West Harlem Improviser Woody Fu Brings the Funny to Chelsea's Magnet Theater

CHELSEA, NY — Improv comic Woody Fu has been a performer at Chelsea's the Magnet Theater, located on 29th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, for seven years. Fu's lived all over Brooklyn — Williamsburg, Bushwick, Carroll Gardens and Park Slope — but he's recently settled in West Harlem. We spoke with Fu about performing comedy in Amsterdam, getting his start in improv and how he makes the most out of riding a crowded 1 train with no air conditioning.

Patch: When did you first know you wanted to perform?

Woody Fu: It has kind of slowly crystallized for me over the years. I first fell in love with improv when the UCB 4 came to an improv festival at Wesleyan University (WestCo Cafe!) and it was the funniest thing I had ever seen in my life. Later, I took classes and performed at the Magnet Theater, which led to a contract at Boom Chicago, and now comedy is the only thing I want to do.

Patch: You recently finished doing improv and sketch comedy in Amsterdam, Netherlands. What was that like?

Woody Fu: It was an insane reality show rollercoaster year. I learned a lot about writing, performing and myself.

Patch: How long have you been improvising at the Magnet Theater?

Woody Fu: I've been at the Magnet since 2009. Back then I had a Yahoo! account and a full head of hair.

Patch: You've performed at a number of Magnet shows. Does any one stand out as your favorite?

Woody Fu: I've been fortunate enough to be on a number of great teams and shows. Every week I look forward to playing with my team Metal Boy. They are the dumbest.

Patch: What did you think of that Mike Birbiglia improv movie?

Woody Fu: I haven't seen it yet! I also haven't seen "Stranger Things"! Nor do I fully understand Pokémon Go!

Patch: Where is your favorite place to perform comedy?

Woody Fu: The Magnet Theater.

Patch: Are your parents funny?

Woody Fu: My dad has some real zingers about the Kuomingtang.

Patch: How's your summer going?

Woody Fu: It's great! When I get into a crowded 1 train with no air conditioning, and everyone is dying, I think to myself, "I am fully immersed in New York summer. This is it. I'm inside of it right now," and that makes me enjoy it. Also, my head is less hot because I'm a balding man.

Patch: Where can people in New York City see you perform next?

Woody Fu: Every Wednesday at the Magnet with Metal Boy!

Follow Woody Fu on Twitter and check out more information on his website. Check out Magnet Theater's site for a full schedule of upcoming shows.