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Frequently Asked Questions What And Why? What's the purpose of the group? The goal of the group is to continue bringing original, live comedy to the Costa del Sol, and also to give writers a chance to work with us and see their work performed live, via our internet-based writing group, Virtually Hilarious. What about the show? We have now got two seasons behind us and the forthcoming third season promises to be very different. We'll put future shows on at suitable venues in any town with a large enough number of English speakers, anywhere between Malaga and Motril. The show is the real test of the material. Each show will be videoed, giving our writers the opportunity to see what works and what doesn't and rewrite their material so that it's better next time. Who's in charge? That would be me, Steven. Having said that, the selection process for new material is mostly democratic with all new material being group-read and reviewed by the performers. Material will usually be selected based on the audible response (i.e., the Axarcomedy laugh-o-meter) from the group during each read-through. Also, performers have the right to veto; no one's being paid and it's only fair that they perform the material with which they are comfortable. No-one's being paid? That's right. Not me, not the writers, not the performers. Venues have not been selected for the next season but if we can raise any money on the night that's all well and good. But it's not going to make anyone rich. Please don't get involved if money is your only motive. For your own sake. With the number of performers involved, after expenses, it's unlikely that there'd be enough left for anything more than a beer apiece. What sort of comedy are you interested in? Please go to Virtual Hilarious and read what we want. Basically, in season three, each show will be based around a fairly general theme, such as Life & Death, or Relationships, or History. For each theme we'll accept sketches, one-liners, stand-up material, monologues, short plays (up to around 15 mins) and songs. We want strong, interesting characters with lots of laughs and no padding. You can make the themes as adult as you like and some swearing is allowed, but don't swear just for the fucking hell of it. Imagine writing for a post-watershed television show. Do I have to pay to join or attend meetings? No, but I'll have a pint if you're buying. Show & Script Format What's the format of the show? The exact show format for season three is still being worked out, but it will be more interesting than the purely sketch-sketch-song-sketch-sketch-song format of the previous two seasons. As before, it will be performed in something approaching radio-style. That means the material, although rehearsed, will be read by the performers, there will be few props and fewer sound effects (except for standard things like phones ringing or people knocking on doors). This format allows us the quickest route to perform your scripts, test our own new material and rewrite it based upon what works and what doesn't. If you have a look at the videos on the web site you'll see the restrictions that we have to deal with. So, when you're writing a sketch, no car chases, please. Members How, erm, accomplished are the other performers? In the past some of our cast have been either experienced stage performers, film actors or stand-up comedians. The others had never done any acting before whatsoever. So whatever your experience it doesn't matter. For new members, we'll have something like a very casual audition. Don't worry - basically you and existing members will read from existing sketches around a table in a quiet pub somewhere - and we'll take it from there. Where are the members based? Members who attended meetings during the first two seasons ranged from Torre Del Mar in the west to Salobrena in the east and Competa inland. Most members however are from Nerja. Obviously writers can be based anywhere. Meetings How often are the meetings? And where are they? In the past we have met each week in Nerja, usually on a Tuesday and usually at 8:00pm although day, time and venue have been subject to frequent change. Your best bet is to check the home page, which always has the date of the next meeting. For season two, our usual meeting place was The Bull Ring at El Zoco. Your Material What happens to my sketch material? With ownership and stuff? Any material you submit to the Virtually Hilarious e-group, in whatever format, is yours. Forever. Even if it is performed in a show, it remains solely yours. Even if other group members chip in ideas and suggestions that you incorporate into your work, it's yours and yours alone. Contact Us! How do I get in contact? Either phone me - Steven - on 695878766, or e-mail steven@axarcomedy.com. Or just turn up at the next meeting - you'll find the time and location on the home page of the web site. Come on, you've got nothing to lose but your dignity. |
