Yes, Also

Dylan Reiff and Kristen Schier (Kickstand Comedy) talk about their improv origins in Chicago and Philly, using comedy to effect change, the intersection of improv and scripts, sandbox spaces, comedic tension, product vs. process, upgrading "yes and", finding humanity in your scenes, inviting evolution, blending premise and organic improv, personalizing your play, community-centered spaces, advice for newer improvisers, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye

Shannon O'Neil (The Stepfathers, RaaaatScraps) talks about her early UCB days, if this / then what, bursts of chaos, scenic confessions, thoughts on curriculum,major takeaways from her time as AD of UCBNY, planning and running DCM, favorite bit shows, experimental techniques, the current UCBNY, Fwand, The Stepfathers, setting goals for shows, helpful teaching exercises, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye

Jeff Whitaker, an acclaimed improviser and producer behind shows like F*ck This Month and The Matinee, shares his journey from Austin's improv scene to becoming a standout producer. He discusses the importance of internships for skill development and the balance of production stress in performances. Jeff also explores innovative ticketing strategies, including lowering prices and using streaming to enhance accessibility. With insights on audience psychology and connective endings, he reveals the magic behind engaging live shows.

Caroline Cotter, a comedian and improviser from UCB and Conan, dives into the world of improv with a refreshing honesty. She opens up about her stage fright and childhood shyness, revealing how she overcame nerves to embrace the thrill of performing. Caroline shares her experiences with auditions and the emotional journey through rejection. From learning short-form games to crafting supportive scenes, she explores the balance of rules and personal voice in comedy, all while celebrating the joy of silly, impulsive moments on stage.

Lamar Woods (The Big Team, New Girl) talks about authenticity, the intersection of his careers as a rapper and comedian, being malleable, believable acting, patience, using improv in writers' rooms, building your toolbox, varying approaches to comedy, alter egos, playing with status, honest responses in scenes, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye

TJ Jagodowski, a veteran improviser from The Second City and known for the duo TJ and Dave, shares his journey in Chicago's vibrant improv scene. He discusses the importance of emotional subtext and impeccable listening in performances. TJ reveals their unique approach of starting shows without audience suggestions, emphasizing trust and discovery over invention. He reflects on his most memorable performances and his current favorite teaching exercise, highlighting the ongoing appeal of improvisation.

Sean Conroy, a seasoned improviser and writer with credits from shows like Key and Peele, dives into the art of improv in this vibrant discussion. He shares insights on the essence of 'yes and' and how it shapes creativity. Conroy compares improv's spontaneity to other comedy forms, emphasizing the uniqueness of audience engagement. He reflects on his early days in improv, forming his own group, and valuable lessons on leadership. The conversation also touches on how improv techniques enhance writing rooms, blending personal connections with humor.

In a lively conversation, Alex Fox and Rachel Lewis share their journey from the Chicago improv scene to TV writing, highlighting how improv served as their 'grad school.' They discuss the importance of treating creative work like a business and reflect on using life experiences to shape characters. With insights on pitching, script structure, and building comedic hooks, they reveal how improv skills translate into writing compelling narratives. Their chemistry and shared experiences shine throughout, making for an engaging and inspiring dialogue.

Tara Copeland, a veteran improviser and musical improv teacher, reflects on her journey from interning at Chicago City Limits to performing with UCB's Mother. She dives into the importance of narrative mapping in musical improv and shares her unique approach to teaching. Tara shares insights on feedback, the value of playful ensembles, and self-criticism. Listeners will enjoy her anecdotes about adapting performances while touring and her hot takes on the challenges of the improv world, all while keeping the spirit of fun alive.

Arnie Niekamp (Hello from the Magic Tavern) talks about a writer's approach to improv, elevating blue suggestions, the power of a gimmick, the reluctant "yes", being a polite voice of reason, creating a canonical universe, a narrative cheat, how to keep a monoscene moving, gifting emotions, creating a passionate fanbase, funny live recording moments, future projects, designing games for Jackbox, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye