{"id":2961,"date":"2024-12-04T12:06:19","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T18:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/?p=2961"},"modified":"2024-12-04T12:06:21","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T18:06:21","slug":"dirty-laundry-calgary-theater-and-comedy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2961-dirty-laundry-calgary-theater-and-comedy","title":{"rendered":"Dirty Laundry Calgary: Theater and Comedy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Have you ever heard of a completely improvised live soap opera in Calgary? Dirty Laundry Calgary can be described as a theatrical phenomenon. Every performance is a new story, crafted live on stage by talented actors. Audiences in Calgary can witness characters, intrigues, and unexpected plot twists unfold before their eyes. Each show brings a new theatrical narrative, making it a captivating experience. Discover more about this unique theater company with <a href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/\">calgary-trend<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2f17b67a6eb\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a2f17b67a6eb\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2961-dirty-laundry-calgary-theater-and-comedy\/#The_History_of_Dirty_Laundry_Calgary\" >The History of Dirty Laundry Calgary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2961-dirty-laundry-calgary-theater-and-comedy\/#Memorable_Seasons\" >Memorable Seasons<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2961-dirty-laundry-calgary-theater-and-comedy\/#The_First_Generation\" >The First Generation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2961-dirty-laundry-calgary-theater-and-comedy\/#The_Next_Generation\" >The Next Generation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2961-dirty-laundry-calgary-theater-and-comedy\/#What_Makes_Dirty_Laundry_Calgary_Unique\" >What Makes Dirty Laundry Calgary Unique?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_History_of_Dirty_Laundry_Calgary\"><\/span>The History of Dirty Laundry Calgary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1999, Eleanor Holt and Karen Johnson-Diamond founded Dirty Laundry Calgary. They were inspired by Edmonton\u2019s long-running improvised soap opera <em>Die-Nasty<\/em>, which began in 1991. This comedic, improvised format featured an ongoing storyline, recurring characters, live music, and a director who set the scenes. The soap opera format allows for expansive narratives filled with numerous characters, intrigues, and plotlines, immersing audiences in a world of drama and emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1944\" height=\"1296\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-18.jpg 1944w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-18-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-18-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/1-18-1068x712.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1944px) 100vw, 1944px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Dirty Laundry Calgary debuted at the 10-Minute Play Festival as part of the High Performance Rodeo. The company has also participated in corporate shows and workshops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their first venue was The Studio Cafe (now Tokyo Street Market) on Centre Street. For over 10 years, Dirty Laundry Calgary performed regularly at Lunchbox Theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Memorable_Seasons\"><\/span>Memorable Seasons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For years, Eleanor and Karen served as show producers. Later, Nicole Zylstra joined as co-producer at the beginning of the season, followed by Aaron Coates in the ninth season. Together, they co-produced the shows until 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Carly McKee, co-producer of Dirty Laundry Calgary, the 17th season, titled <em>Monday Night Lights<\/em>, marked her first production. Meanwhile, this was Aaron Coates\u2019s final season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 18th season, <em>Sunset Studios<\/em>, Carly McKee became the artistic director, with Josh Bertwistle as artistic producer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the 20th season, Karen Johnson-Diamond returned as artistic director, supported by co-producers Lara Schmitz and Chris Enright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-15.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-15-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-15-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-15-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-15-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2-15-1068x712.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_First_Generation\"><\/span>The First Generation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dirty Laundry Calgary offers weekly episodes of a season-long storyline. Imagine a two-hour improvised comedy show where you can fall in love with diverse characters and follow their evolving plot arcs. Each week, the storyline continues, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Performances are held every Monday evening, with a short intermission. Audiences never know what to expect since the actors create everything on the spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1944\" height=\"1296\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-16.jpg 1944w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-16-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-16-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.calgary-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/3-16-1068x712.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1944px) 100vw, 1944px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Next_Generation\"><\/span>The Next Generation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2014, Dirty Laundry Calgary launched Dirty Laundry: The Next Generation (TNG), a mentorship program for young performers aged 15 to 18 interested in improvisation and theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These performers appeared in their own Sunday evening series. Soon, First Generation actors joined their shows. The program&#8217;s success and reach were immense, with nearly every show selling out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2017, the program expanded its auditions to include performers aged 13 to 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next Generation actors hone their skills in a creative theatrical environment. Their shows take place on Sunday evenings, maintaining the tradition of on-the-spot improvisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The company regularly updates its website and social media channels with audition opportunities, making it a great avenue for aspiring performers to join Dirty Laundry Calgary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Makes_Dirty_Laundry_Calgary_Unique\"><\/span>What Makes Dirty Laundry Calgary Unique?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First-time attendees of Dirty Laundry Calgary performances will undoubtedly be amazed. Each episode is a fresh story with an unpredictable ending. Several key features set this theater company apart:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Live and Dynamic Performances: Actors improvise in real-time, responding quickly to audience cues. This creates a unique atmosphere for every show.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Episodic Storytelling: Each performance feels like part of a live-action series. Audiences never know what\u2019s coming in the next episode, as plots, characters, and intrigues continuously evolve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interactive Experience: Audience reactions, laughter, and applause directly influence the storyline, making it impossible to remain a passive observer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Attending performances by both the First and Next Generation not only supports local talent but also contributes to the growth of improvisational theater in Calgary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever heard of a completely improvised live soap opera in Calgary? Dirty Laundry Calgary can be described as a theatrical phenomenon. Every performance is a new story, crafted live on stage by talented actors. Audiences in Calgary can witness characters, intrigues, and unexpected plot twists unfold before their eyes. Each show brings a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":411,"featured_media":2993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[1671,1676,1672,1675,1674,1680,1670,1677,1678,1669,1679,1682,1681,1673],"moimportance":[32,35],"motype":[160],"moformat":[20],"class_list":{"0":"post-2961","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-teatrs","8":"tag-calgary-comedy-shows","9":"tag-calgary-improv-actors","10":"tag-calgary-improv-theater","11":"tag-calgary-live-theater","12":"tag-calgary-performing-arts","13":"tag-calgary-theater-company","14":"tag-dirty-laundry-calgary","15":"tag-dirty-laundry-tng","16":"tag-eleanor-holt","17":"tag-improvised-soap-opera","18":"tag-karen-johnson-diamond","19":"tag-live-improvisation","20":"tag-monday-night-improv","21":"tag-next-generation-theater","22":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","23":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","24":"motype-eternal","25":"moformat-vlasna"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/411"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2961"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2961\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2996,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2961\/revisions\/2996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2961"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2961"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2961"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calgary-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}