Kellen Alexander, John Hartman, and Seth Dodson of 1,2,3,Fag! Photo by Nathan Keay
Our “3 Questions” series continues by probing the minds of Kellen Alexander, Seth Dodson, and John Hartman of the improv team 1 ,2, 3, Fag! We asked them the same 3 questions separately. Here’s what they had to say:
1. What were the qualities of your teammates that drew you to this collaboration?
Kellen: We all shared the same interest in being interested in the same-sex, sexually. But it goes beyond that, too. John and Seth were, and still are, able to make me laugh more than anyone else. Sometimes that’s the best thing to look for in a future teammate. You never feel like you had a bad show if your teammates are constantly cracking you up throughout it.
Seth: We were attracted to each other because we find one another very funny. Also we’re men who are attracted to other men to this attraction was inevitable.
John: We had all performed with each other in various capacities before, but never together in the same group, and we thought it would be a fun
thing to do. Those two are very quick on their feet, amazing with characters – switching from one to the next with incredible agility, and most importantly, just plain fun to play with – that’s what really drew me to working with them.
2. What things go through your mind during a show that help you perform?
Kellen: We’re all on stage throughout the whole show, so I often have to remind myself to edit. But other than that, I hope the only thoughts going through my mind are the thoughts of my character.
Seth: I really don’t try to keep anything in my head when I perform. With 1,2,3, Fag! I’m mostly concerned with just trying to be the cutest member of the group.
John: Honestly, not much goes through my mind during a performance. The more I have in there, the worse it usually is. Occasionally, I think that it might be fun to bring back such-and-such character, but otherwise, I try to let me instincts take over. It’s kind of like golf – you learn and learn and learn the right swing, but once you get up to the tee, you can’t think about any of that.
3. What criteria do you use to define a successful show?
Kellen: How many martinis it takes to forget it.
Seth: The amount and length of audience laughter.
John: If a show went really well, the first thing we usually say is, ”That was so fun!” And it is. When a show is good, we have fun. And that almost always translates to the audience. When we are the loosest, most at ease, on top of edits, and most playful, we have the best shows.
Catch 1, 2, 3, Fag! at iO Chicago on Friday nights at 8pm. Click here for more info
Troupe: 1 2 3 Fag!
Performers: John Hartman, Kellen Alexander, Seth Dodson
Venue: iO Chicago Theater
Neighborhood: Lakeview
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