Les McGehee

Let’s learn our history boys and girls.  This is Les, your host and tour guide for a lengthy blog endeavor.

As the high-mileage member of the Austin improv community I will now embark on what I hope to be a relatively detailed recollection of the history of improv comedy in Austin since I’ve known it.  You are welcome to add, comment, offer suggestions, ask questions, and offer corrections.

Austin has one of the best improv scenes in the country.  It was a long time developing that scene and most of the talented young improvisers that currently inhabit it, and those to follow, need a chance to know their proud heritage.  It’s the story of the strength of an artform and it’s natural growth over time.  People built it, show by show, fest by fest, deal by deal.  Our scene went from anonymity to exporting the best professionals to the big markets.  Now a lot of the best professionals are moving here instead, to be part of this vibrant scene, and of course our great little hometown.

So I’ll start in 1979 and I’ll go to today and we’ll see how that happened.  I’ll dig into a few branches of the tree, trace down a few begats.  I’ll name the clubs, most of the players (500? 600?), the festivals, and the defining events.  Wish me luck and chip in please.

Yer pal, Les

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