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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

50:41

The Anaesthetic of Yes And

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/07/10

We're told that Yes And is the building block of every improv scene, but are there are drawbacks when using this tool? This week Rob and Adam discuss the origins of Yes And, how to agree effectively, and how to use emotion to hold the story in place.

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44:21

Find the End

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/07/08

This week Rob and Adam discuss how to find your ending onstage, what a resolution looks like onstage, and how your ending might differ based on what format you're playing. Thanks to ITS Company Director Kate Coates.

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62:45

Scene Paint Me (Like One of Your French Girls)

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/07/02

This week Rob and Adam discuss scene painting within scenes, openers, and transitions. As well as Mitch Marner, ceremonial swords, and the science of revenge.

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11:40

Patreon Exclusive - Tips for a New Coach #1

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/07/01

The Backline launches a new series of mini-episodes called Come Render With Me - a Patreon Exclusive where host Rob Norman directly responds to Patreon questions and comments. In this episode, Rob offers some tips for new coaches and how to navigate tricky personalities on your team.

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48:57

Narrative Longfrom

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/06/24

This week Rob and Adam discuss story-structure, the limitations of modular improv, and how to create simple narratiaves for your improv show. Thanks to Garrett and his contribution to the Backline Mailbag.

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46:57

Too Big

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/06/18

This week Rob and Adam discuss nuanced characters, creating active audience members, and avoiding going too big when onstage. Plus, the shame of not feeling enough onstage, some upcoming touring in the fall, and how every improviser is either Superman or Superboy onstage.

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45:30

Patreon Exclusive - Genuine Emotions

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/06/18

This week Rob and Adam discuss emotional gravitas, vulnerability, and channeling darker emotions onstage. How real can emotions get on an improv stage? Are there any emotions that just aren't funny? What if funny isn't the goal?

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55:10

Body Movin'

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/06/11

This week Rob and Adam discuss finding the fun in physicality, object work for your improv essay and the antidote for Talking Heads Syndrome. Also covered: playing negative, not judging yourself, and Adam admits he was wrong about stacks/sacks.

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64:10

Hot Pockets

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/06/03

Every improviser has experienced "being in your head" and every improv podcast has discussed what it feels like. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss the opposite, being "in the pocket", as well as, the exciting improv scene of Buffalo New York, softball, and Adam's new Dune-insipired improv catchphrases.

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58:13

Patreon Exclusive - Quality Notes

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/05/27

PATREON EXCLUSIVE: This week Rob and Adam discuss receiving quality notes, how to take a note, and ultimately what notes make you a better improviser.

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47:47

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/05/27

This week Rob and Adam discuss what to do when your improv team breaks up, and how to move forward with the artform you love. Also, a birthday week, reconnecting after a long break, and the Backline Stacks VS. Sacks 2025 debate.

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43:56

Barprov

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/05/20

While there are many different forms of improvisation, there are none more derided than Barprov. This week Rob and Adam discuss crowds, controlling the room, and why improv performed outside of a theatre is classified as it's own format.

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52:00

Questions Only - The Mystery of Season Nine

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/05/13

This week Rob and Adam pull a handful of questions from the Backline Mailbag to discuss casting an improv show, creating community, building energy throughout a show, teaching a new workshop, and support scenes. Also, the mysteries of Season Nine...

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51:54

Starting It Off Right

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2025/05/06

It's the launch of Season 9! Rob and Adam discuss how to start off a monoscene, things to avoid in your initiation, and finding a nonverbal, secret contract between you and your scene partner. Also, we now have a Patreon! Find us at patreon.com/TheBacklinePodcast.

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33:57

Three Improv Ghosts

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/12/24

It's the season finale of The Backline. This episode Adam and Rob reflect, vivisect, and/or project the past, present, and future of improv. We'll be taking a short hiatus, in the meantime feel free to reaach out to @thebacklinepodcast on Instagram for improv questions, or queries.

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41:47

Too Many Teachers

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/12/09

It seems like there's a billion improv teachers each with their own philosophy, terms and way of improvising. But what do you do when those ideas contradict each other? Who do you listen to? How do you choose what you to practice onstage?

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53:25

Defensive

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/11/29

To perform comedy, one must be vulnerable - but its incredible difficult to do 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.

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37:53

Playing the Verb

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/11/22

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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70:41

A Comprehensive Guide to All Shortform Games - Part Two

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/11/04

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.

en

51:52

Disappointment and Auditions

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/11/04

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.

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239 results

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