The Variety Hour

Season 4 Here We Go!

2009-02-16T14:38:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that it has almost reached the 2 year mark for the Variety Hour. As the seniors saddle up to end their life with the Variety Hour, the concern of the future was at stake. With individuals like Jared Friedman, Liana Rosenberg and Chris Conte the probability of executing a sustainable organization is amazingly high! So alumni, don't fret, and current students, be ready for some entertaining products to evolve over the course of the next decade!

The theme for this year's Variety Hour is still a little secret, but let's just hint at the theme of a late 80s and early 90s composition revolving around an eclectic family. This is the largest writing feat that the Variety Hour has taken on. It will attempt to weave an overarching plot with digital shorts consistent with the plot, and random side adventures that will optimize the entertainment curve. I can NOT wait to see the outcome of our upcoming writer's meeting this week on Tuesday.

See you in April!

-Alex

Jeremy Announces This Year's Awards

2008-12-15T20:31:00.001-05:00

The winner of the Alexander Andrews Appreciation Award for overall commitment to the Variety Hour is Jared Friedman. Serving as head writer and co-producer, Jared left his mark on, literally, every sketch in VH3. He co-wrote the cooking show "Leftoverz" and some hilarious jokes for TTH; he organized and performed in the improv act at our premiere; he lent his voice to the "Maggie Mo Murder Mystery;" he built the awesome "Students to Outer Space Club" model rocket ship; he acted in "eCarnegie" and the "Students to Outer Space Recruitment Video;" and he was an integral part of our field team for the "Bhangra in the Burgh Interview" segment.

The fourth ever (!!) Jeremy B. Neuberg Most Valuable Player Award goes to Ellen Hyland, a founding member of the VH, who took an essential role in our cast this semester playing the title role in "Ellen Cooks Last Night's Leftovers," a memorable part in "eCarnegie," and appearing in all three of our live acts. She clinched the award during the final week of production by leading the efforts to spread the word about our show, helping to put together another fantastic installment of TTH, and sharing her hilarious story of aggressive massage techniques. Your trophy will be available in January (as will those of previous JBNMVP winners).

The Blake, awarded to the producers of the best digital submission, goes to Danny Kane, Paris Obdan, and Liana Rosenberg for their thoroughly entertaining "Maggie Mo Murder Mystery" trailer. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Margaret Morrison send an enigmatic private investigator on a quest to discover who killer her. Was it the lawyer? The cute little paper girl? The Doctor? Find out on a campus near you - Summer 2009.

And finally, the VH's newest award, the Friedman Prize for Writership, goes to rookie cast member Brendan Sullivan. A major contributor to our script, Brendan played a key role in developing many of our skits for production and he wrote a significnat share of our TTH jokes. In addition, he took on the position of TTH co-host and participated in all of our improv acts.

Congratulations winners!

Season 3 Available Online Now!

2008-12-08T17:14:00.002-05:00

The Variety Hour is proud to announce that Season 3 is available online on our YouTube Channel! See the Variety Hour recruit students to space, finish up last night's leftovers, and introduce a new website to find the perfect "Study Buddy." You can check out some of the videos below! Live content will be uploaded shortly.

This Season's Opening:

eCarnegie:

Leftoverz:

VH Episode 3 - 12.4.2008

2008-12-02T06:37:00.003-05:00

That's right sportsfans, the CMU Variety Hour is holding the red carpet premiere of its 3rd episode this Thursday in McConomy Audiorium from precisely 8PM to 9PM. This show's featured acts include: All New VH Digital Shorts, Things That Happened with Brendan Sullivan and Ellen Hyland, Tim Dimond, Off The Top Improv, Ellen Hyland's "A Cautionary Tale", SoundBytes, AND SO MUCH MORE!! Admission is FREE.

Get ready to get blown away!

VH Season 3 Update

2008-11-04T02:00:00.004-05:00

Production is going GREAT halfway through our third season of the Variety Hour! We've been making fantastic progress and the invites to perform just keep coming. This semester continues to be crazy busy! November is our crunch month!

What we've done:
-eCarnegie
-Ellen Cooks Last Night's Leftovers
-Students to Outer Space Club Recruiting
-"Who Killed Maggie Mo" Trailer
-10/23 Opening Act for Bill Burr at CMU Homecoming '08

What's coming up:
-VH3 Filming/ Editing
-VH3 Live Act Auditions
-11/8 Bhangra in the Burgh
-11/15 Insomnia Film Festival
-11/16 TriDelt Charity Brunch?
-11/20 Up Til Dawn?
-12/4 VH3 Premiere!!!!! THE BIG DAY!

The Variety Hour Extends an Invite to the Carnegie Mellon University Orientation Council

2008-07-21T19:43:00.002-04:00

The Variety Hour is attempting to grow even further. The best outlet would be to inspire unique talents to perform would be the freshmen talent show. The Variety Hour is interested in seeing which of these unique talents would be good to recruit for the Variety Hour itself. In turn, the Variety Hour will become a producer for the talent show and some of the technical components. Essentially, we are creating a glorified Camp Talent Show. But that's what everyone had when they were little and that's what people should embrace.

We'll see how it goes.

Technabob Features CMU Gurlzzz!

2008-06-18T12:29:00.003-04:00

Congratulations CMU Gurlzzz! External press! I couldn't be more excited to see this happen!

http://technabob.com/blog/2008/06/18/cmu-girls-heart-technabob/

www.technabob.com is a tech, gadget blog, and today site owner and author Paul Strauss put a great blog up today about it!

"The girls of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) are undoubtedly some of the dopest chicks you’ll ever encounter. Not only do they do they possess mad algebraic skillz and could probably kick your ass in World of Warcraft, they have the only finest taste in tech blogs." - www.technabob.com

The video CMU Gurlzzz has over 8000 hits since it's debut in the beginning of may. The Variety Hour is looking forward to seeing what Technabob's press will do to it!

Very nice, gurlzzz!

-Alex

All Videos Up On YouTube!

2008-05-06T12:10:00.001-04:00

Check out the latest episode of the Variety Hour, including a bonus video of "Tampons."

www.youtube.com/thevarietyhour

Enjoy!

A New Page Turned

2008-05-06T12:05:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the new executive board of the Variety Hour! I can't wait to see what happens with it next semester!!!

*Board of Directors

Executive Producer*
Jeremy Neuberg

Co-Executive Producer*
Jared Friedman
Liana Rosenberg

Director of Cinematography*
Blake Coughenour

Producer of Cinematography*
Jonathan Kush
Associate Producer - Can Duruk

Director of Relations - Lobbyist
Carolina Velez

Head Writer
Jared Friedman

Treasurer*
Jeremy Neuberg

Secretary*
Ellen Hyland

Communication Designer
Website - Tshirt - Posters
T.B.D.

Recruitment
Carolina Velez
Liana Rosenberg

Fundraising
Lindsay Liu

Christopher Farley & Richard Pryor Mermorial After Party Planning Committee Heads
Vika Kovalchuk
Jason Hawkins

Goals
Each pitch must have a director and producer with pitch
Broadcast Live
Younger Members
Writing Table
New York Writing Retreat
More Digital Shorts
Stronger Tech

Award Winners!

2008-05-04T13:20:00.000-04:00

The Variety Hour is please to announce that there were three award winners on Wednesday Night.

The Alexander Andrews Appreciation Award for overall commitment to the Variety Hour. This year's winner was Jenna Steely for her overwhelming support for CMU Gurlzzz, Greek Sing's "Hazy Sunday," Star Wars Bagpipe, and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. This award was started in 2007 at the first show.

The Jeremy Neuberg Most Valuable Player Award went to Jared Friedman for his production work with "Hazy Sunday," reconstructing and organizing a rap and sketch. He also answered the call when interviewers were needed at Carnegie Mellon's midway, knocked the improv OFF THE TOP!, and is looking to get more involved in the Variety Hour next year!!!

The Blake Coughenour Digital Submission Award is a new award this year encouraging outside parties to submit their digital shorts for the Variety Hour premiere. This year Mike Paletta, Tony Paletta, Sean Conboy, and Foster Crawford all came together to create "Crybaby." "Crybaby" is a silent black and white film that displays the angst of a young man who has just been left by his girlfriend, Ezra. We find Mr. Crawford tumulting down a sad and lonely spiral, only to discover that his means of destruction are less than adequate for his desires. Find this video on YouTube in the nearest of futures.

Congratulations everyone!

The Variety Hour - Episode 2! It's gonna be up!

2008-05-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheVarietyHour

Check this out for a full recap of last Wednesday's Variety Hour: The VH Steps Up.

The videos will be posted over the next week, so subscribe and be updated when the videos are posted.

This is CMU Gurlzzz written by Jenna Steely, Courtney Gooch and Vika Kovalchuk. Cinematography and editing by Blake Coughenour; Beat by DJ Master Mike; Sound Engineering by Alex Andrews.

Like to watch live comedy? The Variety Hour has its own Improv Team: Liana Rosenberg & Carolina Velez, Ellen Hyland & Alex Andrews, and Jared Friedman and Jason Hawkins all tackle the teamwork needed when one loses their hands.

Looking for more? Keep posted at www.youtube.com/theVarietyHour

-Alex

The Tartan Recognized Us!

2008-03-25T11:43:00.001-04:00

The night began with a “CMU Variety Hour,” a show similar to the late-night comedy show Saturday Night Live. The “Variety Hour” was performed by mechanical engineering junior Ellen Hyland and social and decision sciences senior Tim Dimond, featuring a news segment called “Things That Happened” in the style of SNL’s “Weekend Update”, along with the rap “Hazy Sunday,” detailing the aftershock of those crazy Carnegie Mellon Saturday nights performed by a group of students. The real competition began with the singles performances by six fraternities.

http://www.thetartan.org/2008/3/24/pillbox/greek_sing

Recording Session (3 Pics)

2007-09-23T14:22:00.000-04:00

Variety Hour Recording Timeslots

2007-09-17T14:04:00.000-04:00

Choose your recording slot by either commenting on the blogpost or emailing me at aandrews@andrew.cmu.edu.

I am hoping that I will not be the only car going. If you have a car and can take the group of 4 other people in your time slot with you to the Entertainment Technology Center... I will love you forever

*Driver, Pick up at UC Turnaround 15 Minutes Before Time Slot

Saturday, September 22nd

12:30
1. Jeremy Neuberg
2. Alex Andrews* (Will be taking my group @ 12:00)
3. Vika Kovalchuk
4.
5.

2:00
1. Alexandra Lezberg & Cameron
2. Jenna Steely
3.
4.
5.

3:30
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

5:00
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Oh my. We are on a roll!

2007-09-16T11:59:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to everyone involved with "The Variety Hour," (upwards to 40 people now!). We have become a rumor on campus and a plug for the future of society!

Okay. So we're not really a big deal. However this is what we have accomplished, and I can't wait to throw some teaser samples on here.

Maybe - Song recorded, filmed.
Empty Threats - Filmed, needs to be re-shot (BUT AMAZING!)
Tampons - Being filmed tonight.

Despite this amazingness, I have a feeling we are only going to be getting on Variety Hour in this semester. I hope to see it continue next semester... Hopefully!

What I have learned thus far in the production process. Ellen eats babies. Stick to your production times, people have to come to you. The producer must be there before everyone else, have food, and stay til the very end. People like funny things. You need money to function.

-Alex

Update - 9.12.2007

2007-09-12T12:07:00.000-04:00

First: Happy Birthday to our cast member and dear friend, Vika!

Second: Everything else.

*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-

~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*
Production Meetings Every Monday @ 9:30
Changes to the Schedule
Recruiting

*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*
Production Meetings

It has been decided that Mondays at 9:30 will be the new "Weeklies." They are called "Dailies" on real sets. It will allow us to organize ourselves and resolve any conflicts that arise for the production schedule. It also brings us together for some rip roarin' fun. I'll try to get some snackies for future ones.

We will hopefully be showing off our first musical number, "Maybe," as well as our first digital short, "Empty Threats" to the rest of the cast.

*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*
Changes to the Schedule

1. Thursday, September 13 - Changed from 7:30-8:30 to 7:00-8:00 (Effects Alex A., Jon, & Blake)
2. Saturday, September 15 - Changed from 12-3 to 4-6pm (Dinner) (Effects Alex A., Ellen, Coleman, Jon & Blake)

*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*
Recruiting!

We need Asians! You heard me! We will also look at anyone else interested in participating. Please let me know if there is anyone that is apt to take a good, funny, role. We will also be accepting original sketches, animations, creative designs (serious or funny), and anything else that can be thrown into the show.

*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*

Thank you everyone!

-Alex

Rookie Mistake

2007-09-10T02:37:00.000-04:00

If you are going to tamper with what someone else says, at least change the time stamp after their name.

Epiphany

2007-09-10T02:25:00.000-04:00

onefrenchgoose (2:22:08 AM): is our script almost complete?

neubey (2:22:19 AM): yea

onefrenchgoose (2:22:12 AM): holy shit

Alex: So we’ve got the line up for next week under control? Vika, you get the costumes and prop list ready for the master, and get it ready for rehearsal next Tuesday, ok?

Vika: 13^th or 14^th century style for the “Renaissance Man” sketch?

Alex: 14^th.

Vika: And the Helen Keller sketch, should I fit Jenna or Jess.

Alex: Let’s go with Jenna on this one. She’s been practicing. Jared, how’s the writing panel coming along for the last couple of skits?

Jared: They are ok. Not too great actually. The best thing they could come up with was Andy as a life and real size Tomagatchi. It would definitely hit our Asian demographic, but I doubt anyone else would think that’s funny.

Alex: Let’s roll with that for now. I’d rather see Andy in a big egg than blank screen. Get me something better. Alex, how’s the opening dance number coming along?

Alex L.: Famously.

Alex: Anything else? More than just famously?

Alex L: Nope.

Jeremy: Coleman, how’s your bit coming. Needs improvement. Times a thousand.

Alex: I’d rather watch Rosie O’Donnell’s morning rants in her sweats.

Jeremy: I’d rather drink ipecac.

Alex: Gross. I’d rather just make Coleman drink ipecac. Gosh darn Coleman, we decided to hire that broad you were hanging out with, Ellen? You’re gonna be her new parents. You’ll teach her everything you know, and that ain’t much. You got it? She was an orphan until you found her; we found her. Everyone, meet Ellen. Ellen meet… hmm, there’s an easier way to introduce everyone I think…

Update - 9.5.2007

2007-09-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

Hey production team! Here are a few updates for you. Please take a few minutes to read through. This can also be found at thevarietyhour.blogspot.com.

***********************************************************************
Today's Notes:
** What I need from you guys!
** First Official Cast/Production Meeting MANDATORY
** CMUtv Officially On Board
** First Rehearsal/Blocking Completed
** Final Script Retreat
** Christopher Crosby Farley After Party Formation Committee

***********************************************************************
I NEED YOUR INFORMATION!
***********************************************************************
Please email me your current class schedule (either a version from Schedule Man or simply a copy and paste from SIO). Also include any extracurricular activities that occur on a weekly basis (i.e. CMUtv meeting Thursday's @ 9:30). Please also send me your phone number. I should have most of them, but alas there are others I don't have.

***********************************************************************
CAST/PRODUCTION MEETING
***********************************************************************
This Sunday will be the meeting and delivering of the first "Official" script to the cast members and production team. The time for the meeting is currently at 8pm. If that does not work for you, please let me know ASAP. Location TBD; will let you know by Friday. (I feel like we are Dumbledore's Army; gathering in secret locations - we'll get approval soon!)

***********************************************************************
CMUtv OFFICIALLY ON BOARD!
***********************************************************************
I would like to welcome Mr. Jon Kush to the email list. He is the acting Director of Cinematography. He joins us as a member of CMUtv, an organization we all will be getting to know throughout the next few weeks.

***********************************************************************
FIRST REHEARSAL!
***********************************************************************
Ellen, Coleman, Jeremy and myself completed the first rehearsal on Tuesday for "Maybe." Starting at the next rehearsal, there should be notes available on the blog site thevarietyhour.blogspot.com, shortly after each rehearsal. We worked on the lines, the song, and the blocking. I can't wait to see what happens!!!!

***********************************************************************
FINAL SCRIPT RETREAT
***********************************************************************
This Friday, the final script will be rolled out. All lines, songs, and parts will be figured out and available by Sunday's production meeting. The Executive Producer, Co-Producer, Director and Producer of Cinematography will all be in attendance. The writing will take place from noon to five and the cinematography coordination will take place from 5 to 7. If you are interested in participating, shoot me an email.

***********************************************************************
The Christopher Crosby Farley After Party Planning Committee
***********************************************************************
The Variety Hour is going to name its after party in name of all of the deceased comedians that have pledged their lives to the entertainment world. The after party will be a legal event that will show the cast, and special invited VIP guests a good time as a celebration for the hard work each member has put into the production. The After Party takes place after the premiere.

If you are interested in being a part of this planning committee, please send me an email.

***********************************************************************

Thank you for everything so far guys. See you Sunday.

Alexander Andrews
Executive Producer
The Variety Hour

Now Entering the Production Phase

2007-08-29T11:40:00.000-04:00

With the script nearly completed, a cast ready for action, and the support from CMUtv, The Variety Hour has officially hit production stages! We will be getting our cameramen and women next; setting up the shots for the big numbers as well as the digital shorts.

Rehearsals will begin being posted here.

Rehearsals Round 1:

Thursday, August 30th
6:00pm
Ellen, Coleman, Alex A., Jeremy
"Maybe" Rehearsal
Meet in CFA

Tuesday, September 4th
6:00pm
Ellen, Coleman, Alex A.
"Maybe" Recording
Pittsburgh Technology Center (I will drive)

Saturday, September 8th
2:00pm (Time may change with Hall availability)
Ellen, Coleman, Alex A., Jeremy, Andy, Alex L., Jenna, Jess, Jared,
"Maybe" Filming
Kresge

Sunday, September 9th
Mandatory Cast Meeting
6:00pm

-Alex

First Fall Production Meeting

2007-08-28T13:13:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to Carnegie Mellon, folks! Tonight is the first production meeting, and I couldn't be more excited! We have a working script at this point with three fully written songs along with digital shorts created by Jared Friedman and Jeremy Neuberg.

Tonight we start to decide what we're going to do about the production timeline and figure out everyone's schedules.

Starting next week we will be in the recording studio getting vocal tracks for the three songs. The following week we will begin filming.

More to come following the results of the meetings.

Peace!

-Alex

2007-07-07T21:50:00.001-04:00

It has been decided that to introduce an improv-esque edition to the show we are going to implement a plot into the variety hour. It will still include skits and sketches throughout; the plot will just be a continuous element that will occur throughout each episode.

We have also outlined the first episode and are looking for submissions for the two segments we still need to fill. There will be a preliminary reading available for cast members, tech, and other parties. All feedback provided will be accepted; positive, negative and any other sort. The submissions we are looking for are animations, scripts, digital shorts, or stand-up-like videos to fill 3 to 6 minute segments, as well as 7 to 10 situations

We are also looking for people willing to perform any of their songs; preferably and organized band or a talented musician that would like the chance to perform.

Please send all submissions to thevarietyhour@gmail.com.

All submissions will be reviewed and placed into the CMU Variety Hour Library for current and future use.

Tomorrow a preliminary script will be available for all members. A constitution will be available by the end of the summer as well as access to the 2007 budget.

-Alex Andrews

Beach Retreat 2007

2007-07-07T12:59:00.000-04:00

The Variety Hour Team has gathered to "Beach Day 2007" to start compiling the first pilot script as well as engage in team building funitivities.

An update will be posted tomorrow with all of the results.

-Alex and Jeremy

Potential Change of Show Format

2007-05-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

So, there are no open locations as of this time for the Variety Hour. Rangos is booked until spring; but Marcia Gerwig seemed excited about the idea and suggested booking Rangos in the spring. We are still looking to Dr. Page to see if we can get Kresge.

If all else fails, we are going to look into Plan B. I suggest working with CMUtv to create a televised Variety Hour to start. It will be Chappelle Show like where we have a host (The only difference is that we're acting like we're in front of an audience with sound effects) and there would be a bunch of sketches and digital shorts compiling the show. There would be an introduction to each skit. We could do a lot more with digital shorts and it would allow us to be more versatile.

Post your thoughts.

Jeremy - Co-Producer

2007-05-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

Update From Executive Producer

2007-05-13T13:11:00.000-04:00

Started working on some ideas for promos. I also have been trying to organize some minor stuff.

Right now, we're looking at several d-lists. Each one has its role.

Overall D-List: Monthly Newsletter, Large Production Update
Overall B-Board: Monthly Newsletter, Large Production Updates, General Discussion
Tech D-List: Props, Costumes, Lighting, Sound, ABTech, CMUtv, Producer, Director, Co-Producer, Secretary, Stage Manager
Actor D-List: Director, Actors, Producer, Co-Producer, Secretary, Stage Manager
Board of Director: Producer, Co-Producer, Treasurer, Secretary, Artistic Director, Technical Director, Stage Manager.

Secretary will be in charge of managing and keeping these lists up to date.

We have created the Board of Directors and are slowly filling the positions that will make the first show the best show.

Executive Producer - Alex Andrews
Co-Producer - Jeremy Neuberg
Director - Ellen Hyland
vocal Coordinator - Andy Hafenbreck
Music Coordinator - Jason Calaiaro
Technical Coordinator - ABTech
Public Relations - Vika Kovalchuk (Sp? Sorry darling)

There are a lot of other positions that are currently assigned, and as I remember them or find them written in the many notebooks I will keep an eye on them.

Right now our cast members are the following:

Ellen Hyland

Junior, Mechanical Engineer
Spencer suggests that you do a sexy jungle theme.
Something on the Steeler's related would be sick. Duct tape dress?

Coleman Broaddus
Physics?
We can do a Lenny Kravitz, rock star, cool, definitely sun glasses.

Jenna Steely
Communication Design Major
I want to do a Goldie Hawn-esque, Laugh-In Style photo shoot for her.

Andy Hafenbreck
Decision Sciences Major
Vocal Music Minor
I want to do a cool James Dean-esque, Italian White T-Shirt Blue Jean, sitting out on a window sill photo shoot.

Michael Selevan
Electrical & Computer Engineering
An on-stage in action shot would be sweet; chillin' on the edge of the stage.

Dhruv Mathur
Information Systems
I think a very suave, country club, preppy shoot would be sick.

Shayna Watson
Creative Writing & Psychology

Jessica Moss
Art

Alexander Andrews
Decision Science
Entertainment Technology

We'll be ready soon!
-Alexander Andrews

The Variety Hour Blog

2007-05-13T03:02:00.000-04:00

Ah, the second post - Hopefully a little big more detailed than the 1st.

The Variety Hour is now under way. We recently had a meeting with abTech, CMUtv, a couple representatives from ReadMe, several of the actors and potential actors, as well as the production crew.

Constitution is underway and heading in an amazing direction. The readable version of the constitution, "The Bible," will be done by the end of June.

The budget is doing very well - we need to figure out exactly what it will cost to make a huge "V" and "H" as well as all of the minor costs associated with the Variety Hour.

Will continue this shortly.

2007-05-13T02:48:00.000-04:00

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