Kyle Dunnigan has quite a few projects in the works but the TSA helped us track him down for an interview. Co-host of Professor Blastoff! with Tig Notaro and David Huntsberger, he wrote for the first season of Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer and has a forthcoming program on Nickelodeon. He is best known for his appearance on the legendary cable program Reno 911! as the unforgettable Craig, a character who continues to draw a crowd on multiple platforms.
We talked to Kyle about the different experiences in his many creative mediums, what forces are behind the creation of his characters, what he may be focusing on in the future and what may be taking a back seat. Enjoy Dunnigan as the beloved “Craig” filling his mother’s shoes by taking his beauty adjustments upon himself.
What has been the biggest difference taking Professor Blastoff! to the stage? Does the audience have a role in the show similar to how the Twitter feed is incorporated into the studio shows?
The audience ended up having a huge role in the live shows. It grew naturally because it was so fun to interact with them. We kept playing to the audience and forgetting about the people listening.
Will these live shows be broadcasted?
Yeah, we aired the show we did in Chicago already. Not sure when the other ones come out.
How would you describe Professor Blastoff! to someone who is yet to hear the show?
It’s like combining Comedy Central and the Science Channel. We have guests in that actually know something and we act like curious goofballs.
You have a writing credit on Inside Amy Schumer. What’s the writing process like for the show?
It was really fun. I really liked everyone there, which made it feel like we were just playing around. Great job.
In addition to your marquee character, Craig, Carl has been headlining some YouTube clips. How did Carl come about? What do you hypothesize makes the two goofy dummies so successful?
I don’t know. Maybe I like to do characters that are happy. Dumb people seem really happy. I like that.
Your YouTube channel has released a video as recently as a month ago. Can we expect Craig and Carl’s antics to continue despite the workload of other projects?
It has really taken a back seat lately. I have really overloaded myself as of late. Hopefully, something will come to me that I can make quick.
You have a pilot set up with Nickelodeon and will be voicing the main character, who you’ve said is based on Craig. What is compelling to you about making a show for children?
Kids are dumb. I like that.
What do you enjoy most about your current projects?
I like them all for different reasons. Standup has that immediate gratification and adrenaline rush. Writing a script feels very satisfying. I like the whole process: brainstorming ideas, putting the script together and then having a finished product you can hold in you hands. Making videos of original characters are fun because I get to control everything. I even like editing. Your questions have made me realize that I’m spreading myself way too thin.
For more on Kyle Dunnigan’s shenanigans and to listen to Professor Blastoff!, visit KyleDunnigan.com and ProfessorBlastoff.com.
