
October 1, 2009 By: Benjamin Wideman Published in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter

Who needs Cliffs Notes when you’ve got Bradley Tavares?
At the debut performance of The Babbling Bubblers improv comedy troupe in August, the Manitowoc man acted out the seven-book, 4,000-page “Harry Potter” saga in — drum roll, please — one minute.
And he only had a few seconds to prepare.
“It went about as well as anybody could have guessed,” said a chuckling Tavares, who dabbled in improv while attending Dartmouth College. “It went pretty quick. I got in the main parts, some Quidditch, Snape, Dumbledore. It was fun.
“That kind of set an expectation for what an audience can expect at our shows. Expect the unexpected. Expect a lot of fun. Other players and I have been able to match that energy level and creativity in every show since. … I just think it’s fantastic that a start-up company like this, especially in the arts, is doing so well, so early.”

The side-splitting laughter continues Saturday when the Manitowoc-based Babbling Bubblers perform at 7:30 p.m. at Manitowoc Coffee, 836 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc. The Babbling Bubblers also have shows scheduled at Manitowoc Coffee for Oct. 10, 17 and 24.
In addition to Tavares, troupe performers include The Bubbler Theatre co-owners Lisa Callsen and Lisa Heili, both of Manitowoc, as well as fellow Lakeshore residents Evan Thornton, Tommy Lee Kirby, Courtney Neumeyer, Benjamin Leist, Dawn Steckmesser, Jim Steckmesser, Heli Tattari, Steve Thiele, Juliet Kosarzycki, Abraham Heili and “mascot” Libby Steckmesser. Performers range in age from 18 through late 40s. Their shows are similar to those seen on the TV program “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
In a few weeks, The Babbling Bubblers will have a place to call home — Callsen and Heili recently signed a lease to open the 40-seat Bubbler Theatre at 421 N. Eighth St., Manitowoc.
The idea for the troupe and theater blossomed last spring, when Callsen and Heili met while working on The Masquers’ show, “Lost In Yonkers.”
“When I was on the set of ‘Yonkers,’ ” Callsen said, “it really hit me that I couldn’t produce the one-woman show I wanted to and put it on at the Capitol Civic Centre. I’m not looking to fill 1,100 seats. I know what black-box theater is, and that’s what I wanted: a more intimate setting. I always wanted to be able to provide a business to entertain.”
Heili, who was in charge of makeup for “Lost In Yonkers,” was intrigued by the concept.
“I thought it was very interesting, and I wanted to help her bring this to fruition,” Heili said. “And we’ve pulled it all together.
“The shows have been going well. They’ve gotten a better response than we hoped for, since we’re new. They’re very responsive audiences. We’re getting an established group of patrons, and there are new people every time.”
The troupe rehearses twice a week — two hours each on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Members range from those with virtually no stage experience to those who are seasoned performers.
Regardless, they all start from scratch once the lights turn on.
“There are no scripts,” Callsen said. “Everything is off the cuff.”
Callsen added that she doesn’t get nervous: “I love the attention. I think it’s great. It’s wonderful.”
However, mental blocks come with the territory.
“Getting stumped happens to all of us when we’re up there,” Tavares said. “The main thing is to keep the story going as best you can and have fun.”
Added Callsen: “There’s always something that might stump you. That’s what makes improv great. It’s funny. It’s not about perfecting lines.”
To help arm their troupe with additional improv knowledge, Callsen and Heili recently participated in a three-day seminar at the Second City Chicago Training Center, whose alumni includes Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
“It was overwhelming, but in a good way,” Heili said. “We were given amazing instruction that made us both far better improvers and better teachers of improv.
“Improv isn’t about trying to be funny; it’s about going into a situation with another person on stage, and the comedy happens with how the audience reacts to the situation you’re in. I learned more about what improv is supposed to be.”
Said Callsen: “The tools and techniques we learned were amazing, and we were able to bring them back to our troupe.”
The Babbling Bubblers aren’t the only people expected to occupy the stage at The Bubbler Theatre once it’s up and running. (”Bubbler” is the word people in this part of the Midwest use to describe a drinking fountain. Callsen found it humorous. Hence, the name).
Callsen and Heili intend to rent the theater to other performers — musicians, poets, etc. — “who want a cozy venue,” Callsen said.
“Manitowoc is a creative, artistic community,” Heili said. “With the Capitol being a fairly large venue, it’s expensive to put on a show there. So only people who tend to be in groups and have some pockets to dig into are able to put on big shows there.
“We’re looking for people who want to express creativity and haven’t had a chance to do it around here.”
Just don’t expect to see Tavares’ one-minute “Harry Potter” show at the new theater.
“That was a one-time deal,” he said. “If you didn’t see it, you missed it.”
Lisa 1 & Lisa 2,
I had a great time capturing your comical faces inside the studio at the HTR. Cheers to your new improv show and I can’t wait to come and see you guys perform!
Thanks for the laughter!
Sue
Thanks, Sue, it was a joy working with you!
Improv in a jiffy!
§ September 20th, 2009 § Filed under improv § No Comments
When you are in a pinch for entertainment, there is nothing like improv to fill the void.
Last Thursday was The Masquers, Inc general meeting, it was the first one after the long summer break. It’s that meeting where all the minutes get read.
This meeting rarely has entertainment planned. The new President, Luan Leonardelli, had a last minute brain bubble. She asked us, The Babbling Bubblers, to pop in to be the entertainment. She’s doing a great job already, way to go Prez!
Improv is the perfect fill for “on-the-go” entertainment. If you are in a pinch and you need some improv be sure to call us, we’ll be there in a jiffy (ok, but really, we’d love as much notice as possible).
Exciting Audition Experience
§ September 7th, 2009 § Filed under Uncategorized § Tagged audition, babbling Bubblers, improv, manitowoc, stumpjack, two rivers, wisconsin § No Comments
Want to have fun with the Babbling Bubblers? Want to learn about improv? Come and play a bit of improv!
Our exclusive audition tryout allows you to witness all the fun for free. It’s not only an audition, it’s a performance!
This Thursday, September 10th, join the Babbling Bubblers as we conduct a fun and participatory event. It’s open to anyone interested in being considered for the troupe or those that just want to watch the hilarity ensue.
See us at Stumpjacks 1606 Washington St., Two Rivers, we start at 7pm!
On another note, Stumpjacks has a Thirsty Thursday special. Check it out!
Lisa and Lisa’s Second City – Chicago Road Trip
§ September 1st, 2009 § Filed under Uncategorized § No Comments
Lisa and Lisa are so happy to have trained at The Second City – Chicago last week. The feeling upon arriving at orientation was overwhelming. Seeing pictures of comedic greats like Gilda Radner, John Candy, Chris Farley and so many more made us feel the aura of genius as we walked the halls. We were there for a 3 day intensive improv course covering material that normally takes 15 weeks…gulp! Jessica, our teacher, was amazing and we made many new friends and contacts there. While in Chicago we made the most of the opportunity and saw Sketch Comedy and Improv shows at Second City, iO, and The Annoyance.
The Lisas Take Chicago
The Babbling Bubblers’ Premier Event Was a Huge Success!
§ August 24th, 2009 § Filed under Uncategorized § Tagged babbling, bubbler, improv, manitowoc, two rivers, wisconsin § No Comments
After the show: The Babbling Bubblers bring massage to new heights, per the expression on Tommy Lee’s face.
Second City Improv Intensive – Next Week!
§ August 21st, 2009 § Filed under Uncategorized § No Comments
Lisa and Lisa are attending a 3-day improv intensive workshop at:The Second City – Chicago
We are very excited and can’t wait to share our experience with you. The adventure is sure to be a memory maker!
Renegade Troublemakers?
§ August 18th, 2009 § Filed under Uncategorized § Tagged babbling, bubbler, comedy, improv, manitowoc, two rivers, water fountain § No Comments
Who is that strange group of people gathering around Manitowoc’s Water Fountai (SLAP) I mean Bubblers? Yes!!!! It’s the Babbling Bubblers Improv Troupe!!!
animoto – The Babbling Bubblers Audition
§ July 29th, 2009 § Filed under Uncategorized § No Comments
Woo Hoo