The Comedy Fix

In this episode, Chris, Sam, and Jaymie dissect a page from Mick Napier’s book, Improvise.

In this episode, Chris, Sam, and Jaymie are joined by James Mastraeini to discuss the launch of The Comedy Co-op LA.

The hosts dive deep into character types in comedy, debating their roles in improv and the delicate line between types and stereotypes. They explore the importance of personal experience in character creation and how broad archetypes can serve quick laughs while nuanced characters resonate more deeply. The discussion includes insights on using real conversations to spark authenticity and the evolution of archetypes in modern culture. Throughout, the hosts highlight the balance between clarity and emotional depth, illustrating how character types can both aid and challenge performances.

In this episode, Chris, Sam, and Jaymie pull a page from Truth in Comedy by Charna Halpern and dissect each and every word.   Here is the excerpt:   Every director has heard the dreaded, familiar "My character wouldn't do that." There is nothing a character won't do. When an actor discovers a new character in his personality, he must find what will make him go further — to do the unexpected. Developing characters proved to be one of the most useful elements of the Harold for Chris Farley when he moved on to Saturday Night Live. "I was able to come up with many different characters. In one Harold, I could do five characters, and maybe hone those just a little bit and try 'em again," says Farley. "There are so many different characters you can do in one given Harold — five characters can easily emerge."   KEY POINTS FOR CHAPTER NINE *Commit to the physical. *Let your environment affect you. *Be specific with your objects. *Reveal yourself through your character.

The hosts dive deep into the improv principle 'Don't think, react', exploring its meaning and relevance. They discuss how formal training might make performers overthink, causing hesitation in their choices. The conversation flows into the distinction between acting thought and character thought, highlighting when overthinking can hinder momentum. They recount a student who thrived by embracing stream-of-consciousness performance. Ultimately, the trio refines the principle to encourage presence and inspired responses, blending insights for both improv and scripted acting.

In this episode, Chris, Sam, and Jaymie are joined by Jim Keating to each discuss each’s own rules for teaching and performance.

In this episode, Chris works through what it means to not feel like you’re funny in the world of comedy.

In this episode, Chris, Sam, and Jaymie are joined by David Bridel to discuss clown, medical clown, Commedia dell’arte, spontaneity, and the futility of trying to figure out what’s next.

In this episode, Sam provides a definitive history of improvisation.

In this episode, Chris, Sam, and Jaymie discuss what it means to be deliberate in improvised performance.