

The Backline
The Sonar Network
Canadian Comedy Award winners Rob Norman and Adam Cawley discuss weekly improv-based topics based on a theme.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 21, 2025 • 54min
Who, What, Where – but When?
 This week Rob and Adam chat about framing scenes prior, during, or after the action. Do scenes always need to start in the middle? What’s the best way to execute a tag-in? If you mention an event, does it always have to happen onstage?
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Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
Platforms, Tilts, and Improvising Action
 This week Rob and Adam, discuss platforms and tilts for improv scenes, how sketch influences scenes, and how to create action without blindsiding their scene partner.
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Oct 7, 2025 • 5min
Technique
 The improv world is full of technique.  What techniques help individual improvisers? What techniques benefit the theatre you play at? Are there techniques you should embrace? Or some that you should avoid?
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18 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 53min
Tethering
 his week Rob and Adam discuss tethering: the act of linking your emotional state to what your partner is doing.  Also, some great questions about tethering from our friend Martin in Estonia.
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Sep 24, 2025 • 47min
Questions Only – September 2025
 The truth is out! After a tumultuous three weeks apart, Rob and Adam return to the podcast to air thier grievances, resolve differences, and answer your questions about improv.
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Sep 19, 2025 • 41min
Competition is the Thief of Joy
 This week Rob sits down with one of the organizers of the Robin Hood Improv Festival in Nottingham, Lloydie, to discuss competition, inclusion, and finding community in the face of rejection.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
Game Revisited
 This week Rob and Adam debate the merits of Game of the Scene, pulling premise, and how to create meaningful patterns that bolster your longform show.
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Sep 3, 2025 • 48min
Get Connected
 This week Rob and Adam discuss connection, rapport, relationships onstage and offstage. Also, is it possible to have a meaningful connection with a stranger onstage?
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16 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 54min
Form Follows Function
 This week Rob and Adam discuss improv forms!  What makes a good improv form? When does your improv format get in the way of your scenes? Also, the beloved format “Darwin’s Christmas Tree” returns to the podcast!
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Aug 19, 2025 • 57min
There’s Nothing More Boring Than Creativity
 In this lively discussion, the hosts tackle where improvisational ideas originate and how to tackle creative blocks. They explore the paradox of creativity being dull at times, despite its whimsical reputation. Nostalgic tales from Chicago and experiences at the Detroit Improv Festival highlight the connection between food and creativity. The conversation delves into emotional dynamics in improv and the importance of embracing 'bad' ideas to spark originality, all while emphasizing authenticity and diversity in performances. 


