Laughter in the Apocalypse: Why Humor Belongs in Dark Stories
In a world that’s falling apart—be it through war, natural disasters, political collapse, or the simple fact that your Wi-Fi is down for a couple of hours—there’s a curious thing that tends to crop up: humor. It’s a strange paradox, isn’t it? In the middle of the end of the world, when things couldn’t be […]
From Comedy Clubs to Sci-Fi Worlds: Balancing Art and Entertainment
As a comedian, I’ve spent my fair share of time on stage, testing punchlines, making people laugh, and creating moments of levity. But over the years, I’ve also found myself drawn to storytelling in a much different way—through my work on The Uplift Universe. It’s a science fiction project that’s more complex, more ambitious, and, […]
Why Satire Is the Most Important Art Form We’re Ignoring
Satire has always been the art form that both pokes fun at and shines a light on society’s most serious flaws. It uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to reveal uncomfortable truths about the world we live in. And while we may not always admit it, satire remains the most powerful tool for social commentary. Yet, […]
The Art of the Show: Creating The Beckoning Hand and the Magic of Themed Environments
Walt Disney’s greatest achievement wasn’t just creating Disneyland or even the Disney brand itself—it was the concept of themed environments. These environments transformed how people experience spaces, offering something deeper than just a sugar rush from overpriced churros: a fully immersive, cohesive narrative brought to life through design, storytelling, and artistic principles. This visionary approach […]
Reimagining Wonder: The Future of Entertainment
As an artist and innovator, I’ve always felt an innate pull toward storytelling—especially live storytelling. From a young age, I was captivated by the primal and irreplaceable experience of sharing a story in a room full of people. There’s something about live theater that you just can’t replicate with film or digital media. It’s raw, […]
The Role of Improv in Progress City: Yes, and… Satire!
Improv isn’t just a method; it’s a mindset. It’s about saying “Yes, and…” to the absurdities we encounter and using them as springboards for humor and critique. Improv works because it embraces spontaneity and the unexpected. It allows me to take a half-formed idea and run with it until it morphs into something unique, layered, […]
The Power of Absurdity in Storytelling and Social Commentary
As a writer, filmmaker, and performer, I’ve always been drawn to absurdity. It’s the kind of absurdity that starts with a caveman attempting to spark a fire and somehow ends with modern humans arguing on Twitter about the correct way to pronounce “quinoa.” Absurdity, in all its chaotic, illogical, and outright bizarre glory, is the […]