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The History of ComedySportz-Portland
ComedySportz was started
in 1984 in Milwaukee, WI, by Dick Chudnow, who based it on the
competitive Theatresports improvisational techniques of Keith
Johnstone from Calgary, Alberta. Expansion began with the addition
of Madison, WI, in 1985. The first Comedy League of America National
Tournament was held in 1988, with 10 teams participating. The
World Comedy League now has grown to over 20
teams, including teams in Manchester, U.K and Berlin, Germany.
ComedySportz Portland
was founded in early 1993 by Ruth Jenkins and Patrick Short,
who serve as Club President and General Manager. Ruth and Patrick
performed with and managed ComedySportz San Jose for five years
prior to moving to Oregon.
Portland is in its 18th season, has
played over 3,300 shows and hasn't missed a weekend since May,
1993. Look out Andrew Lloyd Webber ... we're gunning for Cats.
ComedySportz Portland kicked
off on April 2, 1993 with a private show for the Oregon State
Thespian Conference, then opened for real on April 16, 1993, with
our first public show. The opening night lineup was Patrick
Short, ref; Ruth Jenkins, Angela Schrock, Amy Gray, John Dieffenderfer,
John Breen, Dave Levesque, Carl Shoemaker and Denise Howard. Jason
Henderson was the sound tech and Mike Short was our guest on keyboard.
Kent McCarty, Ed Ferrero and Charles Brod played in the second
show.
Kent, Amy,
Ruth, Angela, John D and Patrick are still active with
our organization. 6 out of 12 after 17 years... not bad! Patrick, John D, Amy, Kent, Jim, Curt and Sam are in the 1000+ show club.
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