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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

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?

en

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.

en

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 ..."

en

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.

en

52:03

Control

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/10/09

Built into the fabric of improv is going with the flow, not thinking ahead, and letting go of control. But being completely "out of control" isn't a good thing either? Why do some improvisers want to direct the scene, and others are happy to see what's around the corner? This week, Rob and Adam discuss the need to control what happens next and how to work around it.

en

47:59

Teaching Your First Workshop

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/09/23

Eventually, every improv professional needs to teach their first class. But what about? How do you pick a topic? How do you make that workshop successful? Is there any pitfalss to avoid? In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss teaching your first workshop.

en

57:03

The Problem with Strong Characters

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/09/23

Strong characters! It's whatever everyone wants to do onstage. But how do you do it? What's the difference between a strong characters and a cariacture? How do I avoid stereotypes? What do I do when I run out of things to say? In this episode, Rob and Adam go over techniques, tricks and tips for better characters.

en

55:56

The Unteachables

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/08/16

Can improv be taught? What about funny? What about stage presence? What about "star power"? This episode Rob and Adam discuss what can and cannot be taught in the classroom and the mysterious, and amorphous qualities make for a great improviser.

en

54:09

Sex, Lies, and Improv Videotape

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/08/16

This episode Rob and Adam discuss the powers of game tape, the shame of watching yourself, and how to challenge yourself to be a better player.

en

45:25

Learn to Forget

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/08/09

Your first few improv classes you are bombarded with the rules. Then once you get comfortable, you might move onto longform structures, game of the scenes, and connections -- where once again you are immersed in hyper-technical and finnicky work. At a certain point, you have to let go of The Rules. This week, Rob and Adam discuss forgetting what you're learned and why its so important for your play.

en

51:39

Questions Only

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/08/03

This week Rob and Adam open up the Backline Mail Bag to answer all your questions. If you have your own questions find us @thebackinepod on Instagram and drop us a line.

en

69:59

A Comprehensive Guide to Short Games - Part One

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/07/24

This week Adam and Rob, use extensive metrics and data (definitely not just their opinion) to determine a complete ranking system for all shortform games. This episode details the secrets of making a perfect shortform show. Also: touring Finland, Sweden, and the American mid-west.

en

54:58

This is Hard

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/07/11

Improv is supposed to be easy, comfortable, and fun. But what happens when improv gets hard? Should you quit? Should you work harder? What do you do when improv isn't fun anymore?

en

55:40

Let's Get Negative

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/07/11

There are few things more taboo than going negative on an improv stage. But does negativity at the start of a scene preempt the possibility of a playable dynamic? What does it mean to go negative onstage and why do some improvisers love doing it?

en

52:14

Teacher Fails

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/05/30

No training. No teaching experience. A classroom full of students. What could possibly go wrong? This week Rob and Adam discuss the challenges of teaching improv, their pet peeves in a classroom, and mistakes they've made along the way.

en

60:22

Chemistry

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/05/21

Sometimes you step onstage with someone and it just feels right. Other times … it’s confusing, turbulent, and awkward. What makes for good chemistry onstage? What can you do if you’re struggling to connect with your Harold team?

en

51:40

Between the Schools

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/05/09

Years ago, if you grew up in an "improv town" you would train at a local improv school and and learn from local instructors. Unless you moved cities or frequented comedy festivals, you didn’t have a chance to learn a different style or technique. Now more than ever it is possible to train with teachers from across the world. But what do you when you're playing with somoene who has radically different training than you?

en

46:26

Your Partner is Cooking

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/04/25

What do you do when your parnter is COOKING, and you are clearly not? In this episode, Adam and Rob discuss how deal with a partner who seems to be dominating a scene and you feel stuck.

en

47:29

Five Sweet Spots

The Backline - An Improv Podcast ·

2024/04/25

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss DEAFO - a new system for creating more dynamic, intersting stage pictures. Also on this episode, heightening through proximity, intentionally throwing your scene off-kilter, and Adam's pathological obsession with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

en

244 results

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