We’re Blue Man Group NYC, the OG theatre where the bald and the blue began. AMA!

What did you think of the Tobias Fünke Blue Man theme in Arrested Development?

What color was he? Blue!

Tobias is one of our lesser acolytes. What he lacks in skills he makes up for with dedication and loyalty.

The color is International Klein Blue

​

Love,

Dustin

I would say you guys have help but Tobias would blue himself, right?

Gotta be a better way to say that.

https://i.imgur.com/0LIyvWb.mp4

As an add on to this, do you always blue yourself or do you have someone whose job it is to blue you?

We have a team of Wardrobe and Makeup members who help the guys get ready for each show. -Bernadette, Production Stage Manager

https://imgur.com/a/8YmvXPa

[removed]

https://imgur.com/a/3giyWGj

Probably with a duel. Dual? Duel. Or a jousting match.

​

Fervently,

Dustin

Ever get any skin reactions from wearing the blue paint all the time at your shows (even if I assume it's some organic stuff)?

Its a pretty mild makeup. I do like to use a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer.

​

Love,

Dustin

Do you live in a blue house with a blue little window?

https://imgur.com/a/AAI6ZRz

We like a lot of natural sunlight, so our windows are pretty big

​

Love,

Dustin

How do you respond to the accusation that The Blue Man Group is a total rip-off of The Smurfs?

https://imgur.com/a/3giyWGj

How long does it take to blue yourself?

We give ourselves an hour, but I can lick it and stick it in 16 minutes.

​

Love,

Dustin

https://imgur.com/a/MmcN5YB

Have you ever been recognized in public after you deblue yourself? What was the reaction if so?

Someone asked me once if I was Chris Angel. I said nope. But he came and saw the show (in Vegas) and was delightful. Hope this helps.

​

Love,

Dustin

I was really into BMG's music in college, but the lack of newer albums definitely didn't help me stay on the bandwagon.

So, I have two questions -

One - it's been seven-ish years since the last album. Anything new that we should keep our eyes out for within the next year or so?

Two - One of my favorite things about the band is the experimentation with what can be an instrument. Since the release of THREE, are there any particular sounds that you've discovered in the last seven years that you're very pleased with, that album listeners haven't heard yet?

Keep a look out for our latest music video and song developed with a technique called bio sonification. I think its pretty neat. And it may come out the end of this month. We're polishing it up now.

​

Love,

Dustin

https://i.imgur.com/MPm4FyB.png

1- We're writing new music as we type this! Keep your eyes out for a new music video coming to screens everywhere. I happen to have had the immense pleasure of performing on the track and in the video.

2-Funny you should ask! BIO-SONIFICATION

P.S. - The North American Tour that recently ran all over the US, Canada, and Mexico was chock-full of new music!!

See also: chockfull and chock-full

Contents

1 English

1.1 Alternative forms

1.2 Etymology

1.3 Pronunciation

1.4 Adjective

1.4.1 Translations

1.4.2 See also

1.5 References

English

Alternative forms

chocked full, chock-full, chockfull, choke-full

chuck-full, chuck full (dated)

Etymology

From Middle English chokkeful (“crammed full”) c. 1400, possibly from choke (“cheek”), equivalent to cheek +‎ full. Or it may be from Old French choquier (“collide, crash, hit”), similar to shock.[1]

The later form chock-a-block full is due to association with chock, used in carpentry and shipbuilding.

Pronunciation

IPA(key): /ˌtʃɒk ˈfʊl/

Adjective

chock full (comparative more chock full, superlative most chock full)

(informal) Containing the maximum amount possible, flush on all sides, jam-packed, crammed.

That article is chock-full of errors

Translations

±containing the maximum amount

​

--Chris

https://imgur.com/a/8NMH6c7

Where do your ears go under that makeup? Is there a cap that also comes with the costume?

https://imgur.com/a/ys9QmG3

Do certain facial structures/head shapes "look" better as a Blue Man than others?

We have Blue Men with all different shaped heads! Oblong, round, heart, triangle, square, oval, diamond - all are probably represented somewhere in our cast! -Tascha

https://imgur.com/a/kvEL2iK

What make-up or blue goo do you use on your heads? It always looked so thick and gloopy like it had the consistency of axle grease

Hi! We use a theatrical grease paint that is very thick and almost has the consistency of axle grease!

_Wes

do you ever refer to yourselves as the "Bald and the Blue-tiful?"

I will now

​

Thanks,

Dustin

https://i.imgur.com/goRj6xp.mp4

Why so blue? I mean, why blue and not red or yellow?

Yves Klein was a big inspiration for Chris, Matt, and Phil (originators). Look him up! The color we used is based on his shade of cobalt blue.

​

Love,

Dustin

How many total people in the world are official Blue Men? How many Blue Men per theatre or traveling production? Do you all know each others parts? (Can you swap out Throwing Marshmallow Blue Man with Catching Marshmallow Blue Man before show time or does it always have to be the same?)

I need some Blue Man Logistics.

We have over 70 Blue Men performing around the world right now. Every theater and tour has a different number of performers depending on how many shows, most have a cast of around 6.

When a new Blue Man trains, they train into only one role, but they will cross-train into the other roles after a period of time performing. Most of our Blue Men know all three roles which means - YES, they can catch AND throw marshmallows.

Tascha

Sort of an administration question here… when you script out which role does what, is it “BLUE MAN 1?” “SCARED BLUE MAN?” How do you reference the different blue men?

Left, Center and Right. Each Blue Man role is a little different in expressions and actions. Plus every actor brings something different to their Blue Man style.

as someone who has never heard any of you speak, how would you describe what you sound like?

hmmm... Like if Frank Sinatra and General Grievous had a cat that loved to drum.

​

Love,

Dustin

https://imgur.com/a/zu6My3y

What are the worst logistical hurdles you have to jump through to get BMG to another theater? I imagine managers get pretty anxious once you start discussing ponchos and medical cameras.

Thankfully, many of our shows (except our tours!) have stayed in the same place for a while, and many of our theaters have just as many quirks as the show itself, so we’ve been able to grow in and adapt with them to fit our unusual (and messy) technical needs! It’s not very glamorous, but I think the biggest hurdle all the shows— especially the props departments :) — face is often storage-related: we do a LOT of shows with a lot of consumables (one-and-done use)! You mentioned ponchos, but there’s also bulk orders of Twinkies, freight pallets of Cap’n Crunch, and enough paint to put your local craft store out of business!

• Carly

Our sets are typically quite large. Sometimes getting our band lofts and elevated platforms into historic theatres on tour becomes challenging. That, and keeping those historic theatres paint free...we tend to get blue everywhere haha

--Chris

How in the world do you get your blue makeup so close to your eyes without ever getting it in them??

I wear contact lenses and they help keep paint off of my eyes.

-Wes Day

https://i.imgur.com/aYFms17.jpg

What would you do if you were green?

https://imgur.com/a/U2NLP9V

Is it hard to make no facial expressions for such a long period of time?

The guys definitely have trouble keeping a straight face at times. With all the audience participation things are always unpredictable. If you see a Blue Man looking down or upstage it maybe to hid a smirk.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

How does the theater determine who gets picked to participate in the show? Is it completely random? I had the awesome pleasure to join you guys on stage many years ago, and it was a total blast!

We have certain positions that we ask them before the show but our “Feast Guest” is always picked by the Blue Men in the moment. -Bernadette, Production Stage Manager

Do you have blue balls?

https://imgur.com/a/DAhkAON

How does one become a blue man? Do you show up for interviews blue? What kinds of things do they ask you perform/do?

We do not require people to show up to auditions painted blue, though that would be interesting! Our initial audition is an acting audition where we work with people for about 30 minutes per group. We walk performers through a couple different non-verbal exercises to see how comfortable they are with non-verbal storytelling, taking notes and having fun. It's an unusual audition process but one that really helps us get a sense of who each person is and what they might bring to the role that is unique. The initial acting auditions is followed by two-day callbacks and quick drumming assessment.

We cast a pretty wide net and see hundreds of people every year for the initial audition.

-Tascha

So interesting, thank you for your response!

Just one followup: how many blue men are there?

We have over 70 right now.

When I saw Blue Man Group a few years ago it seemed like there were several times during the performance when things were about to go wrong, but then miraculously didn't. What's the most memorable mistake or accident you've experienced during a live performance, and how did you deal with it?

I performed in a blue man show in Brazil where the power went out 3 times! After the 3rd time, the venue had to close because of safety concerns. Days later we found out that a large rat chewed through power cables and shut down the entire city grid for 24 hours!

-Wes

Has there been a Chapman Stick player in the band since the beginning, and is that a regular component in all iterations of the show?

The original Chapman Stick player and composer, Larry, still plays in the show today! He also came up with a unique way of manipulating the instrument to achieve what has become a signature sound of BMG. He's awesome!

---Chris

Yep, since day one! I believe every version of the show has had some stick...

-Murph

I saw a blue man talk once, is he fired now?

https://imgur.com/a/xQaP5A7

How hard is it to get the paint off?

Paint Off??

--chris

https://imgur.com/a/Xrczm9n

HI.

It's not that difficult. It takes about 20 to put it all on and about 10 minutes to take it off.

-Wes Day

If someone starts singing, "I'm blue daba bee.." do you feel contractually obligated to complete the song?

I don't think its that hard to stay focudabadeeee dabadieee dammit.

​

Love,

Dustin

How much supervising does your Makeup Supervisor really have to do? Like, is there much more to it besides getting the blue a bit under the shirt and keeping it out of the eyes?

I should also say - supervising the guys is like herding cats. It takes a talented person to keep them on track and still keep the vibe in the dressing room good.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

Our W&M Supervisor does so much. From managing a department to handling one of the largest budgets. They also run the show and train everyone. Project Managing and collaboration with all the other production heads they are an essential member, getting the Blue Men ready maybe the easiest part of their job.

What would you say is the best audience interactions you've ever had? Has anyone tried licking the paint off before?

Is it true that you're just aliens from neptune learning how to use music and comedy to enslave the human race?

https://imgur.com/a/f79NZsn

Why no blue women?

We do audition women! Because there is a height requirement for the role (5'10" - 6'2") it does limit the number of women we see. But if you know any who fit the requirements, we'd love to see them! -Tascha

I've seen Blue Man Group 5 times but my favorite was in NYC back in 2007. My dad and I got there early and I was picked to be a part of the show (head in the jello guy!) - it was one of my favorite memories of my college years.

My question: What is your favorite song/skit to perform in the show?

https://imgur.com/a/RGkgyfv

Are you the same guys that had residency at the Luxor Las Vegas 20ish years ago?

Yes! We are back at The Luxor again! -Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

Hey all! Blue Man Group has been a huge influence and inspiration to me as a theatrical and concert lighting designer ever since I first saw the show in NYC back in 2001. I've even had the pleasure of working backstage on your touring show 3 times! The mantra of "follow your bliss" along with the symbol of the complex album will be a tattoo I get very soon.

My question is regarding the change from the original ending finale (the KLF paper one) to the current one. That original finale is still to this day one of the most mind blowing and incredible live experiences I've ever been a part of. Why was the overall ending sequence changed? Was it a music rights issue with the KLF? (which I'm curious what their thoughts are on BMG using their music) was it a waste thing either the amount of paper used nightly, or was it just time to do something new? The visual of tubes going all over the place, paper waterfalls over your head in blacklists and Strobes with acid house playing loudly is very unique.

Thank you all for everything! Taking my fiancee to see you guys in Vegas this November for her first BMG experience!

We're constantly trying out things to enhance the experience for first timers and offer something new for return guests. Experimentation is in our DNA! We're glad you loved KLF and we'll hope you'll like what we come up with next.

Paper is back! We still use recycled paper for our finale that we in turn recycle. We love the experience and agree its something we're not quite ready to let go of.

​

No thank YOU! Lets see that tat when you get it done!

​

Love,

Dustin

https://imgur.com/a/RjZzX26

I saw BMG in NYC in 2007 and bought the splatter art created in the show. It's still on my wall alongside a photo of me, one of the blue men and the art to give the art context.

Question: Do you think I have enough DNA from the spit of the blue men who created it to clone them?

If you're creating something like Jurassic Park, except filled with Blue Men, then yes...

-Murph

Are there a lot of differences between the permanent shows vs. the tour version of the show? (Would love to see more Asia cities/dates!)

Yes! Every show is unique. Some are completely redesigned from the ground-up. But also, all the permanent shows change regularly. We're updating things constantly.

​

--Chris

There is a show coming to Asia soon! I think each type of venue lends itself to different creative content.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

How far down does the blue paint go?

https://imgur.com/a/51hP5f7

Hey blue man group. You guys noticed me at your Chicago show New Year’s Day of this year. You guys brought me up on stage to do games and put a wig and cape on me 😂 no phones we’re aloud during the show but I was wondering by the off chance you guys have the videos I would love to have them because it’s such a good memory I’ll never forget! Another question why the color blue?

The video of the show exists as a memory in your mind and heart. We will continue to cherish the moment with you. The fleeting nature of live performance and ephemerality of experience is what makes the show so special to us. Life is impermanent. Let the sweetness of that moment inform your next.

​

Love,

Dustin

Blue Man Group was my family's first concert together in Atlantic City, maybe 25 years ago. Until I went to school in NY, I did not know there were multiple iterations. Did the OG NYC Group do a lot of the touring or did other groups develop early on? Thanks for being fun to watch!

We pull talent from all our shows and also from outside.

-Bernadette, Production Stage Manager

What rock and roll concert move is your favorite and what's a new one you have been working on?

When/if Wintergatan finishes their touring-capable marble machine, would you be interested in doing a collaboration? I feel like your weird instruments would go great together.

https://imgur.com/a/yeoA7d2

So curious about you guys's backgrounds! Like, are skills in comedy and percussion a prerequisite?

Neither of those is a prerequisite, though we definitely have performers with backgrounds in comedy and percussion. Many of our Blue Men learn to drum in a program we have called "drum school" prior to training and do not come to us with percussion skills. Our Blue Men *are pretty damn good at making people laugh, so I suppose you could say they are comedic professionals of course! -Tascha

What are the biggest downsides of the job?

Blue paint stains on everything I own

• Carly

Working on a Sunday during the summer when everyone is out having Brunch aka working when most folks are off.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

What’s your favorite way to eat a banana? smoothie? in bread? by itself? or do you hate or purposely avoid the fruit knowing you have to eat it several times a week

https://imgur.com/a/f5BaK8J

https://imgur.com/a/1NGp9Id

which of the blue men would win a staring contest?

https://imgur.com/a/VnEA7sT

What has been the most memorable audience interaction?

Ps. Love the show! Went in not knowing what to expect & ended up on stage with you guys in Boston! Probably the most thrilling & embarrassing moment of my life, I’ll never forget it 😂

I love calling the show because the audience interaction varies so much! Some of my favorites have been someone who screamed all throughout feast, to others who try to leave but are tethered to the spot with the chest plate the Blue Men have them wear. We have had a father join a feast guest onstage monitoring the situation the whole time.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

Any plans to do the orchestra show again that you did at the Hollywood Bowl?

Blue Man + Orchestra is definitely being talked about! Not specifically at the Hollywood Bowl, but stay tuned... -Murph

How does one discover they can fit so many marshmallows into their gullet? Was this a hazing that became part of the show?

https://imgur.com/a/rSwKEJA

Whats the laundry like for you guys? 💙

Have you ever watched the movie “300”?

• Sarah L - Wardrobe & Makeup Supervisor

A sisyphean task not for the faint of heart. Our wardrobe techs are heroes.

​

Love,

Dustin

What kind of career/artist field backgrounds do Blue Men usually come from?

We’ve actors and musicians who usually audition. One of our veteran Blue Men went to school for Human Biology, with a major in Genetics! 🧬 -Bernadette, Production Stage Manager

Most of our Blue Men have some kind of background in acting - whether it's training at a school or a few years of performing. The character requires performers to access a level of internal vulnerability, and externally we need them to be strong physical performers who can use their bodies to tell a clear story. This can be hard stuff to jump into without any training - though we do have a few Blue Men who have done that! -Tascha

Are you the same BMG from the Intel Pentium ads?

Nooope

​

Love,

Dustin

Pretty sure I missed the AMA.

But I was wondering if you had plans to bring back the Rock Tour?

Rock concert movement #697 - holding a reunion tour more than a decade after the last performance to milk the fans despite the band being too old to play like they used to

(Not that there would be an issue with being too old, I just like writing random rock concert movements)

The Blue Men are working on a lot of new music for YouTube. Since this question has come up so much, looks like they need a new rock music video...

holy crap. 7 hours later and you guys are still asking questions?! that's true dedication

do you guys sleep?

https://i.imgur.com/4YSmwrF.gifv

What/where was your favorite show you've done?

I love doing outside gigs with the Blue Men. We recently did one at the United Nations which I was really proud to work on. It was a challenge working on creative that didn’t allow us to use instruments or make a mess.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

How much do you take home each year for this? What about per show?

https://imgur.com/a/FMg4LGF

What does the audition process consist of? Is there a lot of physicality and chemistry work among the group?

Also, I just wanted to say, Dustin, we went to college together. And I remember your performance in one of the shows at the black box where you played an author or playwright. That performance always stuck with me. Thought you were amazing.

The audition process consists of some physical and acting exercises specific to the character and show, but really we want to see your authentic self and genuine experience. Later we go through some character-based directions that add what I would describe as a "filter" on top of your personality.

​

The Agee/Evans workshop! I loved the entire experience of that show and glad you enjoyed the product. Everyone in that show helped to create an atmosphere of comradery and collaboration that is pretty similar to what we experience here at BMG, too. Thanks for the kind words!

​

Love,

Dustin

Do you have any pet peeves that audience members do that annoy you?

When they're on their phones during the show! STOP IT!!!

-Murph

Have you considered bringing Mandelgroove back into a show? That piece was stunning

I'm onboard with this.

-Murph

Have you seen the Jeff GoldBluMan group? If so, what are your thoughts?

https://imgur.com/a/zOeMNLg

His is a rare talent. We could do without the whistling.

​

Love,

Dustin

Do you listen to the blues?

What do you do when you are feeling blue?

I love a nice slow blues shuffle after a long day.

Wes

If you weren't part of Blue Man Group, what would be your career of choice?

https://imgur.com/a/gYMwdav

I would like to work towards the survival and re-introduction of beaver to our waterways and world. Did you know that beaver are a keystone species?? Which means that when they are introduced and thrive in a landscape they engineer their surroundings so that hundreds of other species are able to live and thrive. The beaver became extinct in many places because of the beaver trade, but there are many people committed to reintroducing them to many parts of the world - and I think I'd like to be one of those people! Seriously, do some reading about them - they are incredible!

-Tascha

favorite instrument? how long does it take to setup a show?

PVC’s of course.

If you mean the shows we have already running, our show call is 3 hours before the show for Wardrobe&Make Up and Stage Management, with all other departments trickling in after that.

If you mean launching a new production, I would say that varies widely.

-Bernadette, Production Stage Manager

Do you think you might be interested in making a Blue Man Group blue chapstick for the schwag table any time soon?

I know our Press and Marketing team does have a lip balm as part of their schwag

I’m a drummer, how can I be a blue man?

Nice! We have upcoming auditions in NYC, Los Angeles and Berlin. Anyone who is interested in auditioning can submit their information via our website for upcoming auditions. Alternatively you can email a recent photo/headshot and resume, + height and weight to [casting@blueman.com](mailto:casting@blueman.com) -Tascha

What is your favourite colour?

Today I'm feeling orange. Its nice and bright out. But usually grass green. Tree leaf green.

​

Love,

Dustin

Purple.

-Wes

I had surgery today. Can you wish me a fast recovery?

I hope you have a fast recovery!

Wes

Get well soon! ❤️‍🩹

-Bernadette, Production Stage Manager

Why Blue and not Magenta?

We chose to paint the character blue because it matches the title.

-Wes

Where do the ideas come from and how do you decide what's going to get used and what's going to get shelved?

The ideas come from all over the company. We have a program now that anyone in the company can submit an idea. We have scheduled out time for the performers to workshop the bits. If it’s good it may make it into a show. In the past we would also have new creative in our tours which eventually would make it back into the sit down shows. We are constantly tweaking the creative content of our shows.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

What is your favorite drum rudiment?

What is your preferred warm up prior to a show?

https://youtu.be/dbLiOExJTVw

​

--chris

Cheez-a-diddles..mmmmm.

I usually just do some practice pad work, then jump around the theater to warm up my feet.

-Murph

• What is the auditioning process for joining the Blue Man Group?

• do you have any crazy or heartwarming fan stories?

re: the audition process, it starts with an initial acting audition. We see people in groups of about 10 and spend 30 minutes with each group, walking through a few non-verbal exercises.

From there we invite people to callbacks where we spend approximately 2 days with a group of 9-18 people. More non-verbal exercises and we work on physicality and ultimately teach a couple pieces from the show as a way to assess if someone is a character fit.

After that, performers who need to learn how to drum will spend anywhere from 1 month to a year with one of our drum trainers, learning how to drum for the show.

Last phase is training, which is an 8-week process where we train performers into the entire NYC show. It is like an intensive acting workshop in a way, very challenging but also a supportive and fun environment where performers work with many of our directors, Blue Men, band and crew members.

Overall, it's a very unique process ,and for me, one of my favorite parts of the job!

-tascha

Are there times when you have accidentally broken character during a live performance?

I have never.

-Wes

How many of you come have a drum corps background?

A small number of Blue Men, but a good number of band members have college/corps marching experience! I believe the new drummers going on the World Tour are DCI alumni!!!

-Murph

What's the secret ingredient for the digested twinkie?

I could get in a lot of trouble for telling you this but… it’s love.

(And whatever’s about to go bad in the fridge.)

• Carly

Do you have a favourite number or trick in the show?

Follow up: what's the most annoying/difficult number to do?

Favorite piece: There's a point in the show where the Blue Men pick guests to come up onto the stage and the music is heavily improvised. In some iterations of the show, we collect audio samples from the audience and incorporate them into the piece.

Most difficult piece for me might be "House." Its really fun to play but there are a lot of tricky bits.

​

--Chris

Hi! I saw your show a few years back and have known a few folks who worked at Blue Man NYC as crew (Sarah H, Keith, Eric...). How has the show changed over the years? Any old elements you miss? Or any newer touches you love?

We are always working on the content of our shows. We recently took our huge automation pieces (Gipads). I appreciate having our show becoming more analog again. IMHO the Blue Men interacting and connecting is the best part of the show, not being tied to a track per-say strengthens that connection.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

What is the paint you use?

We use a lot of different paints - theatrical grease paint, tempera paint, UV paint.

-Bernadette- Production Stage Manager

What's the best pizza in NYC?

Joe's

-Murph

What do you think of Eiffel 65?

Quintessential 90's Euro-pop

-Murph