7 Questions for Kevin Dilmore: Nikki wants to know...

NOTE: We want to get to know our guest monologists even better before the show. So we're introducing a brand new feature—7 Questions. Each member of Tantrum gets to ask a question—the same one every time—to our special guests, who can answer them in as much or as little detail as they'd like. 

Nikki wants to know: What's the best thing you got away with as a kid?
KEVIN: Telling vulgar jokes at our high-school talent show when I was a freshman. My principal was threatening to suspend me until he confirmed that the teacher who was supposed to approve our material didn't show up for the dress rehearsal. But the principal did bring down the hammer on the tradition of an annual talent show that year (1979) and there's never been another at the school. 

Check back soon for the next question. And put Kevin on the spot LIVE at either of our shows in February.

Second Fridays at the Westport Coffeehouse
4010 Pennsylvania • 816-678-8886 for reservations
Friday, February 13 • 8pm • Tickets: $10
May contain adult material.

Making a Scene at the KC Public Library
Plaza Library, 4801 Main • 816-701-3407 for reservations
Wednesday, February 18 • 7pm • Admission: FREE
All ages welcome.

Author Kevin Dilmore joins Tantrum in February

Next up: Tantrum boldly goes where no improvisers have gone before.

Star Trek author Kevin Dilmore will spin the stories as guest monologist for Tantrum's shows on Second Friday at the Westport Coffeehouse and the return of our Making A Scene series at the Plaza Library. 

His literary career began in 2001 with the publication of Interphase, a Star Trek novel written with his friend and writing partner Dayton Ward. The duo has written numerous novels and short stories based on television shows since, including their latest, Wet Work, based on “The 4400,” published in November 2008. As a freelance writer, Kevin has contributed to publications including Star Trek Communicator, Amazing Stories and Hallmark magazines.

For nearly 15 years, Kevin Dilmore worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for the Miami County Republic newspaper in Paola, Kan. His photographs, news stories and features won numerous honors from state and national journalism organizations, and he is a two-time winner of the Kansas Press Association’s highest award for in-depth reporting. Since 2005, Kevin has worked for Hallmark Cards; his first book for Hallmark will be published in 2009.

A graduate of the University of Kansas, Kevin counts himself as very thankful for the person who, at age 9, tipped him off to the fact that “Star Trek” was a live-action television show before it was a Saturday-morning cartoon.

Second Fridays at the Westport Coffeehouse

4010 Pennsylvania • 816-678-8886 for reservations
Friday, February 13 • 8pm • Tickets: $10
May contain adult material. 

Making a Scene at the KC Public Library
Plaza Library, 4801 Main • 816-701-3407 for reservations
Wednesday, February 18 • 7pm • Admission: FREE

All ages welcome.

It's tonight

We're ready to kick off 2009.

If Wednesday's rehearsal is any indication, tonight's show is going to be a blast. Come ready to laugh.

Tantrum, featuring Guest Monologist Jim Howard
8pm at the Westport Coffehouse Theater, 4010 Pennsylvania
Reservations: 816-678-8886

This just in: Games!

For January's show, Tantrum is going back to our roots

We all met at ComedyCity—known for short, fun, fast-paced games based heavily on audience suggestions. (You know, the kind from Whose Line Is It, Anyway?) We've all played them (with ComedyCity and other groups) for years and years, but never as Tantrum. 

Turns out games are fun. 

So we're going to play them in our January show—then, for our second half, we'll bring in Jim Howard and do a little long-form. Just another reason not to miss the first show in our new Second Fridays series on January 9, at 8pm at the Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania. Tickets are $10. Don't risk bone-crushing disappointment—make reservations now by calling 816-678-8886.

Coming in January: Jim Howard returns

"Prosodist, screenwriter, hired word gun; father of three, master of none"—and now, two-time Tantrum monologist

January brings back guest monologist Jim Howard, who blew audiences away at our Making A Scene show in November. A mild-mannered greeting card writer by day, Jim also has written screenplays for Big Bad Love and the Lifetime Channel TV movie Dawn Anna. His blog, Spulge Nine, is infrequented by nearly dozens of readers. And he recently snared his 100th Twitter follower in a web of terse rumination.

Last time, Jim covered everything from elementary school humiliation to illicit behavior to houses burning down. See what he does with your suggestions Friday, January 9, at 8pm at the Westport Coffeehouse, 4010 Pennsylvania. Tickets are $10. Our last show filled up fast—so make reservations now by calling 816-678-8886. 

Before our Thanksgiving show

Corey has the longest arms, so he got to take the picture. 

The casts of Tantrum, our Monologist, and The Union. Topish: Megan Mercer, Nikki Dupont, Rob Grabowski, Josh Steinmez, Pete Calderone. Bottomish: Tom Farnan (monologist), Monique Madrid (The Union), Trish Berrong, Corey Rittmaster (The Union). 

Thanks for the photo, Mo!

2009 Tantrum Show Schedule

We're finished for 2008, but 2009 brings more shows and more funny!

Many, many thanks to Corey Rittmaster and Monique Madrid of the Union...and guest monologist Tom Farnan...and everyone who packed the house for our night-after-Thanksgiving show! We're taking December off, and coming back in January with a regular monthly show and a return to the Library.

Second Fridays at the Westport Coffeehouse

4010 Pennsylvania • 816-678-8886 for reservations

8pm • Tickets: $10

Now you can see Tantrum every month! Starting in January, we're back home at WCH for 90 minute shows. Watch this space to see what they're all about. 

Making a Scene at the KC Public Library

Plaza Library, 4801 Main • 816-701-3407 for reservations

7pm • Admission: FREE

Wednesdays, February 18, March 18 & April 15

Tantrum is back for an encore at the Library, with a new monologist telling true stories based on audience suggestions every month. Check back for names and bios.