Continuing our conversation, we talk about the history of religion in England. And I catch Emily off guard and ask her about something in the room - which looks like a wood knife about the size of my forearm. 

We start to get into the "choreography of church" and how you move around any old church or cathedral. This will get us into Liturgy in the next part, which I find so fascinating. Could liturgy exist in other fields?  Does theatre have liturgy in a sense?  Does a casual tradition like "watching a game at the pub" in a sense have social roles, movement, and rituals?

So fortunate to have Emily lend her intelligence and time. 

Emily Lanigan-Palotai interview is different than the past episodes. This one is good for people who want to talk about music and "what is music?" Emily did her Masters in Medieval musicology, focusing on chant (music). CHANTING. Like, it's effect, where it comes from .. and how prevalent it is in rituals. We talk about the history of traditions and rituals and "what is a church?" She is currently helps to care for the artefacts at Chester Cathedral, and we discuss how her job interacts with something called ‘liturgy’. Emily is fascinating and brilliant. Her story is such a beautiful story. In later episodes with Emily, we also discuss the BIPOC (or BAME) representation of Jesus Christ or the imperfections within religious spaces. God may be perfect, but that church door needs some oil!   This whole series is about my curiosity, and Emily was a super interesting interview.

The finale of my conversation with Jay Sukow.  I always like talking to Jay.  He as experience, kindness and one thing I greatly value in friends - he is honest. I always aim to reward that economy of honesty. Highly recommend Jay Sukow as a teacher and to see his shows.  He is commonly teaching in-person improv classes in Los Angeles.  To stay upto date follow him at Today Improv, in fact he is teaching an improv intensive at the end of this year! (2023) https://www.facebook.com/todayimprov

PV Tips are a fantastic free resource for improviser. Paul Vaillancourt is a brilliant mind in improv with lots of experience.  He not only provides tips from his own experience but the absolute ARMY of guest improvisers is so engaging. 

Super valuable.

Here is a link to the playlist: https://youtu.be/WDtmp110cj4

You can find him on YouTube at PVImprov.

We keep going about improv and it's community.  I feel like Jay should be the AD at an improv school somewhere. LITERALLY, if he set up roots at an improv school somewhere I would consider moving my whole family there and helping him start up a school. 

I've taken Jay for two courses, and had him coach some teams.  I believe he has such an amazing view on improv, that brings the best out in people.  His teaching style is inspired by famous coaches and spiritual leaders ... but he is not lofty. He is grounded and real. He cusses, he loves the Beastie Boys and stands up for what's right. 

You can find out more about Jay here: https://www.jaysukow.com/

I love Jay Sukow.

I had the opportunity to interview Jay about "control" in improv and more. I could talk to Jay forever. He has been one of the biggest inspirations in improv.  He has such a soft touch when teaching. Jay says stuff so simple but also so profound - and I think that is genius.  You can find out more about Jay at:

https://todayimprov.com/

His goal is to have everyone take at least one improv class.

This is the finale of the interview of Vinny Francios.  Vinny is an inspirational and impressive person. It has been great getting to know him and I hope we get to work on more projects in the future!

You can find more about him here: https://www.vinnyfrancois.com/

I highly recommend you check out the Improv College, Camp Zip Zap, or just have a chat with him! Too many times we view people as institutions, when we have to remember that they have struggles, dreams, likes and dislikes as well. Vinny is someone who connects with others on a human level (my favorite level!).  Honored to have had him as my first interview!

#improv 

Safe Play Improv is a fantastic organization that is working to make the improv world more inclusive.  Helping to fight the presence of toxic behavior at festivals and workshops.  Find out more about them at: https://safeplayimprov.com

They also have resources that may help!

VINNY FRANCOIS - PART 3

Love interviewing Vinny.  He speaks to my soul. I talk about the Spirit of Improv – and finding the joy in doing improv. Not the admin. He touches on the slog of “being the only one who cares.” “The money you can make doing improv, is never going to compete with the money you can make administering improv.” – Vinny Francois.  He says, it’s true of any art.

Vinny dissects “what am I selling” or what people pay for when they pay for improv classes.

We have a GREAT conversation on leadership and hierarchy in improv. And Vinny talks about the *danger* of positive validation (it is more nuanced than that).

You can find out more about his project Improv College here: https://improvcollege.ca

VINNY FRANCOIS - PART 2

Vinny continues his thoughts on Online Improv. We discuss “success” in improv, and what Vinny views as success in improv. We also talk about what defines a difference between a “beginner” and a “veteran” of improv. Vinny then discusses what he has been focusing on in improv lately.

Make sure to check out Camp Zip Zap, which is run by Vinny: "Spend a weekend with campers from all over the place as you bond over improv classes and the fresh air of the outdoors. Not only will you get to experience the wonderful woods of Ontario but you'll also get workshops from some of the best improvisers in Canada."

www.campzipzap.com