What is the Mullet?
Well, the mullet is a haircut that was popular in the 80s and 90s when I was a kid. Short in the front and long in the back. The Mullet is also an improv format I invented. In which it starts out with shortform improv in the beginning and then morphs into longform improv in the back half (short in the front and long in the back… like a mullet — geddit?)
In case you don’t know what shortform improv is…
Shortform improv is the “game-style” improv made famous by programs like “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” It generally consists of an explanation by a host in the beginning and then one or more players play the (often comedic) game. A shortform set can often consist of a number of games.
In case you don’t know what longform improv is…
Longform improv cam be many different things, but essentially it can be defined by not having a new game or format that is explained to the audience every few minutes. At its basic level, it can be a whole set (of 30-40 minutes) inspired by a one-word suggestion from the audience. It can be many other things as well.
How does The Mullet work?
We’ll find out again at EasyLaughs this Friday.
The Mullet is, so far as I know, the only improv show that attempts to merge these two distinct styles. I invented it about 10 years ago and have played it a few times since then. But really I’ve done hardly any improv for 4-5 years, so this is me getting back on the horse, so to speak.
I’m excited to be doing improv, and resurrecting The Mullet, this weekend. Join the party, tickets available.