The Improv Chronicle Podcast

Join seasoned New York improviser Louis Kornfeld as he dives deep into the world of slice-of-life improv. Discussing the art of portraying relatable moments, he emphasizes finding humor in the mundane. Kornfeld and co-host Jenny Rowe connect the smallest experiences to our shared humanity, exploring how authenticity fuels engaging performances. With anecdotes and humor, they reveal the beauty in everyday interactions and the technique behind crafting micro-dramas on stage.

Eleanor Stankiewicz, an experienced actor and improviser, discusses how acting training elevates improvisation, boosting performers’ confidence and creativity. Anděl Sudik, a Californian improviser, shares insights on blending acting techniques with improv to deepen character narratives. They highlight the transformative nature of improvisation in acting, emphasizing playful creativity and emotional stakes. The conversation delves into collaboration among diverse performers, showcasing how varied backgrounds can enhance the storytelling experience on stage.

As the new year approaches, improvisers are encouraged to reflect on their journeys and embrace chaos. Discover the art of spontaneity and the importance of originality in performances. Learn how to create distinct characters through effective mindset and physicality, while addressing age dynamics in the improv community. Engage in discussions that nurture creativity and inclusivity, and navigate the complexities of audience interaction, highlighting collaboration over ego. Get ready to supercharge your improv skills for 2024!

Rick Andrews and Chelsea Clarke, seasoned improv instructors from New York's Magnet Theater and UCB respectively, dive into the transformative role of end-of-course improv shows. They discuss how these performances build confidence and enhance skills in students. The duo emphasizes the importance of a supportive audience and shares strategies for successful shows. With insights on calming nerves and mastering live performance dynamics, they showcase how immediate feedback from audiences fosters growth in young improvisers.

Charlotte Brown, a tech-savvy improviser from Chicago, and Matt Holman, a musical improv expert from Norfolk and Chicago, dive into the world where technology meets improv performance. They share insights on using lighting and sound to create captivating atmospheres, emphasizing how effective tech can boost audience engagement. The duo discusses creative ways to enhance storytelling through technical elements, urging performers to view tech as an essential tool rather than a distraction. Tune in for tips on transforming improv with the right technical expertise!

Is the medium of improv too often confused with the genre of improv? Surely improv isn’t one thing in the same way that theatre isn’t one thing. The genre is not the medium. This episode explores how we make the distinction between improv and styles of improv.Guests:Jim Fishwick (Jetpack Theatre / ITS / New Zealand Improv Festival - Insta: @fimjishwick)Hannah Platts (Tiny Stories / Rhymes Against Humanity / Date Night)Will Naameh (MC Hammersmith / Spontaneous Players / Shamilton / Baby Wants Candy)Get the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - https://improvchronicle.substack.com/Donate to help the podcast and newsletter get produced. Even £1 / $1 helps: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleBook referenced in podcast - Improvise Freely by Patti Styles:https://www.pattistiles.com/english Host / Producer:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it that some improvisers avoid playing with an older improviser, or when they do get to play with them, they make them their grandparents? Given some of the most famous, gifted improvisers who sell out shows are over the age of 60, why do peculiar attitudes around age still exist in our art form?This episode you hear from:Kathy Rinaldi - ImprompTwo, Sarasota, FloridaShaun Landry - The Ledge Theatre, LAThe u3a group, Market Harborough, UKGet the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - https://improvchronicle.substack.com/Donate to help the podcast and newsletter get produced. Even £1 / $1 helps: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleHost / Producer:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liam Webber, an improviser who moved from Nottingham to Sydney and co-organized the Robin Hood International Improv Festival, shares his journey of adapting to a new improv scene. He discusses the emotional and logistical challenges of relocating and highlights the contrasts between Nottingham and Sydney's performance styles. Liam also reflects on the ups and downs of building connections, navigating different improvisational traditions, and the excitement of being an outsider in a vibrant new community.

Improvisers from different cities across the world talk about the many and varied changes that have happened to their scenes. From theatres closing to new ones opening - from scenes losing improvisers to those who are gaining new performers. Hear how scenes across the globe have changed, adapted and evolved.This episode features:Cale Bain - Improv Theatre SydneyJorin Garguilo - CIC Theatre, ChicagoHellena Jang - IMFROG, SeoulShaun Landry - The Ledge Theatre, LAGet the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - https://improvchronicle.substack.com/Donate to help the podcast and newsletter get produced. Even £1 / $1 helps: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicleHost / Producer:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you are an improviser who hesitates to walk on, or someone who just can’t resist entering a scene, you know a walk-on has the power to change what is happening on stage. Marcel Blanch-de Wilt is a Sydney-based improviser and he believes there is never a bad time to enter an improv scene. He encourages new improvisers to jump in and have fun. While others argue there are times when entering a scene may disrupt the flow or emotion, Marcel believes overthinking leads to hesitation.This episode you also hear from Sam Irving and Vera Chok who take slightly divergent views on the how and when of a walk-on in improvised scenes.Guests:Vera ChokIG: @verachok and verachok.orgMarcel Blanch-de Wilthttps://marcelthecomedian.substack.com/Sam Irvinghttps://www.thespontaneousplayers.com/Host:Lloydie James LloydImprov Chronicle Newsletter:https://improvchronicle.substack.com/ Podcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.