The MoHo Group was formed in 1994 by Fred and Mary Willard. The group had no name when they rented the NoHo Theatre in North Hollywood back then. The theatre landlord, Dan Hirsch, suggested that since Christmas was nearing and they would at the NoHo in NoHo, why not call themselves the MoHos (as in More Ho, Hos Ho's . . . Christmas . . . Ho, Ho, Ho . . . get it?!). The name became permanent.
The MoHo Group is a weekly comedy workshop that specializes in sketch writing, but all comedy writing is encouraged. Fred and Mary’s sole purpose of starting the workshop was for people to have fun and do sketch comedy. Actors as well as writers are welcome; however, no acting is taught! And so it went that comedy was written, brought in, and handed out to actors to perform and to see how the writing reads. Fred and Mary give suggestions, as well as the other members of the group providing their peers with helpful suggestions.
In order to allow everyone the opportunity to work (and not use the same “favorite” actors over and over) the process has evolved into more of a democracy . . . where the writers write, turn in their sketches to Mary, she casts the sketches (passing out the sketches, blindly, as she puts it), and the sketches are performed. Each week, approximately 15-25 members get together and write and perform sketch comedy. The workshops is not advertised. The women and men who make up the MoHos come to Fred and Mary on recommendation from persons in the industry who know the Willards’ high standards and commitment. The Willard’s make no profit.
The Willards have provided an atmosphere where the members can feel comfortable with their comedy. One of Mary’s famous mottos is: “Just because it doesn’t get laughs, doesn’t mean it isn’t funny.” The MoHos meet in Sherman Oaks, California on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m.. The MoHos perform their sketches at various Los Angeles and Hollywood theatres. Most recently, the MoHos performed a sketch comedy show at the bang.studio (Hollywood, CA) and the Grove Theatre (Upland, CA). They will be performing at STAGEStheatre (Fullerton, CA) to help celebrate the theatre's 16th Anniversary on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. |
