A job that suits your interests

Today's strip is about finding a job that suits your interests. Seems like a good excuse to talk about Walt Disney World some more.

Walt Disney World is constantly changing. New attractions are constantly being built. Old attractions are constantly being refined or destroyed to make room. This is the way Walt himself intended it. Usually the changes are small and widely deemed necessary but occasionally the changes are large and unfortunate.

Recently, Disney announced that it is closing down Pleasure Island, it's adult-oriented entertainment complex. Pleasure Island consists of several dance clubs, none of which were profitable, and two unique comedy venues that still get large crowds.

One of the comedy venues is the Comedy Warehouse, a comedy club where a team of improvisational comedians perform. There's great improv in many cities, but the comedy warehouse is unique in it's ability to offer performers a full time job as improvisers. This has caused the cast of the warehouse to become an incredibly sharp, experienced group who puts on a shockingly slick and reliable show. I should also point out that the building itself is the most beautifully designed comedy club I've ever seen. It's not perfect, but every seat faces the stage. There's a sound/lighting booth on eye level with the stage. The seats are terraced stadium style, so it's rare for a server to block your view. Finally, there's a phone at the end of each row. When the performers need a suggestion they can dial a phone on the stage and one of the phones ring until the person sitting next to it answers.

The other venue is in many ways an even greater loss. The Adventurer's Club is a 1930's club for gentleman adventurer's that is holding an open house. Improvisers in character as adventurers mingle with the guests and occasionally split off into one of three specially designed rooms to do a more formal performance. The walls are covered with trophies from the member's various expeditions. Many of the mementos are capable of springing to life with little or no warning and there's one illusion built into the building itself that was designed for Disney by Doug Henning.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that my wife is a performer at the Comedy Warehouse. It's been a tough couple of weeks for her and her friends at the warehouse and the Adventurer's Club, but they are a talented group, and Disney is not without other opportunities for them.

My point is, if you're going to be anywhere near Orlando between now and September 27th, come out to Pleasure Island, while you still can.