mollybuckley.

I know, I know. It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. I’m sorry. I’ve missed you, too. As most of you know, I’ve been working a lot. But have no fear, I’m still here. (Oh, and I’m only working TWO jobs now!) But what many of you may NOT know, is that I am a proud staff member of the 2010 North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival (#NCCAF).

I was honored to perform at NCCAF (as a guest) last year in 2009. This year, I have the honor of performing again AND the privilege of serving on the volunteer staff. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and the festival hasn’t even started yet. I was charged with being the Sponsorship Coordinator. What does that mean? Well, basically, the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival (the largest comedy festival of its kind in the COUNTRY) takes A LOT of work to put on… and we can’t do it alone. So, I have been working with local media outlets, businesses, and individuals to coordinate sponsorships, coupons, and discounts for our over 500+ comedians that will be arriving throughout the ENTIRE month of February. This is one of those positions that is a lot harder than it sounds, especially when resources are tight… for everyone. It has definitely been a learning process, but I know that I’ve worked hard and represented the festival well.

What else am I excited about?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with NCCAF (formerly the Dirty South Improv Festival/DSIF) – this year is the 10th anniversary and it is bigger and better than ever. Executive Producer, Zach Ward has put more time, money, blood, sweat, and tears into this festival than you can imagine – all to make it what it is. A condensed timeline: (DSIF) Festival was started in 2001 showcasing ONLY improv comedy, went to TWO weeks in 2009 adding standup comedy, and in 2010 has added sketch comedy and film and video taking the festival to an entire month.

In addition to that, something that I had wanted to do for Zach and DSI for a long time also came to fruition this week. I spoke with both the Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and talked to them not only about how important the festival is for the arts culture in the community, but also the impact is has fiscally on local businesses. I wasn’t sure if they were going to be able to do anything, but I had high hopes. And then I got the good news. I take that back, AWESOME news. It’s OFFICIAL: both Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt of Chapel Hill and Mayor Mark Chilton of Carrboro have formally and officially proclaimed February 2010 DSI Comedy Arts Month in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. (And Mayor Mark Chilton will be at OPENING night this Thursday the 4th to read his proclamation before the start of the first show.)

Awesome.

Oh, and DSI won 2009 Small-Business of the Year last week. Pretty cool, huh?

We’re kind of a big deal.

Okay, okay. So why am I rambling and what is my point? My point is that this Thursday, February 4th marks the start of a HUGE month of comedy here in North Carolina.

Do you live in and around the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, and parts of Virginia area? Do you love comedy? Do you want to laugh… a lot?

Then you should come see shows.

Seriously.

Support you local, national, AND international comedy this month. Support your local comedy festival. Support #NCCAF.

Oh, and did I mention I’m performing? …Twice.

• Friday, February 5th, 7:30PM at the DSI Comedy Theater with DSI Witness News: (Facebook Event)
• Saturday, February 20th, 10:00PM at the ArtsCenter Mainstage with Made of BEES: (Facebook Event)

Want to know the rest of the schedule?

• Sketch Comedy – February 4-6
• Standup Comedy – February 11-14
• Improv Comedy – February 16-21
• Film/Video – February 25-27

I just want to reiterate how excited and how proud I am to be a part of such an amazing theater, company, and festival.

Questions? Let me know. Want to see a show but don’t know which one to come to? Let me know. Want to donate swag to performers in town? Let me know. Want to help out another way? Let me know.

I’ll make it happen for you.

Word.

Made of BEES = my bffs.

The Richmond Improv Festival has been not just awesome, but incredible. I’ve had a blast hanging out with my best friends, meeting new people, taking workshops from incredible instructors, performing for a packed house, and watching some AWESOME comedy.

It’s been stressful balancing a sense of normalcy in my personal life while still trying to hustle and find a job that not only pays, but a job I love.

I refuse to settle for anything less than AWESOME.

Improv recharges me. It’s true. I love performing and taking classes at the DSI Comedy Theater where I live in Carrboro, but  really rekindles my love for the art, is coming to a festival like this and getting to watch, learn, and LAUGH. Sounds cliche, I know. But it’s true. Don’t be a hater. I’m ready to go home with a boost of confidence that I’m awesome. Woop!

Some of you may be wondering why I’m talking about this on my media blog. Well, I love comedy and comedy = social — and that’s the first part of social media. Because if you can’t make ‘em smile, then what else are you going to do? Anyway.

I’m pumped for ONE MORE NIGHT of incredible comedy. If you are near/in/around the Richmond, Virginia area, I’d LOVE to see you out at a show tonight. So, here’s the schedule for those of you who want to know:

4PM – CenterStage Rhythm Hall -

COMEDYSPORTZ BAILOUT SHOW. $10 for adults. $5 for students. Awesome? We think so.

7PM – CenterStage Rhythm Hall -

Cubed (Philadelphia)
Pound for Pound (Carrboro)
Einstein Meets Elvis (Atlanta)

9PM – CenterStage Rhythm Hall -

Superbest (Washington, DC)
iProv (Richmond)
Fritter Kings (Carrboro/Chicago)

Oh, and I will DEFINITELY be at the bonus MIDNIGHT IMPROV + KARAOKE JAM at Capital Ale House. My friends from the Richmond Comedy Coalition are hosting. And I have already started warming up my vocal chords to rock out on karaoke. Want to know my song-of-choice? Well, then I guess you’ll just have to come out and see for yourself.

But in all seriousness, this festival has been awesome. I really hope to see you tonight!

All for now.

I’ve been back in Richmond only 8 hours and it’s been a BLAST so far. I performed with my improv group Made of BEES (@madeofBEES). It was amazing. Nothing is better than performing on stage with your BEST friends.

Here’s a great clip from our show. (Thanks, @zachward for putting it up so quickly!) It MIGHT just scare the pants off of you. Enjoy!

All for now.

See how excited I am?

I’m so excited I can’t handle it. In 9 minutes I am getting in my car and driving to Richmond, Virginia from Carrboro, North Carolina. I’ve only been back to Richmond ONCE since I moved from there in June. So, needless to say, I’m pumped.

TONIGHT starts the 2nd Annual Richmond Improv Festival featuring 20 acts from ALL over the country alongside awesome local acts FROM Richmond.

The Festival runs TONIGHT (Thursday, November 5th) through SATURDAY! Check the schedule online for a complete list of shows.

I am going to be performing TONIGHT at 10PM with my improv group MADE OF BEES. (Follow us on Twitter @MadeofBEES). Tickets are only $10. You should totally come at 8PM and support local Richmond group FULL CONTACT. They rock.

See you in the RIVER CITY!

All for now.