Yes, Also

Colton Dunn (Superstore, Key and Peele) talks about his short form roots, taking big leaps, seeing UCB before they had a theatre, wild memories from Boom Chicago, why he loves straight-manning, finding a scene’s tempo, his approach to teaching, Superstore, Key and Peele, how genre informs his play, performing at Radio City, favorite scenes, strange corporate shows, 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

Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) talks about how improv informs her writing, her Netflix special, surprising an audience, finding a show’s tone, coaxing your confidence, balancing cerebral comedy with emotion, contact improv, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the role of a song’s bridge, her love of villains, the perception of leading ladies, imposter syndrome, how motherhood has changed her comedy, sketch vs. improv characters 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

Dave Buckman and Rachel Madorsky, co-owners of Coldtowne Theatre, discuss UCB's recent acquisition of their beloved Austin venue. They explore the emotional significance of Coldtowne as a cultural cornerstone, the opportunities for growth in the local improv scene, and the balance between maintaining its unique identity while benefiting from UCB’s resources. The duo also address the challenges and excitement of navigating a post-pandemic Austin for artists, all while celebrating the vibrant, collaborative spirit of the community.

Dave Buckman (Executive Producer of ColdTowne Theater in Austin) talks about climbing the ranks at Second City, major takeaways from The Annoyance / Second City / iO, impactful play, the back pocket, fulfilling your promise to an audience, constructing a killer running order, directing at Boom Chicago and Second City, the unlikely origins of ColdTowne, the challenges of running a comedy theatre, the necessity of compromise, mastering low status characters, playing the reluctant “yes”, scenes that endow the audience, the improv show that made him cry, and more! Access to double the content and other perks at ⁠⁠yesalso.supercast.com⁠⁠!Follow us on instagram ⁠@yesalsopod⁠ & TikTok ⁠@yes.also.pod⁠Email us with your ideas and questions @ yesalsopod@gmail.com New episodes every Tuesday!

Mike McLendon, a veteran improviser from The Second City, iO, and UCB, shares his journey shaped by being an army brat and finding his comedic voice. He dives into the nuances of improv, discussing the importance of making every moment count and the art of delivering effective payoffs. Mike reflects on the challenges and humor found in his transition from the Chicago improv scene to cruise performances, emphasizing mentorship and the significance of genuine connections on stage. Their insightful chat is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the world of improv!

Beck Drysdale (Key and Peele, Second City) talks about writing jokes as a kid, quitting school to move to Chicago, lessons from Second City, being daunted by the talent of others, the necessity of being bad, improvising vs. fast writing, where smart meets dumb, The Muppets, twoprov, unlearning, playing what’s already there, finding the unusual in the mundane, the anatomy of listening, the “and” of “yes and”, heightening vs. inventing, the origin of The Clubhouse, cross pollination, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at ⁠⁠yesalso.supercast.com⁠⁠!Follow us on instagram ⁠@yesalsopod⁠ & TikTok ⁠@yes.also.pod⁠Email us with your ideas and questions @ yesalsopod@gmail.com New episodes every Tuesday!

Dan Lippert (Big Grande, ManDogPod) talks about nerves, his early practice groups, funny tour show fiascos, family dynamics informing improv choices, the why of comedy, sustaining collaborative relationships, making playable choices, committing to silliness, telling an audience what’s funny, the many dimensions of trust, why he loves hosting shows, using empathy to play jerks, his favorite coaching exercises, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at ⁠⁠yesalso.supercast.com⁠⁠!Follow us on instagram ⁠@yesalsopod⁠ & TikTok ⁠@yes.also.pod⁠Email us with your ideas and questions @ yesalsopod@gmail.com New episodes every Tuesday!

Tao Yang (Dropout, UCB Harold night) talks about Improv Boston, finding balance in training styles, short form limitations, themed Harolds, a nerdy mathematical improv theorem, the improv/sketch paradox, generational humor, the movie form, Harold auditions, College Humor, a riff on the rant opening, a hot take on living rooms, selling the voice of reason to an audience and more! Access to double the content and other perks at ⁠yesalso.supercast.com⁠!Follow us on instagram @yesalsopod & TikTok @yes.also.podEmail us with your ideas and questions @ yesalsopod@gmail.com New episodes every Tuesday!

Ben Schwartz, the hilarious actor and improviser known for his roles in Parks and Recreation and as Sonic the Hedgehog, shares his journey through comedy. He unpacks his childhood fears of failure, recalls the first laugh that defined his comedic style, and discusses how venue sizes influence improv dynamics. From his early days at UCB to adapting long-form sets on tour, Schwartz dives deep into the art of performance and connection with audiences, offering insights into his creative process and the joy of collaboration.

Susan Messing (Second City mainstage, iO, the Annoyance) talks about discovering Improv Olympic, earlier iterations of the Harold, adding specificity to ambiguity, working with Mick Napier, the early days of the Annoyance, loving hard notes, improv as a sociological study, playing the simple reality, finding your scene partner’s sh*t delicious, justifying vs. inventing, ditching agenda, how she accesses characters, loving to lose, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at ⁠⁠yesalso.supercast.com⁠⁠!Follow us on instagram ⁠@yesalsopod⁠ & TikTok ⁠@yes.also.pod⁠Email us with your ideas and questions @ yesalsopod@gmail.com New episodes every Tuesday!