Interview: Michael Klasek and Max Debczak discuss 24-hour improv show at Theatre 68 Arts Complex

The Los Angeles improv scene has delivered laughs throughout the region with venues such as The Pack Theater, UCB Franklin, and Dynasty Typewriter showcasing amazing talent night after night. Improvisers Michael Klasek and Max Debczak will take on a massive task with a free 24-hour improv show at Theatre 68 Arts Complex starting this Friday (October 2) at 8 p.m. We had a chance to speak to both individuals about the special show and how they’re prepping for it.

MP3s and NPCs: When did you get the idea of doing a 24-hour improv show?

Michael Klasek: This one was all Max. He more or less pitched it fully formed while we were all standing in a parking lot warming up before a show.

Max Debczak: We were talking a lot about things we could do to stand out and get people excited to come to a show. Everything we were throwing out there either didn't feel right or was already being done by someone else. But one of the ideas I had was a 24hr Monoscene. It felt exciting and also like a show that was so hard that no one else was going to take the idea before us.

Michael: It’s one of those ideas where people chuckle a little bit and move on from because it sounds so crazy and impossible. Then a few nights later we bumped into Ali Grusell and Bobby Propes. They asked us what we were up to, and we mentioned this show as a joke. They were like, “That sounds nuts. We’d be so down to help you produce it if you need.” And that’s when it stopped being a joke and became a real possibility for us.

MP3s and NPCs: How did you partner with Theatre 68 Arts Complex for this event?

Max: We researched a ton and spoke with a lot of different venues. We knew we wanted a stage that was somewhat easy for the audience to come in and out of without being too disruptive to the show, and we also wanted it in a location that folks could leave, grab a beer or a coffee, and come back if they wanted. Theatre 68 stood out to us because they were very willing to help us with the weird request.

Michael: The request was basically, “Hey, we’re two random guys. Can you please keep your theater open for 24 hours while we do improv please?”

Max: Theatre 68 was super excited about the idea. They have been incredible to work with on this show!

MP3s and NPCs: You're bringing a slew of friends to help you out throughout the show. What was the process like determining who would appear at what time?

Max: We knew we didn't want to just be on stage by ourselves for the full time. We decided early on to be really ambitious with the kind of folks we reached out to and to include folks that we’re excited about the idea.

Michael: I was super intimidated to reach out to all these people that I look up to and be like, “Hey, I respect and admire you so much. Would you please do our show at 3 AM?”

Max: Amazingly, so many people were on board immediately. We got some really seasoned improvisers like Kimia Behpoornia and James Mastraeni, some of the best indie teams in the community, and also some really unique guests. We have John Grogan joining us to do live lie detector tests on me and Michael while we answer audience questions. We're also taking advantage of timezones by having Lena Moon and Ben Russell, two incredible comedians from Australia that will be zooming with us.

MP3s and NPCs: How have you been getting ready to perform for 24 hours?

Michael: I’ve mostly been preparing by having massive anxiety attacks. The conceit of the show is that once it starts, it will not stop or pause for the next 24 hours. We’ve had a few 3-hour and 6-hour rehearsals that helped us iron out the technical details, but mostly I’ve just been trying not to think too hard about what I’ve gotten myself into.

Max: Luckily I've been unemployed for this whole process so I've had nothing but time to prepare. Lots of long practices and stress dreams!

MP3s and NPCs: What advice would you give anyone looking to get into improv?

Michael: Do it! It’s fun! And don’t let the fear of being bad stop you. There are people who are bad who have entire careers!

Max: Michael and I met while taking class at UCB. I highly recommend riding the coattails of the funniest person in class like I did.

MP3s and NPCs: How much has improv changed your life?

Max: Because of improv, I've been able to build up a little community of people that I really care about. And now I get to explain what improv is to my Grandma.

Michael: My car broke down over the weekend (really great omen for the show) and I just got the quote back from the mechanic. Let’s just say, had I not gone through the entire UCB Training Center, that bill would have been a lot easier to pay.

While the show is free to the public, you can RSVP for it here. Theatre 68 Arts Complex is located on 5112 Lankershim Blvd. More information about the venue can be found here.