Ideas change everything

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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.

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.

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

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

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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.