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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

46:18

45 - Warm-Ups

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/07/08

Before every class or show, improvisers dedicate their time, energy, and focus to a series of activities that are supposed to improve their performance. But do they actually work? Rob and Adam discuss the nature of warm-ups, how to use them effectively in rehearsal, and what to avoid when preparing before a big show. Also listener questions, updates on shows in Ottawa and Vancouver, and awards!

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40:01

43 - Hosting

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/06/24

This week, Rob and Adam delve into hosting: interacting with the audience, common pitfalls for newer improvisers, and basing your style on the tone of the show. Also listener suggestions of broad characters we never need to see again.

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47:21

41 - R.I.P French Guy with a Cigarette

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/06/16

There's a handful of characters that every improviser knows. Stock characters that we fall back on in scenes. This week Adam and Rob, put a bullet in the brain of 10 well known hack, trope characters and discuss how to make your characters more nuanced and idiosyncratic. Let us know what character you see all the time in your city @thebacklinepod on Twitter and/or Facebook.

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39:27

40 - Premise

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/06/03

We all know preconceived notions can be toxic for improvisation. But what do you do when premises are ingrained in the format you're playing? This week Adam and Rob recount their experiences writing through improvisation at Second City, improvising through heavy offers in the Armando, and navigating premise-heavy beatprov. A special dedication to Sebastien Fazio. Find us online @thebacklinepod on Twitter and Facebook.

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48:24

38 - Editing

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/05/13

There's nothing worse than a perfect improv scene that goes on for too long. This week, Rob and Adam tackle different types of edits, tips on how to make clear transitions, and what a well-edited show looks like. Enjoy!

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44:07

34 - Back to Basics

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/04/22

Improv is getting too confusing. Go back to basics. This episode shows you how.

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26:56

29 - The Harold or Not the Harold?

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/03/18

The Harold is the most recognized format in improvisation. The list of celebrities and improvisers who have learned, loved, and mastered it is extensive. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss what is a Harold, how it works, and some tips for improvisers struggling with 123ABC's. The guys also discuss Pam Victor's incredible article "Geeking Out with The Harold (What Makes a Harold a Harold)." A link of her blog post can be found at our Facebook page @thebacklinepod.

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37:53

28 - Self-Evaluation

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/03/11

After a particularly rough show, Rob and Adam sit down to discuss the importance of self-evaluation. If your troupe has made the dangerous decision to play without a coach, you'll need to learn how to deal with failure, self-critique, team challenges, and taking your play to next level - on your own.

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37:54

27 - Story

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/03/04

Every scene has a story. For game-based improvisers, we believe that story is what happens whileyou’re busy with other stuff. But fornarrative improvisers, story is something to be cultivated. In this episode, Rob leads Adam through aJoseph Campbell-esque journey and gives tips on how to apply it to your showtonight. Adam tells his own story ofsneaking into a secret backroom speakeasy … May all your chocolate be sexual!

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37:48

25 - Survival

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2015/02/18

It's the 2nd Beat (Season) of The Backline with Rob and Adam. In this episode, the guys remember back to their first days of being a "professional" improviser and all the odd jobs and desperate measures they took to stay afloat. Discover that there truly is nothing more Bohemian than a Pizza Pizza coupon.

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33:53

23 - Ego and Ensemble

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/12/17

Ego is the part of Self that interacts with outside world. A strong ego is important for developing your voice and point of view onstage. But is it possible that your comedic voice might be interfering with the quality of group work onstage?This week Rob and Adam try to figure out how much of You should you bring to the stage. Passive Aggressive Burns: Many. Impromptu Christmas Carols: One.

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38:59

22 - Shame

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/12/10

Shame is that secret, perceived weakness that can either power or handicap an improviser's performance. We're comedians. We are all dealing with some kind of childhood psychic trauma that continues to affect us adults. In this episode, Rob and Adam reveal their own personal shame and how it affected their comedy careers early on. Also video games and hockey!

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41:57

21 - Shortform

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/12/03

Rob and Adam discuss the improvisation of Theatresports, ComedySportz, and Whose Line is it Anyway? SECRETS REVEALED: how to set up an intro, building a running order, the value of shortform for longform improvisers, and the ongoing imagined beef: shortform VS longform. Also Adam loves bourbon! Listen and find out where he gets his secret stash from!!!

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33:55

20 - ROADTRIP!

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/11/27

Rob and Adam pack up the Backline podcast and take it ontour. Driving from Toronto to Peterborough they discuss their best touring memories, pitfalls of playing away shows, and theybicker. LOTS OF BICKERING!!! The Guys also have some concerns about thisparticular show. They discuss whatchanges they need to make to their regular show. We check in with them after and figure outhow it went! PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVEBURNS: Sideways 8!

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43:09

19 - Auditions

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/11/19

Have you ever wanted to know EVERYTHING that happens in your audition after you leave the room? From professional gigs to auditioning for Conservatory, Rob and Adam take you behind the curtain and reveal all: who is on the panel, what they are thinking, and how you can do the best job possible! Learn tips on how to avoid stressing about the insignificant details and focus on your process!

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58:37

16 - Troupes

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/10/29

It’s time to grab aposse! YOU CAN'T IMPROVISE ALONE! But how do you go from a random smattering of people to a reliable improv family onstage? Rob and Adam discuss creatingyour first improv troupe, finding rehearsal space, securing a coach, and how tomake your troupe stand out in your comedy community. The guys also answer listener questions,discuss the Improvising Now book launch, and what it’s like to improvise with acomplete stranger. Passive-aggressiveburns: 7 (Most of them very mean).

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53:39

14 - Game of the Scene

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/10/15

If there's one improv technique that Rob and Adam use more than anything else onstage, it's Game of the Scene. Together they discuss their personal definitions, simple techniques to try onstage, and moves to avoid while trying to build patterns. If you aren't well-versed in GOTS then this podcast is a must listen. Also in the episode, ROB IS BACK IN THE BACKLINE STUDIO (Adam's weird apartment). Leave us a comment on Facebook or Twitter @thebacklinepod

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46:34

12 - Stuck (In Your Head)

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/10/01

Ever have that feeling like you’re just going through themotions onstage? Rob and Adam also feelthat way all the time! Today these twobest buds discuss anxiety, comfort, improv trances, being in your head, andsome solutions to find freedom and play onstage. Also, both Rob and Adam try something they’venever done in the podcast! Questions? Send them via Twitter @thebacklinepod

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62:03

8 - Notes

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/08/27

Time for real talk! You need some feedback about notes: good notes/bad notes, how to receivethem, what notes you should avoid, and what to do when a fellow improvisergives a note. Rob and Adam chat about itall in this episode and respond to listener questions. Together they also reflect on the best notethey were ever given by a coach/director/teacher. Passive-Aggressive burns are bursting throughthe seams in this one! Music by theBrunswick Project.

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51:25

2 - Fear

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2014/07/23

The scariest episode of the Backline to date! Rob and Adam discuss the nature of fear onstage: Where does it come from? Is fear a good or bad thing? What does fear look like in new players? Passive Aggressive Burns: #3.5 (Can you find them all?). Music by The Brunswick Project.

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