What in tarnation is a Phantom Sheep!?
He "lurks in the hearts of men, he is hiding in the shadows of the Soundstage Castle" He haunts, he taunts. The Phantom Sheep is actually a puppet.  It is a character that was developed while working as puppeteers at Riverside(now Six Flags New England!) and later became a scripted character in the first show sold by Eric and Kevin. He is cute, adorable, and has an amazing acting range!  He has appeared in PuppetWorks for over 11 years, reoccuring segements on RRN, several LaughCrafters cameos, and even performed in front of a full house at Northampton's famed Academy of Music Opera House.

Why the company name PSP?
On the road one day, Eric thought how cool the name Phantom Sheep would be for a band. Since none of us really play music and we all know that comedians are really wannabe rock stars (or as Jeff Tingley says "Improv players are the rock stars of the theater geek world"), we decided to try it out.

We officially first slapped the name on our first episode of The New RRN although the sheep didn't appear until episode 2 (and every episode after that! We never expected it to become that popular). Before that, we only used it on the letterhead for the WRKS script semi-seriously...but then people came to expect it!

We kept it as the name of the company for a few reasons:

Is your company suitable for kids?
Yes...for several shows. Although, a large part of our interest and experience is in political and social parody; a large portion of our commercial success has come from our popular family shows and working in schools and the theme park industry. And the beautiful part is most of famil shows are equally enjoyed by the adults along with the children! With popular fun music, witty jokes, silly parodies, sketches, and dialogue, PSP never underestimates the intelligence of kids and their love for good entertainment.
Please note that we are very serious about keeping school performances and workshops of LaughCrafters improv at an appropriate level for the age group being entertained. We also pride ourselves for never playing "blue" nor rely on cheap dirty humor nor excessive gratuitous naughty language.  A show like LaughCrafters also prides itself at being naturally suitable as it relies so heavily on each performance's target audience.  Our political and biting material is typically found in colleges, coffeehouses, the dvd specials, and other appropriate venues and media.
We have the talent to entertain audiences of all ages and variety. We always customize and tone most shows to ensure your audience will likely enjoy.
 

What do you Do?
Phantom Sheep Productions and the Phantom Sheep Players are creators of original quality entertainment for schools & corporate events.
We do any or all of the following:

• Write/Perform comedy (specialty in sketch, improv, satire, and parody along with emcee services)
• Conduct workshops in skills such as comedy improv, acting, and team building!
• Puppetry
• Voiceovers (many forms and characters)
• Multi-track audio production
• Creative direction and custom show production
• Consultation and design for theatrical/media events and attractions

What is the fascination with sheep!
Actually, we have nothing really to do with sheep or farm life other than a portion of us being from the backwoods of the Southampton/Southwick area! In fact, we're not really sure that the The Phantom Sheep even looks like a sheep. So save all your inappropriate fetishes and farming questions, cuz honestly we have no clue about sheep herding! (wildebeest on the other hand......ooh la la)
 

Dude....Puppets!?

• Like the great Jim Henson, one of our first "breaks into professional showbiz' was by doing puppetry... however we are hardly a troupe of puppeteers. In fact, we can tell you that there are plenty of other more talented puppet companies out there than us....however, we do greatly pride ourselves on the writing, track production, originality, and humor that accompanied our PuppetWorks shows serving as great examples of our troupe's creativity and range of talents.  90% of our troupe is trained and has professional puppetry performance experience...and if we can make people laugh with just our hands, imagine how funny we are when we aren't hiding behind a wall!
• Our PuppetWorks series ran successfully for over 11 years at Six Flags and is available for future productions. Please be aware that this show is a major production and not suitable for small "birthday party" type events as it requires a large stage, plenty of set-up, and often the most customized pre-production. It is reccomended for medium-large installs and several day run for those companies interested.
• Please be aware that although we have a special place for puppets in our hearts, at least 90% of the work we do is NOT PuppetWorks since our troupe now boasts a wide range of improv, gameshow, revue, satirical sketch, and other variety performances.  Sure, a puppet may sneak out here and there, but its just because we're weird.

 

What is the pricing of shows/Classes?

• The answer people love to hear..."It depends". Our pricing is competitive and as customizable as our shows and services to work with your goals and budget. Our shows range anywhere from $275-$1200 per performance.   Factors to determine cost include show needs such as cast size, show length, props, sets, travel, etc. It is much more easier for us to answer this question if we know more details about your event so we can customize the best production and value to you. Contact us Today to request a bid or proposal!

• Got an Idea!? We also pride ourselves on making clients concepts come to life with our creative team through consultation, writing, and producing services. We have an excellent record of accomodating theme parks, clubs, and colleges with everything from supplying emcee talent and production design to original scripting to reach the goals they envision.  Examples include Junior Miss Scholarship program, NBC30's Last Comic Standing, SFNE Idol, and even the UMASS Mealionaire & Meal of Fortune programs. Let us know what you have in mind and we'll help you add that professional theatrical edge!

• If you are looking to supply shows that will run for a reasonable length of time (example: theme parks who will run a specific show for a full season), then obviously the per-day cost is MUCH less (majority relying on daily labor/payroll situations). This is a great service and revenue assisting attraction for you. Often, just production services, scripts, tracks, etc. may be bought and then your company may handle performance labor in-house. We also always assist with casting and directing.  We have created over 22 original custom scripting and production services in the theme park industry including with assisting on several licensed character shows.  We will be more than happy to submit any material, proposals, bids, or anything else you may need for consideration.

• If you are looking to purchase the rights of a script or our services of script writing and/or directing, then also please contact us so we may set up a production schedule for you. Most of our live stage shows seem to do best in audiences ranging from 50-550 people, but can be designed to accommodate more.

• PRIVATE GROUP CLASSES/ WORKSHOPS:  PSP also has a wide experience teaching classes, workshops, and seminars for college groups, private organizations and corporations in which the pricing structure is done differently (ie: one fee for entire group). These can be a series of classes, workshops, or jam sessions; or a single afternoon session. Its a great way to teach new skills, have fun, and build confidence and team work. This is obviously a more affordable and controllable option for most groups ranging from $200/class to $1200 for a series.  Prices for such sessions vary on the event, class size, and situation and are often very customizable. Contact us today to find out how easy it is to get workshops for your school or group!

What kind of workshops do you offer?
We are proud to offer several workshops and classes to enhance your organizations skills, customer service, and sometimes just to motivate and entertain.  The workshops we offer the most often are based in Comedy Improvisation.  These are excellent for theater students and other high school and college age people.  We have also used exercises and games from our improv repertoire to teach workshops in Team Building, Communication, and being able to interact with co-workers and customers.
Other classes and workshops we offer have a focus in:

• Basics of Clowning and Discovery.
• Character Movement (also used by Six Flags for their Frightfest actors and their famous Looney Tunes and Justice League characters)
• Acting scenes and monologues
• Intro to Theatrical Lighting
• Intro to Balloon Animals
• By popular demand, we have also just recently added to our regular workshops an "Intro to Puppeteering" for groups looking to start their own puppet projects.

How did PSP form?
PSP was founded in 1996 as a production team of WSC's "The New Rubber Room News" and Riverside's "PuppetWorks" with co-founding members Eric Boucher and Kevin Zabawa. Our members are alums of Westfield State, HCC, ACC, Sci-Fi Network, STCC, Salem State, Riverside Entertainment, Red Door Theater, Silvertree Productions, and Sleeveless Theater Power improv & masters classes.
Today, we offer a wide variety of entertainment and supply shows, writing, audio production, teach workshops, and perform for theme parks, schools/colleges, clubs, churches, and other professional organizations.  We also fully produce our own live and recorded shows in various theaters, dvd's, cablecast, and online media.
The troupe may be contracted directly through co-founding member Eric Boucher who coordinates everything to ensure you end up with a complete production. We work closely with your group to make sure no detail is left out from publicity to venue layout so that you end up with a quality show and successful event.

Who are the Phantom Sheep Players?
The Phantom Sheep Players (also "PSP"...hmmmm) are basically the comedy improv performers that are seen in such shows as "LaughCrafters". They are the regulars that form the core repertoire troupe and the basic inner creative team of all our shows including actual production. Currently the players include Eric Boucher, Tommy Lynch, Jeff Tingley, and feature filmmaker Greg Seymour, Kevin "Zippy" Zabawa, and our faithful talented technician and cameo performer Brian Lepine.  Also be sure to check out the alumni list of great talent we have had the pleasure of working with in shows we've created.  For more information, please check out Our Improv page!

Can the talent base of your troupe freelance individually?
Yes! Although our troupe works together to make the dreams of shows and entertainment a reality for you, they are each also individually available to serve in any role or position you need in your own productions.  IE: Greg Seymour is also owner of "Skits & Giggles Productions" and is a talented video artist for your special projects.  Another words....we love working together and have our loyalties, but we would let a network or special project buy our love and exploit our talents.  The benefit to you is an experienced professional who understands an overview of entertainment production and the importance of ensemble work.

How can I see a PSP show!?
Chances are, you may have already!  You may've seen a theme park show, heard a voice recording, or watched a campus event in the New England area and not have even know it was produced by the Phantom Sheep team!   The range of our talents is often pulled and used for such a wide variety of clients.

....Or is what you mean to ask is "I'm too cheap and want to see you for at least for the cost of a drink or less!?"
We are also very proud to have started a great relationship with the WWC Theater in Westfield, MA where you can now come enjoy regular LaughCrafters:Comedy Improv Stage Shows!  These shows are open to the public and we keep the ticket cost very affordable ($5-$7!).  These shows are great along with being less money and less predictable than going to the movies (plus you can seem hip and sophisticated to say you frequent live theater!).  If you book for local venues and are interested in hosting PSP, please contact us today.  Also, iIn the tradition of our annual Holiday show, we have created great DVD's that are also at a very reasonable price! Order your copy today!

Please keep coming out to support us so we can keep producing more public shows and dvd projects.  In the meantime....convince your club or school to have us for an exclusive show or workshop!

Who are some of your past clients, groups, venues?
Be sure to check out our "Applause" page with some great feedback. Some of our satisfied and impressed groups we have repeatedly worked for and with include creating over 22 original shows and entertainment packages for Six Flags Inc.;  Sooner/Silvertree Productions; Westfield State College; Holyoke Community College; Springfield Technical Community College; University of Massachusetts (including the Mullins Center); Junior Miss Program; several high schools; "Up With People" intl.tour; Engineer Society of Western MA, Western New England College; Capo's Cafe (regular shows for over 5 years); Nora's Restaurant, and Academic Study Associates, Inc.. We have also fully produced our own shows at various public venues (ie: rented the theater ourselves and sold tickets) and of course the dvd's available for sale online and at a few local stores.  Our list is growing and individually our affiliated members bring their own experiences. For some further info, check out some of our Resumes!

Where is your troupe based?
We are based in Western Massachusettes USA (minutes from Springfield and Northampton...("yes, the same Western MA which contains Florida, Peru, AND Washington!") in the Pioneer Valley; a haven for fine Arts and talent. We mostly work thru-out New England and the New York area with several regular performances in the Springfield/Enfield/Amherst area.

What is the meaning of life?
One of the better works of Monty Python.

What Fanbase does PSP have?
We are luck that most people who have worked with us quickly become our fans. We have also known fans ranging from entire college dorms (the RRN Davis cult following is always an interesting fun story), viewers and cable employees across the cities that our shows have been cablecasted, and the various kids and parents who stop us to thank and compliment our work. PuppetWorks has endeared several fans young and old including teenagers that now have grown up and often bring their own kids to enjoy our shows.
And of course, there is the presently growing fans of "LaughCrafters:Comedy Improv" which tends to be young college students and even their parents.
We also try to make our website a place for our fans to keep up to date with us with photos, fun stories, and other adventures.  As you surf around, you'll find tons more bonus FAQ's and Q&A's. Enjoy!

• We are always looking for people to express their love or hate so we know what we are doing right (or wrong). If you are a fan, we'd love to hear from you and always appreciate good word of mouth. PLEASE WRITE US!
• Check out some online applause from other fans.

What kind of cool PSP promo stuff can I get!?
We have all kinds of image exploitation stuff available including old tapes of RRN, our new LaughCrafters DVD, T-shirts with almost any of our show logo's on it, and if you're nice Zippy will turn an AOL disk into a beverage coaster.  We are not in the retail business, so the small cost covers the expenses to produce, copy, and send any shirts or tapes.  For more info, visit our Promotional Stuff page!
NEW- If you want a sleek car window decal exploiting our logo....lettuce know and we'll give you one for free so that you may mindlessly plug our business as you drive.

Who the hell is Kyp Wyld and Sister Shotgun!?
They are the 2 break-out characters from Greg's local music radio show "The Backyard Grill". They are washed-up (if washed at all) local 80's metal rockers from the band Papsmear.

Until recently, We were asked all the time if they are real and its easier to reply that they tour with Spinal Tap and Santa Clause then explaining that both characters (modeled after people like Axl Rose/Slash and Steven Tyler/Joe Perry) were actually voiced by one Eric Boucher. Then....for whatever reason....In 2002, Kyp and Sister Shotgun decided to hit the stage as a new band: EpenbeXx in their "Bitches and Beer tour" (mostly consisting of cast parties and cancelled dates). This time, Kyp Wyld is portrayed by Greg himself; and Justin Alaimo (voice talent, emcee, and featured player) took on the role of Sister Shotgun.  Joining the duo was one arm dummer Bobby Blades, played by our own Brian Lepine. Over the years they also had a few bass players such as Matt Swett, Michael Malaria (Adam Motola), and Sister Sludge (Jeff Tingley). Sadly, you have a better shot seeing the band on "VH1's Behind the Music" before you see them in concert. For the latest on this "band for bitches", visit their new personal My Space page and blog!

How do I audition and/or get to be part of PSP?

...or do you really mean-" Hey, I'm into comedy too! Give me free advice or my big break!"
Believe it or not, our inboxes often get flooded with these requests.  If we had the fool-proof secret to success, we'd all be rich and famous.  Most of us studied and practiced professionally for years and value the integrity of the process and the art.  Our advice besides what's listed above is...research, be educated, have patience and passion...and if possible emerse yourself in the environment at open-mics, as an intern, whatever. Above all, do it because you love it and not to get rich and famous.
 

What do all these letters/abbreviations mean!?
Sometimes visitors are confused by our use of initials for our commonly used names/phrases. Here is a brief list of the most common ones you will find us using or find on the internet in general:
PSP =Phantom Sheep Productions/Phantom Sheep Players  (also "Paint Shop Pro" which we have nothing to do with)
RRN =Rubber Room News
LMASM ="Let's Make A Scary Movie"
MMM=Monster Mash in Movietown
DLL="Dead Legends Live"
OL="On Location (Midway Movie Making)"
VO="voice-overs"
VOS= "Verdict of Sorcery"(Trial of Abigail Dickenson)
SGT= "Showdown in Ghost Town"
SGS= "Showdown at the Goldrush Saloon"
FAQ=Frequently Asked Questions (ewe r here)
PWS ="PuppetWorks Spooktacular"
PWP="Puppetworks PhantoSeize"
SFNE = Six Flags New England
WWC= Westfield Woman's Club (ie: WWC Theater)
ewe =not initials, its another name for sheep! We need all the puns we can use!
BTW = By The Way...
PS =post script
BTWPSPS =By the way, the Phantom Sheep has to add a Post script
If you have any questions of any set of letters you find here,
let us know and we will explain it to you and add it to the list.

How can we contact you!?
If there is one thing you should not miss on this website....it's info on how to contact us!  Depending on the service, question, or performer you are requesting, we have several e-mails and methods of contact. Please visit our Comments, Questions, Love letters? section for the list.

How can I get PSP shows /Workshops/ personnel at my theater, venue, park, club, network, etc.?
The first step is to CONTACT US by visiting our Contact page (listed all over this website)!
We can then send you any information you need including proposals, bids, pricing guides, basic brochures, or contact you directly via e-mail or phone. If you are in charge of arranging and/or coordinating shows and/or talent; we want to meet and talk with you!

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Any Questions, Comments, Love Letters?
CONTACT US TODAY!

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