Q & A with Tim Orr
First BATS Show: I first saw a show in 1988 at The Climate Theater (now Venue 9). I was amazed by the commitment to relationship and story demonstrated by the improvisers, and immediately signed on for my first BATS class.
Favorite Formats: Long-Form improvisation of all formats and genres (Shakespeare, Film Noir, etc.), the "Family Drama" shows staged as plays on a single set, Theatersports.
Best Moment on the BATS Stage: My single most memorable moment came not during a show, but during a class. Everything slowed down for me in a tangible and magical way (similar to what athletes call "the zone") and I knew in that moment that anything that I did on stage was OK, good enough, watchable. Though I've never experienced the exact same moment again, the feeling of well-being has never left me.
Improv Advice: Improv is about playing someone who is someplace, not about being clever.
Artistic Influences: In improv: Rafe Chase, Stephen Kearin and Regina Saisi. In comedy in general: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck. In acting: Jean-Louis Barrault, Jason Robards and Ruth Gordon. In music: Joni Mitchell.
Favorite Movies: Les Enfants du Paradis, A Thousand Clowns, Harold & Maude, Casablanca, Alien, The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Favorite Music: Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Sweeney Todd soundtrack.
Favorite Theatre: Henry IV -- Part I, The Time of Your Life, Angels in America, Sweeney Todd (with George Hearn)