Ideas change everything

The shared experience of absurdity

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Charlie Todd |

TEDxBloomington

• May 2011

Charlie Todd causes bizarre, hilarious, and unexpected public scenes: Seventy synchronized dancers in storefront windows, "ghostbusters" running through the New York Public Library, and the annual no-pants subway ride. His group, Improv Everywhere, uses these scenes to bring people together.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Charlie Todd causes bizarre, hilarious, and unexpected public scenes: Seventy synchronized dancers in storefront windows, "ghostbusters" running through the New York Public Library, and the annual no-pants subway ride. His group, Improv Everywhere, uses these scenes to bring people together.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBloomington, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Participate in an Improv Everywhere happening near you. Be warned: Pants are often optional.

About the speaker

See speaker profile

Charlie Todd is the creator of Improv Everywhere, a group that creates absurd and joyful public scenes.

Learn more

Improv Everywhere on YouTube

Check out this hilarious collection of stunts and tricks that prove that comedy can happen just about anywhere.

How I create chaos and joy in public spaces

The trickster explains the magic behind his practical jokes and shares the thinking behind a prank he pulled on the TED audience.

About TEDx

TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." It supports independent organizers who want to create a TED-like event in their own community.

Find a TEDx event near you

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxBloomington, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Participate in an Improv Everywhere happening near you. Be warned: Pants are often optional.