Rigor Tortoise

The RT Year in Review: Adam Karell

We asked Rigor Tortoise to answer some questions about 2009.  We’ll be posting the answers throughout the week.

Today we hear from a man who you will soon see during every commercial break, Mr. Adam Karell:

Write one sentence that sums up your 2009.

A stepping stone.

What was your favorite memory on set with Rigor Tortoise this year?

One of my favorite memories from this year was when we were filming Greg’s wedding celebration video.  It was so much fun seeing and playing all those wonderful characters we had fallen in love with from previous sketches.

What was your favorite memory on stage with Rigor Tortoise this year?

One of the many things that I love playing with Rigor Tortoise is the unquestioned support we have for each other.  During a show Justin and I were in a scene together where he was clearly a cat to everyone else, but I just didn’t see it and labeled him a wolf or something like that.  And instead of making me look dumb for not knowing, Greg came on and labeled him a badger.  Thus the game of the scene became we didn’t know what he was.

What was one of your favorite personal memories from this year?

If I may be a bit self-indulgent for a moment, one of my favorite personal memories happened towards the end of the year when I booked 3 commercials in the last 2 months.  It felt good after a slow first part of the year, and I hope to keep that positive energy moving forward in the new year.

What is something from pop culture (books, movies, songs, etc.) that inspired you in 2009?

Avatar.  One of the best examples of human imagination and creativity to happen in a long time.  And I think we as improvisers play in a world of imagination.

Rigor Tortoise excluded, what was the best internet video you saw in 2009?

Twilight Cycle starring former Rigor Tortoise guest star Brandon Routh.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/f57c441be1/twilight-cycles

Favorite mistake/lesson learned from 2009?

As a performer I’m trying to trust that I’m enough.  That I need to trust that the character, or the relationship, or the funny will come.

Favorite Rigor Tortoise fan interaction from this year?

When I was in Chicago working on a commercial I was riding back in a production van with the Director of Photography and I mentioned I was in a sketch group and I brought up “Bad Spellcheck Theatre” and it finally clicked for him why I looked familiar all day long.  He had seen that sketch and loved it and shared it with some friends.

Favorite live show you saw in 2009?

Dasariski scripted show “Dead Uncle Ted.”  The story was so beautifully acted, visualized and told.

What are you most looking forward to in 2010?

More of the same.  Continue to create funny, intelligent, comedy with the boys of Rigor Tortoise.  And further my steps into Hollywood.