We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Douglas Prodor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Douglas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Last year was my first year back after a long term hiatus from my passion of comedy. After three years, I reached out to my best friends and immediately hopped back into the scene. I was welcomed back in with open arms and found myself the happiest I have ever been. We Immediately set goals for ourselves and pitched a dream of hosting our own variety show. We had only four months left in the year and we set out to get it done. We ended up scheduling, marketing, advertising, and performing this show in two months. This was our first big gig and it sold out completeley. We even had people standing and watching the show once all the seats are full. We did headline the show with our improv team “Rat City” with our shock collar improv set. During this set, we were in shock collars and and audience member could shock us whenever they wanted. This is meaningful to me due to how proud I am of the Variety show and it’s turn out and also because it shows how passionate and determined “Rat City” is. This show opened many doors of opportunities for our team and networked our long term residency in San Diego.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Back in my freshman year of high school, when the idea of auditioning for improv was initially presented to me, I confess I harbored that classic “I’m too cool for this” attitude. Little did I know, stepping onto that stage for the first time would completely change my perspective. It was an instant love affair. The freedom of expression and the artistic capabilities that improv offered became an outlet I never knew I needed, especially considering the dynamics at home.

As the years unfolded, I found myself not only shedding any pretense of being “too cool” but also embracing a leadership role. I became the captain of our improv team and headed into college with a newfound passion for this art form. Fast forward to the present, and every weekend sees me making the drive to San Diego to perform with my best friends in “Rat City,” our beloved improv team. The Saturday night shows at 10 pm have become a sacred time for us, where we collectively push the boundaries of the comedy scene in San Diego.

My motivation extends beyond the joy of performing; I drive down each weekend with the hope that our entire team will eventually make the leap to LA. Networking tirelessly in the city, I aim to create opportunities for the team and elevate our presence in the broader improv community.

Our residency at Mockingbird Improv has been nothing short of a dream. Every show has been a sell-out, and the camaraderie among us fuels our collective passion. We’re not just content with standard performances – we love challenging ourselves. Whether it’s our daring “Improv 40-hands” set, the electrifying “shock-collar-prov,” or the upcoming “hot pepper” set this year, we strive to push the boundaries of what improv can be.

Sharing the stage with my best pals brings me immense happiness, and I’m optimistic that we’re all destined for great things. The journey from high school skepticism to leading a successful improv team has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see where our shared passion takes us in the future.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the magic of improv lies in the instant gratification I receive from the audience. There’s something incredibly rewarding about the immediate response and connection with the people watching. The beauty of improv, in my perspective, is the spontaneity and the thrill of having the entire world in my hands during a performance. In those moments, there are no obstacles other than my own willingness to dive into the unknown.

One of the key aspects I cherish is the absence of time for second-guessing. In improv, you must hold yourself with confidence and commit to the choices you make on the spot. It’s a liberating experience that pushes me to embrace uncertainty and trust my instincts.

The unspoken connection with fellow performers is another aspect that makes improv special to me. The bonds formed on stage often extend beyond, evolving into genuine friendships. Each week, we collaboratively craft a new story, and the beauty is that this narrative can transform into countless other creative expressions. Whether it’s making a highlight reel for TikTok or turning one of our spontaneous bits into a scripted sketch, the possibilities are endless. Improv not only provides instant joy but also serves as a wellspring of inspiration for diverse and exciting creative endeavors.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my perspective, nurturing a vibrant creative ecosystem demands societal acknowledgment and active support for the invaluable contributions of artists and creatives. Recognizing the economic hurdles faced by many artists is pivotal. Ensuring fair compensation for creative endeavors, be it through policy reforms, grant allocations, is indispensable for the financial sustainability of artists.

Moreover, the provision of accessible and cost-effective spaces for artists to create, showcase, and perform is indispensable. Communities must invest in cultural infrastructure like studios, galleries, and performance venues, empowering artists to not only exhibit their work but also engage with the public. This not only enhances the individual artist’s experience but also enriches the cultural fabric of society as a whole.

Education assumes a pivotal role in fostering creativity. The integration of arts and creative programs into schools, the support of arts education initiatives, and the cultivation of a culture that values creativity across diverse forms contribute to a society that deeply appreciates and comprehends the significance of the arts. I was lucky to have a high school experience that helped me grow into the creative person I am today. Cultivating a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and openness is paramount. Embracing a spectrum of perspectives, backgrounds, and artistic expressions enhances the creative landscape. Society should actively promote platforms and initiatives that amplify marginalized voices and provide opportunities for underrepresented artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://douglas-prodor.jimdosite.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/dc_pro/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-prodor/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/ratcityimprov/