Today we’d like to introduce you to Nnamdi Ngwe.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nnamdi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
3Peat is an Improv Comedy/Sketch/Stand Up group that started back in 2011 when a group of African American performers that had excelled in the industry noticed that they where always being pitted against each other since there were not many roles available to them in comparison to their white counterparts. They all studied comedy at the iO Theater and Second City so they got together to start collaborating on their own terms.
After some changes to the cast with some members moving on to do wonderful things in different cities, the group expanded and so did the focus. We really believe there is nothing we can’t do with the support of each other.
Now the group teaches in Chicago and across the country. From high school to adults aiming to be on stage, and even corporate workshops.
Since we are an African American group, we know that giving back to our communities and inspire tomorrows leaders and entertainers is important, so we collaborate with theaters and schools to teach workshops or just talk to them about our journeys.
Has it been a smooth road?
Some struggles along the way include:
Theaters not believing in us because we were not traditional with how we performed. Telling us that we should perform a certain way.
Other performers not believing in us because we were different. We had to force the owner’s hand for a show slot on Monday nights at iO Theater (Not a traditional night of theater) because they didn’t think people would come to our show. We ended up selling out 150 plus seats for years.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the 3Peat story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in entertainment and inspiration. As performers, people come to our shows and leave wanting to see more, or do it themselves.
As teachers, we allow people to realize the potential they have to be able to improvise for fun or collaborate better with peers/coworkers in whatever industry they work in. The improv/sketch world teaches tools that allow you as an individual to be a better listener in so many ways. We take those tools and share it with folks in our workshops.
We also, use those tools when speaking to and teaching children too! We are different because we are a team full of African American artists who have individual success and group success.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the near future, the industry hopefully will get more diverse. Not just in terms of skin color but age and gender too. Listening and collaboration is a human element that all humans can benefit from and it truly makes the world a better place.
Improve/sketch/stand up is global even though the mecca is Chicago, but we will continue to travel and share our knowledge and do our part to make things better
Contact Info:
- Email: 3peatcomedy@gmail.com
- Instagram: @3peatcomedy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3peatcomedy/
- Twitter: @3peatcomedy
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
