Introducing... Weak Nights

By Jeff Kreisler on 10/08/2009

Okay, we're gonna try something new.
I want to learn about the many sketch comedy groups 'round the world, but I can't possibly see 'em all. I can try to find out what they're about. I've put together a simple little questionnaire that gets at the stuff I think is interesting about sketch groups.
So, I'm going to post these "Introducing..." pieces about groups that are completely unknown to me. I'll try to keep editing to a minimum, so we can hear their voice. Yes, it'll be biased towards self-praise, but, we'll, it's a start.
It's going to be interesting, and I want to know what you think. Comment or email me your thoughts on the whole concept, the questions asked, the responses, specific groups, or whatever strikes a chord.
Some are going to be hilarious... some, not so much. Some will try to be funny in their responses, some will be new discoveries, some will be established stars, some will be people I owe money.
If you've got a group to submit, email me a quick note (group name, website, etc.) and we'll see. People do read this blog, so try to put a good foot forward. Like my dad always said, "If you don't swing, you can't miss."

After randomly selecting from the first group of responses... Away we go!

Group Name: Weak Nights
Group Members: Ryan Sandoval, Lily Sparks, Darren Herczeg, Price Peterson, and Myles Nye are the core members in a larger, loose-knit collective.
Website: www.weaknights.com

Where can you be seen doing the Funny?

Sandoval: We've performed sketches at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (Los Angeles) and Garage Comedy. We are currently writing our full-length live act which will be performed at Baskin Robbins.

Gimme some links to videos you're proud of (please):

David Sedaris Delivers a Pizza
Vomit Tag
Community Actors Workshop

Shiny credits?

Sandoval: Our video "Rock the Vote" was featured on KCAL9 (L.A.'s finest local news station). Some of our other videos have been featured on BoingBoing, Suicide Girls, Defamer and MetaFilter.

How did your sketch group start, when, where, under what inspiration, and how as it evolved?

Sandoval: We met at UCLA in the early 00's, where we wrote and produced 100+ episodes of a sketch TV show for campus cable. In 2006, we broke away to form Weak Nights.

Do you have any comedic inspirations, like Monty Python or SNL, and, if so, how have they impacted you?

Sandoval: We enjoy the classics like Mr. Show and The State, but these days we're more inspired by PSAs, cable access and public transportation. We're really drawn to irregular sketch formats, poor video production, and bad trends.

How have you maintained the group dynamic? Is there one person who decides if a sketch makes it into a show, or a line into a sketch - or do you come to a consensus?

Sandoval: Price started the group and does the day-to-day stuff like running meetings and updating the site, but everyone spearheads their own videos, sketches or blog entries... For better or worse, we don't really butt heads over anything. (For worse.)

What do you think of contemporary sketch comedy? Do you have favorite groups or shows? Who makes you laugh?

Sandoval: We like Tim & Eric, Kasper Hauser, Whitest Kids U'Know and most of everything at UCB, especially performers Neil Campbell & Paul Rust.

What's the sketch comedy scene like in your city? How does sketch fit into the rest of the comedy scene there - stand up, improv, etc.? Are there venues dedicated to putting up just sketch comedy, or at least receptive to it?

Sandoval: The best part about the Los Angeles comedy scene is that Rita Rudner's nightly Las Vegas show is within driving distance. But seriously, this town is seething with comedy types of all kind. It seems kind of necessary out here to do improv, stand up, and sketch in order to up your exposure and stay sharp, but most performers just gravitate towards what format they like the most. Los Angeles is probably an exceptional town for performers, insofar as the amount of venues that accomodate sketch comedy. You've just got be shouted at for an hour by a public bus-crazy to get to them.

How does your group use video - either in live shows or posting online?

Sandoval: Video is what we like best, so even our live show will include pre-taped segments.

Do you have specific goals for your group?

Sandoval: We'd like to have a nightly variety TV show opposite Tyler Perry's Madea. In the interim, we are each pursuing screenwriting, playwriting and feature filmmaking.

How has sketch comedy impacted your career and life?

Sandoval: It has ruined our lives forever. (I hear that a lot - kreisler)

photo: weaknights.com