The Bad Dog has trained, nurtured or hosted some of the best of Canadian comedy. We'll put the spotlight
on some of our members and find out more about why they make the Bad Dog such a special place.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT : ALASTAIR FORBES
Interview by Rusa JeremicAlastair is part of the Bad Dog Players – a core group of top improvisers that bring you classics like Weirdos, Midnight, Hot Doctors in Love and most recently with Punchcard's 9 To 5 and Hot Oil Barons in Love. He teaches improv to both kids and adults at the Bad Dog.
Fun Alastair Facts!!
- Alastair's middle name is Douglas – the "middle name" in the Forbes' Family.
- Way before Alex Rodriguez, Alastair's nickname was A-Rod because – on occasion – he was known to travel on a pink tassled A-Rod bike.
- Alastair once worked as a ski instructor!
- Alastair moved from B.C. to study Theatre & Film at Queen's.
- Alastair met his lovely Fiancé when they did a Play together in Barrie. They played the Bride and Groom.
When I graduated from Queen's, I worked as a professional actor and clown. I travelled with a clown troupe and worked clown festivals. In 2005, fellow clown and Bad Dog improviser Sara Buski encouraged me to audition for the Bad Dog Show "Hard Boiled" directed by Ralph Macleod, Bad Dog Creative Director and General Manager. Ralph took a shine to me and I've been improvising ever since.
What do you like best about improv?
It's so spontaneous. It's gives you a great rush. Improv has all my favourite parts of the theatre: it's visceral, real and happening. There are no accidents – accidents are gifts.
Favourite Bad Dog Moment?
BattleAwesome AwesomeStar. It's the magic that you feel; that happens when you improvise with a phenomenal cast and you have fun!
What is your favourite object suggestion?
We asked for an object and somebody yelled out, "baby." So we used the baby as an object in the scene. Like it was a hammer or something.
If you could improvise with anybody, who would it be?
Definitely Superman because when you make a crazy physical offer he can Yes And the shit out of it!
Do you have any specific improv scene that stands out? That you still remember years later?
Was it playing a pirate Olivia Newton John or impersonating Liza Minelli... Best piece of advice every given?
This drector from Serbia, Sasha Lukac taught me, "the power of having fun in spite of the audience." Because if you are having fun the audience will inevitably have fun too!
Catch Alastair Forbes and other great people at The Bad Dog Theatre. Spotlight off!