SYNOPSIS


For eleven years, an improv group called The Commune has reigned as the big fish in the small pond of their New York improv theater.  Commune members Miles, Samantha, Jack, Allison, Bill and Lindsay invent comedy without a script and without a net. They’re ingenious, they’re fast, and they build on each others’ ideas like best friends – which they also are. Night after night they kill onstage and wait for their big break. Day after day they work menial jobs to support themselves.

Then they get news that their theater is shutting down, and scouts from a hit TV show come to a performance looking for talent. Only two cast members get the nod, upsetting the dynamic of the group and leaving its future in doubt. Relationships begin to crack as six best friends face the truth that not all of them will make it, and for some, it may be time to give up on the dream and move on.

Funny, insightful and honest, DON’T THINK TWICE looks at a common experience that’s an uncommon subject for a film: failure. As he did in his acclaimed debut about a stand-up comedian, SLEEPWALK WITH ME, writer/director/actor Mike Birbiglia captures universal human experiences that happen in the lives of professional funny people. From the creator of THIS AMERICAN LIFE and with a top-flight ensemble of comic actors including Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Kate Micucci, Chris Gethard, Tami Sagher and Birbiglia, DON’T THINK TWICE tells a nuanced story of friendship, aspiration and the pain and promise of change.

CAST


KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY

Keegan-Michael Key, throughout his career has redefined what it means to be a chameleon in the worlds of film, television, and theater. Key is the co-creator and co-star of Comedy Central’s “Key & Peele” with Jordan Peele for which he has been nominated for five 2015 Emmy Awards as well as a 2016 Screen Actors’ Guild Award nomination. In the past few years Key has played memorable roles in the films Vacation, Pitch Perfect 2, Horrible Bosses 2, and Let’s Be Cops. He recently starred in and co-produced Keanu, released by Warner Bros. Key will next be seen in Mike Birbiglia’s Don’t Think Twice opposite Gillian Jacobs opening on July 22, 2016, and then in Why Him? starring alongside Bryan Cranston and James Franco opening this December.

Key was named among TIME magazine’s “Most Influential People of 2014” and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’s “Entertainers of the Year of 2012.” Key is a veteran of Detroit and Chicago’s Second City Theater and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from The University of Detroit Mercy and his Master of Fine Arts in Theater from Pennsylvania State University.

KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY

Keegan-Michael Key, throughout his career has redefined what it means to be a chameleon in the worlds of film, television, and theater. Key is the co-creator and co-star of Comedy Central’s “Key & Peele” with Jordan Peele for which he has been nominated for five 2015 Emmy Awards as well as a 2016 Screen Actors’ Guild Award nomination. In the past few years Key has played memorable roles in the films Vacation, Pitch Perfect 2, Horrible Bosses 2, and Let’s Be Cops. He recently starred in and co-produced Keanu, released by Warner Bros. Key will next be seen in Mike Birbiglia’s Don’t Think Twice opposite Gillian Jacobs opening on July 22, 2016, and then in Why Him? starring alongside Bryan Cranston and James Franco opening this December.

Key was named among TIME magazine’s “Most Influential People of 2014” and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY’s “Entertainers of the Year of 2012.” Key is a veteran of Detroit and Chicago’s Second City Theater and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from The University of Detroit Mercy and his Master of Fine Arts in Theater from Pennsylvania State University.

GILLIAN JACOBS

A natural talent, with a striking presence and undeniable energy, Gillian Jacobs is one of Hollywood’s most vibrant young actresses. Jacobs recently wrapped production on season two of LOVE starring opposite Paul Rust. Produced by Judd Apatow, LOVE follows ‘Mickey’ (Jacobs) and ‘Gus’ (Rust) as they navigate the exhilaration and humiliations of intimacy, commitment, and other things they are hoping to avoid. Additionally, Jacobs can be seen in DEAN opposite Demetri Martin. The film premiered to great acclaim at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival and went on to win the festival’s Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature. CBS Films will distribute the film domestically; a release date is yet to be set.

Previously, Jacobs starred in the critically acclaimed comedy COMMUNITY. She was nominated for a Broadcast Television Journalists Association Award in the category of “Best Comedy Supporting Actress” on behalf of her performance as “Britta.” Additionally, the show won a Broadcast Television Journalists Association award in the category of “Best Comedy Series” in 2012.  Jacobs was also seen in the fourth season of the HBO hit series GIRLS as fan-favorite ‘Mimi Rose Howard’.

GILLIAN JACOBS

A natural talent, with a striking presence and undeniable energy, Gillian Jacobs is one of Hollywood’s most vibrant young actresses. Jacobs recently wrapped production on season two of LOVE starring opposite Paul Rust. Produced by Judd Apatow, LOVE follows ‘Mickey’ (Jacobs) and ‘Gus’ (Rust) as they navigate the exhilaration and humiliations of intimacy, commitment, and other things they are hoping to avoid. Additionally, Jacobs can be seen in DEAN opposite Demetri Martin. The film premiered to great acclaim at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival and went on to win the festival’s Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature. CBS Films will distribute the film domestically; a release date is yet to be set.

Previously, Jacobs starred in the critically acclaimed comedy COMMUNITY. She was nominated for a Broadcast Television Journalists Association Award in the category of “Best Comedy Supporting Actress” on behalf of her performance as “Britta.” Additionally, the show won a Broadcast Television Journalists Association award in the category of “Best Comedy Series” in 2012.  Jacobs was also seen in the fourth season of the HBO hit series GIRLS as fan-favorite ‘Mimi Rose Howard’.

MIKE BIRBIGLIA

WRITER, DIRECTOR, CAST

Mike Birbiglia is a comedian, writer, actor, and director known for his highly personal approach to comedy. One of the busiest working comedians, he serves as creator, writer and star of the upcoming film Don’t Think Twice and also recently completed a 100-city tour with his stand-up show, “Thank God for Jokes”, which he then turned into an off-broadway show at The Lynn Redgrave Theater.

In 2012 Birbiglia burst onto the scene with his Sundance award-winning directorial debut Sleepwalk With Me. Birbiglia started as a stand up comedian and has reached the height of his field- an international touring solo theater act who blends elements of theater, film, storytelling, and standup comedy. Birbiglia’s first one-man show “Sleepwalk With Me” was presented by Broadway legend Nathan Lane. His second one-man show “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend” won the Lucille Lortel Award for outstanding solo show and toured concert halls around the world. His literary debut “Sleepwalk with Me & Other Painfully True Stories” was a New York Times bestseller and was a finalist for the Thurber Prize For American Humor. As an actor, Birbiglia has appeared in Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, HBO’s Girls as well as films such as Trainwreck, The Fault in our Stars, Digging For Fire, Cedar Rapids, Going The Distance and Your Sister’s Sister.

MIKE BIRBIGLIA

WRITER, DIRECTOR, CAST

Mike Birbiglia is a comedian, writer, actor, and director known for his highly personal approach to comedy. One of the busiest working comedians, he serves as creator, writer and star of the upcoming film Don’t Think Twice and also recently completed a 100-city tour with his stand-up show, “Thank God for Jokes”, which he then turned into an off-broadway show at The Lynn Redgrave Theater.

In 2012 Birbiglia burst onto the scene with his Sundance award-winning directorial debut Sleepwalk With Me. Birbiglia started as a stand up comedian and has reached the height of his field- an international touring solo theater act who blends elements of theater, film, storytelling, and standup comedy. Birbiglia’s first one-man show “Sleepwalk With Me” was presented by Broadway legend Nathan Lane. His second one-man show “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend” won the Lucille Lortel Award for outstanding solo show and toured concert halls around the world. His literary debut “Sleepwalk with Me & Other Painfully True Stories” was a New York Times bestseller and was a finalist for the Thurber Prize For American Humor. As an actor, Birbiglia has appeared in Netflix’s Orange is the New Black, HBO’s Girls as well as films such as Trainwreck, The Fault in our Stars, Digging For Fire, Cedar Rapids, Going The Distance and Your Sister’s Sister.

KATE MICUCCI

Kate Micucci, along with partner Riki Lindhome, make up the comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates. The two met at Upright Citizens Brigade theatre in Los Angeles in 2007 and named their group after the “two famous rock-and-roll second bananas” Art Garfunkel and John Oates. The duo, which regularly performs and tours across the country, were named one of the Top 10 Comics to Watch by Variety. In 2012, they appeared on their first comedy special, “The Half-Hour,” on Comedy Central. Their two albums, “Slippery When Moist” and “All Over Your Face,” both hit #1 on the iTunes comedy charts. In August 2014, Micucci and Lindhome’s comedy series “Garfunkel and Oates” premiered on IFC. Kate will next be seen in the NBC Pilot “Powerless”. Micucci was recently seen in a recurring role on CBS’ #1 hit comedy “The Big Bang Theory.”

KATE MICUCCI

Kate Micucci, along with partner Riki Lindhome, make up the comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates. The two met at Upright Citizens Brigade theatre in Los Angeles in 2007 and named their group after the “two famous rock-and-roll second bananas” Art Garfunkel and John Oates. The duo, which regularly performs and tours across the country, were named one of the Top 10 Comics to Watch by Variety. In 2012, they appeared on their first comedy special, “The Half-Hour,” on Comedy Central. Their two albums, “Slippery When Moist” and “All Over Your Face,” both hit #1 on the iTunes comedy charts. In August 2014, Micucci and Lindhome’s comedy series “Garfunkel and Oates” premiered on IFC. Kate will next be seen in the NBC Pilot “Powerless”. Micucci was recently seen in a recurring role on CBS’ #1 hit comedy “The Big Bang Theory.”

CHRIS GETHARD

Chris is the host and star of “The Chris Gethard Show” now in its second season on Fusion.  He can also be seen as ‘Todd’ on Comedy Central’s “Broad City”and the new season of “Inside Amy Schumer“. Other credits include NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”, “The Office”, and the film “The Heat”. Chris is also host of the popular Earwolf podcast “Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People” and is author of the book “A Bad Idea I’m About to Do”.

CHRIS GETHARD

Chris is the host and star of “The Chris Gethard Show” now in its second season on Fusion.  He can also be seen as ‘Todd’ on Comedy Central’s “Broad City”and the new season of “Inside Amy Schumer“. Other credits include NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”, “The Office”, and the film “The Heat”. Chris is also host of the popular Earwolf podcast “Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People” and is author of the book “A Bad Idea I’m About to Do”.

TAMI SAGHER

Tami is currently the co-executive producer of HBO’s hit series “Girls,” as well as a producer on Comedy Central’s hit series, “Inside Amy Schumer.” Recent television credits include “How I Met Your Mother,” “30 Rock,” “Bored to Death,” “Psych,” and “Lucky Louie.” Sagher is an alumna of the Second City Mainstage in her native Chicago. Her acting credits include, “Don’t Think Twice,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “The Chris Gethard Show,” “Girls,” “The Kroll Show,” “Knocked Up,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She’s also appeared on NPR’s “Weekend America” as well as the critically acclaimed, prisoner-loved “This American Life.

TAMI SAGHER

Tami is currently the co-executive producer of HBO’s hit series “Girls,” as well as a producer on Comedy Central’s hit series, “Inside Amy Schumer.” Recent television credits include “How I Met Your Mother,” “30 Rock,” “Bored to Death,” “Psych,” and “Lucky Louie.” Sagher is an alumna of the Second City Mainstage in her native Chicago. Her acting credits include, “Don’t Think Twice,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “The Chris Gethard Show,” “Girls,” “The Kroll Show,” “Knocked Up,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She’s also appeared on NPR’s “Weekend America” as well as the critically acclaimed, prisoner-loved “This American Life.

REVIEWS


EXHILARATING! THIS SUMMER’S FUNNIEST MOVIE. The best, most revealing film about comedy people and, more broadly, about artistic collaboration.”

-Alan Scherstuhl

HILARIOUS, the most HONEST and UNFILTERED exploration of improv comedy you’re likely to find out of Hollywood. The cast is UNIFORMLY EXCELLENT.”
-Randall Colburn

“One of the best films of the year. GENUINELY SHARP, FUNNY, and BRACINGLY HONEST.”
-Michael Phillips

MASTERFUL, PITCH-PERFECT. A great work of art. It captures the spontaneity of great live
-Robert Levin

COMPLETELY WINNING and surprisingly poignant. Mike Birbiglia’s bittersweet love letter to S.N.L. …He’s spun his most compelling yarn yet.”
-Joanna Robinson

“Birbiglia captures the six-person cast with ALTMAN-LIKE finesse… Gillian Jacobs is STELLAR.”
-Eric Kohn

SURPRISINGLY EMOTIONAL but never forgets how to stay FUNNY THROUGHOUT.”
-Steve Propsky

TERRIFIC. Deeply human.”
-Peter S. Hall

A FUNNY, MOVING, COMPASSIONATE COMEDY. It reminds me of Annie Hall, in terms of Mike Birbiglia maturing as a filmmaker. This is next big step.”
-Leonard Maltin

A PERFECT movie about the cost of chasing dreams.”
-Peter S. Hall

UNEXPECTEDLY MOVING.
-Mark Olsen

A LOVE LETTER to this weirdo art form called improv.”
-John DeFore

FUNNY AND INSPIRING. The cast is flawless.”
-David Edelstein

A SOULFUL HUMAN COMEDY and a thoughtful study of success, failure and the relationships that are built and tested along the way.”
-Neil Miller

“An amiable, LOVINGLY DETAILED comedy about comedy”
-Richard Brody

Honest and painfully funny. You’ll laugh till it hurts!”
-Peter Traverse

CRITIC’S PICK: Smart comedy…Don’t Think Twice has a warm heart.”
-Stephen Holden

Alternately hysterical and heartbreaking.
-Andrew Lapin

Don’t Think Twice really shines as an improv procedural, a film that celebrates, in illuminating detail, the skills and anxieties of this showbiz subgenre.”
-Joe Morgenstern

A SMART, WINSOME COMEDY
-Stephen Holden

SUBLIME
– Mara Reinstein

“An amiable, Alternately hysterical and heartbreaking.
-Andrew Lapin