The Improv Chronicle Podcast

Clowns are making a comeback, and their impact on the world of improv is undeniable. In this episode, Lloydie explores the resurgence of clowning and its influence on improvisation. He speaks with several improvisers who integrate clowning into their practice to understand the overlap, the differences, and the essence of clowning. Guests: Lee Kennedy – Clown and Middle Banana at Club Wormhole http...

Not many improv projects start with a trip to the Arctic and then end up trying to save the world. In this episode, Lloydie delves into the unique and inspiring journey of "We Built This City on Rock'n Coal," a climate change improv science comedy touring show. This initiative is touring the west coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland, aiming to make the climate crisis more accessible and engaging...

David Escobedo, a PhD candidate and the mind behind the Improv Boost website, joins Lloydie to explore the complexities of maintaining individuality while fostering group collaboration. They discuss the balance between contributing one's unique voice and accommodating others, the unintentional nature of assimilation, and the impact it has on storytelling diversity. Guest: David Escobedo Host: Lloy...

This is a special bonus episode showcasing a brand new podcast: Kornfeld and Andrews: The Radio Plays. Subscribe to hear more episodes at podfollow.com/kornfeldandandrews Two co-workers need to sharpen the important presentation they have to make, but both appear to be lost in the corporate machine, while simultaneously being in the work restrooms. Improvised by: Louis Kornfeld Rick Andrews Produc...

What happens when one artist takes up too much space? This episode, Lloydie dives into the delicate dance of sharing the spotlight. We hear from Swedish improviser Hjalmar Hardestam who reflects on the fine line between supporting scenes and steamrolling them. As he recounts his experiences from the Robin Hood International Improv Festival, we're offered a glimpse into the self-awareness required...

Have you ever watched an improv scene unfold and felt like you were witnessing a real-life magic trick? That's the power of the 'choose to know' philosophy in improvisation, as taught by the acclaimed actor and improviser Craig Cackowski. In this episode Lloydie sits down with Craig to discuss this transformative approach to improv that has the potential to not only solve common scene issues but a...

In a groundbreaking move, two improv theaters from different cities forge a unique collaboration, setting the stage for a new era of improvisational comedy. This episode takes you on a journey from Chicago to Brooklyn as Lloydie explores the partnership between the iO Theater and the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of how these institutions are creating a dynamic b...

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 init...

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 exhaustio...

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 ev...

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 wi...

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/elestankiewicz Anděl Sudik - yesandel.com Dan Simpson - itsdansimpson.com Host: Lloydie James...

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...

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 N...

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 designer Charlotte Brown Matt Holman Host: Lloydie James...

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 Again...

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, Florida Shaun Landry - The Le...

Moving your life to a new town or city is a big undertaking - there’s a lot to sort out. So what’s it like getting settled in a new city’s improv scene? Hear from three improvisers who have moved their lives to another city and then worked on fitting into that city's improv scene. This episode hear from: Robby Appleton (formerly Tennessee, now Chicago) Cale Bain (formerly Toronto, now Sydney) Liam...

Improvisers from different cities across the world talk about the many and varied changes that have happened to their scenes. From theatres closing to new ones opening - from scenes losing improvisers to those who are gaining new performers. Hear how scenes across the globe have changed, adapted and evolved. This episode features: Cale Bain - Improv Theatre Sydney Jorin Garguilo - CIC Theatre, Chi...

Whether you are an improviser who hesitates to walk on, or someone who just can’t resist entering a scene, you know a walk-on has the power to change what is happening on stage.  Marcel Blanch-de Wilt is a Sydney-based improviser and he believes there is never a bad time to enter an improv scene. He encourages new improvisers to jump in and have fun. While others argue there are times when en...

Slowly, gradually, in some parts of the world, live shows are coming back. For some performers it’s their first shows back in front of a live audience in 16 months. That sort of gap between shows is something many improvisers never thought they’d have to face and it’s meant a whole big mix of emotions. This episode features: Liam Webber https://www.liamwebberimprov.co.uk/ Nottingham improv duo The...

What happens when two improv organisations in different parts of the world happen to have the same name - and then discover each other exist? This is the story of The Improv Place, USA and The Improv Place, UK. Last week, after a series of conversations, one of the two organisations changed names. This episode tells the story of how these companies came about, and how they reached a resolution abo...

How do we turn a scene around when it isn't going as well as we intended. This episode, host Lloydie gets voicemails from improvisers around the world with top tips on how to rescue a scene that's not going well. Support this show  http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast This show features: Andel Sudik Jon Nguyen Emma Bird Pete Bergen Hannah Platts Monika Ozdarska Tim Sniffen...

How much do external factors like the space we play in or the audience have an influence on what we do on stage as improvisers - and how much impact should they have? Three improvisers from three different countries give their thoughts on the impact of the audience, the spaces they play in and how much attention we should pay to that. Support this show  http://supporter.acast.com/the-imp...

From time to time, many (if not most) improvisers find themselves stuck inside their head and thinking too much. How can we identify when it is happening, and how can we moderate any negative impact it might be having on our performance. Support this show  http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast This episode features: Shari Hazlett Instagram: @ShariHazlett Jessica Mitolo...