Tommy Futch is the President of Laughing Matters, an interactive entertainment company. In addition to improvisational comedy, Laughing Matters’ repertoire includes team-building, murder mysteries, game shows, scavenger hunts and school performances. Tommy’s life changed dramatically in 1971 when he was injured in a car collision near Adel, Georgia. Futch was paralyzed from the waist down. Everything he knew about life was altered or no longer applied. For the next 10 years, he dabbled in school, work and self-fulfillment. In 1985, Futch took a comedy course and discovered his passion — improv comedy. He and a dozen partners soon formed Laughing Matters, an improv comedy troupe. As years passed and partners moved on, Futch became President and expanded the company’s mission. I recently had the pleasure of doing an e-mail interview with Tommy.

Matthew: How do you distinguish between the improv you do for the theatre and the improv you do for corporate businesses?

Tommy: It’s process versus product. For the theatre it’s all about experimenting, teetering on the edge of failure, challenging ourselves to explore, finding new ways to create. For corporate it’s about delivering the goods. It’s about guaranteeing your client/audience that they’ll have a good time and laugh for the entire show. Corporate clients do not want to leave scratching their heads wondering what the hell that was about. Make ‘em laugh, keep it clean, make the booker/meeting planner look good, give them more than they expected, use the audience as much as possible, dress well, don’t drink in front of the client, make ‘em laugh.

Matthew: What would you consider the most essential skill necessary for good improv?

Tommy: Individual control. Doesn’t matter if it’s theater or corporate, long form or short form, keep your ideas and participation in control. Nothing screws up a scene or a show like ‘idiot boy’ who injects the oddest things possible or intrudes on scenes where he’s not needed.

Matthew: Tell me about some of your most successful students.

Tommy: Amber Nash, Education Director at Dad’s Garage. Tim Stoltenberg, Improv Director at Dad’s Garage. Joe Kelly, former writer for SNL and now How I Met Your Mother. Nick Jameson, mega-voice talent and has appeared on Lost and 24 and has over 150 acting and voice credits on IMDB.COM. Gary Anthony Williams. Best musical improviser I’ve ever worked with. Had recurring role on Malcolm in the Middle. Currently on Boston Legal. My best friend.

I’m like Bobby Cox of the Braves. What makes a great coach? Great players. Every one of these folks walked into my door with a great deal of talent and potential. I was just lucky enough to work with them.