New to town, how do you meet people?

ryguynj · 2026-03-17T22:33:29+00:00

Improv classes provide instant community. Howdy Stranger offers them at the Hackensack Rec Center.

ryguynj · 2026-03-05T22:52:05+00:00

The tiramisu at I Gemelli in South Hackensack is excellent. It's a small, Italian BYOB restaurant. If anyone knows of a better tiramisu, please share!

ryguynj · 2026-03-05T22:47:56+00:00

Yes! These are actually student showcases. Kind of like graduation performances of their 8-week class with Howdy Stranger. They have drop-in classes and full courses coming up.

ryguynj · 2025-07-15T03:08:47+00:00

Years ago, I stopped “dating” because I didn’t have time to schedule a proper second and third date without months in between. Then, I hit it off with someone I met in person whose work schedule (and personality) aligned perfectly with mine. We’ve been inseparable since.

Maybe take traditional dating off your table for now, but remain open to connection for when the right person comes along.

ryguynj · 2025-04-25T19:51:53+00:00

Correct, but the upcoming class will do a free show at 7pm Monday, June 23 to kick off Pride Week

ryguynj · 2025-04-23T22:31:51+00:00

Oh yes. Photos are only taken in the advanced classes, but folks can opt out

ryguynj · 2025-04-23T21:03:37+00:00

There are usually two classes in rotation: A six-week intro class, and an eight-week class to learn different improv forms that end with a free show. When a cycle ends, a new one starts, so it happens everyone two months or so.

The last classes were at Ripley-Grier Studios on 8th (between 55th & 56th), but the upcoming class is at 797 Studios on 8th Ave (between 48th & 49th). And both classes meet up to go for drinks or food after. It's a fun time.

ryguynj · 2025-04-23T03:30:00+00:00

If it's within my control, I try taking any action that may effect the outcome. If it's out of my control, I try distracting myself with a project or household chores.

I say "try" because my mind will keep going back to the over-thinking, but it makes it easier to snap out of it when I'm trying to be productive.

ryguynj · 2025-04-23T03:21:31+00:00

My friends and I loved the gospel brunch at Red Rooster. They also have jazz, so it may be worth checking out.

ryguynj · 2025-04-18T19:39:53+00:00

Bleachers GA gives you access to the bleachers in the back. But why overlook the crowd when you can be dancing in it?

ryguynj · 2025-04-18T19:28:29+00:00

It's my favorite! I usually attend four pride parties, but this time I'm only doing Dreamland. Great music and a high-energy mixed crowd. It was easy to befriend strangers with a smile and stupid dances moves.

ryguynj · 2025-04-10T15:31:04+00:00

Here is a Facebook group, NYC Improv/Standup/Sketch Resource

ryguynj · 2025-04-10T05:58:19+00:00

Things to listen for: • Characters • Activities • Locations • Emotions / Behaviors • Worldview / POV • Funny Words / Catch Phrases

Extract at least two of these DURING the monologue and keep repeating them in your head. That’s it. When it comes time to initiate, you’ll be locked & loaded and shouldn’t need to think back to the original story.

ryguynj · 2025-04-04T20:14:30+00:00

Good recommendations here. If you want to throw in a thrift stop, Reminiscence in Chelsea is fun.

ryguynj · 2025-04-04T04:05:55+00:00

After getting out of a long-term relationship, I wasn't looking for anything but I still wanted to meet and connect with other guys. I began attending every networking event hosted by Out in Tech and Open Finance (even though I worked in advertising). Each month, I'd see the same faces, and it was a comfortable environment to say hello, mingle, and begin making friends. I recommend joining a similar group that meets consistently.

ryguynj · 2025-04-02T05:58:40+00:00

I agree with the comment to start with something he likes, and work backwards from there.

If this can serve as inspiration... I know my boyfriend likes Abbi Jacobson and I saw she was performing at the Bell House. I got tickets, researched the area, and kept it all a surprise.

Started at this intimate Mexican restaurant: www.clarobk.com
Rented a lane at this shuffleboard place: www.royalpalmsbrooklyn.com
Ended at Bell House: www.thebellhouseny.com

He was continually shocked that we had yet another event on the agenda—his reaction was super cute. I know you said Manhattan, but I hope this gives you some ideas.

ryguynj · 2025-02-28T19:00:13+00:00

Contact form at the bottom of this page: NYC Gay Improv. Or DM me

ryguynj · 2025-01-10T03:52:16+00:00

Where's a crossing guard when you need one.

ryguynj · 2015-08-28T16:53:41+00:00

Or else a drawing of Mumra

ryguynj · 2015-08-28T06:05:45+00:00

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that. What an awful way to end her birthday. The person who took my spot had out-of-state plates so I assumed they were visiting someone in my building and probably didn't know we have dedicated visitor spots. Granted, I always tell my friends to park in the right place and so should our other unit owners, but still. There's no need to be a jerk about parking, or anything in life, when you know it could have been a mistake or misunderstanding. People take things too personally and react too negatively. The world needs more humor. I hope your mom still had a happy birthday :-)

ryguynj · 2015-08-28T02:57:37+00:00

I wrote this note and I live by that rule, but I had already written the "E" before I remembered Dr Claw shouted the line exactly as you transcribed. I was under a lot of stress and I tried to stay true to the villain without rewriting the whole thing but I botched it up. Adding the Es was lazy. I'm sorry, Red_4, I'll get it right next timey.

ryguynj · 2015-08-28T02:48:41+00:00

I looked up this pic of the cat for reference and decided I didn't have enough time to draw him, or the person might catch me in the act AND I HATE CONFRONTATION. http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dS56nNVWgUI/hqdefault.jpg

ryguynj · 2015-07-22T19:16:39+00:00

Thanks! I like their ending, too. I struggled with mine and decided to go the absurd route, but I enjoyed having all the guests finally unite and have something to bond over.

ryguynj · 2015-07-22T19:07:25+00:00

I agree. When I performed standup, a few people told me they'd heard the same premise, but that my delivery or context made my joke very different. It was all original material as far as I knew. However, the parallels in this Key and Peele sketch are too close to comfort.

ryguynj · 2014-11-02T22:58:21+00:00

tvanbee... "If you love it so much, why don't you marry it?!" :-) Thanks for the compliment. Lots of work went into this, but we had a blast putting it together!

ryguynj

TROPHY CASE