Is the initiation of a scene all that important? How do we make a good start? What are different ways of starting off? This episode we delve into the essence of what makes a good scene start. Guest Rob Norman shares his wisdom on the importance of the "first breath" of a scene, the power of emotions over words, and the necessity of making bold choices on stage. We explore the nuanced craft of initiating scenes and the struggles of overcoming improviser's politeness. This episode offers a fresh perspective on creating compelling scenes that resonate both with fellow performers and the audience.In this episode you hear from:Rob Norman - Author and Improviser - "Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improv"Episode hosted and produced by Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improvhttps://www.amazon.com/Improvising-Now-Practical-Guide-Modern/dp/1505912336 The Backline Podcasthttps://backline.podbean.com/The Complete Improviser by Bill Arnetthttps://www.amazon.com/Complete-Improviser-Bill-Arnett/dp/1541172817Improv Chronicle Newsletterhttps://www.improvchronicle.com/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step behind the curtain with Lloydie on the Improv Chronicle as he lifts the lid on a situation impacting a growing number in the improv community: burnout. Lloydie connects with Laura, a member of the Glasgow improv scene and producer of Edinburgh International Improv Festival, and David Raitt, a Toronto improviser with decades of experience, to discuss the fine line between passion and exhaustion. This episode looks at the resilience of creative people navigating the demands of performance, administration, and personal well-being in improvisational comedy.In this episode you hear:Laura Hotchkiss - EIIF - https://www.edimprovfest.com/aboutDavid Raitt - The Improv Illusionist - https://improvillusionist.com/ Hosted by Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating the nuances of forming an improv team can be as complex as a well-crafted scene. In this episode of The Improv Chronicle Podcast, we delve deep into the essentials of team dynamics, commitment levels, and the alchemy of personalities that can make or break a group's chemistry. Hear insights from improvisers who have been through the process of assembling and reassembling teams in the ever-evolving landscape of improv.In this episode you hear from:Jack Cross - Rhymes Against Humanity and The Improclaimers, Nottingham (UK)Jeanette Bird-Bradley - Rhymes Against Humanity, Nottingham (UK)Chris Locke - A Bristol (UK) based improviserHosted by Lloydie James Lloyd, this conversation isn't just about finding the right people; it's about the journey of trial, error, and the joy found in the unexpected moments onstage and off.Podcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe.https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the delicate dance of life's minor dramas, improvisers find a canvas rich with comedic potential. But how does one transform the everyday into an engaging slice-of-life scene on stage? In this episode of The Improv Chronicle Podcast, we delve into the artistry required to elevate the mundane to the extraordinary. Join us as we explore the subtle craft of finding humor in the smallest moments with New York City's seasoned improviser and teacher, Louis Kornfeld, and the UK's own Jenny Rowe of The Maydays and Impromptu Shakespeare. Discover the power of microdramas, the allure of authenticity, and the delicate balance between reality and performance.In this episode you hear:Louis Kornfeld from The Magnet TheaterJenny Rowe from The MaydaysEpisode hosted and produced by Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflyHelp the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. Your small donation makes a big difference:https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does acting training help improvisers?Three improvisers who trained as actors share what acting training can give improvisers to help make their shows better - and how improv helps their acting too.On this episode you hear:Eleanor Stankiewicz - IG: @elestankiewicz / @thenewlywedsimprov / linktr.ee/elestankiewiczAnděl Sudik - yesandel.comDan Simpson - itsdansimpson.comHost:Lloydie James Lloyd - an improviser based in Nottingham, EnglandPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflyHelp the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. Your small donation makes a big difference:https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new year, new you? Looking to supercharge your improv with some tips from great improvisers? The Improv Chronicle has got you covered. In the last four and a half years, this podcast has spoken to a lot of improvisers and gained a lot of insights. This podcast and chosen a few of those insights, some of which haven't been heard before, and put together a series of tips and things to think about for 2024. Here's to a great new year of improvisation.Guests (in order of appearance):Rob Norman - The Backline Podcast / Second CityPatti Styles - https://www.pattistiles.com/Dave Pasquesi - TJ and Dave https://books.google.com/books/about/Improvisation_at_the_Speed_of_Life.html?id=zyjWoQEACAAJKathy Rinaldi - ImprompTwo https://www.facebook.com/ImpromptuSarasota/Colin Mochrie - Whose Line Is It Anyway Help the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. The smallest of donations can still make a big difference. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Host:Lloydie James Lloyd - an improviser based in Nottingham, EnglandPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the point of putting a bunch of students on stage after they have been learning improv for a series of weeks? How much does it add to their learning and how do we set these shows up for success. Hear from Lloydie's students after their most recent end of term show, and from improv teachers with advice on making a student show a success.This episode features:Rick Andrews - Magnet Theater NYCChelsea Clarke - UCB Theatre NYCThis podcast seeks to be a useful part of your improv experience - if you value that, please consider donating to help it continue here: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Get the weekly Improv Chronicle newsletter here: improvchronicle.substack.comFor transcripts of episodes: improvchronicle.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we use lighting and sound better in our improv. In this episode, you hear from two improvisers who also do tech and who give you a view from the tech box. This episode aims to help on-stage improvisers and improv teams think more about their tech.You will hear from:Cleo Pettitt - Lloydie's cousin and a professional set and costume designerCharlotte BrownMatt HolmanHost:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflyGet the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - https://improvchronicle.substack.com/Donate to help the podcast and newsletter get produced. Even £1 / $1 helps: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the medium of improv too often confused with the genre of improv? Surely improv isn’t one thing in the same way that theatre isn’t one thing. The genre is not the medium. This episode explores how we make the distinction between improv and styles of improv.Guests:Jim Fishwick (Jetpack Theatre / ITS / New Zealand Improv Festival - Insta: @fimjishwick)Hannah Platts (Tiny Stories / Rhymes Against Humanity / Date Night)Will Naameh (MC Hammersmith / Spontaneous Players / Shamilton / Baby Wants Candy)Get the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - https://improvchronicle.substack.com/Donate to help the podcast and newsletter get produced. Even £1 / $1 helps: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleBook referenced in podcast - Improvise Freely by Patti Styles:https://www.pattistiles.com/english Host / Producer:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it that some improvisers avoid playing with an older improviser, or when they do get to play with them, they make them their grandparents? Given some of the most famous, gifted improvisers who sell out shows are over the age of 60, why do peculiar attitudes around age still exist in our art form?This episode you hear from:Kathy Rinaldi - ImprompTwo, Sarasota, FloridaShaun Landry - The Ledge Theatre, LAThe u3a group, Market Harborough, UKGet the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - https://improvchronicle.substack.com/Donate to help the podcast and newsletter get produced. Even £1 / $1 helps: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleHost / Producer:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.