Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with Shows

Let's Put on a Show!

hellbient — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:00:59 -0800

What are some movies, shows, sketches, etc. where amateurs put on a show? Especially comedies, but any genre will help. I'm doing some research for a show I'm writing that involves amateurs putting on a show, and want to see what else is out there. "Waiting for Guffman" and The Muppets come to mind, but I'm sure there's more.

I just wanna slappa da bass while people in clown costumes swing around me.

tylerfulltilt — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:46:57 -0800

I play bass guitar. I'm not bad at it. In fact, I'm quite good. How do I get auditions to start playing for touring musicals and the like? (and do I stand a chance?) A little backstory: My wife decided to audition for a community theater production of Rent. Which got me thinking. Why don't I try to land a spot playing bass instruments in a show? The only problem is that I have no contacts. Google searches for auditions don't turn up much. How do I get started doing this? Do I need to get representation? Do I need to just know people? I have no idea where to begin with this.

And for those of you with experience, here's a brief rundown of my abilities. Perhaps you can give it a quick look and tell me If I'm being deluded.

+ : I'm very experienced on my instrument. I've played in live situations before. I've got very good technique and a great sense of tempo and rhythm. I can play really any style. I know a little theory and I can read tab, chord charts, and sheet music. I'm mostly experienced with electric fretted and fretless bass, but I can play an acoustic upright, both pizz. and arc.

- : Never actually played in a theater production before. But everyone has to start somewhere right?

Rock Reggae Punk Funk Alt Goth Metal Thrash, who's playing?

ElmerFishpaw — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:08:10 -0800

What do you use to see what bands are playing in your area? Im tired of finding out a kickass band just played and I could have gone but didnt know about it. There should be a website with a massive database where you put in your postcode or town and it tells you what bands are playing within a specified radius. Shouldnt there? Is there? Any band that wanted to get seen would register their show to this website. Myspace kinda comes close but you have to go to each band's myspace account to see if theyre touring. Unless Im doing it wrong. The bay area has "The List" which is really close to what Im talking about but I want more! How do you find out who's playing around you?

Must-see in NYC?

np312 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:33:17 -0800

What are the absolute must-see plays or performances happening this month in New York City? I'm going to be in NYC the last week of October. I go about twice a year and every time I'm there I try to see as much amazing theater as I can. However I'm out of the loop this season and don't know what's really great. (Last year I saw "Equus" "Fuerza Bruta" and "Black Watch." I enjoyed all of them.)

I shouldn't have any trouble getting tickets to even sold-out performances due to my business connections, but I don't know what is worth seeing, and I don't want to waste my few city evenings on anything mediocre. It doesn't have to be Broadway or even off-Broadway-- just truly memorable.

I heard "At Steady Rain" was 'meh,' but heard good things about "Our Town." What do you recommend? Thanks!

How can I, a 17 year old college student, get in to 18+ shows in the Boston area?

Bahro — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:23:14 -0800

Why are so many shows in Boston 18+? And is there any chance I could get into those shows as a 17 year old college student? Specific venues I'm referring to are The Middle East, Great Scott, Paradise Rock Club, and House of Blues. There's some really great artists playing at those places soon that I'd love to see. If I were to just show security my student ID card (which has no birthdate, but shows that I am a college student), would they accept that?

Also, while I'm on the subject, why is Grizzly Bear at the Orpheum Theater so expensive?

I want to play Lollapalooza but I'm not on the bill

defmute — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:26:48 -0800

I want to play at the front gates of Lollapalooza. Will this work? I wan't to rap in front of Lollapalooza as a publicity stunt for my dance/rap group. I plan to take a Pignose Hog 20 amp with my laptop and consenser mic. My first and foremost concern is: will I be stopped? At Pitchfork Music Festival two years ago there was an abstract dance group performing outside of the entrance gates. I just don't want to get arrested (or at least not for 20 minutes or so that I plan to play). What do y'all think?

Barchester Chronicles?

pilibeen — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:52:21 -0800

Any recommendations for smart TV comedy which'll suit my taste? I feel like I've run out of great TV comedy, and am resorting to rewatching old series. Do you have any new (or old) suggestions? Netflix is failing me.

Here's my list of shows I've absolutely loved:
The Thick of It
Spaced
Arrested Development
Peep Show
Fawlty Towers
Mr. Show
Dr. Katz
Freaks & Geeks
Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The Office, UK
Extras (minus special)

Stuff I've liked, not loved:
Northern Exposure
Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Office, US
Shameless

I feel like there're probably some other British gems I've missed, and definitely some older shows I should track down. I'll try anything though - any ideas to suit my taste?

Thanks!

Auto Show Spokesmodel

zollypop — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:32:24 -0800

I am a professional spokesmodel trying to get into the 2009 autoshow circuit. I know that some of the major autos show spokesmodels come from either Productions-Plus or Gail and Rice, but does anyone know the best way to get an audition with these companies? Any info would GREATLY be appreciated. The season starts soon!

How can I watch videos in black and white on my computer?

siclik — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:40:15 -0800

How can I watch videos on my computer in black and white? I was wondering if there is any way in which I can watch videos on my computer in black and white. Ideally, I'd like to avoid converting all of the videos to black and white. Is there a program that I can play them in that will just discard all of the color information?

I feel it would give the videos a timeless feel. It would also put focus on the dialogue and exaggerate the expressions.

Typical things said on Japanese shows?

Xere — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:23:56 -0800

What are some of the typical things said on Japanese variety shows? Preferably cheesy and/or cavity-inducing sweet? My class group and I are doing a video project for our Japanese class. Now, it just so happens that my group consists of the rare breed of Japanese-language student - the kind that doesn't know much about Japanese pop culture or anime. Help!

We already have the main stuff together, so this isn't really "Do my homework for me" stuff. I think. We do skits that revolve around certain situations: How much is this? Why yes, I was at the hospital yesterday and I also bought a skirt at the next-door department store.

The transition videos (spliced in between the main stuff) is where we're trying to jam in the typical sayings. So far, includes the usual cheese: "Welcome to the so-and-so show! Blahblah CHECK THIS OUT!" (person points energetically at camera, camera zooms in) I'm hoping to borrow equally cheesy lines from Japanese shows. A direct translation could work, but is that what they'd say in Japan?

The video project is going to be predictably bad, as classroom video projects usually go. So my group figured we'd make it as bad as possible, with cringe-inducing cheesiness. Or does this even exist in Japanese pop culture?

Recommendations of shows, Youtubery, etc would be great. I've been trawling through Google and Youtube, but I don't know what terms to look for. "Cheesy Japanese shows" doesn't work, obviously.

Thanks!!

Help! I lost 24!

angiewriter — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:20:48 -0800

What are some good sites where I can view episodes of TV shows online? I lost the recording of last night's episodes of 24 I had on my DVR and want to try and catch up before tonight's 2 hours. Thanks!

What shows/bands playing this week in Houston does the hive mind recommend?

Robert Angelo — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:52:51 -0800

Houston-Live-Music-This-Week-Filter: Help me be a cool uncle! :-) My nephew is visiting from out of state and he wants to see live music. He is in his early twenties and up for rock, indie, acoustic, whatever; I am a middle-aged stick-in-the-mud who doesn't get out much. He's leaves for home Saturday. He doesn't have a car and doesn't know the lay of the land, so I've agreed to awaken from hibernation and take him out.

What's a good place to take him in Houston or more evenings between now and then? What shows/bands playing this week in Houston does the hive mind recommend?

No, that isn't "the shocker".

Inspector.Gadget — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:58:30 -0800

There was once a great website listing nearly all of the upcoming metal and hardcore shows on the East Coast, or at least the Mid-Atlantic region. What was it? Is it still active?

Alternative to ABC's Hopkins?

chrisalbon — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:03:21 -0800

Other Shows / Documentaries Like ABC's Hopkins? I wife is a medical students and every week enjoys watching ABC's Hopkins. The final episode of Hopkins airs next week.

I was wondering if the Hivemind could suggest other medical-reality shows similar to Hopkins she could watch. Preferably on Netflix (we do not have cable and watch Hopkins online).

Thanks in advance!

Who picks the music they play at concerts when the band isn't playing?

cptspalding — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:59:12 -0800

Who picks the music played at a concert when a band is not on stage and why do they pick the songs they do? I've always wondered who picks the music played at concerts when a band is not on stage, such as the period between opening act(s) and headliners and while people are filing in/out.

Are the choices made by the headliner (or someone associated with the headlining band/performer), the record label, the house, or the person running the soundboard? Is there any rhyme or reason behind the selections such as a label wanting to promote a certain artist, or the band trying to give exposure to artists they like, respect, etc.? For those who have gotten to do this, are there any "rules" you've followed to help manage the crowd's energy level, enthusiasm, etc. ?

I've been to some shows where it seems that a lot of care has been given to the music played during these interstitial periods and it really enhances the experience by either acting as a "pallet cleanser" between acts or continuing to build a certain energy level or vibe.

While at some shows it seems like someone just plugged in an iPod, set it to shuffle and walked away.

Rising sun rock and roll?

soma lkzx — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:56:43 -0800

Tokyo Damage Report's list of shows and venues has sold me on going to see bands play while I'm in Japan, are there any resources like this for cities besides Tokyo? Turns out that going to a show alone isn't so bad when you're in a foreign country and your cultural/language skills are that of a 2 year old - I just need to know where to go! My musical taste in this case is just guitars and energy; I'll take anything from hardcore to twee to psychobilly. I think my guidebook has things like jazz pretty well covered, but feel free to bring suggestions from that end of the spectrum as well.

I'm going to be hanging around in indeterminate cities between Tokyo and Nagasaki for the next ten days, so the net is pretty wide. Show lists, venue lists, or even venue names would all be really helpful.

(And while I'm at it, if you have any amazing suggestions on less rock-n-rolly things to do or festivals in the next week, you can drop that in, too!)

Find me a great Broadway video

moof — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:48:44 -0800

Can you recommend a good live-but-recorded upbeat Broadway performance in the style of MTV's Legally Blonde or the London Oklahoma with Hugh Jackman a few years back? I'm not looking for a Hairspray Movie (though I loved it) but rather recordings of shows performed as shows, not as movies. Thanks!

Recommend me some Australian and Canadian comedy!

NucleophilicAttack — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:00:15 -0800

Similar to this thread, please recommend some Canadian and Australian comedy! I've seen so far Kids in the Hall, Little Mosque on the Prairie, and Corner Gas from Canada, and The Chaser's War on Everything from Australia. I have similar tastes as the previous poster.

Cheers!

Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall

holdkris99 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:03:06 -0800

Tell me some indie/punk shows/venues I MUST see in England/Amsterdam/France/Spain (but mainly England) this fall (mid-August through October). I am most interested in small to midsize shows (bands that haven't broke through in the U.S. would be great) and venues that I might not necessarily find unless I am looking for them specifically on Pollstar or something similar. I know this is a very open ended question, but so is my trip. Thanks. Oh, and, As great fun as they may (or may not) be I am too old in body (if not mind and spirit) for the giant festival scenes.

How do I create a TV schedule based on a topic?

bristolcat — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:44:59 -0800

How do I create a TV schedule based on a topic? I'd like to create a TV schedule, preferably delivered via RSS feed, that sorts through upcoming shows by topic.

For example, maybe I want to catch shows that have a green or conservation theme. Is there something that would tell me that such-and-such environmental expert is going to be on Oprah or that Al Gore is going to appear on the Late Show? Maybe a home building show on HGTV is going to have a special on how to build green.

This is just one topic I'm interested in. What I'd like to know is if it's possible and how to do it. Or is there already some fancy Web 2.0 widget out there doing this already?

Thanks in advance!

Vegas shows advice please

bread-eater — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:21:29 -0800

Recommendations of shows in Las Vegas, for two people in mid-20s. Looking for a few to see and for advice on how to get tickets for cheap if possible. Thanks! Hello. I've looked through the many past threads on vegas travel but my question is specifically about shows... We are two friends (female and male) looking for magic shows, comedy shows and also some kind of an adult/topless show to see while we're there in January. I'd love to hear your experiences (good or bad) about these shows. What I want to know:

1) Was it good? Why?
2) Do I need to get tickets at least a week in advance?
3) Were you able to get them at a discount? How?

Also I don't need to hear more about Cirque du Soleil as I have read the heaps of praises in older threads and have had personal recommendations from other people already :)

Help with Display Panel

CollectiveMind — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:10:44 -0800

I have a panel display system where the bottom edge of one of panels curls away such that the magnetic strip won't hold it against the frame. Does anyone know how to make the material smooth out so the panel will affix to the frame again? I picked the system up at a thrift store for 30.00. Of the four panels, the other three firmly attach with their magnetic strips to the frame. Only the bottom edge of one panel won't.

DC/NoVa/Baltimore Nightlife

charmston — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:00:02 -0800

I'll be spending January 1st-7th in Northern Virginia (Purcellville, specficially) with family. Looking for something fun to do in the DC, Northern VA, or Baltimore areas while there. I'll be with two cousins, ages 20 and 18, so any adults-only entertainment will not work (though I am 22, if that makes a difference). We're looking for something on the upscale, classier side of things; possibilities would include some sort of off-Broadway show, concert in a nice venue (Trans-Siberian Orchestra is playing and would have been perfect, but one of the girls has already seen them), or something along those lines. Nothing too expensive ($40/person cap, or so), if possible.

Also, any restaurant suggestions for classy-ish restaurants in the area (no more than $20-25 entrees) that wouldn't break the bank?

Thanks all!

What Radio Shows would I like

sandra_s — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 12:45:15 -0800

What radio talk shows might I be interested in based on my current and former listening habits? As I look back on my radio show listening , a lot of stuff I've listened to seems to have an event that is a catalyst which makes me go from LOVING the show to making the show virtually unlistenable.

The event is more of a hindsight recollection. That is, I still listened to the show after the event (probably for 6 months or a year), realized I'd been enjoying the show less and less, and then backtracking and figuring out the said event/point where listening started becoming less enjoyable for me.

Here are things I've liked and the event I feel made me stop listening.

Liked: The Howard Stern Show
Stopped Listening: When Jackie and/or Billy West left the show (yes, that long ago, like 1995)

Liked: Opie and Anthony with Jim Norton On XM (I never really heard much of the WNEW days, and I LOVE Jim Norton)
Stopped Listening: #1 After the CBS/XM Deal #2 The introduction of PalTalk

LOVED: Ron & Fez at WNEW, then WJFK, Then XM
Stopped listening: Introduction of a new producer in 2006 whom I felt took over the show as an unofficial 3rd mic.

Like: Don & Mike (only listened since about 2004)
Stopped Listening: I haven't stopped but the show is supposedly ending in May 2008
(an aside: would love to know where to find old episodes)

I've come to realize that I really like water-cooler type talk shows that aren't heavy on "bits" and aren't constantly politics, politics, politics (left or right). Some sports chat is cool too, but not when it’s a constant wall-to-wall obsessive sports-only show. Same can be said about “sex” topics. When it is the constant focus of the show, its gets boring. I also shy away from constant humiliation/ Misogynistic radio.

“Oooh, a stripper/pornstar on the radio…”
*yawn* (and I’m in the porn business, to boot)

Please don’t make judgments about my listening habits. I am looking for recommendations of shows that I might enjoy.

Thanks so much!

XO

P.S. I just realized from that list, I like mimics/impressionists (Billy, Anthony, Mike)

We need an updated MeFi "What to do in Vegas" for couples!

liquado — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:16:40 -0800

My partner and I are celebrating 10 years with a quick four-day trip, sans kids, to Vegas. We're already lined up to see Cirque's Love, Lucky Chang's Drag Show and Madam Tussaud's, but I'd love to here what MeFiers have as suggestions -- not just for us -- for cool, unique stuff to see in Vegas.