The Annual iOWest Del Close Awards

2010 iOWest Del Close Awards Nominees Announced. Voting Commences.

Sunday August 1, 2010

The world’s news media gathered at Los Angeles’ iconic Motel 6 in Canoga Park for the most eagerly anticipated pre-dawn press conference of the day today as the lovely Sean Cowhig and even lovelier Maggy Keegan announced the nominees for the 2010 iOWest Del Close Awards.

Named in honor of Del Close, improv pioneer and co-founder of the iO Chicago theater, this is the night when the iOWest community recognizes its own for contributions both valid and vapid to the art form known as improvisational theatre.

This year’s honorees for comedic excellence represent a stellar mix of veteran crowd-pleasers and exciting newcomers. U.S.S. Rock & Roll leads the pack with 3 nominations including Best Harold Team, for which they will vie against perennial nominees Trophy Wife, King Ten, and newcomers Bandit. In the new category of Student of the Year, the iOWest teaching staff selected an all-female slate of future superstars: Mary Bogh, Sarah McLean, Tiffani Mills, Laurie Roggenkamp and Shelby Swartz.

This year also marks the official renaming of the Sexiest Player, Teacher of the Year and Bartending awards after retired three-peaters Nick Armstrong, Craig Cackowski and Jon Crowley.

iOWest students and alumni can cast their ballots online at vote starting today through August 15th. Winners will be announced at the live ceremony August 20th at 9pm at the iOWest theater in Los Angeles. Bring your dancing shoes and bionic livers.

It's Coming : The 2010 Del Close Awards

Thursday July 1, 2010

In keeping with the dreadful prophecy foretold by the Mayans centuries ago the 4th Annual Del Close Awards will be celebrated at iOWest on Friday, August 20th at 9pm.

Named in honor of Del Close, improv pioneer and co-founder of the iO Chicago theater, this is the night when the iOWest community recognizes its own for contributions both valid and vapid to the art form known as improvisational theatre. Since its inception, the irreverent Del Close Awards ceremony has quickly evolved to become the biggest and most important entertainment accolades celebrated in the 6300 block of Hollywood Blvd during the month of August.

Last year’s standing-room-only audience enjoyed riotous comedy performed by a cadre of iOWest performers, unforgettable acceptance speeches, and more exposed flesh than anyone expected or deserved to see. This year the self-referential and self-congratulatory humor returns bigger and better than ever with plenty of laughs, unexpected sentiment, food, drinks, and DJ Conroy. It will be a night to remember, or at least a night to be vaguely aware of what you did or said once you regain consciousness.

Nominations for the iOWest Del Close Awards will open July 2nd. iOWest students, alumni, and audience members can visit delcloseawards.com to submit their nominations for categories including “Best Harold Team,” “Best Teacher” and the highly coveted “Sexiest Player.” This year will also inaugurate the new “Student of the Year” category which will be voted on by iOWest’s teachers. So start sucking up now, students!

Nominees will be announced and voting for the winners will commence on July 31st. Winners will be announced live at the 2010 iOWest Del Close Awards ceremony on Friday, August 20th at 9pm at iOWest.

Students and alumni interested in volunteering at this year’s ceremony should contact The Del Close Awards Committee.

2009 iOWest Del Close Awards Celebrate Improv Through The Ages

Tuesday August 25, 2009

(L to R) Paul Vaillancourt, Craig Cackowski, and James Grace reinact the very first pattern game at the 2009 iOWest Del Close Awards (photo by Erin Leigh Photography)

Those lucky enough to find a seat amidst the standing room only audience at 2009 iOWest Del Close Awards were treated to an evening of unexpected laughs, surprisingly touching moments, and an all-star revue of Improv Through the Ages.

The evening kicked off with the always radiant Judith Shelton who, channeling Liz Taylor, interviewed the arriving iOWest community on the (patch of) red carpet before the ceremony. As the house lights dimmed, the roar of the packed house interrupted the neighboring danceclub Vice for once.

Following a reenactment of of the first pattern game and edit in the history of improv set to the tune of Thus Sprach Zarathustra from 2001 by loincloth-clad iOWest Artistic Director James Grace and teachers Paul Vaillancout and Craig Cackowski, host Josh Dubose took the stage and welcomed all, including new improvisers at the theater. “For newcomers and old-timers, the Dels are a very very special event,” Dubose said. “It’s the one time a year we come together as a community and everybody stokes each other – as opposed to how it normally happens: with each team individually in the green room stroking one another after a particularly good show.”
 
The Rule of Threes was prevalent in this year’s ceremony as bartender Jon Crowley won his third consecutive Excellence Bartending Award, along with Nick Armstrong’s third win for Sexiest Player, and Craig Cackowski for Best Teacher. All three awards will henceforth be renamed in honor of their triple-crown winners.

Crowley, unable to accept his honor in person, sent proxy Apul Patel in remembrance of Marlon Brando’s 1972 Oscar protest over the treatment of Native Americans. “I immediately tried to clear up Mr. Crowley’s cultural and geographical confusion,” said the “dot-not-feather” Patel.

Josh Dubose hosts the 2009 iOWest Del Close Awards (photo by Erin Leigh Photography)

Best Teacher winner Cackowski eschewed comedy in his acceptance speech, instead reflecting warmly on his 20 years in improv and role as a teacher. “There is always amazing new blood and new performers coming to this theater all the time and I’m always honored to initiate anybody into this artform that I love and that I’ve devoted my whole life to.”

Sexiest Player Nick Armstrong, know for his cheeky stripteases in years past, apologized to the male portion of the audience. “For all you guys out there, I’ve got a treat for you,” he said before presenting performers Canon Wing and Liz Lytle, who stripped down to sexy lingerie before a jealous Armstrong pushed them aside and once again revealed his trademarked yellow and red stars undies, which will soon be framed at the iO bar.
 
Two of the more touching moments of the ceremony came with the Most Supportive Audience Member and James Grace Awards. Herb Koss, second-time recipient of the Most Supportive Audience Member Award, was greeted to a standing ovation, noting, “The only thing I’m nervous about is another old man walking through these doors.” Later, a tearful and near-speechless Irene White accepted her James Grace Award for her dedication to the theater, stating, “I am leaving, but one of the reasons why I stayed so long was because of iOWest.” “I don’t know how I’ll replace this in my life,” she added.
 
Between awards, iOWest performers presented Improv Throughout the Ages – an (arguably) accurate depiction of long-form improv milestones through the years. Jesus and his Apostles (played by Harold team DHT) made a guest appearance, introducing the “Everyone Get In Here Game” to the world, while a 1940’s newsreel featuring the Dollhouse examined women in improv. Harold Team Gypsy Lou assumed the role of Civil War improvisers as they introduced the letter writing split scene, while host Josh Dubose took the show thought the 50’s Red Scare and 60’s Civil Rights Movement alongside an incredulous Thomas Fowler. Brian Shortall and company brought back the 80’s complete with cocaine-fueled edits and golden Delorians, and Zabeth Russell and Ryan Gowland foretold a future of improv as populated by the children of today’s performers. Finally, the cast of Rigor Tortoise introduced the audience to the history of beloved Musical Director Andrew Melton in the video “Meltdown Through the Years.”
 
Video highlights, along with exclusive photos, will be posted here in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back often to relive your favorite memories as we all look forward to what has become iOWest’s biggest night of the year – The Annual iOWest Del Close Awards.
 
2009 List of Winners:

• Excellence in Bartending : Jon Crowley
• Best Waitstaff : Rebecca Stevens
• Hardest Working Intern : Tommy Bechtold
• Most Supportive Audience Member : Herb Koss
• Best ADT Team : Kitty Porn
• Sexiest Player : Nick Armstrong 
• Best Portrayal of an Object : Jill Alexander – Dancing Donut Sign (Trophy Wife)
• Best Improvised Non-Harold Show : Dasariski
• Best Scripted Show : Top Story! Weekly
• Best Line : Who’s gonna buy these ladies some fish tacos? – Ric Rosario (The List)
• Coach of the Year : Brian O’Connell
• Teacher of the Year : Craig Cackowski
• Best Harold Team : USS Rock N Roll

• James Grace Award : Irene White and Eric Hunicutt

2009 Nominees Announced, Voting Opens

Saturday August 1, 2009

In an crowded early-morning press conference today at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, Del Close Awards committee member Phillip Wilburn was joined by Red Carpet Correspondent Judith Shelton to announce the nominees for the 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards.

Named for Del Close, improv pioneer and co-founder of the iO Chicago theater, the Annual iOWest Del Close Awards are given out for achievements – both valid and dubious – in the field of comedic improvisation at an irreverent ceremony at the iOWest theater.

Once again, this year’s ballot features a mix of familiar faces and new blood. Perennial Best Harold Team nominees Trophy Wife and Local 132 are joined by newcomers The Cartel. 2008 Sexiest Player winner Nick Armstrong returns to face competition from good-looking peers including Rikki Kalil and Aretmis Pebdani, while new category Best ADT Team boasts a lineup of impressive talent such as Steve Holt and Kitty Porn.

Once again, veteran Craig Cackowski received the most nominations this year with nods in two categories – Coach of the Year and Teacher of the Year – in addition to a pair of show nominations: Dasariski for Best Improvised Non Harold and Dasariski presents Loose Fish for Best Scripted Show.

iOWest students and alumni can cast their ballots online at delcloseawards.com starting today through August 16th. Winners will be announced at a live ceremony August 21st at 9pm at the iOWest theater in Los Angeles. Drinks and dancing to follow.

Like Any Of This Matters : The 2009 iOWest Del Close Awards

Thursday June 18, 2009

“I’ve been improvising for about 10 years with iO and my Mom still thinks I go to The Improv three times a week to do stand-up,” quipped 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards host Josh Dubose. Dubose’s jape was just one of many self-referential jokes that rocked the standing-room only audience at the 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards.

Named for Del Close, improv pioneer and co-founder of the iO Chicago theater, the Annual iOWest Del Close Awards are given out for achievements – both valid and dubious – in the field of comedic improvization at an irreverent ceremony at the iOWest theater in Hollywood, CA.

This year, the Dels return with all the humor, pageantry, and self-congratulation that made last year’s ceremony such a hit. With its 2009 dates set, the Annual iOWest Del Close Awards will once again reward the best in comedic improvisation – like any of this matters.

Nominations for the 2009 iOWest Del Close Awards will open July 1st. iOWest students, alumni, and audience members can visit delcloseawards.com to submit their nominations for returning categories such as “Best Harold Team,” and “Best Teacher,” along with new category “Best ADT Team,” and the always popular “Sexiest Player.”

Nominees will be announced and voting will begin on August 1st. Winners will be announced live at the 2009 iOWest Del Close Awards ceremony on Friday, August 21st at 9pm at the iOWest.

Students and alumni interested in volunteering at this year’s ceremony should contact The Del Close Awards Committee.

2008 iOWest Del Close Awards Celebrate Community, Improv, and Pabst.

Monday August 25, 2008

At the close of a spirited ceremony in Los Angeles, the iOWest community gathered together to sing “We Are iO” – a parody of “We Are The World” commemorating and celebrating the Hollywood improv theater’s reopening – at the 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards on Friday night.

After a series of increasingly ribald Red Carpet interviews from Relationsh!t host Judith Shelton, emcee Josh Dubose took the stage to guide the standing-room only audience through the presentation of seventeen awards for achievements – both valid and dubious – in the field of comedic improvisation. A collection of awards that, according to Dubose, “only means something in these doors.”

“I’ve been improvising for about 10 years with iO and my Mom still thinks I go to The Improv three times a week to do stand-up,” Dubose quipped.

Kicking off with a spirited musical number from the cast of Opening Night: The Improvised Musical, highlights of the evening included a second consecutive win for Sexiest Player by Nick Armstrong, a salty acceptance speech from Most Underrated Player Zabeth Russell, and a surprisingly moving acceptance speech from Most Supportive Audience Member winner Herb Koss. Equally impressive and hilarious were a series of show-stealing interpretive dances for each Best Harold Team Nominee from the Del Close Award Dancers.

Announcer Craig Cackowski proved to be one of the night’s biggest winners – taking home awards for Best Improvised Non-Harold Show (as part of Dasariski) and Teacher of the Year. In his acceptance speech for the latter, a boozed-up, tongue-in-cheek Cackowski dedicated his win “to all the haters out there.” After giving his fellow nominees a verbal dressing down, Cackowski punctuated his speech with “Fuck Karen Graci.”

The Del Close Awards Dancers perform “King Ten”

Bar Manager Brian O’Connell accepted the James Grace Award from its namesake Artistic Director James Grace. The special award, given annually to “someone who goes above and beyond the call” was given to O’Connell for his dedication “not only to iO, but to improv in general.”

“This is my home,” O’Connell said in his acceptance speech. “This is my family.”

But the most emotional portion of the evening came after the final award for Best Harold Team was presented to winners King Ten. “We Are iO” – a musical video short written by Matt Manser and Phillip Wilburn, took a parodic take on “We Are The World,” referencing the theater’s recent closure due to an automobile accident. Replacing 80’s pop stars with iO mainstays, the video and accompanying live sing-along brought the 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards to a fitting end: proud, funny, and completely self-congratulatory.

Video highlights from the Red Carpet and ceremony, along with official and backstage photos will be posted here in the coming weeks. Be sure to check back often to relive your favorite memories as we all look forward to next year’s ceremony.

2008 LIST OF WINNERS

• Excellence in Bartending: Jon Crowley
• Best Waitstaff: Eve Fizz
• Hardest Working Intern: Tilt Tyree
• Most Supportive Audience Member: Herb Koss
• Best Andy Dick Black Box Show: Relationsh!t
• Sexiest Player: Nick Armstrong
• Best Portrayal of Furniture or Environment: Eric Hunicutt – Douglas Sarine’s Ponytail (Goal!)
• Best Improvised Non-Harold Show: Dasariski
• Best Scripted Show: Friday 40
• Best Written Piece: Mr. E (Energy) – Scott Gimple (Friday 40)
• Most Underrated Player: Zabeth Russell
• Best Viral Video: Leave General Petraeus Alone
• Coach of the Year: Irene White
• Teacher of the Year: Craig Cackowski
• Best Harold Team: King Ten

Del Close Committee Announces The Rock Bottom Brewery Best Randomly Selected Student Award

Wednesday August 13, 2008

The iOWest Del Close Awards Committee is proud to announce that The Rock Bottom Brewery Best Randomly Selected Student Award will be awarded for the first time ever at this year’s iOWest Del Close Awards.

Sponsored by the good people at Rock Bottom Brewery, The Rock Bottom Brewery Best Randomly Selected Student Award is open to any current iOWest Training Center student attending the 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards.

Students may submit their names at the Box Office during the Red Carpet Pre-Show on Saturday, August 22nd starting at 8pm. The winner will be chosen at random live onstage during the Award Ceremony. The winning student will receive a Del Close Award statue and bragging rights.

Named for Del Close, improv pioneer and co-founder of the iO Chicago theater, the Annual iOWest Del Close Awards are given out for achievements – both valid and dubious – in the field of comedic improvization at an irreverent ceremony at the iOWest theater.

The 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards take place Saturday, August 22nd at 9pm at the iOWest in Hollywood, CA.

2008 Nominees Announced, Voting Opens

Friday August 1, 2008

In an early-morning press conference at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, Del Close Awards committee head Irene White was joined by actors Loretta Swit and John Cryer to announce the nominees for the 2008 iOWest Del Close Awards.

Named for Del Close, improv pioneer and co-founder of the iO Chicago theater, the Annual iOWest Del Close Awards are given out for achievements – both valid and dubious – in the field of comedic improvization at an irreverent ceremony at the iOWest theater.

This year’s ballot features a mix of familiar faces and new blood. 2007 Best Harold Team winners Trophy Wife are joined by seniors King Ten, alongside freshman teams Local 132 and Foster Kids. 2007 Sexiest Player winner Nick Armstrong returns to face competition from newcomer Tilt Tyree, who is also nominated for Hardest Working Intern.

This year, Opening Night cast member Derek Miller received the most individual nominations with nods in three categories – Coach of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and Sexiest Player; while perennial favorite Craig Cackowski received two individual nods – Coach of the Year and Teacher of the Year – in addition to a pair of show nominations for Dasariski and My First Time with Cacky.

iOWest students and alumni can cast their ballots online at delcloseawards.com starting today through August 15th. Winners will be announced at a live ceremony August 22nd at 9pm at the iOWest theater in Los Angeles. Drinks and dancing to follow.

Your Favorite Thinly-Veiled Popularity Contest is Back

Tuesday June 24, 2008

Last year, Del Close Award nominee Nick Armstrong accepted his award for “Sexiest Player” wearing only the top half of his tuxedo. It was just one out of many hilarious highlights of the thinly veiled-popularity contest known as the Annual iOWest Del Close Awards.

This year, the Dels return with all the humor, pageantry, and self-congratulation that made last year’s inaugural ceremony such a hit. With its 2008 dates set, the Annual iOWest Del Close Awards once again prove there’s nothing more rewarding than improvisers rewarding themselves.

Nominations for the 2008 Del Close Awards open July 1st. Students, alumni, and audience members can visit delcloseawards.com to submit their nominations for returning categories such as “Best Harold Team,” and “Best Teacher,” along with new categories “Best Written Piece” and “Best Viral Video.”

Nominees will be announced and voting will begin on August 1st. Winners will be announced live at the 2008 Del Close Awards ceremony on Friday, August 22nd at 9pm at the iOWest.

If you’re interested in volunteering at this year’s ceremony, please contact The Del Close Awards Committee.