The Backline

To perform comedy, you have to be vulnerable – but its incredible difficult to do so when surrounded by people who make fun of things for a living. In this episode Rob and Adam discuss vulnerability, courage, likability, and uncynical play.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

In this episode, Rob and Adam open up the Backline Mailbag to answer listener questions about Rob’s book Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improv and the new concept of “The Act of …”

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This week Adam and Rob, use extensive metrics and data (definitely not just their opinion) to determine an ongoing ranking system for all shortform games. 

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

After a big audition, it’s not uncommon to be disappointed with the results. Change can be hard. Lack of change, can be equally demoralizing.  Whether you didn’t get onto the team you wanted, or you feel stuck with your current situation, this week Adam and Rob discuss their own feelings about rejection, disappointment, and feeling lost.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Built into the fabric of improv is going with the flow, not thinking ahead, and letting go of control.  But being completely “out of control” isn’t a good thing either?  Why do some improvisers want to direct the scene, and others are happy to see what’s around the corner?  This week, Rob and Adam discuss the need to control what happens next and how to work around it.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Eventually, every improv professional needs to teach their first class. But what about? How do you pick a topic? How do you make that workshop successful? Is there any pitfalss to avoid?  In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss teaching your first workshop.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Strong characters! It’s whatever everyone wants to do onstage.  But how do you do it? What’s the difference between a strong characters and a cariacture? How do I avoid stereotypes? What do I do when I run out of things to say?  In this episode, Rob and Adam go over techniques, tricks and tips for better characters.

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Can improv be taught? What about funny? What about stage presence? What about “star power”? This episode Rob and Adam discuss what can and cannot be taught in the classroom and the mysterious, and amorphous qualities make for a great improviser.

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This episode Rob and Adam discuss the powers of game tape, the shame of watching yourself, and how to challenge yourself to be a better player.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Your first few improv classes you are bombarded with the rules.  Then once you get comfortable, you might move onto longform structures, game of the scenes, and connections — where once again you are immersed in hyper-technical and finicky work. At a certain point, you have to let go of The Rules. This week, Rob and Adam discuss forgetting what you’re learned and why it’s so important for your play.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network