"Big strong laughs continued throughout this show, and that's probably reason enough to go see it...There are some very talented players in this group and I'd love to see more of them"
Steven Slate, nytheatre.com

A team of highly unskilled non-academics perform improvised abridged versions of the great works of literature as chosen by the audience based on nothing more than an unabridged plot summary.

After sold out performances at FRIDID New York, RSP is happy to present “Sporknotes” for ongoing monthly performances!  Sporknotes is a 45 Minute set of Intellectual mockery and Literary blasphemy, set in motion by audience suggestions of both Classic & Obscure Literature, the troupe of improvisers and actors bring the stories to life with little to no knowledge of the story line, guided only by online student study guides!

Join us as the world's foremost experts on literature culled from the area's finest bars, subway stations and unemployment lines gather to adapt & improvise the greatest works of literature live on stage for optimal audience confusion.

Tickets: $8

"Hats off to the whole cast, who never failed to roll with the punches, even when they were below the belt...If you are in the mood for thumbtack sharp improv wit, all under the guise of a literary roundtable, then check it out...Let's just say, it takes deliciously sick minds to come up with this stuff, and its pure delight to go along for the ride"
Mary Hilton Newbie NYC

The Cast and crew

Jason Tyne (Director)

Jason Tyne is a resident director of Rising Sun Performance Company.   Past productions include Baby with the Bathwater, …And That's The Way It Is (if ya' think so), and Lysistrata.  Jason's next production with Rising Sun will be King Lear this spring.  Jasongrew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, but worked summers in the wild mountains on "Bear Patrol" duty for Yards Creek Scout Reservation keeping cub scouts safe from their furry friends.   Having recently graduated from Northwestern University's Masters program in Directing, taking a three-year hiatus from improv comedy to explore the nature and essence of tragedy, he his happy to be back home, happily married, and working on something lighter.   He is the vernacular of the human soul. 

Julie Bain (Rising Sun Ensemble Member)

Julie Bain is Originally from Colorado Springs, CO, and has been living and performing in NYC for the past seven years. Most recently, Julie was seen in the opening number of the New York Innovative Theater Awards where she got to sing, rap, and bust some really sweet dance moves. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, she happily joined the Rising Sun Performance Company 3 years ago. Julie would like to thank Jason Tyne for the opportunity to be a part of this unique project. Favorite past roles include the title role in Lysistrata and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Julie is also married to a very cool and patient guy named John who she loves very much.

Josh Hyman (Rising Sun Ensemble Member)

Josh Hyman is a working stand-up comedian in New York City as well as a member of the Rising Sun Performance Company since 2005.   He's been doing all sorts of improv, both long and short form, with Solar Powered Flashlight, the Hebrew School Dropouts, and now Sporknotes.   He's most recently returned from his second tour with the National Theater for Children.  Last summer he had his first starring role in the off-Broadway play, and independent film by the same name, "Trying To Get To The Moon" produced by the Interborough Repertory Theater and IceWater Pictures.   Josh likes making people laugh with his unique sense of humor but if that doesn't work, he'll revert to tickle tortures.  He likes to thank friends, family, bus drivers and Chinese food delivery guys for all their support.   Lobado to Shayne.

Brian Schell (Guest Artist)

Brian Schell grew up on Long Island which means he is struggling to be taken seriously. After doing comedy and improv for almost 5 years, from the Brokerage to the People's Improv Theater, he hopes Sporknotes will be that little something that shoots him into superstardom. Oh, and he also minored in philosophy, so things might get heavy.

Courtney Boddie (Guest Artist)

Courtney J. Boddie received a Masters of Arts in Educational Theatre from New York University in 2002. She currently is the Education Programs Manager for The New Victory Theater. She is delighted to work with Jason Tyne again! Past credits include Lysistrata, …And That's The Way It Is (if ya' think so), both with Rising Sun Performance Co., Naomi in Naomi in the Living Room, East River Theater Co., The Colored Museum and For Colored Girls… , both with Winters' Studio, The Queen in The Ugly Duckling, Provincetown Playhouse.

Chris Enright (Guest Artist)

Chris Enright grew up in the wild mountains of New Jersey where albinos taught him their hypnotic mating cry. He performs long form improv with his team Bloody throughout the below 14th street area. This will be his second production with Rising Sun having played the role of Mr. Agazzi in …And That's The Way It Is (if ya' think so) .

Kerri Ford (Guest Artist)

Kerri Ford has been performing since she was nine years old. She has extensive training and credits as an actress, singer, and dancer. You can catch her these days touring with Winceyco and performing with the band Fresh Republic. For the latest updates and performance notices, visit her website at www.kerriford.com. She will gladly accept roses, chocolates and cash gifts of any kind.

Ben Bloody (Guest Artist)

Ben Rameaka is a member of the improv team Bloody and also played soccer for the Rockets against the Blades at Neil park. Lots of people in Room 9 like Ben.  Sam, Taylor and Joseph were playing. It was a tough game and Ben accidentally kicked the ball and it hit me in the nose and made it bleed. He got the player of the day for being so brave.

Brian Carin

Crystal Franceshini 

Colin McNally

Josh Patten

Michael Chiavaroli

Sara Blake