Craig Shoemaker November 21, 2007

Craig Shoemaker was named Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards, won two NATAS Emmy Awards, a Toastmaster Award, performed at every major comedy venue in the country and was seen by over two million people last year. His "Lovemaster" routine was voted Most Popular Comedy on XM Radio's Big Schtick Award, and was voted one of the top 20 stand-up specials on Comedy Central. Additionally, he had his own nationally syndicated radio show, which after only ten months on the air, won the prestigious Communicator Award "Crystal" prize. Craig has appeared in over 100 television shows - including ABC's The View (where he was Joy Behar's first guest in her Comedy Corner), HBO's Comic Relief (three times), Showtime's Comedy All-Stars, and The Hollywood Squares with Whoopi Goldberg. As an actor, Craig has co-starred with Patrick Stewart in the film Safe House, was featured in the box office hit Scream 2, and starred in Dark Honeymoon opposite Daryl Hannah. His own movie The Lovemaster, won "Best Film" honors at the Independent Film Festival in Los Angeles and garnered rave reviews. "Shoemaker displays a vulnerability that suggests promise for a romantic comedy feature or sitcom" - Leonard Klady, Daily Variety As a scribe, Craig most recently wrote, produced and starred in the film, Totally Baked: A Pot-u-mentary - a movie which was conceived from his own son asking if he had ever smoked marijuana. The film was released in theaters on April 20, 2007, and will be home distributed by Universal in the fall of 2007. "'BAKED' is at once informative and downright funny. The audience loved it. What more could you ask for?" - John Merriman, Austin Film Festival Craig also wrote for ABC's Just The Ten of Us, and Real Funny, and in 2003 he wrote and starred in the hit one- man show, Who's Your Daddy? at the Coronet Theater in Los Angeles. "Shoemaker is insightful and amusing…we are moved beyond laughter to tears." -- F. Kathleen Foley, Los Angeles Times The theatrical show was inspired by his two young sons, Justin and Jared. His boys also led him to write to hit children's books, now in their third printing, entitled "What You Have Now…What Your Daddy Had Then." and "What You Have Now… What Your Mommy Had Then." When Craig began his career, he was especially skilled at doing imitations of characters and celebrities and even won a Best of Philly Award for his talents while he was still bartending at a restaurant in South Philadelphia. As a voiceover artist, Craig did his dead-on impression of Don Knotts in the movie Pleasantville (as well as played the narrator) and has voiced many hit animated series including Teamo Supremo and I M Weasel. "…One story that is certain to become part of the folklore is the night when Craig "The Lovemaster" Shoemaker blew Chris Rock out of the water with his suggestions for Rock's Oscar night monologue." - Easy Reader, The South Bay's Hometown News His latest hit DVD entitled Craig Shoemaker Live: That's a True Story was filmed live at the San Jose Improv Theatre and features 90 minutes of non-stop stand-up comedy. Craig's new live concert DVD is now in post-production and will be distributed through Universal. In 2004, Craig opened a comedy compound and retail outlet called The Laughter Store (www.thelaughterstore.com). The store is a place to find all things funny - pranks & gags, CDs, books, DVDs - anything to make you laugh! The store was inspired by Craig's nonprofit organization called LaughterHeals.org. All of Craig's merchandise (books, CDs, etc. are available at the Laughter Store, including Craig's new live DVD which will be distributed by Universal and available worldwide. Craig is represented by the William Morris Agency. Other Fun Facts about Craig Shoemaker " Craig co-hosted the Magic Hour with Magic Johnson and was taken off the couch in the middle of the show on day three, making television history! " He toured with Ray Charles and Kenny Loggins. When Kenny was about to open the show at the Neil Simon Theater on Broadway, he was informed one of his singers was sick. Shoemaker did his stand-up and then came out on stage again to be one of Loggins' backup singers, learning the vocals over dinner! " Craig has performed the National Anthem several times, including at Dodger Stadium and the Oakland Coliseum. " At Comic Relief 2006 (The 20th Anniversary), Craig was honored to be asked to co-host the portion from New Orleans, which benefited the victims of Hurricane Katrina. " In 1996 and 1999, he did his standup routine in front of 70,000 at the University of Florida's "Gator Growl." Virtually every famous comedian has performed at this event from Richard Pryor to Robin Williams to Ray Romano, but Shoemaker is the only act to be booked to come back a second time. " As an entrepreneur, Craig, along with 2 friends from elementary school, created and developed the idea of advertising messages on the telephone hold system. The company, now called Audiomax, still remains at the top of its field and boasts over 10 thousand clients worldwide. " When given the lead in the first college play he ever auditioned for, Craig wet his khaki pants in front of a sold-out crowd while attempting to nervously sing "Something's Coming" from Westside Story. " Finally, Craig's primary focus is parenting his two boys, Justin and Jared. Whether it is coaching little league or telling bedtime stories, it is being a father that is most rewarding. He and comedian Louis Anderson are developing an animated series that is based on Craig's experiences growing up in Philly without a dad.

Tickets $20
7 Shows
Wednesday, November 21 @ 8:30pm
Friday, November 23 @ 8:30pm & 10:30pm
Saturday, November 24 @ 7pm, 9pm, & 11pm
Sunday, November 25 @ 7pm

Official Website: http://www.symfonee.com/Improv/irvine/comedians/Bio.aspx?ShowDate=11/21/07&Uid={38e7102d-d0d7-11d4-8736-0001026c3d97}