The DC Traveler

Imagine getting on the Metro and seeing a dozen riders without pants… in the middle of January.

In 2002, Charlie Todd, a New York actor and improv comedian, organized his group of Improv Everywhere “agents” to all ride on the same New York subway train, giving no indication that they knew each other. The only difference, none of them were wearing pants. Some read magazines, others listened to music, others just did what they normally do on a subway, got lost in their own thoughts.  But most wore colorful or at least interesting boxers.

If someone asked what was going on with all the pantless riders, the participants acted as if they had no idea what the person is referring to or make some casual comment such as, “I guess everyone got warm” or “Gee, didn’t notice it.”

Since then, Charlie’s group of agents has pulled off 70 other “missions” in the Big Apple, causing a bit of “chaos and joy” in public places.  Some of their missions include stationing a tuxedoed bathroom attendant at a McDonald’s, parodying Abercrombie and Fitch’s shirtless model ad campaign and shirtless male store greeter at their 5th Avenue store by having over 100 topless men (of all shapes and sizes) shop the store all at the same time, and a synchronized swimming lesson in a fountain.

It’s all very organized, well-planned and very “New York”.  Participants meets at a rally point for a briefing before their mission and meet up after to share their experiences.

And this year, No Pants 2K8 has expanded to 7 other cities, including Washington, DC.  And you too can participate in this bit of silliness.

The event is planned for Saturday, Jan 12th starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Dupont Circle fountain.  Riders will be assigned to multiple Metro lines at the rally point.

The details on the Facebook invite include:

The mission:
Ride the metro WITHOUT YOUR PANTS. You can wear socks, shoes, boots, coats, gloves, shirts and hats – just no pants. (Thongs probably not a great idea if you don’t want to get jumped or thrown in jail).  

The hard part (aside from not catching something) is to be completely deadpan about it. You pretend like you don’t know any of the other pantless riders. You should be acting like it is perfectly normal to have been waiting for the subway without your pants!

Similar event are happening in other cities including: Baltimore, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago (where snow is predicted), Toronto, Portland, Salt Lake City and even in Adelaide, Australia. And – check out where it all started at The New York City Traveler.

No Pants 2K8
Around the DC area on the Metro

Date and Time - Saturday, Jan 12th, 2008, starting at 4:00 p.m (about 2 hours long)

Rally Point – Dupont Circle fountain at the intersection of Connecticut, P, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire Avenues
Washington, DC  (map it)

Cost - free, except your Metro fare and possible bail money.

The weather for Saturday in DC is predicted to be cloudy, with a high of 50 degrees.  I feel sorry for the “agents” in Chicago, Toronto and Salt Lake City, where temps may just below freezing.

NOTICE: Metro police may not find the humor in this activity and there is a risk of being arrested, although organizers claim there is nothing illegal about riding the Metro in your underwear, as long as you are not indecent nor disorderly.  

Images courtesy of Improve Everything

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