Spitfire Spotlight: Coleman O'Toole
What's your day job?
I'm a jack of all trades in video production. I've worked on sets, in post production, and I also do consulting work (which is my current gig). I love consulting work because you never have to really explain what you do; people will just accept it at face value and that's so wonderful.
Do you have any hobbies outside of improv?
I enjoy video games, preferably with friends in the same living room à la old school 90s style. I like short walks on the beach, being verbose, trying new cuisines and then complaining when they food is too spicy (I think black pepper has a kick to it), and stroking my beard with oblivious regard. I'm a literary dilettante and outdoorsy stuff really floats my boat, such as kayaking, hiking, gardening and the like.
What drew you to improv?
After taking some sketch writing courses at Magnet Theater in New York City, I decided to take a Level 1 improv course there as well to get a feel for performing as it was important to me to understand both sides of the coin. I started falling in love with improv and improv was falling for me as well, but my schedule changed and didn't allow for us to continue our budding relationship. Then my husband and I moved to Saint Petersburg and it was here that I found Spitfire Theater and I was quickly bewitched once again. I also have a hard time making decisions sometimes, and a huge bastion of improv is making decisions and doing so confidently, so that has helped me immensely.
Ash Pachkoski and Coleman O’Toole performing in the Five Dollar Comedy Hour.
What do you like to do most on stage?
I like to attempt to really put myself out there by trying out new characters, experimenting with physicality and just trying to be self-assured while hoping that will strike a chord with the audience and make them laugh.
What makes a good scene in your opinion?
When the whole team is really having fun and the audience picks up on it and connects with that energy, it's a guaranteed good time for everyone. It's just one of the best sensations in existence. You can really lose yourself in the moment in the best way; you're just having a blast while the audience is thoroughly enjoying being witness to that kind of magic.
What's the most memorable moment you've had at Spitfire?
My most memorable moment at Spitfire was during a performance with the team Soup Time where I just lost myself in a slipstream of creative, mind-melding scene work that made the performance flash by. It almost felt like a trance while simultaneously being in the moment and it was absolutely awesome.
How would you explain Spitfire shows to someone who's never been?
It's a different experience every time with a variety of show formats, which keeps things fresh and captivating. You get to watch talented improvisers perfect their craft while providing high quality entertainment for their audience.
How would you describe the Spitfire community in 5 words or less?
Supportive. Adventurous. Vibrant. Gratifying. Dynamic.
Coleman O’Toole playing at the St Pete Improv Jam, our free workshop on every 4th Wednesday of the month.
You can see Coleman perform in the Five Dollar Comedy Hour and Improvarama. He also performs with the teams Leveling Up and Soup Time in The Spitfire Open. Coleman is currently enrolled in Spitfire’s Level 3 improv class.