There’s been an announcement on the IRC and the ComedyWorx boards that IO will be teaching classes at ComedyWorx, beginning in February. Several people have asked me today what I think of the news, and the truth of the matter is that I’m very stoked for this to happen. Anything that furthers the art of longform improvisation in North Carolina is a good thing, and I stand by the DSI motto: Support your local comedy. I’ve got a bunch of great friends at ComedyWorx who weren’t thrilled with the drama of “pick CWx or DSI,” and those that picked ComedyWorx will now have a venue to continue their study of longform. This is great. Depending on the faculty involved with the project, which hasn’t been announced yet, I may head over and take some classes. I love working with experienced improvisers who’ve been in another scene than I have, and if I get to study with my peeps from CWx, that’s even better.

I know some of the people around DSI immediately felt threatened by this, but I really don’t see it as competition in any way. We’re 30 miles away, we draw a completely different crowd because of the geography, and anything that raises awareness of improv comedy in the Triangle benefits all improv in the area. I’ve said all along that we’re not competing for crowds, and I don’t think we’re competing as training centers. I hope there’s lots of cross-breed now, as there has been in the past. I will always be supportive of DSI improvisers seeking more training and experience.

So, a big kudos to ComedyWorx, and I eagerly await more information on who will be coming down to teach the classes!