Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/133180
T.J. Shanoff '92 Humor can launch a career, T.J. Shanoff '92 has found. He learned early in life that he had a talent for music, wit and satire. Later, he learned that he could parlay those talents into work he truly enjoys – with an innate sense of humor and timing. Shanoff has become a successful comedy writer, composer and producer. His work has taken him to Chicago's famous Second City, Norwegian Cruise Lines, advertising agencies, radio talk shows and corporate America. Not afraid to tackle the political arena for material, Shanoff has won recent acclaim for Second City's "Rod Blagojevich Superstar!" In January, Second City will premier Shanoff's new work, "Rush Limbaugh: The Musical," which he created with his writing partner. "Writing is the most satisfying way that I have found to express a comedic point of view," explains Shanoff, who has explored stand-up comedy and other performance art, but always returned to his first love. "Nothing is as freeing as writing. It is the only comedic form in which I don't judge myself. It just feels right." Working with a writing partner, his typical writing project begins with a visit to the site of a targeted challenge. They look for ways to customize the satire and make it fresh in "unexpected and sometimes subversive ways." Their pace is frenetic as the writers collaborate on their copious notes, annotating them and gauging their usability, before brainstorming scenic ideas. They come back to a pivotal question in the process: "Does it make us laugh?" Next comes rigorous editing of at least two or three drafts, refining the writing and lyrics until "scenes are up on their feet." Finally, rehearsals provide another opportunity to make changes and add finishing touches. As a Latin student, Shanoff worked on the Forum and the Roman staffs, and immersed himself in theater opportunities. "My ability to write, communicate thoughts, and not sound like an idiot "My ability to write, communicate thoughts, and not sound like an idiot comes from Latin." comes from Latin," he says. "Teachers like Steve Sommers, Steve Marth and Bill Buralli taught me to either be an academic, or to succeed by circumventing pure academia through creative means. They taught me to take my work seriously, and they told me when enough was enough." He adds: Music teacher "Mike Teolis has also genuinely left a mark on my career." Shanoff states that Latin's impact is omnipresent in his life. He advises young students of writing to "immerse yourself in anything and everything. Versatility can be key to any career. Worlds can open up to you." Most of all, he says, "Maintain confidence in your own work . . . Believe in your work." From lip synching to Beatles songs with an air guitar as a first grader in Mrs. Berman's class, to bringing down the house at Chicago's Second City, Shanoff is an exuberant example of where humor mixed with a good dose of confidence can lead. • Latin School of Chicago 41