015 - Grab Bag! - Stories by Greg Triggs, Martika, Tom Ameen, & Shawn McMaster

This week's storytellers are improv comedian, writer, and show director Greg Triggs, One Woman Stunt Show Martika, Billboard topping pianist Tom Ameen, and Comedy Magician Shawn McMaster. This episode is a "grab bag" of stories, meaning that there's no central theme tying the stories together.   Greg Triggs: Reminicing About Adventurers Club & Streetmosphere Performing at Disney World The first story is told by Greg Triggs, a show director, writer, and improv sketch artist who's appeared with top sketch comedy troupes like The Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis and the Who, What, and Warehouse at Disney's Comedy Warehouse at Walt Disney World in Orlando. In this story, Greg reminices about his times performing at the world famous Adventurer's Club and as a streetmosphere character both at Walt Disney World. Here's where you can find out more about Greg:  Greg's Website http://www.gregtriggs.com/ Broadway's Next Hit Musical http://www.broadwaysnexthitmusical.com/  Strategic Entertainment NYC http://www.strategicentertainmentnyc.com/   Martika: Busking Encounter with a Parentless Kid The second story is told by Martika, an international variety entertainer based in Kansas City, MO. and the C.E.O. of KC Entertainment Services, LLC. Having left a career as a veterinary technician more than ten years ago, she's toured the world solo, performing fire art stunts, escapes, and other sideshow danger acts. In fact, she's Kansas City's only woman sword swallower, and the only one woman show of this kind in the Midwest! She also teaches a variety of workshops in these disciplines establishing her even further as an expert. In her story, Martika tells about a time she was busking and encountered a young child that appeared to be without his parents. This story also leads to a short discussion about some of the things she's had to deal with as a black woman in the variety entertainment space.  Here's where you can find out more info about Martika: Martika's Website https://themartikashow.com/ Instagram @themartikashow  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/martikamd   Tom Ameen: Becoming JJ Abrams' "Go To" Pianist The third story is told by Tom Ameen, a Billboard Topping Pianist who's collaborated with top names in the industry like Jim Brickman and has frequently performed at many of JJ Abrams' private events. He's well-known among the Disney fan community having arranged and performed wonderful renditions of Disney classics from the theme parks and the movies. His most recent album is Stories From The Sea (Inspired by "The Outlaw Ocean" a book by Ian Urbina which is out now and can be purchased and streamed wherever you listen to your music. In his story, Tom talks about how he ended up becoming JJ Abram's "go to" pianist for his private events. Here's where you can find out more about Tom: Tom's Website http://tomameenmusic.com/   Shawn McMaster: A Card Trick that went Completely Awry aka "Penny's Story" The fourth story is told by Shawn McMaster, a comedy magician who's unequaled blend of sophisticated magic and hilarious comedy has made him a highly sought-after act all over the world. His ability to blend the astonishing with the absurd has delighted countless audiences both here and abroad. Shawn tells about the time one of his signature performance pieces went completely awry on stage, in a story we like to lovingly refer to as "Penny's Story." Here's where you can find out more about Shawn: Shawn's Website http://shawnmcmaster.com/   Share Your Own Stories!  Do you have comments, suggestions, or want to share your own stories? Drop me a line! [email protected]   Exclusive Content!  Would you like exclusive content nobody else will hear? Consider supporting the shown on Patreon. You'll get the full interviews with each performer as I record them that includes all their stories all in one place with all the chat in between!   Facebook Group Come hang out in our Facebook Group! Click here to join and jump in the conversation!