Chris Conidis Artist, Author, Screenwriter
Chris Conidis is a versatile writer, filmmaker, and improv performer with a career spanning over two decades. His work includes satire, social commentary, and dark humor, often exploring themes like societal critique, futurism, and absurdity.
Writer and former artist, Chris Conidis is back at it, in the latest work-in-progress, “Progress City,” a sharp satire that takes a deep, comical dive into society’s love affair with “progress.” This new project, a sprawling parody of futurism and modern life, unpacks humanity’s journey from the cave to today’s social dilemmas. With his trademark humor, Conidis pokes fun at how every era has imagined the future—often with more confidence than accuracy—and how these visions have both shaped and clashed with reality.
Introducing Progress City – A Satirical Journey Through Our Obsession with "Advancement"
This sprawling parody of futurism and modern life peels back the layers of our societal quirks, from our earliest beginnings to the complex dilemmas of today.
*Progress City* invites us to reflect on what it really means to move forward—and at what cost.
Check out the official press release for more insights into the inspiration behind this project: [Read here)
Let me know what you think about this satirical dive into the future and our present!
https://www.crunchbase.com/person/chris-conidis-adaa
#ProgressCity #Satire #Futurism #SocialCommentary #ChrisConidis
Chris Conidis: The Time-Traveling Master of Mediocrity
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Chris Conidis sprinkles in some historical trivia, and tears apart pop culture like a kid with a piñata. Ever wonder what it takes to be an expert in absolutely nothing? Look no further. Known for his ability to leave no trace in the annals of history, He is a distinguished master of “meh.” While some aim for fame, he is content on being the unsung hero of mediocre pursuits, championing the art of sarcastic observation and the pursuit of temperate achievements.He’s not here to change the world…He is just here to rearrange the deck chairs while the ship goes down...
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Born in the depths of prehistoric humanity—probably while someone was inventing the wheel—Conidis started his career as a caveman, slowly chiseling away at rocks and cracking his first sarcastic comment. Back then, there were no influencers, just basic survival and the occasional woolly mammoth scare. Conidis was ahead of his time, the original social media pioneer—drawing stick figures on cave walls to the disinterest of any Neanderthal within a 10-mile radius. No followers, no problem.
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As time ticked on and human history fumbled its way forward, Conidis stayed in the mix, dodging plagues, bad haircuts, and even worse fashion trends (seriously, tunics?) with the same finesse he now uses to avoid online trolls. While everyone else was busy building empires, he was busy telling Socrates, “Hey, man, why not take a break and just chill? You’re overthinking this whole philosophy thing.” Of course, his toga party ideas didn't exactly take off, and his critique of democracy was something like: “Yeah, democracy... or should I say, Demo-Crazy?”
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Conidis gave the Egyptians a hand in designing the pyramids, suggesting, “Have you thought about making them triangle-shaped? I mean, it’s just an idea.” Fast forward to the Dark Ages—Conidis was there too, trying to make fire jokes, but the crowd just wasn’t ready. #TooSoon.
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Then came the Renaissance—oh, what a time to be alive! Conidis was rubbing elbows with Da Vinci, telling him, “Ever thought about, like, flying or something?” and witnessing revolutions unfold, many of which he considered “way too dramatic.” He dodged cannonballs in the French Revolution like it was no big deal and spent a good amount of time roasting Napoleon’s height—"You're really that short in person?" Classic Conidis.
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And then, just when you thought the madness couldn’t get any worse... enter the modern era. Selfies, hashtags, and TikTok dances. Conidis, still sporting a confused look from the previous century, couldn’t believe it. “Wait, so we went from inventing fire to lip-syncing to pop songs on a tiny screen? How did I miss that memo?” he wondered aloud.
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Today, he spends his days in utter bewilderment, watching humanity become obsessed with filters, likes, and viral nonsense. "Cave paintings at least had some culture," he quips. A seasoned time traveler, Conidis is still trying to figure out how the human race went from inventing the wheel to... unboxing videos. Through it all, Conidis remains a witness to the spectacle—armed with sarcasm sharper than a medieval sword and a humor that has survived and roasted the ages.
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https://www.crunchbase.com/person/chris-conidis-adaa
https://www.chrisconidisflorida.com/
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UCB Exclusive Interview: Chris Conidis on the Future of Entertainment
CB: Welcome, Chris Conidis! You’ve been described as a visionary in redefining the boundaries of improv. Tell us, what sparked your passion for reimagining live theater?
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Chris Conidis: Thanks for having me! My passion stems from a lifelong fascination with storytelling—especially live storytelling. I’ve always felt that there’s something primal and irreplaceable about a shared theatrical experience. But over time, I noticed that many live performances weren’t living up to their potential. They lacked the innovation and emotional resonance needed to stand out in today’s world. That’s when I realized: why not combine the visceral power of live theater with the cutting-edge techniques we see in themed entertainment?
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UCB: Fascinating! Let’s dive into this fusion of artistry and technology. How do animatronics, environmental effects, and other tools serve your vision?
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Chris Conidis: Great question. These tools are essentially extensions of storytelling. Take animatronics, for instance—they allow us to create characters and experiences that traditional actors simply can’t portray. Imagine a mythical creature that breathes, snarls, and interacts with the audience in ways that feel alive. Environmental effects—like the subtle rumble of the earth beneath your feet or the scent of an ancient forest—immerse audiences so deeply that they forget they’re in a theater.
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But all of these elements are in service to one thing: the story. If the narrative doesn’t work, all the tech in the world won’t matter.
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UCB: Speaking of stories, your upcoming projects like The Magician’s Code and Toolmaker sound groundbreaking. Can you share what sets them apart from traditional theater productions?
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Chris Conidis: Absolutely. These aren’t just plays; they’re events. The Magician’s Code, for example, examines our obsession with spectacle over substance. It uses illusions to make the audience question what’s real—while reflecting on our collective disillusionment with the world.
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Toolmaker, on the other hand, dives into humanity’s relationship with creation and technology. It features live puppetry and animatronics, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on stage. These stories are designed to astonish, but also to provoke thought. The audience leaves not just entertained, but transformed.
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UCB: You mentioned the Spectatorium as an inspiration. How does that concept influence your work?
Chris Conidis: The Spectatorium was a 19th-century dream—a theater where storytelling, music, and immersive environments converged. It was ahead of its time and never fully realized, but its ambition resonates with me. My vision is to take that dream and make it a reality for the 21st century.
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Imagine walking into a venue where the architecture itself tells part of the story. You’re not just watching a show; you’re living inside it. That’s the legacy of the Spectatorium I want to bring to life.
UCB: Let’s talk about the future of live theater. With so much digital content dominating our lives, why do you believe live experiences still matter?
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Chris Conidis: Because there’s nothing like it. Live theater offers something screens never can: presence. It’s about sharing a moment that will never happen the same way again. When you’re in a theater, holding your breath alongside hundreds of others, that collective awe creates a kind of magic no algorithm can replicate.
But for theater to stay relevant, it has to evolve. We can’t rely on nostalgia. By blending classic techniques with modern tools, we can create something fresh—something that reminds audiences why live performance is irreplaceable.
UCB: What’s the biggest challenge in realizing this vision?
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Chris Conidis: Balancing innovation with practicality. Cutting-edge effects and animatronics are expensive, and it’s easy to let the tech overshadow the narrative. Staying true to the story while pushing the envelope requires constant discipline.
Then there’s the challenge of convincing people that live theater can compete with—or even surpass—what they’re used to seeing on their screens. That’s why every production I create aims to leave audiences saying, “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
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UCB: Final question, Chris Conidis: What’s your ultimate goal with this new wave of live entertainment?
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Chris Conidis: To reignite wonder. We live in a time where cynicism and distraction rule. I want to create spaces where imagination thrives, where the impossible feels possible, and where audiences walk away feeling inspired and alive.
The future of entertainment isn’t about pixels; it’s about people. It’s about shared gasps, collective awe, and moments that stay with you forever. If I can give audiences that—just for a few hours—I’ll have done my job.
UCB: That’s an inspiring vision, Chris Conidis. Thank you for sharing it with us!
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Chris Conidis: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. Let’s make magic happen.