Self-Promotion

Let’s Play Oddball

Heather Havrilesky made a sly reference (and link) to me in her post on Salon.com about Jay Leno’s new show. Can you find it?

Many years ago, Heather did an interview with me for Salon about my talk-show-in-a-theatre, The J. Keith van Straaten Show. Good to know I haven’t done too much since then to diminish my reputation as an aspirational oddball…

Lit Up!

I’m a guest on the great “Lit Up!” show on November 14, benefiting Team Survivor Los Angeles. Come for the story, stay for the free cookies.

Keeping It Raw - Baby Carrots

Hey you, wanna know about baby carrots? Here’s a short video that explains as it entertains!

Pinata!

Pinata - A personal essay show with free candy. I occasionally read a story in this great show on the first Thursday of every month in LA. More info at myspace.com/pinatashow.

VIDEO: “What’s My Line? - Live On Stage” - Sells Chocolate Candies

Panel: John Oliver, Stephanie D’Abruzzo, Austin Pendleton, Raven Snook.
Guest Marty Koffman.
Hostess: Patti Goettlicher.
Band: Shane Rettig & The Occupations.
Recorded live in New York May 25, 2008.
(c) 2008 van Straaten Entertainment, inc.

The Waiting Game

Here’s a video I shot for a show idea I have. All the sponsors are just placeholders, but doesn’t it just make you want to use your MasterCard to buy a ticket on JetBlue, then snack on some Doritos and wash ‘em down with Sierra Mist?

WOW! (Word One Week!)

It’s here! The debut of our new game show. Check it out at http://www.word1.tv
I promise the show is better than the site.

The First Word

word1300x175.jpgI’m very excited to announce a brand new project… The debut of a new game show created by myself and Jim Newman. It’s called WORD1 and it’s premiering as a live pilot presentation on November 17, 19, & 20 at ACME Comedy Theatre. More info will be posted here in the coming days and at www.word1.tv

I hope you’ll join us for some fun-filled evenings of fast-paced games and prizes!

Mr. Blackwell, RIP

Mr. Blackwell was a Mystery Guest on “What’s My Line? - Live On Stage” in December of 2004. While I’m grateful for every celebrity who takes time to join us on stage, there’s a special affection I have for those who did so before we had any reviews, any long list of previous guests, or any demo reel to prove to people that we’re not complete weirdos. Mr. Blackwell agreed to be on show #6 and he would have done show #1 if the scheduling had allowed. When people say that all he did was criticize, I have to smile and shake my head, because I remember how generous he was to me, and I remember the raucous cheer that erupted when he was asked to “enter and sign in please.” An audience not knowing who they were going to see was thrilled that a real gentleman had joined us. I’m glad I got to sit next to him for a little while –even if he didn’t care for my tie.

No Laughateering

The Captain Creamsicle’s Laughateers show, scheduled for October 22, has been canceled.

I mention this because I was to be in it.

Also, just another reminder, I did not name the group.

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