David is Curious

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

VINNY FRANCOIS - PART 1

Getting to know Vinny Francois. He talks about why he is drawn to improv and what keeps him going. He also mentions his projects such as Camp Zip Zap and the Improv College. We also talk about how he views improv projects as puzzles – puzzles he tries to figure out. We begin talking about how cultures may collide in improv.

You can find out more about Vinny at his website: www.vinnyfrancois.com

In this episode - this FIRST episode - I discuss the horizon for this project. As opposed to "the goal of this podcast."

Also, big shout out to Jason Hader for the intro song called "Discovering." You can find more of his work on his YouTube channel @JasonHader.