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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

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.

en

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.

en

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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49:24

178 - Top of Your Intelligence

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/12/05

This week Rob and Adam, discuss the term "playing to the top of your intelligence" within scenes. Will they have conflicting opinions? Will this be the topic that finally ends the podcast. Also, Adam confronts Rob about Spinegate 2019, they discuss their Los Angeles trip, and teaching in Vancouver.

en

42:05

177 - Bulldozing

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/11/20

This week we're talking about bulldozing. How much space should you take up onstage? What is the difference between attacking the scene and bulldozing over top of your partners ideas? This week Rob and Adam, discuss how to know if you're a bulldozer and what can be done to be a better ensemble player.

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28:32

173 - Five Tips For Producers

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/10/23

Renowned improv curmudgeon Adam Cawley, shares with us his 5 tips for making improv shows run a little smoother from creating smooth transitions between acts to how to create a more communal atmosphere in shows - this episode has it all!

en

44:53

172 - Relaxation

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/10/16

Improv is all about going with the flow. So why are we always so stressed out? What does it take to relax? This episode we chat about relaxation onstage and offstage, and the trouble stressed out play can bring.

en

49:09

171 - Break the Scene

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/10/03

Trying to find an ending can be tough. Sometimes we're hoping for someone to sweep, or a joke big enough to bring down the lights. Other times, we pray to the improv gods for some kind of divine intervention to save us from our own truly horrible scene. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss creating momentum, pushing towards an end, and using heightening to control how long you're onstage. Also, HBO's Succession, Malcolm Gladwell, and Adam talks about hockey on TWO different occasions.

en

46:14

170 - Old Team, New Player

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/09/25

What happens when you're a new improviser joining an established team? Does placing a new player on a team with veterans promote or stunt their growth? What happens to experienced players who play with new players?

en

45:07

169 - Beatprov

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/09/18

This week Rob and Adam walk you through a semi-scripted beatprov show. They chat about characters, story, and what makes beatprov different from conventional longform. Also on the podcast Mad Men, Doctor Who, physical fitness, and Just For Laughs Toronto.

en

51:07

168 - Making It Natural

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/09/11

Of course you want to learn technique and understand structure. But you don't want to make it look mechanical. You have take your "comedy math", internalize that work, and make it look easy. Also avoiding TIFF, Los Angeles living, and the end of Ontario Peach Season.

en

44:06

167 - Social Media

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/09/05

To post or not to post? What does it mean for an improviser dealing with show promotion, self-congratulatory braggarts, and the constant cascade of never-ending tweets. How does it affect our careers? More importantly, what happens to our mental health? All this and more ... on the next Backline with Rob and Adam.

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51:55

165 - Tour Essentials

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/08/21

This week Rob reflects upon his tour through Birmingham, London, and Copenhagen. Also Rob and Adam tally some essential supplies you'll need on touring different improv festivals and theatres.

en

44:24

164 - Small Town

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/08/14

Adam Cawley is back! Rob Norman is back! This week they discuss how to keep your team motivated when you're the only competition in town and your team is losing motivation!

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62:27

163 - Connecting With Your Partner

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/08/07

This week Rob talks with Stuart Moses (host of the Improv London Podcast) from the Nursery Theatre Training Centre for a crossover event! In this episode, Rob and Stuart chat about connecting with your partner, emotional depth, and the roleplaying game Call of Cthulu.

en

41:24

162 - Buzzed Out

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/07/31

This week Rob and Adam talk about what it feels like to "buzzed out" from an elimination-style improv show, and what to do if you feel like the audience doesn't like you.

en

44:13

161 - Whose Line Is It Anyways?

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2019/07/24

This week, Rob and Adam discuss the renown improvised TV show Whose Line Is It Anyways? Also, Adam drops a HUGE surprise ...

en

246 results

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