Typically, these newsletters and podcasts are used to let you know about the exciting shows we have coming up. A quick glimpse into the background of the artist, a simple reminder to get your tickets or just come interesting information about TOCA or the art as they relate to the South Bay or Torrance.

I feel, however, that I would be remise in my duties if I didn’t make you aware of a virtual program that is coming up on October 2.

I first learned about “Mortified” over 12 years ago. I heard about the book, then discovered that they had a show in Hollywood. My wife and I drove out to a small performance venue on Hollywood Blvd not sure what to expect… we ended up laughing so hard and enjoyed the show so much we went several more times. Each time a new and different group.

Hailed a “cultural phenomenon” by Newsweek and celebrated by This American Life, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Wired, The AV Club, The Today Show (twice), and beyond, Mortified celebrates stories revealed through the strange and extraordinary things we created as kids.

It was great to speak with the Mortified artistic director, Neil Katcher who gives more details on what Mortified is and what it has become. Once just a small show presented in Hollywood, now shows being created around the globe, television series, podcasts, book and now a game you can play at home.

If you can’t make their live event on Oct. 2, I highly recommend that you check out their Netflix documentary and series.