[Capdist-announce] MopCo UNDERGROUND Controversy

[The Mop & Bucket Co. Publicity]

The Mop & Bucket Co. (MopCo)
UNDERGROUND at Proctors
432 State St, Schenectady, NY 12305
 


CONTROVERSY ROCKS IMPROV TROUPE
Is It Really Made Up On The Spot?

SCHENECTADY -- Citing certain anonymous parties who have claimed that the
Mop & Bucket Improv theatre troupe (MopCo) doesn't actually improvise, the
Artistic Director of the company, Michael Burns issued an indignant
challenge today on the steps of City Hall in Schenectady. 
						
"We have to improvise; it's absurd to think that we could come up with a new
two hour show every week, writing, rehearsing, polishing---we all--well,
most of us-- have day jobs, you know.  What do these people think this is,
Saturday Night?"  The improviser was referring to the long-running late
night comedy show on NBC.  "MopCo is performing at Proctors on FRIDAY nights
with a heck of a lot smaller budget," Burns said.  If we wrote it, trust us,
it wouldn't be as good, not by a long shot. In fact, with the amount of time
we have available, it would (stink.)" 

"People need to understand, we're not hiding anything here. That's the
reason for the Notary Challenge.  We'll wait OUTSIDE City Hall while anyone
who wants to writes an improv suggestion on a plain piece of paper, seals it
in front of a notary, and then has that envelope notarized. "The indignant
improviser went on, "we'll pay for the notary, and we'll buy that person,
and their guest a ticket to that Friday's show, open the envelope in front
of them, God, and the whole audience and improvise based on that
suggestion."  The improviser continued, "of course, we can't afford to pay
for unlimited notarizations, so this is a first-come-first-serve indignant
challenge.  We reserve the right to limit quantities, and there are no rain
checks."  Burns added, "I also want to stress that there is NO nudity in our
show." 

City officials could not be reached for comment. One harried municipal
worker didn't seem to know, or care, about the controversy. Speaking on a
guarantee of anonymity, the worker said "first the whole police thing, then
the school system, then the snow shoveling on the ice, now this!  Will it
ever end?"  The worker was, of course, referring to recent controversies in
Schenectady civic life. 

Will it, indeed?  The improv troupe is a few weeks into an open run on
Friday nights in the new "Underground at Proctors" space at the State Street
landmark.  Tickets are $14 general, $6 for students and seniors, and may be
reserved by calling the Proctors box office. 

Would-be challengers are urged to contact Burns by emailing
michaelburns at mopco.org or by going to the troupe's website, www.mopco.org. 



       MOPCO UNDERGROUND at Proctors
       432 State St, Schenectady
       
       Fridays (May & June) at 8 p.m.
       Tickets: $14 Adults / $6 sts & srs
       For reservations call Proctors Box Office: 346-6204 or
www.proctors.org/places/underground. 


CONTACTS:
For more information about MopCo UNDERGROUND at Proctors: 
. Michael Burns, www.mopco.org, michaelburns at mopco.org (518)248-7430
. Kat Koppett, www.mopco.org, katkoppett at mopco.org (518) 847-9882