Meet Dynasty Diva Jasmine Masters

In anticipation of the premiere edition of Divas of Dynasty, our first all-drag-revue at Dynasty Typewriter, we're catching up with some of the performers who will be gracing the stage. 

Jasmine Masters is a RuPaul's Drag Race alumni from San Diego who likes to have fun and enjoy life to the fullest.

When were you first introduced to drag and why did it make an impact?
J: I was first introduced to drag by a TV show called Putting On The Hits. I entered a contest trying to win tickets to go see Patti LaBelle  and I won! I have been doing drag every day since then, and that was 23 years ago. I never wanted to be a drag queen, but I wouldn't change a thing. It's the best job ever. It's had a major impact on me and I'm doing something I love.

Which of your talents are you most proud of and why?
J: I'm most proud of all my talent I seem to learn more and more new things that I can't do that I never thought I can do and not every body can do them. Like rolling down stairs and not getting hurt. lol.

What do you like to do when you're NOT in drag?
J: When I'm not in drag I like to cook/eat watch TV hang out with my friends spend time with family and make new outfits.

What’s your go-to lip-sync song, and why?
J: My lip sync go to song is "You Are My Friend" by Patti LaBelle because no matter where I'm at, or what the situation is, I am going to tear that song up. Everyone is going to feel it.

If you could have an all-queen dream dinner party, who’d be invited?
J: Too many Queens to name and a lot of Queens others may not know. I will start off with my whole entire Master drag family: Fila Masters, Destiny Masters, and Crystal Masters. Other than them, just give me a big table because I want all the Queens at my dinner party. 

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Divas of Dynasty kicks off on May 25th with a star-studded cornucopia of entertainers.  Directed & hosted by Tye Blue, this unique theatrical experience will also star Pandora Boxx, as well as master illusionist Vancie Vega, beloved So Cal favorites Dolly Levi and Borgia Bloom.  Get more info here. 

What I Learned from Bryan Cranston

PHOTO: ADRIAN AGUILAR / JAY GOODWIN

LEAD THROUGH POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

In anticipation of his Comedy Knowledge Drop, we asked writer/show runner/producer Brent Forrester to recount some lessons learned from working for over twenty years on some of television's most iconic programs, including The Simpsons, The Office, King of The Hill, Late Night With Conan O' Brien, and more. 

Brent Forrester: In addition to being a great actor, Brian Cranston is an excellent director. I watched him shoot an episode of The Office I wrote (“Work Bus”) and I was blown away by his technique with the actors. He seemed only to compliment them, yet was able to redirect their performance at will. When I commented on his magic touch he shared a secret with me: “Sometimes I compliment an actor on something they haven’t done yet.” When I asked him to elaborate he said: “Like if I want John Krasinski to be thinking about his dead uncle in this next take, I say, John, I love how you were thinking about your dead uncle in that last take. Do that again!” I said, “Doesn’t he know you’re bullshitting him?” He said, “Yup. But as an actor, it feels so good to get direction that way!”

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Join us at Dynasty Typewriter on Sunday May 20th where Brent will be sharing more stories and tips from his time behind the frontlines of comedy. Tickets available here. 

Photo Recap: Conan Helps Launch "Up & Up with Moses Storm"

Brought to you by Conan O’Brien’s Team Coco , Up & Up is an all-new comedy and musical experience hosted by Moses Storm. The last premiere edition featured sets by Pete Holmes, Ron Funches, Laurie Kilmartin, Matt Braunger, and a special guest appearance by the man himself, Conan O'Brien.  Up & Up is an ongoing event which gives Team Coco a chance to present showcase of their favourite stand-up comedians and performers, and share them with a live audience. 

Photography by Sela Shiloni 

Meet Dynasty Diva: Vancie Vega

In anticipation of the premiere edition of Divas of Dynasty, our first all-drag-revue at Dynasty Typewriter, we're catching up with some of the performers who will be gracing the stage. 

Vancie Vega is a world renowned celebrity impersonator, singer, dancer, comedienne who has spent 32 years in show business.

When were you first introduced to drag and why did it make an impact?
V: I was 15 when I found drag. As a Transsexual it was like a switch was flipped and I saw a way to be female. Since I've cultivated my craft exceeding 'drag' and becoming an entertainer who sings, dances, does stand-up and character acting. 

Which of your talents are you most proud of and why?
V: My ability to be multifaceted enjoying many talents equally

What do you like to do when you're NOT in drag?
V: When I'm not on stage I enjoy all things outdoors. Hiking, swimming, walking. I also love cooking and am a beast in the kitchen. 

What’s your go-to lip-sync song, and why?
V: I have two 'go to' performances. The first being my Carrie Underwood mix which is sexy and powerful allowing me to dance and really interact with my audience. The second is Kylie Minogue's  Timebomb because it fills me with energy and I can fiercely emote it and fill the room.

If you could have an all-queen dream dinner party, who’d be invited?
V: Chad Michaels, Delta Work, Ingenue, Dolly Levi, Krystal Summers, Layla LaRue and Wendy Ho (honorary queen ❤).

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Divas of Dynasty kicks off on May 25th with a star-studded cornucopia of entertainers.  Directed & hosted by Tye Blue, this unique theatrical experience will also star Pandora Boxx, as well as Ru Paul Drag Race alumni Jasmine Masters, beloved So Cal favorites Dolly Levi and Borgia Bloom.  Get more info here. 

What I Learned from The Simpsons

PHOTO: ADRIAN AGUILAR 

SUPPORTIVE ROOMS GENERATE MORE JOKES

In anticipation of his Comedy Knowledge Drop, we asked writer/show runner/producer Brent Forrester to recount some lessons learned from working for over twenty years on some of the most Iconic television of past three decades, including The Simpsons

Brent Forrester: When I joined The Simpsons in Season Five, it was one of the most intimidating
writers rooms ever assembled. The staff was all hotshots from the Harvard Lampoon, and their standard of quality was so high, it was suffocating. People were simply afraid to pitch jokes in that room, for fear of looking stupid in front of each other, and our punch up sessions were famous for long silent stretches, where no one dared to speak. At first I did not have the courage to pitch jokes in that room. But I did have the courage to laugh! Even that can be a risk – no one wants to be the only one laughing – but it was one that paid off instantly. I discovered that even
“legendary” comedy writers are often deeply insecure, and they appreciate the support of a generous chuckler. When I did dare to start pitching lines for Bart and Homer, these same writers were a lot more patient with me. As a result of my early years in a “tough” room like the Simpsons, I tend to run very “warm” rooms now. A lot of comedy is trial and error. And you get a lot more “trial” in a room where the Head Writer is a generous chuckler.

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Join us at Dynasty Typewriter on Sunday May 20th where Brent will be sharing more stories and tips from his time behind the frontlines of comedy. Tickets available here. 

DT Moat Etiquette

Every week, we're receiving literally dozens of requests from talent and producers looking to bring new shows to our theater.  An overwhelming and literal 31 percent of them have been asking about our moat policy: Can they build one? How deep? Predatory amphibians and/or fish: y or n?  Do we provide drawbridge? Will we promote-moat on our social media or does that responsibility fall on the show producer? Why does castle have a T in it? Does our insurance cover moats? WE COULD GO ON... so, we will. Why limit ourselves in our own newsletter!?  Must they chlorinate the moat water? How long can NON-chlorinated moat water be stagnant w/o attracting mosquitos? Can goats swim well enough for a goat-moat to be plausible? Goat shit in the moat: how to handle?  Motorboats in the moat? Boats in GENERAL in the moat? 

You asked, we answer. Our MOAT ETIQUETTE is probably the same as yer grammy's. "No deeper than 1 foot.Chlorinated. NO GOATS. 1 alligator w/ exotic animal license and proper onsite wrangler. YOU provide moat insurance, you promote-moat (promoat)? You can hear the "T" in castle if you're listening. Have fun!" 

What I Learned from Judd Apatow

PHOTO: ADRIAN AGUILAR / FRANZ RICHTER

MAKE THE COMEDY THAT YOU WISH EXISTED

In anticipation of his Comedy Knowledge Drop, we asked writer/show runner/producer Brent Forrester to recount some lessons learned from working for over twenty years on some of television's most iconic programs, including The Simpsons, The Office, King of The Hill, Late Night With Conan O' Brien, and more. 

Brent Forrester: Judd first hired me as a writer when I was 26. He was only 25 and had co-created a sketch show called “The Ben Stiller Show” with Ben, an unknown 27 year old actor. Why had Fox given them a show. In part it was Judd’s passion. “There is no sketch in prime time!” he said. “This show needs to exist!” In the 20 years since, I have heard Judd shout sentiment many times. He created Freaks and Geeks because there was no realistic comedy about nerds. He produced Bridesmaids because there were no big screen comedies with an all-female cast. Most recently he did “The Big Sick” because there were no mainstream rom-coms with an openly Muslim star. When Judd thinks about what project to work on next, he always asks himself this same question: “What am I not seeing out there, that I wish existed?” When he finds an answer, the passion comes instantly. That passion is infectious, and has been for 20 years. 

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Join us at Dynasty Typewriter on Sunday May 20th where Brent will be sharing more stories and tips from his time behind the frontlines of comedy. Tickets available here. 

DT Goat Etiquette

Every week, we're receiving literally dozens of requests from talent and producers  that are looking to bring new shows to our theater.  An overwhelming and literal 72% of them are inquiring about DT's goat policies. That's literally 800% more goat inquiries than we anticipated when opening this venue. So to literally save us all time, we've created this comprehensive informational-graphic. Please read it (literally) before hitting us up with your goat-heavy show. 

Dynasty Typewriter Featured in Los Angeles Magazine

Historic Theater Will Be Reborn as a New Hub for L.A. Comedy— Backed by a respected comedy scene vet, the project is no joke.

The comedy constellation in L.A. will soon be getting a shiny new star, when Dynasty Typewriter opens its doors. The new venue for live comedy, variety shows, and film screenings is taking over the historic Hayworth Theater in Westlake, helmed by comedy scene stalwart Jamie Flam.

Flam, a comedian himself and, until recently, the artistic director of the Hollywood Improv, hopes the restored 200-seat theater will fill a niche that isn’t quite being served, somewhere in between the traditional stand-up clubs on the Sunset Strip and the network of indie performance spaces that host quirkier acts.

“Comedy has evolved considerably in the last few years,” Flam says. “With podcasting and streaming, fans have far more intimate relations with artists than ever before. They are more in tune with the process behind creating comedy, which opens the door for savvy audiences to interact with talent in new ways. I want this to be a place where comedians and other artists can experiment with new immersive show formats, do engaging live podcasts, and also have the opportunity to bring more production and theatricality to their acts. And of course there will be stand-up shows as well, but by focusing on curation, and building a new theater-going experience for our artists and audience, we are bringing something fresh to a classic show format.”

If all goes to plan—and a Kickstarter that launched yesterday meets its goals—the theater will soft open in December with an initial phase of programming, followed by a full-scale launch in March, 2018. Once fully operational, the goal is to book performances seven nights a week, plus a range of daytime events including workshops and screenings. While the space will open without a bar, they plan to get a license about six months down the line, and until then, comedy-goers can stop into the adjacent La Fonda de Los Camperos bar and restaurant with which Dynasty Typewriter will share a patio area, perfect for pre- or post-show drinks and food. 

As for the acts that will be taking the stage, Flam is aiming for a mix of marquee-names and more underground and emerging comics. “I tend to like weirder sometimes more experimental acts, but also have deep respect for many seasoned ‘club’ comics who know how to work any room,” he says. “It’s finding that perfect mix that can keeps an audience engaged and open to taking a ride with unexpected turns. We anticipate that we’ll be hosting some of the biggest names in comedy on a nightly basis, but we’ll also be carving out places in the schedule where we can develop and nurture emerging talent as well.”

Back in the Hayworth Theater’s heyday in the 1920s, Westlake and MacArthur Park was called the “Champs-Elysees of Los Angeles.” While the neighborhood has shifted over time, it seems to be on the verge of a new chapter. Dynasty Typewriter (a name and fictional backstory meant to evoke the building’s bygone days) will be the area’s only nightly live-performance space. The structure was bought in 2014 by Weeds and Orange is the New Black co-creator Jenji Kohan, who maintains offices on the upper floors and oversaw the restoration efforts for the vintage theater space. “Westlake is the densest neighborhood in Los Angeles, and filled with tremendous history and culture. We are excited to embrace the local community, and bring something innovative to a stunning part of the city,” Flam says, adding that “A lot of talent will be excited that they won’t have to travel to the Westside or Hollywood every night to do a professional show.

—  Brittany Martin

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Originally Published October 26, 2017 | Read The Original Article Here