What’s it like working with the guys on Whose Line?
All the actors are great, really nice guys. I know you’d like to hear me dish some dirt, but I don’t have any. I will say that the one who cracks me up the most is Colin. Sometimes he doesn’t have to say anything, he just looks funny. (I mean that in the nicest way, Colin.)
What’s Drew really like?
I hate to disappoint you again, but Drew is a really great, down-to-earth, regular guy. He is nice to everyone, from the kid who makes coffee in the office to the network bigwigs. He’s hard-working, considerate, and very generous too.
Are they really improvising? How can they be that funny all the time?
Yes, they are really improvising, but no, they’re not that funny all the time. The secret is in the editing. We always taped a whole bunch of games at once, some of which would go well, some not so well (that’s the nature of improv). But afterwards, they would edit it so only the best stuff would make it to your TV, and we could look more brilliant than we actually are!
Can you send me the sheet music/MP3 file for the Hoe Down?
I’m sorry, but all the music on Whose Line is the property of the show, and they’ve chosen not to publish it, so it’s not available in any form. (That doesn’t stop anyone from figuring it out by ear though…go for it, it’s not that hard)
Are you still making new Whose Line episodes?
No, unfortunately we’re not. Honestly, I don’t know why either. We were such an easy, cheap show to produce, and we had loyal fans who followed us no matter how many times they moved our time slot. But ours is not to wonder about the mysteries of how networks make decisions….
I’m a musician and want to play for improv like you do, how should I get started?
The best way is to immerse yourself in it. I’d suggest taking an improv class even if you don’t want to be an actor/improviser. It will do two things, help you get to know improvisers in your area, and teach you the basic elements of improv. Then start an improv group yourself, or ask an existing one if you can play with them. Most improv groups are thrilled to have a musician who wants to work with them. And study lots of different kinds of music, try to get a basic grasp of what makes a style of music (like blues or reggae) sound like that style.
Do the Whose Line guys ever do live shows?
Yes, we travel all over the country in all sorts of varying combinations. Sometimes we go as The Improv Allstars (or Drew Carey and the Improv Allstars if the big guy comes along). Sometimes I go along, some I don’t. Wayne Brady tours by himself, as do Brad Sherwood and Colin Mocherie. None of us are legally allowed to call our shows “Whose Line”, but the format is all basically the same as the TV show (but with more swearing!).
Can you give me a phone number/e-mail address for Ryan/Drew/whoever my favorite is? I’m his biggest fan!
No.
