From Hong Kong to Bangkok: A Whirlwind October of Improv, Filmmaking, and Family
- Gary Miller
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
October was a month packed with travel, performances, and new creative challenges. It began with an exciting trip to Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Improv Festival, where three nights of shows brought together performers from across Asia and beyond. While overseas, another project was happening back home in Denver, showing how busy and diverse this month truly was. Later, the focus shifted to filmmaking with a new camera, and family life added its own joyful moments. The month closed with a sold-out show in Bangkok, blending theater and improv in a fresh way.
A Festival of Improv in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Improv Festival started on October 9th and ran for three consecutive nights. This event was a gathering of talent from Hong Kong, Thailand, Shanghai, Australia, and Canada. The mix of cultures and styles created a dynamic atmosphere that fueled creativity and connection. I got to go with the Zmack team and perform with Grace and Curt and play with others as well.
Performing in such a diverse environment brought fresh energy to the stage. Each night offered new challenges and opportunities to experiment with different forms of improv. The sense of community was strong, with performers supporting each other and sharing ideas. Hong Kong is a vibrant city full of creative flavor.This festival was not just about performing but also about learning and growing. There were workshops and exchanging of ideas and conversations.
Being in Two Places at Once: Denver Sketch Festival
While performing in Hong Kong, The Devil’s Lettuce was performing back in Denver at the Denver Sketch Festival held at Rise Comedy. This was a unique experience—being part of two shows in different parts of the world at the same time.
The Denver Sketch Festival is ins it's second year and its becoming known for its vibrant comedy scene and supportive audience. While I wish I could physically be there I was very excited at the work I was seeing. I was able to watch the other films and they were great! The show back home kept the creative momentum going and allowed for a different style of performance compared to improv. Balancing these two projects highlighted the variety and flexibility required in a creative career.
One of the other improvisers in Hong Kong had two friends also performing at the Denver sketch festival, the comedy community is a small world.
Learning Filmmaking with the Canon EOS C300 Mark III
After the festival, the focus shifted behind the camera. October marked the first time working with the Canon EOS C300 Mark III, a professional cinema camera known for its high-quality footage and versatility.
The learning curve was steep at first. Understanding the camera’s settings, handling, and workflow took time and patience. However, once the basics were mastered, the camera’s capabilities became clear. The cinematic quality of the footage opened new possibilities for storytelling and visual expression. I'm excited to work with something like this again.
Family Life in Bangkok
Back in Bangkok, life continued with the excitement of expecting a baby girl. Regular appointments confirmed that she is healthy and active, already bringing joy and anticipation to daily life.
Balancing creative projects with family responsibilities can be challenging, but it also provides motivation and perspective. The support and love from family create a foundation that makes the busy schedule manageable. We even had a surprise baby shower in Hong Kong. It's incredible to know how much she is loved.
The Rocky Horror Improv Show in Bangkok
The month ended with a sold-out performance of The Rocky Horror Improv Show at Comedy Club Bangkok. Playing Brad Majors for the first time was a new experience, especially with a theater degree but no previous Rocky Horror performances.
The show was lively, weird, and full of energy, capturing the spirit of the original while adding an improvisational twist. The audience’s enthusiasm made the performance even more rewarding. We all danced the Time Warp at the end of the show.
The following day, the show traveled to Father Ted’s in Hua Hin for a special performance, extending the fun beyond the city. One final show remains on November 8th, promising to close this chapter with the same excitement.
Reflecting on a Busy Month
October was a clear example of how diverse creative work can be. From international improv festivals to sketch comedy, from learning new filmmaking skills to embracing family life, each experience added value and insight.
This month showed the importance of flexibility, community, and continuous learning. It also highlighted how personal and professional lives can intertwine, creating a rich and fulfilling journey.
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