Improv Nerd With Jimmy Carrane Miles Stroth
May 30, 2016
Miles Stroth, founder of the Pack Theater and a former member of the iconic improv group The Family, shares his journey through the improv scene. He discusses the emotional challenges and triumphs of his team, the competition that sparked creativity, and how transformative experiences at Second City shaped his craft. He dives into personal pet peeves, the importance of authenticity in performances, and the joys of teaching. Miles also reflects on embracing silence on stage, blending chaos with creativity.
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Car Crash Sparked An Improv Career
- Miles Stroth recounts being hit by a car at age 21 and waking up two days later in a trauma center with shattered legs.
- He spent a year and a half in casts and used recovery time to decide to pursue improv seriously.
Use Jealousy As Fuel For Practice
- Miles turned jealousy into a practice routine: he studied what others did better and designed exercises to improve.
- He credits time and commitment more than innate talent for long-term growth.
The Family's Competitive Origin
- Miles describes being on The Family with future stars like Adam McKay and Matt Besser and how anger fueled creativity.
- The group's frustration at being overlooked by Second City pushed them to invent new forms and work harder.