown away by it," McDonald said. "I quit my job that Friday and audi- With over 3000 physicians and specialists to choose from, chances are your doctor is already part of Penn State Geisinger Health Plan. Which means as a University employee in our plan, you'll not only be able to see a doctor you're already comfortable with, but you'll be able to provide your family with a full range of quality Penn State and Penn State Geisinger Health Plan: a perfect team. Questions? Call us at 1-800-631-1656, or email to jcalistri@psghs.edu tioned for the Groundlings school." The classes teach students improvisa tion and writing skills; the group has wel comed many famous actors such as Kevin PaulCo s tn R e r e , ub e Darrylns(better Hannah, known as Pee-Wee Lisa Kudrow and Herman). Some of the graduates, such as Kudrow, have been guest stars on the show. Howev er Von Freymann's favorite guest star was not a member of the troupe. "All the guests were great, but Sandra Bernhard was just amazing when she was on the show," Von Freymann said. In the future, Von Freymann said she is looking forward to working with guest stars such as Debbie Allen and Chad Lowe. cast member But she's not stopping there. In the works for the near future is a short film she wrote based on a sketch about a 17- year-old, played by Soleil Moon Frye, and her 19-year-old best friend, who also hap pens to be her stepmother. She hopes to show the film at film festi vals. But for now, you will have to settle for seeing Von Freymann and the Groundlings as well as a slew of guest stars pre tend they have eating disorders and rap about being lost in Compton. have one thing to say to those who like the affordability managed care, but wish they could see their own doctor. PENNSTATE University Employees And Their Families We only "Sure." care, all at an affordable price. And if by chance your doctor isn't a member, it's still not a problem. You're free to go "out of plan" at any time, thanks to our new point-of-service (POS) option. You'll find all the details in the "Time To Choose" packet. Or you can visit one of the University's open houses or group information sessions. off from 'the ground' The cast members of the new original F/X series, "Instant Comedy with the Groundlings." The show airs Monday through Friday at 10 p.m. The Daily Collegian Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1998 At Penn State Geisinger Health Plan, we believe "managed care" means providing more care, not less. Giving you the widest possible choice of doctors is just one more expression of that. Penn State Geisinger Health Plan choice for the better Photo courtesy of F/X Networks
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