About Sideburns
Sideburns is an improvisational comedy troupe that presents an improvised documentary on a topic provided by the audience, and inspired by the film style of American director and producer Ken Burns, famous for such productions as The Civil War, Baseball, and Jazz. Over the course of our show you will hear our narrator, see expert commentators, discover archival letters, view old photographs-- complete with the Ken Burns pan and zoom effect-- and witness dramatic recreations of historical events. All of it live, and made up before your eyes.
We currently offer three shows:
- American Inventions examines the history surrounding the invention of everyday objects such as the garden hose, crayon, and fire extinguisher. We present the story not told in history books, of the motivations behind the inventors, and the impact their creations had on their lives and the lives of those around them.
- The Arts in America tells the story behind a great American pieces of art or literature, examining the lives of the artists and authors, the inspirations behind their works, and the cultural changes in America that came to pass.
- The Great Melting Pot is our look at the influence of other cultures on America, and hte pressures to conform, told through the lens of items and foods that are introduced to a country that may not be prepared to accept them.
Resources and Promotional Graphics
Booked a show, or writing an article? View our promotional materials and resources.
† Sideburns documentaries are for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events is purely coincidental and almost certainly accidental. Use of Sideburns documentaries for educational purposes will likely result in failing, but hilarious, grades.