Be Your Own Banana Company Practice BYOB was founded as an independent, innovative theatre company that would specialise in researching comic technique and in producing original, comedic theatre. BYOB is committed to bringing accessible work to as wide an audience as possible. Innovative practice, research on method and diversity in style are integral aspects of BYOB's philosophy as a company. BYOB is influenced and continues to be influenced by a number of sources: the improvisational methods of Keith Johnstone; the masks of the Commedia dell'Arte; silent clowning in early cinema practise; Grotowskian physical theatre; the Irish literary canon; traditional Irish storytelling. BYOB reduces theatre to its most prime elements, emphasising the creative role of the performer above the trappings of stage decoration and scenography. The use of powerful story-telling, role-play, mask and clowning is designed to present theatre in it's barest, ancient and most ritualistic form. BYOB, as part of it educational policy, facilitates performance workshops on aspects of its influences such as clowning, improvisation, Commedia dell'Arte, physical theatre, mask and storytelling.