About GIF of the Magi

GIF of the Magi is a duo team of improvisors Jon Jahrmarkt and Merrie Greenfield. They start with a GIF, or short video clip used online to communicate a response, usually one bigger than words can convey. A GIF is often a mini explosion of movement, a shared cultural language. GIF of the Magi uses that emotional gift provided by the audience to launch their intimate show. Born out of GIF-laden instant messages between the two, Jahrmarkt and Greenfield discussed their love of using the clips and analyzing their meaning. Their emotionally invested scenes combine patience, subtle absurdity, and a palpable sense of playfulness.

Jon has been onstage improvising since 1991. In 2014, Jon played Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps. He is currently a member of two of Phoenix's longest-running longform troupes: Galapagos and Apollo 12. Merrie has her Theatre Arts BFA from the University of Arizona and spent years in Chicago as a writer/performer, often developing & performing new works with companies like the NeoFuturists, New Leaf and Hell in a Handbag. Merrie finally started studying longform in 2015 at the Torch Theatre and currently plays in their house troupe Spearmint and in the trio 12 Eyes.

Watch GIF of the Magi