Story Robot

Speaking of great podcasts, The Flint has just put up an episode from NZIF. It would be fair to say that I’m not at my most eloquent, but it is worth a listen for all the other excellent improvisers; Sam Smith and Robby Ellis (brilliant musical improvisers), Christine Brooks (one half of the now legendary Lingerie Detectives), Hamish Parkinson and Eli Matthewson (ex-Jesters, current dudes), Merilee McCoy (NZIF’s amazing organizer), and Rebecca De Unamuno (the best).

Thought I’d put up this video of an old Scared Scriptless show (July 3rd 2010).

This was Jav Jarquin‘s farewell show, but I guess it also serves as a tribute to the Forge Theatre, the nicest space to improvise in I’ve ever encountered.

Also appearing, me and Dan Bain

MC: Kathleen Burns. Music: Andy Knopp. Camera: Andrew Todd

Jav’s final show.

Cameron asks:

hey im doing a improv show but im doing it alone so could you give me a few games that can be played with one person id really appreciate it thanks

Hi Cameron, thanks for your question. I don’t have much personal experience with performing solo improv. But I’ve run across a few things that might help.

Solo improv training

There a good discussion on Yesand.com on How to practice or exercise alone?

There are also some exercises at the back of Mick Napiers’ book Improvise

Solo improv performing (long form)

The most famous name in solo improv is probably Andy Eninger (inventor of the Sybil format), so I recommend having a look at his website.

This is also a great article about some of Andy’s teaching.

And of course there is the wonderful Jill Bernard, creator of Drum Machine. You can read some advice from her here.

There are some great solo improv shows around. Last year I saw Greg Ellis created a one man Sherlock Holmes mystery in ‘Holmes Alone’. And I know I know Dan Allan does a show inspired by Powerpoint Karaoke (to give a couple of NZ examples).

Solo improv performing (Short Form)

There are a few short form games that can be played solo; poems, songs, story telling games, monologue scenes (video diary, dating video, that kind of thing), or multi-character scenes where you play all the characters. (Here‘s what the improv encyclopedia has to offer.)

The other way to go about things is audience interaction, get members of the audience up and play games and scenes with them. Audience members can produce wonderful things if treated with kindness and respect, but it takes a skilled performer to do it.

Final thoughts

So there it is Cameron. I hope it helps a bit. If you’ve got any questions drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer them.

I think I’ve mentioned a few times what a big fan I am of Impro Melbourne. So I was delighted to see that IM’s Tim Redmond has started a podcast, and if that weren’t enough the first installment is an interview with one of my improv heroes Patti Stiles.

It doesn’t seem to be on itunes (yet?).
But the podcast can be found on on the website here.

As a side question. Given that NZ improv was largely started by the same sources as Australian improv, why do they say ‘impro’ when we say ‘improv’?

3am Improv Thoughts from Jill Bernard from Jill Bernard on Vimeo.

A great video from Jill Bernard. So much good stuff here.

This is probably my favourite
“You’re being vague because you think it’s respectful of your partner’s plans. But she has no plans, she’s improvising. So, name some sh*t so we can move on please.

Fascinating snippet of a talk from voice teacher Patsy Rodenburg

Great news!
Yesand.com is back up and running, and it looks better than ever.

Not strictly an improv tool, but incredibly useful for disorganized improvisers trying to organize a rehearsal or meeting.

whenisgood.net/

Just e-mail the link to everyone, they highlight when they’re free and then it shows you when everyone is available.

I’ve started listening to this Improv Podcast (thanks Shawn!)

It’s notoriously difficult for improv to retain it’s spark once it’s been recorded*. But here, the improvisers take their time and turn the restrictions of the format to their advantage. An enjoyable listen.

*I recently heard someone describe an uninspiring improv scene as “like an improv video on youtube”.

Thanks to Ian for pointing out this.

Which is truly a thing of beauty.
(I’d seen some of Dyna Moe‘s Mad Men drawings before, but I never knew she was an improviser).

Still I don’t think my efforts were completely wasted, since there’s nothing like wrestling with an idea to help one really understand it.