FrISC Finalist Spotlight Series: Badman

Badman Gets FrISC'd! FrISC hangs out with Corey Brown, Chelsea Clarke, D'Arcy Erokan, John Frusciante, Marcy Jarreau, Tim Martin, Ben Ramaeka, and Nate Smith.

Badman was formed when Anthony King, Artistic Director of the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre, assembled the team in 2009. Members have been featured on 30 Rock, ESPN, Adult Swim, College Humor, and The Onion News Network, in addition to various national television commercials. The team shared that they “[assumed King’s decision] was after a lengthy, sweaty vision quest”. As Badman kicks off the interview by crediting Erokan’s Uncle Bruce as their biggest influence, FrISC is kept on our toes.

FrISC: What is the story behind, your team’s name?

Badman: Badman is our stage name. We have a real name that is only shared between us. Also, “Badman” is a Jamaican slang term for gangster. That suits us pretty well.

FrISC: Tell us about your first performance together as a UCB House Team.

We had a really good show. We did get a standing ovation when we walked out on stage [it’s probably because three of us (Marcy Jarreau, Nate Smith, John Frusciante) were on Project Improviser].

FrISC: Growing up, how were you drawn into the world of comedy?

D’arcy: My Uncle Bruce was super funny and I just wanted to hang out with him.

Badman: We all had funny families we wanted to impress.

FrISC: What videos do you find yourself watching over and over on the Internet?

Marcy: The cat that hiccups and farts.

Tim: Wait – I didn’t see that one.

Chelsea: You didn’t? It’s hilarious.

Corey: Why don’t we watch it right now?

Ben: I don’t get Wi-Fi back here.

Nate: So what happens in the video?

Marcy: The cat scares himself with a hiccup and then farts.

John: Seriously guys, I think they’re talking about what comedy videos [we] watch.

Ben: What about the ‘Star Wars kid?’

D’Arcy: They probably mean something contemporary.

John: Pool Jumpers is a great video.

Chelsea: It is.

Tim: Oh wait; I have seen that cat farting video. That’s awesome.

FrISC: Who would you like to play with that you've never played with before?

The UCB Four. We would have said Robin Williams but Chelsea already played with him. We also like TJ and Dave a whole lot.

FrISC: What is your advice for beginning improv performers?

Do improv because you love it. That’s the whole point – make sure you are having fun doing it at all times. And besides – you’re not going to get rich off of it.