The Bearded Company is coming to The Magnetic Theatre in March 2022! Since 2006, The Bearded Company has been taking audiences on fully improvised adventures. In 2014, the Beards expanded their reach into Los Angeles. The group has created many sold-out shows including Swords and Sorcery: The Improvised Campaign, Bearded Manor, and their mainstay Epic Adventures.
They now also have a new hit podcast, Break the Dice: The Improvised Campaign, created out of their D&D-based stage show. The Bearded Company also performs and teaches on tours and in festivals throughout the country and Canada. Whether they’re at their home theaters in LA or Minneapolis, on the road, or online, expect the unexpected.
We reached out to Maria Bartholdi, a member of The Bearded Company to find out more about her and the upcoming performances and workshops The Bearded Company is bringing to The Magnetic Theatre!
1. How did you get into improv?
I went to improv camp when I was in middle school but didn't ever do it again until after college. I was introduced to a short form group while I was working as a news producer in Green Bay, WI and auditioned because someone said I was funny. There was no looking back after that!
2. How did you get involved with The Bearded Company?
I performed with most of the members for many years in various groups around the Twin Cities and asked to formally join the company in 2019.
3. What's your favorite sketch comedy show / podcast / group?
The Bearded Company's D&D podcast: Break the Dice: The Improvised Campaign! It honestly is my favorite podcast.
4. What do you hope students will walk away from your workshops knowing?
I want to give performers the tools they need to feel confident on stage. When I was a beginning improviser, I often felt fairly terrified. Since then, I've learned how to perform without fear, no matter the circumstance - which is extremely freeing. I want to share this knowledge with as many people as possible!
5. What do you think audiences will be talking about on the way home from your shows?
Probably how much of it was scripted. Answer: none of it. :)
6. How is working with The Magnetic Theatre different from working with other theatres or venues?
I'm excited to work with a new theater where I've never performed before. I also love Asheville and am looking forward to seeing what the theater community is like in town!
7. Is there anything you’re excited to do or places you’re looking forward to going while visiting Asheville?
I am obsessed with Sovereign Remedies and will for sure be going there.
Biography
Maria Bartholdi is a performer and content creator living in Minneapolis, MN. Best known for her work in improvisational comedy, Maria frequently performs unscripted theatre in the Twin Cities and around the country. Maria has taught improvised performance at various regional theaters as well as at the collegiate level. She is best known for her work in narrative improv, as a cast member in groups such as The Bearded Company, nationally recognized for its award-winning unscripted performances.
Besides being a performer, Maria is the proud recipient of 10 Upper Midwest Emmy® Awards for her work in documentary television.
Find out more about The Bearded Company’s upcoming events at The Magnetic Theatre here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?preseason=magn
Want to attend a handful of The Bearded Company’s upcoming events? Get a discount with A Bearded Pass! Grab yours here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?buy_pass=magn