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PODCAST

The Backline - An Improv Podcast

The Sonar Network

Canadian Comedy Award winners Rob Norman and Adam Cawley discuss weekly improv-based topics based on a theme. New episodes every Wednesday.

arts performing arts

All Episodes

47:16

210 - Is the Harold Dead?

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2022/02/19

With the return of the iO (formerly improvOlympic), Adam wonders if the Harold will return with it, or if improv's most famous and psychedelic form should be retired from our classrooms and our stages. Kelly Clarkson - Since You've Been Gone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7UrF... Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxl...

en

57:05

209 - Chorus/Verse (and How It Changes the Way We Play)

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2022/02/10

In this episode, Rob and Adam answer a question from Estonian improv teacher Martin about chorus/verse, scenic structure, taking breaks, and how to build the skill in the classroom.

en

54:11

208 - Is Support a Double-Edged Sword?

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2022/02/03

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss foundational support, what support looks like onstage amongst professionals, and how to avoid the creeping threat of resentment.

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51:07

207 - What is Improv?

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2022/01/27

It's a whole new season of The Backline. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss their 1-year hiatus, the NFL, definitions of improv, and how art criticism shapes our artform.

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28:23

206 - The Lightning Round

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/11/18

In this episode Rob scours improv Facebook group for a series of conversation starting prompts and ambushes Adam with THE LIGHTNING ROUND! Also discussed agendas vs deals, and savouring the small moments in a scene.

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44:12

201 - A Brief History of Improv

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/10/07

This week we bring you an audio version of The Assembly Toronto's online lecture series entitled "A Brief History of Improv". Thanks to Martha Stortz, Spencer Thompson, and everyone who attended the live event in Spring 2020.

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56:02

199 -Sustaining Scenes

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/09/23

This week Rob and Adam discuss sustaining scenes. How to keep the spark alive while improvising, layered complexity, and the need to get onstage only so you get off stage. It's all covered on this week's episode of "The Backline with Rob and Adam!"

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45:33

197 - Deals

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/09/10

This week we discuss the art of the deal - initiating with a half-idea to inspire your scene. Rob and Adam also tackle the difference between preconceived notions and deals, existential ennui onstage, and how this philosophy can help perform in Zoom shows better.

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40:16

195 - Ambition

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/08/27

One of the first things we lost in the quarantine was ambition. Performers looked at their calendars and realized their careers (and lives) might never be the same. This week Adam Michael Cawley schools Rob on how to stay ambitious, set long term goals, and be ready for when things open up.

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44:27

193 - Making It Worth It

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/08/06

This week Rob and Adam debate over an improviser's responsibility to our audience and how we might renegotiate that relationship in the age of Zoom improv shows. Also discussed: the nature of risk, improv's meta-narrative, and pushing improvisation forward during the pandemic.

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34:49

187 - Monologues

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/06/24

This week Rob and Adam crack open the Vault, for an episode about one-person sketch, how to write it, and what's the best way to set it up. Back next week with a new episode.

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38:10

186 - Relationship

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/05/27

Sketchtown continues! This week, Rob and Adam discuss the make-up of relationship scenes, why they're funny, and why although they might underrated, continue to serve an important role in a sketch revue.

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48:29

185 - Genre

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/05/20

This week, Rob and Adam discuss styles, frame of reference, parody and finding the perfect vehicle for your premise. Also, the legacy of Second City founder Howard Alk!

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38:46

185 - Satire

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/05/13

Satire is a comedy tradition that is thousands of years old. This episode Adam and Rob discuss satire, authority, and saying what you mean without saying it. Also The Boys, the Annoyance Theater's President Bush is a Great Man, and the art of making maple syrup.

en

40:42

184 - Stakes

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/05/06

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss comedy's relationship with tension, why stakes are important, and when you don't need to focus on stakes in a show. Also Adam's favourite instagram account, I Think You Should Leave, and Kurt Vonnegut.

en

39:36

183 - Structure

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/04/29

Part Three of Sketchtown. This week, Adam and Rob discuss how to structure a scene, how tension is useful, and why knowing structure is necessary to build out a comedic premise. Also, Adam talks about his favourite Greek myth.

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55:25

182 - Premise

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/04/22

Sketchtown - Episode 2. In this instalment, Rob and Adam discuss premises: how to find them, how to write them, and ultimately where does comedy comes from.

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49:09

181 - Welcome to Sketchtown

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/04/15

With the pandemic upon us, Rob and Adam launch a new mini-series on The Backline all about sketch comedy, finding premises, and trying to write them down for the first time. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss their first experiences in their sketch troupe My First Crush, table reads vs. working on your feet, and the awkward feeling when you reimprovise a scene.

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43:43

180 - Back in Action

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2020/04/08

With the world in a state of lockdown, two grizzled warriors emerge from isolation to set you straight ... about using make believe to tell stories. It's Season 6 of the Backline with Rob and Adam. This week, they discuss their thoughts, hopes, and anxieties about improvising in a post-pandemic world!

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53:21

179 - Year End Review

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/12/11

It's the Backline Finale! This week Rob and Adam reflect upon their top three moments of the year and follow-up with two listener questions! Thank you so much for your ongoing support. We will still be available to answer your questions via Facebook and Twitter @thebacklinepod. See you in a few months!

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240 results

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