Zenprov

By Chicago Improv Associates

What's Zenprov about?

Marshall Stern and Nancy Howland Walker host a series of podcasts about the art of Improvisational Acting in general and Zenprov, how Zen thought relates and helps you as an actor, in particular.

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Zenprov episodes:

08.12.2017
64. Zenprov:Diversity,Inclusiveness,Health
Inspired by a post by Lauren Morris on diversity and a comment by Ann Crippen, pointing out the need to deal with diversity issues in Improv. With our special guest Dale Smith, longtime Zenprov listener and Director of Marketing for...
01.17.2017
63. Zenprov: Trumprov
With the election of Donald Trump creating a wave of strong reactions around the world politics is currently a very important and relevant subject to include in your shows. It is also a minefield that can leave people offended and...
06.05.2016
62. Zenprov : Surrender
Our first post heart transplant episode talks about our experiences in the hospital and beyond with the greatest lesson we both learned from this experience. This is all about Surrender. We have talked about letting go and trusting in the...
01.09.2016
61. Zenprov : Buddai
In September we received a request from a listener to do a short Podcast on the subject of Buddai which everyone thinks is the Buddha. You've seen the little smiling fat guy in Chinese restaurants? That's Buddai. In this short...
09.22.2015
60. Zenprov: Love
On our 60th Episode we go to the fundamental ground of everything as we discuss the role of Love in our performance and our preparation as well as our daily lives. Chicago Improv Associates
08.03.2015
59. Zenprov: Post-V (as in Vipassana)
Back from a ten day intensive Vipassana retreat Nancy and Marshall share their experiences and insights in this somewhat extended Episode. Chicago Improv Associates
07.20.2015
58. Zenprov: Pre-V (as in Vipassana)
In a few days Nancy and Marshall will be attending a ten day intensive silent meditation retreat known as Vipassana. Issues related to meditation and letting go are discussed in preperation for the retreat. This is the first part of...
03.11.2015
57. Zenprov: The True Self
Understanding the Nature of the True Self as opposed to remaining stuck in your ego is the key to solving any number of issues in your performance and your life. In this Episode Nancy and Marshall explore the ins and...
11.23.2014
56. Zenprov: Flowing with Change
Some of the most important concepts in Buddhism are Impermanence and Dependent Co-Arising which will be discussed in this episode in the context of the constantly changing reality of the world and how to ride the wave of change rather...
05.07.2014
55. Zenprov: The Dharma of Improv
The core of Zen Buddhist thought is the Four Noble Truths and the Noble eightfold path which get very specific about the characteristics you need to develop in yourself for a succesful life. They also happen to apply ver well...
02.12.2014
54. Zenprov: Preparation
In this episode we discuss short term (right before the show) and long term (for rehearsals and in daily life) things you can do to prepare and improve your performance and of course, most importantly your life. We have a...
01.11.2014
53. Zenprov: Actor/Character
In a scene we want and audience to see only the character but the actor must be present as well if in a diminished backstage way. This balance which must be struck between the improviser, the character and the ultimate...
07.15.2013
52. Zenprov: Longest Form Of Them All
In that past we have discussed short form improv and long form improv. Today we are discussing the longest form of improv there is, an Improvised Life!
03.24.2013
51. Zenprov: YES!
As Improvisers we are taught early on that we must say yes. In this episode we explore the full implications of this word and the attitude you must cultivate to fully engage with the spirit of yes. Does this mean...
07.09.2012
50. Zenprov: Emotions
Last Podcast we revealed our Unified Field Theory of Zenprov which cebters around using emotion as a doorway to the Source. Since then we have taught workshops in the UK and have learned some lessons about emotions we are sharing...
03.01.2012
49. Zenprov: Center of Zenprov
After publishing E=MC2, Einstein spent the rest of his life in an unfulfilled search for a Unified Field Theory which could explain all tyhe physics of the universe in one elegant formula. He failed but we have succeeded. In this...
08.06.2011
48. Zenprov: Creativity and Ego
Studies find that people are more creative when they are performing a task for others. Can this be because their ego is not engaged? We explore this and other issues in an exploration of the role of the ego in...
08.05.2011
47. Zenprov: Space
After a long layoff we are back and on this episode we discuss the idea of space as in creating your space in all its dimensions and how to make sure your intention is communicated by how you create your...
02.01.2011
46. Zenprov: 3-Dimensional Scenes
A scene is composed of many moving parts including, characters, relationships, objectives and environment. We have discovered a tool that you can use to simultaneously and effortlessly create three dimensions in all of these areas so that everything you bring...
12.09.2010
45. Zenprov: Nowerful
Yes, it's a corny, New Agey, bad play on words, but actually being Nowerful is amazing. In this Episode we explore the ramifications of being and not being in the present moment and how that relates to your life and...
11.04.2010
44. Zenprov: The Water In Which We Swim
It is said that a fish does not know water because it is surrounded by it and in taking it for granted does not notice it. In the same way, habitual behavior on our part keeps us from seeing the...
09.11.2010
43.Zenprov : Failure and Space
Failure and the fear it engenders can stop us from reaching our full potential and living a joyful life. In this episode we discuss how to embrace failure as a positive thing and how just a little bit of space...
07.30.2010
42.Zenprov : Presence and the 3 Doors
There are three doorways that lead to freedom from the blocks that keep you from being fully present. In this episode we discuss the importance of being fully present, what those three doorways are and how to enter them to free...
07.12.2010
41.Zenprov : Knowing and Believing
What is the difference between knowing something and believing something? It seems like almost the same thing but the difference is all important. In this podcast we discuss the importance of knowing what you know, and not knowing what you...
06.13.2010
40.Zenprov : Attention
Why is Attention so powerful ? In this episode we discuss Attention, what it is and how to use it. As usual we cover attention in your stagecraft as well as in your life. Chicago Improv Associates
05.24.2010
39.Zenprov : Art and Craft
Sparked by ideas presented in our Yesand.Com article. we take a deeper look at the role of Art and Craft in Improv. We define Art and Craft and explain why both are necessary to creating works of genius. Chicago Improv Associates
03.24.2010
38.Zenprov : The Finger and The Moon
We are back after a long hiatus due to health issues with an episode about the difference between direct experiential living and the mode of thought that keeps us living in an ongoing narration of our lives. Of course we...
12.24.2009
37.Zenprov : Hospital Zen
With Marshall having had a small heart attack and facing a risky third bypass operation, we take this situation and opportunity to talk about Zen in action and how it works in practice. Even with all of that it is...
10.07.2009
36.Zenprov : Bold Choices
Playing it safe will keep you from making any big goof ups but it will also keep you from brilliance. Learning to hear and trust the Source of Genuis is discussed with some practical tips at the end for how...
07.06.2009
35.Zenprov : Attack and Defenselessness
For many of us our relationships and our lives are built around varying degrees of fending off attacks and setting up defences. What we fail to realize is that all attack is defence and all defence is impossible. In this...
05.28.2009
34.Zenprov : Traveling Light
Upon returning from our Cross Atlantic adventure we discuss the lessons of a month spent teaching and travelling. Special focus upon the idea of applying Zen lessons to everyday life in a way that enhances your life as well as...
04.15.2009
33.Zenprov : Wakefulness
What does being awake look like? What keeps us from waking up? How do we know if and when we are awake? This episode builds on, and is a continuation of the last one, on Symbols. Waking up and living...
03.16.2009
32.Zenprov : Symbols- The Language Of The Dream
We live in a universe of symbols, some of which we are conscious of and some of which we are not. In this Episode we discuss symbols as tools that can be used to build deep meanings in our scenework, lend...
03.07.2009
31.Zenprov : The Zen of Teaching and Directing
The Zen approach to Teaching and Directing have in common, the goal of guiding actors to the Source of Genius. In this Episode, Marshall and Nancy discuss Zen Teaching methods and philosophies and talk in depth about the realities and potential...
02.21.2009
30.Zenprov : As The Wheel Turns
The wheel as represented by the Yin Yang symbol is in constant dynamic motion. When we recognize this, we understand impermanence and learn to flow with the ever changing nature of the present moment. In this episode we discuss how...
01.06.2009
29.Zenprov : Relationship
Realtionships in Improv Troupes. Are they good, bad or something else? What are the ideal relationships to have within the Improv milleau? What is a relationship in the Zen sense of reality? Do mixed marriages work? Lots of questions, surprising...
11.28.2008
28.Zenprov : Trust, Confidence and Control
A deeper exploration of the issue of trust and how it relates to your paradigm. How changing your perspective can free you to trust all the time and free you and your work. Chicago Improv Associates
10.19.2008
27.Zenprov : The Momentous Moment
What is a moment and how powerful is it? In this episode we explore this topic and introduce methods for finding and living in the present moment. Chicago Improv Associates
09.10.2008
26.Zenprov : Short Form
This episode examines Short Form improv. We discuss the oft overlooked positive side of Short Form, taking a look at the unique skill sets and important elements of this commercially viable and often undervalued form of Improv. Chicago Improv Associates
08.25.2008
25.Zenprov : Actors and Improvisors
A square is a rectangle but a rectangle is not necessarily a square. An improvisor is an actor but an actor is not neccesarily an improvisor. This episode centers on why Improvisors should do legit theater and Actors should do...
07.16.2008
24.Zenprov : A Zen Guest
Marshall's dear friend Michael Aronoff who is a Buddhist meditation teacher and yoga instructor talks with Marshall and Nancy about what is zen and how it relates to improv. This is the Zen side of Zenprov. Chicago Improv Associates
07.02.2008
23.Zenprov : Music in Improv
Music is often an integral part of Improv. Why is it important? What exactly is music? How do you do it well? What is the Zen approach to Music? We cover all of this and more. Chicago Improv Associates
06.18.2008
22.Zenprov : Blocked (I Don't Care)
Blocked or I Don't Care. In this Episode we cover the dreaded blocks that happen from time to time to every creative person, from a personal perspective. We look at how blocks occur, what brings them on and most importantly...
05.08.2008
21.Zenprov : The Juice
Where do you find the Juice that makes scenes compelling to watch and allows you to create scenes that unfold in an organic way? How can you use these techniques to make your life better off stage? Episode 21 explores the topic...
04.28.2008
20.Zenprov : Brave New Workshop
On the weekend of April 26th/27th we conducted our first Zenprov weekend intensive at the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis. The Brave New Workshop or BNW as it is known, is the oldest improv theater in the country (that's right,...
03.24.2008
19.Zenprov : Challenges
There is a range of experience in life which either expands our boundaries or keeps us within our comfort zones. Moving beyond boundaries involves a desire for challenges which is a vital part of the Zenprov experience. How we meet...
03.14.2008
18.Zenprov : Equanimity in Hell
There are ideal circumstances in which to perform. We rarely get to experience working in ideal situations and sometimes we find ourselves having to perform with everything seemingly arrayed against us. How do we achieve balance and turn a challenging...
02.14.2008
17.Zenprov : Life and Death
If you want to be totally alive, which is to say be totally present, it means you have to be present with everything. In this Episode we explore the need to come to terms with the reality of death as...
01.28.2008
16.Zenprov : Environmental Zen
A scene takes place somewhere and an actor must interact with this somewhere. Where does the somewhere come from and what is the purpose of all the elements of the where? As usual we take a zen approach to answering...
01.15.2008
15.Zenprov : More Living, Auditions & Questions
In this Episode we add some more thoughts on making a living as an improviser including some practical suggestions. We then cover the topic of auditioning and how to make them worthwhile even if you don't get the gig. Finally...

What's Zenprov about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Zenprov episodes:

64. Zenprov:Diversity,Inclusiveness,Health

63. Zenprov: Trumprov

62. Zenprov : Surrender

61. Zenprov : Buddai

60. Zenprov: Love

59. Zenprov: Post-V (as in Vipassana)

58. Zenprov: Pre-V (as in Vipassana)

57. Zenprov: The True Self

56. Zenprov: Flowing with Change

55. Zenprov: The Dharma of Improv

54. Zenprov: Preparation

53. Zenprov: Actor/Character

52. Zenprov: Longest Form Of Them All

51. Zenprov: YES!

50. Zenprov: Emotions

49. Zenprov: Center of Zenprov

48. Zenprov: Creativity and Ego

47. Zenprov: Space

46. Zenprov: 3-Dimensional Scenes

45. Zenprov: Nowerful

44. Zenprov: The Water In Which We Swim

43.Zenprov : Failure and Space

42.Zenprov : Presence and the 3 Doors

41.Zenprov : Knowing and Believing

40.Zenprov : Attention

39.Zenprov : Art and Craft

38.Zenprov : The Finger and The Moon

37.Zenprov : Hospital Zen

36.Zenprov : Bold Choices

35.Zenprov : Attack and Defenselessness

34.Zenprov : Traveling Light

33.Zenprov : Wakefulness

32.Zenprov : Symbols- The Language Of The Dream

31.Zenprov : The Zen of Teaching and Directing

30.Zenprov : As The Wheel Turns

29.Zenprov : Relationship

28.Zenprov : Trust, Confidence and Control

27.Zenprov : The Momentous Moment

26.Zenprov : Short Form

25.Zenprov : Actors and Improvisors

24.Zenprov : A Zen Guest

23.Zenprov : Music in Improv

22.Zenprov : Blocked (I Don't Care)

21.Zenprov : The Juice

20.Zenprov : Brave New Workshop

19.Zenprov : Challenges

18.Zenprov : Equanimity in Hell

17.Zenprov : Life and Death

16.Zenprov : Environmental Zen

15.Zenprov : More Living, Auditions & Questions