Improvisation Is In The DNA “Like Crazy,” written by Gary Austin

Go to the link below to see director Drake Doremus’ interview before his

improvised film LIKE CRAZY had won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
Drake Doremus began improvising at the age of 6 in his mother’s improvisational school and theatre.  His mother, Cherie Kerr,  is a founding Groundling member.  Drake is 28 years old and on track to be a formidable film director.

 www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWBQJ_DbHqw

This is the speech I gave August 29th at Paramount’s Hollywood screening of  the soon to be released, “Like Crazy.”

When we started The Groundlings in the seventies, we knew there would be repercusions – good ones.  And yet we’re always amazed when the work results in big careers and successful projects.

Back then I taught and directed at The Groundlings, and Drake Doremus’ Mom Cherie Kerr performed, along with so many brilliant people. 

There’s a misconception that improvisation is necessarily comedic, thus the term “improv comedy.”  Improvisation, as we approach it, is simply telling the truth, our own truth and the truth of the character.

The result is often laughs which we love to hear.  As Art Linkletter always said and Allan Funt proved, “People are funny.”  But funny isn’t the task.  Drake Doremus understands that.

From the age of six, Drake improvised in his mother’s workshops.  He performed in the Orange County Crazies, his Mom’s company.  I remember him as a brilliant actor/improviser, able to hold his own and then some with adults.

Cherie and I and so many have gone on from The Groundlings, me on my own in New York and here, and Cherie with her Orange County Crazies.  

In his film, LIKE CRAZY, Drake Doremus created a story and his cast improvised it.  It is my personal and professional pleasure to introduce Drake’s Mom, teacher and director, Cherie Kerr.

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