Actor Douglas Widick (North Coast, Suite Tea Studio, Toxic Masculinity: The Musical)
In this episode, Brett Allan sits down with New York-based actor, comedian, musician, and improviser Douglas Widick. We dive into his multi-faceted career—as a founding member of the hip-hop improv troupe North Coast, his work in musical theatre and long-form improvisation, and his upcoming one‐man show Paperclip (in which he re-imagines the Microsoft Clippy mascot). You’ll hear Douglas’s insights on creativity, performance, taking risks, and the intersection of comedy and music.
Douglas’s early creative roots: How he discovered improvisation, comedy, and music.
The formation and worldwide touring of North Coast—how they blended hip-hop and improv, and what it taught Douglas about building ensemble and flow. Douglas-Widick+2theweereview.com+2
Transitioning from ensemble improv to solo work: the challenges, the freedom, and the mindset shift.
The concept behind his one-man musical Paperclip—how Clippy the Microsoft mascot becomes a time-travelling hero in an absurdist musical story. theweereview.com+1
Balancing multiple creative hats (actor, comedian, musician, producer): What it takes to stay consistent and driven in New York’s theatre/comedy scene.
Advice for performers and creatives: embracing failure, staying present, connecting with the audience, and letting ideas evolve.
Upcoming projects, how to follow Douglas’s work online, and where to see his next live show or performance.
Get behind-the-scenes stories from a performer who has mastered improvisation, musical theatre, and live comedy.
Be inspired by Douglas’s unconventional path—from hip-hop improv to one-person musicals—showing how creative careers can evolve in unexpected ways.
Hear practical tips for performers, writers, comedians, and anyone interested in the mindset of creative longevity.
Discover an innovative show (Paperclip) that defies expectations and blends music, humour and theatre in fresh ways.
Douglas Widick is an actor, comedian and musician based in New York City, and a founding member of the hip-hop improv group North Coast, which was recognised as one of TimeOut NY’s Top 10 Comedy Shows of 2014. theweereview.com+1 He’s a veteran performer at venues including the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), the PIT Theatre and Magnet Theater in NYC. theweereview.com+1 In addition to ensemble work, he writes and performs original musicals—his solo show Paperclip is an example of his unconventional comedic-theatrical voice. theweereview.com+1
Official website: douglaswidick.com – includes bio, resume, upcoming shows and contact info. Douglas-Widick
Instagram: @douglaswidick – live updates, show announcements, behind-the-scenes. Instagram
YouTube: Douglas Widick channel – clips, music videos and improv sketches. YouTube
“My comedy style is, ‘Dad on vacation got handed the microphone.’” — Douglas Widick theweereview.com
“Everyone loves a comeback story, and Clippy has been experiencing a bit of a positive resurgence in the meme circuit as of late.” — Douglas on Paperclip theweereview.com
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