How to cause a scene

There was a segment yesterday about a troop called ‘Improv Everywhere’ and the ‘missions’ they carry out. It was incredibly fascinating and excited me a bit that maybe I could be a part of it – or even be caught by it.

This group carries out non-threatening ‘pranks’ which they call ‘missions’; stating the goal is "causing scenes of Chaos and joy”.

I think I’m salivating.

For example, the Mission: Throw a birthday party for a stranger

Christopher Rawson was sitting in a bar with his friend and a full pitcher of beer.

Charlie Todd, who began the group in August of 2001, spotted Chris and his friend and their full pitcher of beer and called up the rest of the ‘Agents’ to carry out the mission.

The match was lit.

Charlie walked up to Chris and said, “Hey Ted, sorry we’re a little early for your birthday party.”

The fire started.

Christopher Rawson just figured it was a case of misunderstanding – Charlie Todd laughs it off. More people come in; everyone calls him Ted. He shows his license, everyone laughs it off.

Charlie had sent an email to all the agents prior that outlined specific things that ‘Ted’ loved; bands he loved, where he went to school, where he worked, etc.

Charlie asked the agents to come up with a connection to Ted, so everyone who was hugging and buying Chris gifts would talk about the past and how long it had been, etc.

Eventually, Chris begins answering and introducing himself as Ted, he even started corroborating all the fake memories. Said it gave him some semblance of control.

Ted (left) poses with Agent Winckler

If you fast forward to 33:40 on the link below you’ll catch the story from the players involved. Listen till about 43:00

http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=286

You can read directly from the 'Improv Everywhere' site here - http://improveverywhere.com/2003/09/19/ted's-birthday/