Dan Triandiflou is the Director of Improvisation at Dad’s Garage Theatre and an actor throughout the Southeast. He is a union actor who has performed in over thirty professional plays and nearly a dozen independent and studio films. He plays Joe Chess in the soon to be released Who Do You Love?, directed by Jerry Zaks and distributed by Lion’s Gate. Dan recently let me conduct an e-mail interview with him.
Matthew: How did you first discover improv and how did you first get involved with Dad’s Garage?
Dan: I first saw improv and played a little in college, but I didn’t really get involved until I moved to Atlanta and did a stage play called The Unseen Hand at Dad’s Garage Theatre. I took a class with Joseph Limbaugh and then began workshopping on and off at Dad’s for a few years. I performed with some other groups, but eventually I became a regular at Dad’s. I continued to perform in scripted plays and wrote for their sketch show, I always stayed in contact with the improv ensemble, even though I only watched improv most of the time. Eventually, they asked me to participate in more improv shows.
Matthew: How did the Doug Dank Project get started?
Dan: René Dellefont, a fellow Dad’s ensemble member, really wanted to do something different and Matt Stanton, another amazing improviser, had a space at Push Push Theater (Decatur) available on Wednesday nights. René gathered together Amber Nash, George Faughnan, Christian Danley, Matt Stanton, and myself to put together this new show. Rene was really the driving force behind it, but everyone in the group has contributed to the show’s style and appeal. We’re heading towards a third year anniversary and Dank is still a truly unique show in the Atlanta improv scene.
Matthew: Are there any improv related achievements you are particularly proud of?
Dan: “Danksgiving” in November; the guest storyteller at The Doug Dank Project gets to donate the ticket sales of the show to the charity of their choice. Also, directing Invasion: Christmas Carol at Dad’s this past year. Simply being asked to join the ensemble at Dad’s and The Doug Dank Project were exciting achievements. Each of the two man shows I have done with Matt Stanton, Tim Stoltenberg, and Lucky Yates are also stand out moments.
Matthew: What would you consider the most essential skill necessary for good improv?
Dan: Listening.
Matthew: Dad’s Garage is known for their innovative improv formats. Can you share any keys to developing these formats?
Dan: A wide variety of people and ideas in our ensemble, plus solid support from our staff. We are always willing to explore new formats.
Matthew: As the new Improv Director at Dad’s Garage, could you share anything about the direction you want to take the theatre?
Dan: I want Dad’s to grow…in the number of improvisers, the reach of our audience, and the scope of utilizing improv to create original theatrical work.
Matthew: Thanks again for taking the time to do this interview. Anything else you want to say?
Dan: I am robot. A sexy robot.