The Backline

While there are many different forms of improvisation, there are none more derided than Barprov. This week Rob and Adam discuss crowds, controlling the room, and why improv performed outside of a theatre is classified as it's own format. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

This week Rob and Adam pull a handful of questions from the Backline Mailbag to discuss casting an improv show, creating community, building energy throughout a show, teaching a new workshop, and support scenes. Also, a mystery. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

It's the launch of Season 9! Rob and Adam discuss how to start off a monoscene, things to avoid in your initiation, and finding a nonverbal, secret contract between you and your scene partner. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

It's the season finale of The Backline.  This episode Adam and Rob reflect, vivisect, and/or project the past, present, and future of improv. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

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?  Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

To perform comedy, you have to be vulnerable - but its incredible difficult to do so 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. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

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 ..." Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

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.  Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

After a big audition, it's not uncommon to be disappointed with the results. This week Adam and Rob discuss their own feelings about rejection, disappointment, and feeling lost. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

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? This week, Rob and Adam discuss the need to control what happens next. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

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. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

Strong characters! It's whatever everyone wants to do onstage. In this episode, Rob and Adam go over techniques, tricks and tips for better characters. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

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. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/