HELLO. I'M MIKE.

From my Improv Workshop page:

In some improv scenes you'll find yourself playing the Voice of Reason.* This is an important role because you get to ground the scene and serve as the advocate for the audience by asking the questions they can't:

Why is the unusual person acting that way? (curiosity) Why is it funny? (stakes) How would we react? (emotion)

It's also going to serve your scene better if you do it in that order:

CURIOSITY. It's almost always ignored because people start adding stakes first. This is a potential trap because it delays justification. If you ask "WHY?" first, you can help your partner justify and that opens up the scene to be explored more.

STAKES. Now that you know the justification you can start responding with what's at stake - a relationship, a career, embarrassment, etc. In other words: What do you want? Why do you give a shit?

EMOTION. With the stakes in place you can double down on your acting and commitment.

From there, use these guidelines to keep exploring the scene.

Finally, you might have to give-in a little as the Voice of Reason so that the scene can be explored and heightened. I've found that it's fun to think of a Voice of Reason as a Yield Sign instead of a Stop Sign. A Yield Sign slows things down but ultimately lets traffic keep flowing. A Stop Sign puts a brake on all forward momentum.

Use it if it helps. Share it if it really helps. And, as always, know that comedy is subjective and this is all the opinion of a guy who makes his living teaching make-believe.

FANTASY FLIX LEAGUE #30

One commissioner's down, but the League holds strong! Guest commissioner Joan Ford (Gay of Thrones) joins Mike and Mark around the table to talk (what else?!) Thrones! Who dies?? Who flies??? And who cries????? Of course, we see more of Shazam, La Llorona, and rabbits, and why you should go viral if your kid dies!

Plus, Mike refuses to stop saying "cunch those nungies," no matter how much we beg, and the b*****b in Ghostbusters gets some serious filmic analysis!

Also, stay tuned for the first (and maybe only!) edition of I'm Awake/Take A Break!

I’M TOO EFFING HIGH #129

Live from UCB Sunset, Paul Rust (Love), Suzi Barrett (Drunk History), and Dave Theune (Jimmy Kimmel Live!) help us celebrate 420, plus hear a special performance from Luke Null (SNL)

“I’m Too Effing High” is written and produced by James Mastreani, Mike McLendon, Matt Newell, Dhruv Uday Singh, and Andrew Steven.

Special thanks to Shaun Fisher and NextVRi.

For live dates, past episodes, and more, visit: imtooeffinghigh.com

FANTASY FLIX LEAGUE PODCAST 

Maybe it's not all movies all the time, folks! The commissioners put butts in seats to talk Game of Thrones (more specifically whose dick is the biggest and what price they pay for their endowment), Shazam's second week on top, and Cats' chances at Best Picture and Worst Picture (it could go either way!). Also, what does The Rise of Skywalker mean?

Plus, Mike recommends a bunch of podcasts besides this one, and Ed Helms helps a bunch of penguins see God!

FANTASY FLIX LEAGUE PODCAST 

The trio is back together after a week of fever dreamin'! It's a tough breakdown of crowdpleaser Shazam, the bizarre child funeral procession scenes of Pet Sematary, and Dumbo's plunge from the heights. Us and Captain Marvel show strong numbers as well, promising some excellent rap lyrics to come!

Plus, first takes on the new Joker trailer! Who knows?!?!?!

Also, Michael Caine stars as every child in Pet Sematary, and Ryan forgets he's met Mike's friends!

CHECK FANTASY FLIX LEAGUE OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.twitter.com/fantasyflix/

https://www.instagram.com/fantasyflixleague/

I’M TOO EFFING HIGH - Live from UCB Franklin

Part talk show and part game show, I’m Too Effing High is a half hearted attempt to find out if people are funnier when they’re high. Using the language of comedy in an effort to normalize cannabis, host James Mastraieni guides a panel of stoned comedians through a series of comedy challenges, games, and performances, testing their comedic creativity while being too effing high.

More unpredictable than a 100mg edible, this is the funniest show you’ll never remember.

He Had Those Abs!

ReleasedApr 02, 2019

And then there were two. Commissioners Ryan Meharry and Mike McLendon chop it up this week with predictions on the cameo cast of Space Jam 2, some beautiful updates on Mike's love life, and thoughts on the lifespan of the McConaughssance. Plus, Alec (NOT BALDWIN) makes the commissioners watch a REALLY awful trailer, and Chris Evans stops smoking weed for some reason!

The commissioners (and, in a surprising turn of events, Producer Alec) sit down to talk Us! Plus, box office predictions for a truly wild range of coming releases, and an unsolicited visit from Quentin Tarantino! SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!! This is a candid discussion of Us! Listen at your own risk!

Excited to join the roster of talent at Mavrick Artists Agency.  

OUTSIDE DOG Gets One Star: 

Improv Inspired By One Star Reviews 

For many, many years I played a detective in a Murder Mystery Dinner show. Here are some of my favorite quotes written in the style of the old Chuck Norris memes.