Yes, Also Yes, Also - Will Hines
Apr 8, 2024
Will Hines, a veteran improviser and founder of the World's Greatest Improv School, shares his journey from programming to improv at UCB. He reminisces about the early days of UCB New York, its vibrant community, and the magnetic pull it had on talent like Amy Poehler and Fred Armisen. Hines dives into the nuances of improv, defending game-driven techniques while critiquing premise-heavy initiations. He also discusses his quest for a balanced curriculum that simplifies initiation and fosters creative freedom in performers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Fred Armisen’s SNL Audition At UCB
- Will Hines saw Fred Armisen's SNL audition at UCB where Armisen performed character bits and a political correspondent routine.
- Will recalls that the audition format mixed improv with character showcases and felt like watching future SNL talent emerge.
Success Validates UCB’s Method
- Will argues that UCB's 'game of the scene' and premise style produced consistently high-performing shows and large audiences.
- He challenges critics by pointing out that other theaters lacked UCB's crowd and cultural impact.
Use Half Ideas To Start Scenes
- Simplify premise initiations by boiling your pull down to one clear emotional line or 'half idea' instead of a full sketch premise.
- Let initiators follow through while partners defer briefly to allow clarity and momentum.
