Yes, Also

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

Connor Ratliff (Dead Eyes, The Stepfathers) talks about the realities of an acting career, Dead Eyes, the shadow side of getting paid for shows, the importance of beginnings, mid-scene check-ins, his reluctance to edit, the art of pulling lights, opening for Guster, tactics for saving a scene you don't like, thoughts on curriculums, the difference between teaching and coaching, 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.comFor more Connor:https://linktr.ee/connorratliffHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye

Sasheer Zamata (SNL, Agatha All Along) talks about using details, consensual attention, learning from festivals, setting up scene partners, Doppelganger, organic transitions, her journey to SNL, a pivotal change in her approach, calming nerves before auditions, not being precious, the fun of figuring out how to stay in a scene, 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

Tony DeRosa (Owner of hear.say brewing + theater in Ann Arbor, MI) talks about his journey from improv to the tech world and back again, adjacent spaces, the creation of hear.say, how to get small business loans, tips for selling classes, creative programming, the Ann Arbor improv landscape, polarities training, playing with irony, taking your scenes seriously, building community relationships, 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

Patrick McDonald (Smosh, Artists On Artists On Artists On Artists) talks about being a fish out of water, the comedy landscape of Emerson College, the superpower of brand new improvisers, a hot take on jokes, how he uses genre as a tool, the necessity of improv, becoming a comedy builder, AOAOAOA, site-specific improv, a great writing trick, advice for Tik Tok creators, his Sirius satellite radio show and more!Get a digital ticket to the livestream of Patrick's play "Big Bear": https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/bigbearplayAccess 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

Ify Nwadiwe (Dimension 20; Um, Actually) talks about how short form prepped him for long form, establishing base realities, the subjectivity of game, onstage nudity, Dimension 20, his reaction to Dropout fans, a clever way to book tour shows, radical authenticity, meta-prov, a new level of if /then play, workout tips for improvisers, connection through specifics, 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

Lennon Parham (Playing House, Veep) talks about high school short form, communal spaces, integrating her improv style with UCB, rooting yourself in a scene, kernels vs. premises, support tactics, working at Hooters, launching a TV career, playing anger in a likable way, her unique writing process, using comedy to explore deeper themes, building a one-woman show, and more! Access to double the content and other perks at ⁠yesalso.supercast.com⁠!Follow 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