SAK Comedy Lab

SAK Comedy Lab (SAK) is a 200-seat Improvisational Comedy (Improv) theater in downtown Orlando, Florida, listed as "one of Orlando's most popular entertainment venues" by [http://www.10best.com/Orlando/Nightlife/Live_Entertainment/index.html?businessID=47949 10Best.com] and as a family-friendly show by [http://orlando.about.com/od/comedy/qt/sakcomdey.htm about.com] . SAK was the first theater of actor Wayne Brady, who has played in several shows since as a guest performer. [ [http://www.sak.com/news.php More News ] ] SAK's regular performers are referred to as the SAK ensemble.

SAK runs an improv training school, SAK University (SAK U), which features four levels of classes. Graduates of SAK U may someday join the ensemble.

Shows

SAK's main show is the "Duel of Fools" [ [http://www.sidestep.com/travel-entertainment-n24534-sak_comedy_lab_orlando_fl. Cheap Flights, Cheap Hotels, Cheap Airfare, Airline Tickets, Travel Deals - SideStep ] ] This show features two teams of three improvisers, one host/ referee, and a piano player to add music. SAK will often feature a different ten p.m. show that offers a different format other than the standard "Duel of Fools".

While "Duel of Fools" runs continuously, the club also rotates other temporary shows through its repetourie. These have included the 2007 "Rub a Dub Dub", a show in which players dub their own lines over health films and silent movies. "The Lost Comedies of William Shakespeare", directed by David Charles in 2006, was a parody of Shakespeare's work, in which the performers synthesized a 5 act play from audience suggestions. [ [http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-spottheater0806dec08,0,347520.story?coll=orl-calutil Topic Galleries - OrlandoSentinel.com ] ] The show received positive reviews [ [http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/orlandosentinel/access/1148680671.html?dids=1148680671:1148680671&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Oct+20%2C+2006&author=Elizabeth+Maupin%2C+Sentinel+Theater+Critic&pub=Orlando+Sentinel&edition=&startpage=54&desc=No+holds+barred%3A+Willing+wits+of+Shakespeare Orlando Sentinel review] ] from the Orlando Sentinel. The players created a Broadway-style musical in "Fourplay: The Improvised Musical", which ran during the summer of 2006. Also in 2006, were "You Bet Your Asterisk", an improv game show, and "SAK Request Live".

Seasonal shows at SAK include variations on "Duel of Fools", such as "Love for Fools" (Valentines Day), "Yule of Fools" (Christmas), "Midnight Halloween Torture Show", and "Mardi Gras SAK Style".

Other continuous programs include "Lab Rats", a show for the graduates of SAK's improv training school, and "Generation S" (Gen S), a showcase of the best of "Lab Rats" and special invitees who are being trained to join the ensemble.

High School League

In the 2005-2006 school year, SAK Comedy Lab began a high school Improv League for schools in the Orlando area. Members of the league train with a player from the SAK enemble during the Fall and compete in a Spring tournament. In the first year, four teams competed: Pine Castle Christian Academy, Hungerford Preparatory School, Bishop Moore High School, and Winter Springs High School. In the 2006-2007 year, Pine Castle and Bishop Moore returned, with new members Boone High School, Florida International Community School, and Winter Park High School.

"High School League Champions:"

Location

SAK shares the Amway Arena's Centroplex parking garage on 380 W Amelia Ave, [ [http://orlando.about.com/od/comedy/qt/sakcomdey.htm SAK Comedy Lab ] ] which may lead to parking diffulties during Orlando Magic games. [ [http://www.nba.com/magic/fans/200607_Parking_Options_for_Ma-190227-801.html MAGIC: 2006-07 Parking Options for Magic Games ] ]

Further Careers of SAK Performers

Many of SAK's former ensemble members moved on to careers in acting, film, and other performance roles. These include: [ [http://www.sak.com/wherenow.php The Extended SAK Family - Where Are They Now? ] ]

*Dee Bradley Baker
*Wayne Brady
*Karey Kirkpatrick
*Jonathan Mangum
*Joel McCrary
*Paula Pell
*Moira Quirk
*Michael Rayner
*Justine Reiss
*David Russell
*Clare Sera
*Will Sera
*Aaron Shure
*Danno Sullivan
*Paul Vogt
*Peter Vogt
*David Watts
*Matt Young
*Keith Dickerson

External links

* [http://www.sak.com sak.com]

References