Improv has a rich tradition of ritual and ceremony that dates back to mask work and continues right through to the teachings of Del Close. From shortform to longform, ritual (and transformation) is hidden in all the unconsidered things that we do onstage. This week, Rob and Adam take a closer look.

Shortform has particular kind of rhythm. Action sparks every 30 seconds. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss how to slow down, enjoy the moment, and find more relaxed play out of a shortform metabolism.

Its the launch of Season Five! This episode Rob and Adam talk about what's it's like to break from a regular improv performance schedule, how to get back into the community, and why it shouldn't feel like you're starting from scratch.

It's the season finale of the Backline with Rob and Adam.  This episode Rob and Adam discuss changes in the improv landscape, new exciting announcements, and what they're looking forward to in 2019!  See you all in the new year!

This week we discuss how to map the rules of one scenario over top the context of another.  Also this episode, Rob and Adam answer questions about mirroring and comedic horror.  Happy 150th episode!

We spend lots of time talking about what happens onstage. But sometimes scenes are won/lost before you even step onstage.  Before your show there are warm-ups, research, intentions to be set, etc.  This week Rob and Adam discuss every thing that happens before you even step onstage.

"Our only job as an improviser is to affect others, and be affected."  We all know it to be true, yet over and over again, we get stuck in scenes where we're explaining our premises to our partner.  This episode Rob and Adam discuss the need for real time, visceral connection in scenes and the value of dynamic.

After an afternoon on set, Adam wonders about the future of improv on television.  What changes when you record an improv show?  Why isn't more improv on TV? If television networks don't want more improvised content, then is improv forever relagated to damp basements with sticky floors?

When you spend tons of time with the same people over and over again, you're bound to get frustrated with some of them.  Where does all that frustration go?  What if you hate your classmate, teammate, or even your coach?  This week Rob and Adam delve deep into blame, exclusion, and keeping it all together.

This week Rob and Adam discuss what's it like to "play yourself" onstage.  From grounded scenes to nuanced heightening to characters who talk just like you!