The Backline - An Improv Podcast

This week Rob and Adam discuss the ever-elusive nature of comedic timing. As well as the show Last One Laughing, and what it means for fellow improvisers affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This week Rob and Adam open up The Backline mailbag to answer your questions about teaching, directing, coaching and the difference between all three.

This week Adam interviews Rob about the process of creating the CBC podcast Limited Capacity. They discuss directing, improv as a writing tool, and why Rob wrote 5 full episodes, only to improvise through these scary stories instead.

From the vault: Rob and Adam share a never-aired episode of the Backline where they share their thoughts on online improv, Irish paganism, and drinking orange cokes.

With the return of the iO (formerly improvOlympic), Adam wonders if the Harold will return with it, or if improv's most famous and psychedelic form should be retired from our classrooms and our stages. Kelly Clarkson - Since You've Been Gone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7UrF... Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxl...

In this episode, Rob and Adam answer a question from Estonian improv teacher Martin about chorus/verse, scenic structure, taking breaks, and how to build the skill in the classroom.

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss foundational support, what support looks like onstage amongst professionals, and how to avoid the creeping threat of resentment.

It's a whole new season of The Backline. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss their 1-year hiatus, the NFL, definitions of improv, and how art criticism shapes our artform.

In this episode Rob scours improv Facebook group for a series of conversation starting prompts and ambushes Adam with THE LIGHTNING ROUND!  Also discussed agendas vs deals, and savouring the small moments in a scene.

This week we bring you an audio version of The Assembly Toronto's online lecture series entitled "A Brief History of Improv".  Thanks to Martha Stortz, Spencer Thompson, and everyone who attended the live event in Spring 2020.

This week Rob and Adam discuss sustaining scenes. How to keep the spark alive while improvising, layered complexity, and the need to get onstage only so you get off stage.  It's all covered on this week's episode of "The Backline with Rob and Adam!" 

This week we discuss the art of the deal - initiating with a half-idea to inspire your scene.  Rob and Adam also tackle the difference between preconceived notions and deals, existential ennui onstage, and how this philosophy can help perform in Zoom shows better.

One of the first things we lost in the quarantine was ambition. Performers looked at their calendars and realized their careers (and lives) might never be the same. This week Adam Michael Cawley schools Rob on how to stay ambitious, set long term goals, and be ready for when things open up.  

This week Rob and Adam debate over an improviser's responsibility to our audience and how we might renegotiate that relationship in the age of Zoom improv shows. Also discussed: the nature of risk, improv's meta-narrative, and pushing improvisation forward during the pandemic.

This week Rob and Adam crack open the Vault, for an episode about one-person sketch, how to write it, and what's the best way to set it up. Back next week with a new episode.

Sketchtown continues! This week, Rob and Adam discuss the make-up of relationship scenes, why they're funny, and why although they might underrated, continue to serve an important role in a sketch revue.

This week, Rob and Adam discuss styles, frame of reference, parody and finding the perfect vehicle for your premise. Also, the legacy of Second City founder Howard Alk!

Satire is a comedy tradition that is thousands of years old. This episode Adam and Rob discuss satire, authority, and saying what you mean without saying it. Also The Boys, the Annoyance Theater's President Bush is a Great Man, and the art of making maple syrup.

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss comedy's relationship with tension, why stakes are important, and when you don't need to focus on stakes in a show. Also Adam's favourite instagram account, I Think You Should Leave, and Kurt Vonnegut.

Part Three of Sketchtown. This week, Adam and Rob discuss how to structure a scene, how tension is useful, and why knowing structure is necessary to build out a comedic premise. Also, Adam talks about his favourite Greek myth.

Sketchtown - Episode 2.  In this instalment, Rob and Adam discuss premises: how to find them, how to write them, and ultimately where does comedy comes from.  

With the pandemic upon us, Rob and Adam launch a new mini-series on The Backline all about sketch comedy, finding premises, and trying to write them down for the first time.  In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss their first experiences in their sketch troupe My First Crush, table reads vs. working on your feet, and the awkward feeling when you reimprovise a scene.

With the world in a state of lockdown, two grizzled warriors emerge from isolation to set you straight ... about using make believe to tell stories.  It's Season 6 of the Backline with Rob and Adam. This week, they discuss their thoughts, hopes, and anxieties about improvising in a post-pandemic world!

It's the Backline Finale! This week Rob and Adam reflect upon their top three moments of the year and follow-up with two listener questions! Thank you so much for your ongoing support. We will still be available to answer your questions via Facebook and Twitter @thebacklinepod. See you in a few months!

This week Rob and Adam, discuss the term "playing to the top of your intelligence" within scenes. Will they have conflicting opinions?  Will this be the topic that finally ends the podcast. Also, Adam confronts Rob about Spinegate 2019, they discuss their Los Angeles trip, and teaching in Vancouver.