I’m the first to admit that I’m not a great driver, but parking at Dad’s Garage in Little Five Points is absurd.  Every time I exit the lot, I flip out because I believe I’ve taken the bumper out by driving through a pothole.  Particularly, watch out at the top of that enormous hill full of earth that looks like it’s under construction.

The treacherous driveway is worth the risk, though.  (And for those who treasure their cars too much to destroy them on never-repaired cement, there is a perfectly fine lot in the back of the venue.)  I hit up Dads’ free Friday show last night to check out the newest crop of Improv Class grads, and generally speaking, they were stellar.

Reverence, however, must be paid to “Ricky” (there was no program, or I’d offer a last name), who not only starred in the full two acts of the show, but also served as a swing for both improv teams during the second act.  I’m expecting to see him joining the full cast soon.  Watch out, Tim Stoltenberg (a phenomenal DG alum who moved on to Second City in Chicago, as well as… randomly…a Walgreen’s Valentine’s Day commercial).

To put this whole improv process in perspective:

The typical Friday night Dad’s show is TheatreSports, which features two teams of improvisers who compete in short skits against each other to ultimately win a fake or irrelevant grand prize.  In the words of the improvisers, “Hilarity ensues, hopefully.”

The student graduation shows are “suggested donation” only (which I suggest you offer), guaranteeing a decent and appreciative crowd for the nervous few who brave the unscripted stage.  Fellow professional improvisers sit in the back for support (and to unintentionally intimidate the students).  Okay, you can all collectively “aw” now.

The Ricky kid was not only “on” and hilarious the whole night, he frankly stole the show.  There were a couple of standouts and a couple of forgettable scenes, but all students must be congratulated on reaching the level of confidence and talent to be able to stand in front of a room full of (drunk) strangers and perform.  No script, no plan, no nothing.  Just…perform.

Congrats to the new crop of Dad’s grads, who faced an audience of friends, family, strangers, and the city’s best comedians.  Congrats on a job well done, and I look forward to seeing many of you on the main stage soon.

A toast to Atlanta’s best non-profit theater, and here’s to many good years to come.  Cheers!