Created and Directed by: Charlie Todd
Production: Generate
Shot by: TV Boy
Music: Tyler Walker
Photography: Katie Sokoler – (photo credit for all photos on this page.)
Principal Cast: (in order of appearance) Ryan Karels; Erik Dies; Kent Lanier; Alan Starzinski; Josh Sharp; Cody Lindquist; Amber Nelson; Tyler Walker; Joe Exley, Stefan Zeniuk, Brian Belcinski, Jonathan Erdman, Matt Adams; Kevin Hines
For our latest mission, we surprised random people by turning back the clock 150 years at a local bar, completely transforming it into 1860s New York. We worked with accomplices to invite unsuspecting friends to the Black Rabbit Bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The bar was completely lit by candles and kerosene lanterns and was filled with actors in period dress. Beer cost pennies, and music was provided by a live band. By the end of the night, our surprised guests found themselves in the middle of an old-fashioned bar fight.
We’ve also launched a new series, Mission Report, which features news and behind-the-scenes from Improv Everywhere projects. The first installment shows some additional footage from the 1860s bar. Check it out.
This project was a collaboration with the BBC America series Copper.
Enjoy the videos first and then go behind the scenes with our mission report and photos below.

Actors hanging out before the prank


Art director Andy Meyers shows bartender Agent Ryan Karels how to use the old cash register






Agents Brian Belcinski (the cop) and Matt Adams rehearse the fight earlier in the day


Agent Tyler Walker gets dressed

Dede tries out options for Agent Cody Lindquist

A storm rolled in right when we got started and we were lucky to have all of our equipment underneath tents in the back! The lightning in the opening shot in the video is very much real.
This was a really fun night, despite weather. In fact, I think it made the whole thing more eerie and strange.
Mission Accomplished
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