A HISTORY OF THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION

Industrial was formed in July 2005 by Michael McFarland after his departure from another local group, The Ninjas, earlier in the year. The goal of Industrial was to form a creative-collective with no obvious leader and a communal form of management for running a troupe.

The initial line-up for the group consisted of Michael McFarland, Greg Maughan, Erin Weems, Brandon Libby, Mike Connor and Jessi Snow. Half the group had longform improvisation experience. Preparation for actual performances occurred during the summer and Industrial Improv premiered their unique style of improvisation in Philadelphia on September 11, 2005.

Since that time the group has added members Kevin Thone and Akshay Sateesh, and lost members Michael McFarland (to New York City) and Kevin Thone (to Belgium).

Industrial's profile rose rapidly as they performed at the inaugural Philadelphia Improv Festival (PHIF) in November 2005, The Washington Improv Theater the following month, and made their New York City premier at the Magnet Theater in January 2006. Also in 2006, they headlined the Rhode Island College Comedy Festival and performed at the Providence Improv Festival, The Del Close Improv Marathon at New York's Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

2007 has seen Industrial become an anchor team for the emerging Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) in Philadelphia, continuing their record as one of the cities top acts and best exports.

Industrial continues to perform regularly in Philadelphia (where they frequently host guest performers from New York) and along the East Coast.

 

PASSIONATE PERFORMANCES

Each show begins with Industrial asking the audience to picture in their minds something that they are passionate about and then tell us what that thing is. Based on the first suggestion Industrial hears we will tell stories from our own lives that our audience member's passion inspires in us and use these stories to create a completely original 30-minute show that has never been performed before and will never be performed again.