Burn Manhattan

Burn Manhattan was a critically acclaimed experimental underground improvisational comedy troupe that performed in New York City from 1996 to 2000.

History

Burn Manhattan was founded in the spring of 1996 in New York City. It's founding members included Matt Higgins, Jay Rhoderick, Kevin Scott, Todd Stashwick and John Thies. The troupe was formed in collaboration with director Shira Piven. The troupe blended the improvisation traditions from many sources. Todd Stashwick and John Thies were alumni of Chicago's The Second City. Kevin Scott was a founding member of the experimental Chicago based improvistional troupe Bang Bang (Whose members included acclaimed playwrights Tracy Letts and Greg Kotis actors Michael Shannon, Bob Fisher andPaul Dillon). Matt Higgins and Jay Rhoderick were part of the New York underground comedy scene. Shira Piven was part of The Piven Theater Workshop, founded by her parents Byrne Piven and Joyce Piven. Former Second City Musical director Mark Levenson came on board and the core troupe of Burn Manhattan was solidified.Throughout the years swing performers were brought in. They included Kate Walsh, who was a regular cast member in their first year, Andy Newberg,Jeremy Piven and Spencer Kayden.The troupe primarily performed in Manhattan's lower East Side, slowly building their reputation by performing on dark nights at other theaters. Venues included The House of Candles, Nada, Nada45, The Greenwhich Street Theater, The Chelsea Playhouse and The Kitchen.In 2000 Matt Higgins, Jay Rhoderick and Kevin Scott formed Centralia which went on to create the musical Generica