Blind Date Project

Approximately ten years ago actress Bojana Novakovic started an improvisational show called Blind Date Project. Little did she know how much audiences and critics would embrace the show. In our pandemic world Novakovic has reimagined Blind Date Project and the show returns tonight at 9:00 PM EDT/6:00 PM PDT on Looped.

So what is Blind Date Project? Simply put it is an improvised blind date. When performed on stage, Novakovic had no idea who her date would be each performance. For this virtual version, logistics require that she be aware of her “blind date.” But the rest will be as it was performed on stage.

There is no script. Each guest has a breakdown of the rough outline of the show, but where it goes depends on exactly what he or she and Novakovic do. To help move things along both performers receive occasional text messages and phone calls during the show from the director (Mia Walker) – though they are played off as part of the storyline. Even with this guidance, the direction each show takes is fully a result of Novakovic and each guest’s improvisations. In other words, it’s very much like a blind date.

Novakovic is probably best known for her role as Det. Lizzie Needham on the television series Instinct. She starred in the show with Tony Award-winner Alan Cumming. Her film credits include Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, I Tonya and Edge of Darkness.

I’ve seen probably ten different performances of Blind Date Project. In Los Angeles performances were held at Three of Clubs in Hollywood. Novakovic’s blind dates were a mix of well-known and lesser-known performers. They were both male and female. We in the audience knew who her blind date would be, but she, we were assured, did not.

As Novakovic told me for an interview published on Los Angeles Magazine‘s website in 2013:

“There have been no dates that have been the same. They’ve all been unique. I’ve had men suck my feet. I’ve been crawling across the bar. I’ve slapped guys. I’ve had dates that are so beautiful and simple and soft. There have been times when the audience responds verbally, ‘Get out while you can.’”

So who is tonight’s blind date? Chaz Bono.

This is the first time I’m aware that the project is entering the virtual world. It will be fun to see this show I only know from the live theatre world take place in the virtual one. But doesn’t that reflect the realities of the world in which we live today?

Tickets to watch Blind Date are $20. If you want to participate in a private Q&A with either Novakovic or Bono, those tickets are $50 and also include the performance.

Update: This post has been updated with new information that Bojana Novakovic knows the blind date tonight. This is necessary for logistical reasons related to performing the show online.

Photo of Bojana Novakovic Courtesy of Andrew Carlberg.