For The Real World Hollywood we are very excited that the roommates will not have a 'job' this season, but instead will be taking acting classes.  The classes are being taught at the IO West (formerly Improv Olympics) by one of the legendary gurus of improv comedy, Charna Halpern.  Charna has taught many of our favorite movie and TV actors the art of improv comedy.  Stars like Mike Meyers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, the late Chris Farley, Tim Meadows, and Andy Dick began their careers with Charna at the original IO in Chicago, a comedy staple for over 25 years.

Charna is based in Chicago, but will be traveling to LA every other week to teach classes to our roommates.  As part of the commitment to the show, the roommates must participate in these classes.  Charna is a smiling, open woman – who loves what she does.  She believes she could save the world if she taught us all improv!  She has convinced us that improv comedy is a skill that will open doors for anyone who wants a career in the entertainment business.  Our roommates may want to be a singer, a model, or a journalist – but improv comedy will help them get comfortable on stage and teach them to roll with the punches as a performer. 

Also, with Charna's Hollywood connections the roommates will be given opportunities and internships that will help them get their careers started.  Along with guest instructors, the roommates will learn the basics of a Hollywood career – head shot photos, auditions, etc.  The ultimate goal of the class is to work towards a 'Showcase' – an onstage performance.  This is the traditional way for up and coming actors to show off their talents onstage, inviting producers and agents to come see them in the hopes of being discovered.

The great thing too is that the IO West is on Hollywood Blvd., only a few blocks away from the roommates' house.  There are multiple improv comedy shows performed every night by veteran performers, as well as 'Cage Matches' where one improv class competes against another.  The IO West also has a bar area where everyone hangs out before and after the shows – you'll see a lot of faces you'll recognize from television and movies.  It's a very interesting culture of improv performers and the perfect environment for our roommates to be introduced to Hollywood.

We've heard a lot of crazy things about Andy Dick in the past, but behind-the-scenes I've found him to be one of the easiest performers ever to work with!  Andy is charming and funny, and a huge Real World fan.  He was very excited to deliver the announcement of the improv class to the roommates.  Andy's son Lucas is also taking classes there, and was sitting at the bar with the roommates after the initial announcement.  Andy and Charna are very close, and have a long history together.  He has such respect for her that he jumped at the chance to do this as soon as he was asked.

That respect for Charna seems to be the case with everyone in Hollywood.  The roommates are very fortunate to have this tremendous opportunity at their fingertips; a great teacher at an amazing venue.  The IO West is their new home.