Dutch West:About
From Dutch West
Dutch West is a New York City comedy troupe created by Sam Reich that also includes Josh Ruben, Vincent Peone, Elaine Carroll, and Matt Moore. Dutch West originally was an online comedy series, www.dutchwest.tv, and has since expanded to doing an audio podcast on iTunes and live performances at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Manhattan. Popular sketches include "September," their "Old Men" series, and "Street Magic." They are represented by managers Rory and Peter Rosegarten (www.tccltd.com).
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History
Dutch West was founded in 2004 and reportedly shot for eight months before editing. The group originally was called iTV New York, but fearing they were infringing on iTV Britain's copyright, quickly changed their name to the Dutch West Internet Company in honor of the Dutch settlers of New York City. The group has also been known to perform improv comedy under the name "God Freedom Fantastic."Sam Reich, the group's creator, is the son of former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, who has often appeared in their sketches. Reich met Josh Ruben and Elaine Carroll at the Boston University Theatre Institute at 16. Ruben knew Vincent Peone from childhood and Matt Moore from acting school, and thus the group was assembled. While the entire group acts, directs and writes, Reich has been credited with most of the editing and website design, and Peone with most of the cinematography and film know-how. The group's influences are Monty Python, Kids in the Hall, and Mr. Show as well as online entertainers such as Homestar Runner and filmmakers such as Wes Anderson.
Website
DutchWest.tv was intended to be an ad-supported enterprise, but the group soon realized they could reach a wider audience through more traditional means. Nonetheless they continue produce episodes, or "webisodes," on a bimonthly basis for a rapidly growing fan base. The site's forum members swap comedy news, stories, and exercises. Dutch West's videos can also be found on YouTube, College Humor, MySpace, Google and Yahoo.
Podcast
The group posts its webisodes in a podcast on iTunes, as well as produces a stream-of-consciousness weekly audio show that ranges from the mundane to the obscure.
Live Performances
The group performs live at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Manhattan every few months with a new show. Info can be found on the Dutch West website, MySpace page, and UCB Theatre website.
Future Projects
In 2006 the group attracted the attention of some powerful media entities, thus landing as managers Rory and Peter Rosegarten, who represent comedy powerhouses such as Ray Romano and Adam Ferrara. The group has kept a tight lid on what projects they're developing, but fans speculate that one may be an extension of their popular "Ameriwow" series.
External links
- DutchWest.tv - Official site
- iTunes link
- The Conversation Company - Managers' site
Dutch West Cast/Crew information
The Dutch West Internet Company, LLC. Created by Sam Reich. Developed by Sam Reich and Josh Ruben. Executive Producers: Sam Reich, Josh Ruben, Matt Moore Producers: Vincent Peone, Elaine Carroll
Public Relations: Gina Truhe