Cold Tofu

Cold Tofu, also known as Cold Tofu Improv, is a non-profit organization and Asian American improv and comedy group based in Los Angeles.

History

Cold Tofu was founded in 1981 and is the first and longest running Asian American improv and comedy troupe in the United States. For its 35th anniversary, Cold Tofu was featured in American Theatre Magazine's list of "theatrical milestones."[1] Though reputed as being an Asian American comedy group, Cold Tofu's roots are multi-cultural. Early members include Amy Hill, Phil LaMarr, Jim MacNerland, Jerry Tondo, Geoff Rivas, Joey Miyashima, Glen Chin and Robert Covarrubias.[2]

In its early years, the group trained with Stephen Book (founder of Improvisational Acting Technique, and co-worker of Viola Spolin), Gary Austin (creator of The Groundlings), and Andy Goldberg (director of Off The Wall at The Improv). Pat Morita was one of Cold Tofu's first sponsors. During the 1980s, Cold Tofu produced comedy shows that tackled issues of race, diversity and inclusion. Cold Tofu expanded its efforts in the late 1990s to service the community by providing improv workshops where actors and non-actors explored improv techniques to enhance performance and interpersonal skills.

Marilyn Tokuda and Denice Kumagai led Cold Tofu and shared the role of Artistic Director. In 1993, Robert Covarrubias and Helen Ota took over as co-Artistic Directors and served the organization until 2000 when Helen Ota would continue to serve as the sole Artistic Director. In 2013, Jully Lee was appointed the position.[3]

Operations

Cold Tofu's performing cast performs improv shows regularly in Little Tokyo and throughout Los Angeles. Cold Tofu also continues to provides student workshops through their Training Center for actors and non-actors.[4]

Awards

References
  1. "America Theatre Magazine". American Theatre Magazine.
  2. "International Examiner" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 22, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2017.
  3. "History". Cold Tofu. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
  4. "Training Center". Cold Tofu. Archived from the original on 2017-04-01. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
  5. "Leaves to Fall on the Sea: Aquarium of the Pacific Celebrates 13 Years of Autumn Festival". Long Beach Post. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
  6. Exchange, APEX | Asian Professional. "APEX | Asian Professional Exchange | Cold Tofu Improv". apex.org. Archived from the original on 2017-04-01. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
  7. Desk, BWW News. "East West Players Honors THE WALKING DEAD's Steven Yeun and COLD TOFU at Gala Tonight". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
  8. "8/12 — Nisei Week Awards Dinner". www.rafu.com. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
  9. "Cold Tofu Artistic Director, Board President to Retire". www.rafu.com. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
  10. "Cold Tofu Artistic Director, Board President to Retire". www.rafu.com. Retrieved 2017-03-31.
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