A performance by the Blue Man Group is a unique experience. From the colors to the scenarios and the performers, those who have the opportunity to experience a show often witness something they have never seen before and may never see again. For those who have not been to one of their popular shows at one of the group's home locations (Boston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, and New York) or on one of their national tours, it is hard to describe just what the show is like or what audience members experience. During their Durham tour stop, members of the Blue Man Group visited NCSSM to talk with the community about what they do and some of the meaning behind it all.

The Blue Man Group and their performances are a quintessential representation of modern day avant-garde art. In each show, three Blue Men (of which there are over 100) attempt to convey a message to the audience through the use of comedy, music, and technology. Though the messages vary across shows, one common theme permeates them all—being in the moment. Not only is this message conveyed in the show, but as Blue Man Mike Brown shared, it is what the Blue Men themselves experience every time they enter the stage.

"This show is about being in the moment; I can totally prepare for one thing and then you get on stage and it's totally different. Walking on that stage is never the same every time," Brown said.

Being in the moment is just one of the aspects of the show that Mike and Blue Man musician Clem Waldman spoke about during their visit to NCSSM. They also discussed the improv and comedy aspects of being a Blue Man, which are unique compared to other improv comedy shows.

"Blue Men don't go out and say I'm here to be funny; for us, performing is about entering the space with this child-like innocence and saying ‘I'm here to discuss this topic that is foreign to me.’ The process of discovery that we go through is generally what ends up being funny to the audience, but as a Blue Man, I am simply here to discover," said Brown.

Many of the students' questions pertained to life on tour, and what it's like to be a Blue Man. Waldman described going from city to city and the trade-offs associated with constantly being in new locations. He shared thoughts on the exciting aspects of being on tour, like getting to do what you love day in and day out and discovering new places, as well as the more difficult parts, like staying connected with friends, family, and loved ones at home. He landed on one final thought about being a Blue Man: "There are good and bad parts to everything, but of all of the people in the world there is only this small group of people who have done what we have the opportunity to do, and that is part of what makes it worth it."

This opportunity was part of the NCSSM Fine Arts Series. If you are interested in supporting the NCSSM Fine Arts Series please contact the NCSSM Foundation.