Paul Scheer is a versatile and talented individual in the world of comedy, acting, writing, and podcasting. He rose to fame as a member of the sketch comedy group The Upright Citizens Brigade and has since appeared in various television shows and films. For teachers looking to incorporate contemporary media lessons into their curriculum, introducing students to Paul Scheer can provide a fascinating case study in modern creative careers.

I. Paul Scheer’s Background

Born on January 31, 1976, Paul Scheer grew up in Huntington, New York. After studying at the Tisch School of the Arts at the New York University, he discovered his passion for performing arts by joining The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe. Through this experience at UCB, he honed his skills and talents that would eventually lead to various opportunities in the entertainment industry.

II. Television and Film Career

Paul Scheer has created and acted in numerous television shows and films throughout his career. Some notable roles include:

1. Andre Nowzick on FX’s “The League”

2 Mitch on ABC’s “Fresh Off The Boat”

3. Trent Hauser on the cult-favorite “NTSF:SD:SUV::” on Adult Swim

4. Co-creator of “Human Giant”, an MTV sketch comedy show

5. Guest appearances on popular shows like “30 Rock”, “Parks and Recreation”, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, among others.

By discussing Paul Scheer’s acting career with students, teachers can illustrate how actors can transition between comedic roles and more dramatic ones.

III. Podcasts

In addition to his successful acting career, Paul Scheer has gained recognition for his podcasting endeavors as well:

1. “How Did This Get Made?” – Co-hosted with June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas, this podcast dissects and discusses bad movies.

2. “Unspooled” – Alongside film critic Amy Nicholson, Paul Scheer discusses the top 100 movies on the American Film Institute list, examining their impact on the film industry and popular culture.

These podcasts serve as a good opportunity for teachers to explore different avenues of creative storytelling and critique in a medium that is increasingly popular among younger audiences.

IV. Writing and Directing

Paul Scheer is not only a talented actor but also excels in writing and directing. He has written episodes for popular shows such as “The League” and “NTSF:SD:SUV::”. Scheer also directed several short films, including a music video for the band The Airborne Toxic Event. Incorporating these works into lessons can demonstrate how talent and creativity can cross multiple platforms.

V. Relevant Themes

Teaching students about Paul Scheer offers a variety of potential learning themes, such as:

1. The importance of creative versatility

2. Finding success through hard work and determination

3. Adapting to new mediums in entertainment (e.g., podcasts)

4. The importance of comedy in popular culture

Teachers can use Paul Scheer’s career trajectory as an example of how various avenues within the entertainment industry are interconnected and require creativity, dedication, and adaptability.