In this epsiode, Rob and Adam discuss what to do if you are obligated to create the who, what, where in the first 30 seconds of your scene. How much information should you add? How much room should you leave for you partner to contribute? PLUS – an update from the Backline’s recent experience with The Heat.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

This week Rob and Adam chat about improv festivals: how to run it, how to market it, and the small perks that make it all worthwhile. If you’re in Vancouver for the week of January 24th – 27th, join both Rob and Adam for THE HEAT, and The Backline Improv Intensive (details found @thebacklinepodcast on Instagram).

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

We all know the Harold, and The Montage – but what’s in the in-between? Are there some formats better for new players than others? This week, Rob and Adam discuss longform structures, the origin of The Maker, their own struggles with formats and make recommendations for new players.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

In the final rundown of 2023, Rob and Adam share the gifts of what’s making them feel thankful this holiday season.

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Improv dogma tells us, “Mistakes are a gift” but are they always … Certainly, there are miskakes you can make that derail, confuse, or even ruin a scene. So are there some moves that are better than others? What are the difference between “good mistakes” and “bad mistakes”? Is there a right kind of recklessness onstage?

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Not making a team can be frustrating. Not being hired by your local troupe or theatre can be heartbreaking, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your improv journey in the hands of those theatres. You can control your improv destiny by launching your own show. Producing your own improv show is a difficult but very valuable experience.

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This week Rob and Adam discuss team bonding, alternatives to rehearsals, and if you can get better at improv by just being friends with your team. Also, an important letter from THE BACKLINE MAILBAG, featuring John from Wisconsin.

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This week we open up The Backline Mailbag and answer your questions about the longform format The Deconstruction. Also discussed: Future Favors the Bold, types of longform openers, 2-person improv, Cubism, and so much more.

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This week, Rob and Adam open up the Backline Mailbag to answer your questions. In this episode, you’ll learn about object work and why it’s neccessary, building constructs from character, and why physicality can be so hard for new improvisers. PLUS Los Angeles Comicon, and the last hours of the Future Favors the Bold Kickstarter campaign. www.inked.pub/talesofthebold

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

We’ve all heard the expression “Support your partner”, in this episode Rob and Adam discuss support, agitation, heightening through proximity, and dynamics.  PLUS Martin Short, comedy criticism, 2000 AD and Jeopardy.  Rob’s graphic novel can be found at www.inked.pub/talesofthebold

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network