Improv Everywhere’s latest “mission” is a do-over of their 2003 “Ted’s Birthday” mission. “Agents” show up at a bar and throw an impromptu party for an unsuspecting patron, calling him Ted and acting as if they’re all old friends. Luckily, this dude is a ridiculously good sport.
I doubt I’d have such a thoughtful “I’m sorry we broke up” conversation with a complete and total stranger, but who knows? Alcohol is a crazy drug. The previous incarnation of this mission didn’t go quite as well for the fake Ted, who told This American Life that the mission sent him into an existential crisis.
How would you react to a fake birthday party, PopWatchers?
Love it! Best fake birthday present ever.
The way he handled that was so impressive. When he said in the closing interview that he got into it, you could totally tell! He was having fun being Ted and just totally went for it.
Mad props for that guy. It makes me wonder if he ever did theater or improv himself!
yea – i know the “Ted” guy – he does stand up comedy in NY but just happened to be the guy they picked so they really got lucky with this one. and even he was definitely really confused for a while over what happened, so i can only imagine if it were some other type of person
Hah, so funny
he’s my brother.. he was totally thrown off by it. he called me the morning after it happened and was still, even after he found out what was really going on, in disbelief that it happened. he really thought that he might be going crazy.
I think i know that “Ted” guy! I took an Intro to Theater Class with him at Fordham University. Our teacher was David and I know we had a part of the class that focused on improv basics. That might be where he learn to just “go with it”. wow! what a blast from the past! hey Chris – its Pedro, remember me? You were a really funny guy then too! If you read this you should look me up, let’s hang out!
if i got non-poisoned cake, i’d be happy.
That is great! I hope that I would play along as well as that guy did. Food Court Musical is still the best of Improv Everywhere, though.