Respondent: Shawn Wickens
Position in Company: Comedian / Stoner Futurist
Show Title: Time Machine Blueprints: The Show
“By the end of the show, you’ll likely believe that Time Travel will be possible someday and I’ll even tell you how I think we’ll do it. But I’m going to make you laugh first.”
- Why should people see your show?
I aim to make people laugh but I don’t think I’m overselling “Time Machine Blueprints” by mentioning that I also say a few things that will likely blow a few minds.
This is truly a work of foresight and optimism.
By the end of the show, you’ll likely believe that Time Travel will be possible someday and I’ll even tell you how I think we’ll do it. But before I make you a believer, I’m going to make you laugh first.
- What about festivals intrigues you? And why the Atlanta Fringe?
Festivals create an exciting energy in which all of the performances can benefit. And audiences benefit from there being a bigger reason to see live theater.
I’ve only ever seen Savannah. Never been to Atlanta as an adult.
- What inspired you to create this?
Is it too coy to suggest the spark for “Time Machine Blueprints” might have been a gift from the future?
Once I had the spark, it had to be made.
- Life has been weird the last few years, to say the least. How has the “real world” affected the art you’re creating?
I used to say that I wanted to try to meditate. But now I do it.
That’s changed so much about not only what I make but who I am.
- What have you learned from working on your show so far?
There was one performance in which the show was introduced by the host apathetically stating, “I don’t know what this show is about.”
No performer hopes to be introduced this way.
But there was deep truth in it… nobody knows what any show is really about before it starts.
So now I know. And I tell you upfront what this show is exactly about.
It’s about not fearing tomorrow.
- A mysterious stranger asks to meet you and your cast and crew after loving your show. In your WILDEST DREAMS, who is it? (Bonus points if your mysterious stranger is an Atlanta celeb.)
Hahahaha…
I was once on a panel comedy show and was asked who I’d like to have dinner with… living or dead, real or fictional, no limitations!
So I said, “I’d like to have dinner with the first Time Traveler from the future to ask them how they did it. The audience laughed but the host said they’d never book me again. I have no idea why. But I think it’s a smart valid answer.
I’m more interested in The Future than The Past
- Fringes are the place to really push the boundaries so we gotta ask: are you inviting your family to this show are “Hey, maybe sit this one out you guys…”
I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio which was in the Eclipse’s “Path of Totality”. So while I was in town for that, I was fortunate enough to do this show at Imposter’s Theater for a packed house* of friends, family and strangers.
As a comedian and performer who also thinks a lot about Ethics, I wouldn’t say anything on stage unless I truly believed in it. My family would absolutely be invited to this.
The only thing controversial about this show is that it doesn’t aim to monetize or capitalize on peoples’ fears or anxieties.
*Yes, I’m bragging.
- Will your show change the world?
CHANGE is a word that doesn’t adequately communicate net gains or net losses.
Will my show IMPROVE the world?
Maybe.
Will it improve moments?
Yes.
Audience members have left this show feeling uplifted. It’s happened before and it will happen again.
- AI: the death of our art form or just a new tool to create?
Ooooh.
This is a triggering question.
I have a copywriter friend who was downsized because of AI. But she then got a better job and says AI is a timesaver.
If we’re afraid of AI, we could combat it with Universal Basic Income for Artists.
I have more to say about it and I address it in the show.
- We’re making an excellent Fringey Feelings playlist. Describe your show in two or three songs we can add to keep the jams flowing.
“Dr. Who” Theme Song
“People Everywhere (Still Alive) by Khruangbin
“The Golden Girls” Theme Song
[Ed note: We’ll do you one better, since we feel bad about triggering you with that AI question, so here’s the original Thank you for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold. It’s great!]
Sounds amazing, right? Click here to learn more and get your tickets to this show today.
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