Improv Everywhere: We Cause Scenes. These guys run around New York City making good natured mischieve with often hillarious results. Some pranks they pull include installing a tuxedo-clad bathroom attendant at the Times Square McDonald’s, and my personal favorite, having some guy with a big, fuzzy beard pose as the renowned (and deceased) Russian author Anton Chekov and holding an inpromptu “Meet the Writers” session at the Barnes & Nobles in Union Square:

Right when I was just about to start the Q&A and take the first question, Store Manager Tom began walking swiftly to the stage. “Again we have just a few minutes for questions,” I announced. Tom interrupted, announcing, “Very few minutes! In fact, you’re done. Take it down.” I smiled at Tom and calmly addressed the crowd:

“Ladies and Gentlemen it seems we are in fact all out of time. Thank you for coming out today to hear Mr. Chekov. Please come back for future Meet the Writer programs, which happen at this store several times a week. We would like to thank Barnes and Noble Union Square for having us today. Thank you.

The crowd clapped as we exited the stage. Tom instructed me to take our sign down. I went up to him and shook his hand, thanking him for having us. He smiled and replied, “You bet. Please come back the next time he writes a new play.”