PITIZEN SHOWCASE: CENTRALIA!

Kevin Scott began performing and creating comedy while at the legendary Harry S. Truman High School in Levittown PA (profiled in Drama High and the inspiration for NBC’s Rise). He received his comedy training in Chicago in the 1990s from the Second City. He then performed with Bang Bang (which also featured Tracy Letts, Kate Walsh and Michael Shannon). In New York he has performed with Burn Manhattan and Centralia two ensembles he co-founded to explore the boundary’s of theatrical improv and comedy. Centralia has recently marked its 17th year of performing. He’s also been a regular performer and teacher for The Peoples Improv Theater since it was founded. He’s taught continuously since the ’90’s for the Second City, Gotham City Improv, The People’s Improv Theater and for various other groups and organizations. His students have gone on to work in TV and movies (Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, The Office and more) Kevin is also a filmmaker and director. His credits include Video Director and consultant for Marc Maron’s Jerusalem Syndrome. He has developed and directed comedy TV pilots for Viacom and Fremantle Media. He co-created and/or directed several Web series including: Succesorize w/Matt Oberg, TMI featuring Ellie Kemper, Law & Order: Interns featuring Grace Helbig and has had his work shown on the Sundance Channel and Comedy Central.

‘Kevin Scott is funny, attentive and smart. Having him teaching and performing at our festival was a great enrichment. He is an open, warm and inspiring person. A true delight to work with.”

–Luisa Winkler, Würzburger Improtheaterfestival

“We took the Comic Devices-workshop and couldn’t be happier. Kevin gave us some great practical tools which directly improved our scenes.”

–Andries Tunru, Artistic director Flunknarf The Netherlands

“Kevin Scott is a very attentive and methodical teacher. He knows what he wants to give to you and does his best to deliver. If you really want to dive into a certain topic – I’d recommend taking his workshop. I’m glad I did!”

–Rahel Otsa, Director TiLT Improv Festival Tallin Estonia

“My team came to Kevin Scott when we were a few years into my improv career and needed to be recharged, reinvigorated and re-inspired. Kevin’s instruction did just that. He grounded my team and I with exercises we knew but then added a library of tools that guided our playing style for years and continues to inspire me today. Kevin reminded us to not just play but taught us that we can also be actors and artists while doing it.”

–Will Luera, Director of Improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre, Big Bang Improv, Artistic Director Emeritus of ImprovBoston

“Kevin Scott has a brilliant comedic mind, honed from years of practice, performance, and pedagogy. Whether performing with Centralia or teaching Comic Devices, Kevin’s improvisation has amazed me for nearly a decade.”

–Noah Levin, Founder Barcelona Improv Group

”Kevin Scott is a brilliant encouraging teacher with great knowledge about improv comedy. He makes the students feel safe and comfortable to explore and learn. I highly recommend Kevin to anyone who hasn’t had the privilege to work with him yet.”

–Victoria Bang, boss GBimpro Sweden

“Kevin is a perceptive and caring teacher with a rare depth of knowledge. There is no bullshit, no ego, just practical, useful material, smartly presented”

–Jules Munns, The Nursery London UK

Matt Higgins is an original member of Centralia, The Idiot Kings, and Burn Manhattan. His improvisation bears the indelible influence of director Shira Piven, and teachers Ralph Buckley, Paul Lazar, Josh Broder, and Paul Sills. Matt is an Andy Kaufman Award Finalist and his stand-up comedy has appeared on Comedy Central.  T.V. Credits include: The Jim Gaffigan Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Law and Order. Films include: Shadowboxer a Lee Daniels film. Under the tutelage of Seth Barrish, Matt developed his solo comedy JAM MAN STABLES. Recently, Matt and director Ed Malone are developed his newest solo venture, MATT HIGGINS IS GARY FLATLEY, which will played at The PIT April 28th and 29th. Matt’s taught improvisation for Second City (NYC), and led improv workshops at Yale School of Drama, Hampshire College, CUNY, and Temple University. He’s a founding member of UP Theater Company, and his credits with UP include: BROAD CHANNEL by James Bosley, K COMMA JOSEPH, by Kirby Fields, and ALL THE BEST INGREDIENTS, by James Bosley.

Listen below to hear more about Matt’s teaching style and improv philosophy, and to learn more about The PIT in his discussion with PIT Founder Ali Farahnakian.

Patrick McCartney is an actor and Improviser. He got his start in Chicago in the late 1990’s where he studied with Del Close and Mick Napier. He spent two years in Chicago’s Second City Touring Company Blue Co where he toured the country with Ali Farahnakian, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. His love of the theater kept him working steadily in plays outside of the world of improv. He was a member of Chicago’s Center Theater Ensemble and did plays at Stage Left, Steppenwolf and The Bailiwick. He moved to LA briefly where he studied with Ivana Chubbuck. In NYC he became a regular at ASSSSCAT and a teacher at the first UCB space. He was a member of Shira Piven’s Water Ensemble where he starred in Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Pilgrims” at the Tribeca Playhouse. He was an original member of the improv groups “Centralia” and “Beer. Shark. Mice.” He’s done television and film including Elf, “Conan O’Brien”, “Wake Up, Ron Burgundy” and “Law and Order”. Patrick is a member of Centralia who perform and one half of the improv duo Bareilles and McCartney who perform regularly at The PIT Loft. He teaches all levels of improv and an acting class for The PIT.

Stay updated on all things Patrick at www.patmccartney.com

Patrick is also available for private 1:1 coaching! Please email classes@thepit-nyc.com or comedmac@gmail.com for more info!