The Improv Chronicle Podcast

Have you ever watched an improv scene unfold and felt like you were witnessing a real-life magic trick? That's the power of the 'choose to know' philosophy in improvisation, as taught by the acclaimed actor and improviser Craig Cackowski. In this episode Lloydie sits down with Craig to discuss this transformative approach to improv that has the potential to not only solve common scene issues but also to leave audiences spellbound... and then tries it out with a group of improvisers to see how it differs from a "Yes And" exercise. Guest: Craig Cackowski Take a class with him in LA: https://wgimprovschool.com/teachers/view/34 Check out the two-person show he does with his wife Carla: https://orangetuxedoimprov.com/ Host: Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a groundbreaking move, two improv theaters from different cities forge a unique collaboration, setting the stage for a new era of improvisational comedy. This episode takes you on a journey from Chicago to Brooklyn as Lloydie explores the partnership between the iO Theater and the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of how these institutions are creating a dynamic bridge, facilitating the exchange of performers, teachers, and students. Hear from Steve Plock, General Manager of iO Theater, and Philip Markle, Artistic Director of the BCC, as they discuss the genesis of this sister theater relationship and its potential to reshape the improv landscape. From fostering talent to nurturing international connections, this episode uncovers the enthusiasm and the strategic moves that hope to invigorate the community and celebrate the art of improv. In this episode you hear from: Steve Plock - General Manager, iO Theater Philip Markle - Artistic Director and Founder, Brooklyn Comedy Collective Hosted by Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the initiation of a scene all that important? How do we make a good start? What are different ways of starting off? This episode we delve into the essence of what makes a good scene start. Guest Rob Norman shares his wisdom on the importance of the "first breath" of a scene, the power of emotions over words, and the necessity of making bold choices on stage. We explore the nuanced craft of initiating scenes and the struggles of overcoming improviser's politeness. This episode offers a fresh perspective on creating compelling scenes that resonate both with fellow performers and the audience. In this episode you hear from: Rob Norman - Author and Improviser - "Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improv" Episode hosted and produced by Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improv https://www.amazon.com/Improvising-Now-Practical-Guide-Modern/dp/1505912336 The Backline Podcast https://backline.podbean.com/ The Complete Improviser by Bill Arnett https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Improviser-Bill-Arnett/dp/1541172817 Improv Chronicle Newsletter https://www.improvchronicle.com/ Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step behind the curtain with Lloydie on the Improv Chronicle as he lifts the lid on a situation impacting a growing number in the improv community: burnout. Lloydie connects with Laura, a member of the Glasgow improv scene and producer of Edinburgh International Improv Festival, and David Raitt, a Toronto improviser with decades of experience, to discuss the fine line between passion and exhaustion. This episode looks at the resilience of creative people navigating the demands of performance, administration, and personal well-being in improvisational comedy. In this episode you hear: Laura Hotchkiss - EIIF - https://www.edimprovfest.com/about David Raitt - The Improv Illusionist - https://improvillusionist.com/ Hosted by Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step behind the curtain with Lloydie on the Improv Chronicle as he lifts the lid on a situation impacting a growing number in the improv community: burnout. Lloydie connects with Laura, a member of the Glasgow improv scene and producer of Edinburgh International Improv Festival, and David Raitt, a Toronto improviser with decades of experience, to discuss the fine line between passion and exhaustion. This episode looks at the resilience of creative people navigating the demands of performance, administration, and personal well-being in improvisational comedy. In this episode you hear: Laura Hotchkiss - EIIF - https://www.edimprovfest.com/about David Raitt - The Improv Illusionist - https://improvillusionist.com/ Hosted by Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Navigating the nuances of forming an improv team can be as complex as a well-crafted scene. In this episode of The Improv Chronicle Podcast, we delve deep into the essentials of team dynamics, commitment levels, and the alchemy of personalities that can make or break a group's chemistry. Hear insights from improvisers who have been through the process of assembling and reassembling teams in the ever-evolving landscape of improv. In this episode you hear from: Jack Cross - Rhymes Against Humanity and The Improclaimers, Nottingham (UK) Jeanette Bird-Bradley - Rhymes Against Humanity, Nottingham (UK) Chris Locke - A Bristol (UK) based improviser Hosted by Lloydie James Lloyd, this conversation isn't just about finding the right people; it's about the journey of trial, error, and the joy found in the unexpected moments onstage and off. Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the delicate dance of life's minor dramas, improvisers find a canvas rich with comedic potential. But how does one transform the everyday into an engaging slice-of-life scene on stage? In this episode of The Improv Chronicle Podcast, we delve into the artistry required to elevate the mundane to the extraordinary. Join us as we explore the subtle craft of finding humor in the smallest moments with New York City's seasoned improviser and teacher, Louis Kornfeld, and the UK's own Jenny Rowe of The Maydays and Impromptu Shakespeare. Discover the power of microdramas, the allure of authenticity, and the delicate balance between reality and performance. In this episode you hear: Louis Kornfeld from The Magnet Theater Jenny Rowe from The Maydays Episode hosted and produced by Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Help the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. Your small donation makes a big difference: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does acting training help improvisers? Three improvisers who trained as actors share what acting training can give improvisers to help make their shows better - and how improv helps their acting too. On this episode you hear: Eleanor Stankiewicz - IG: @elestankiewicz / @thenewlywedsimprov Anděl Sudik - yesandel.com Dan Simpson - itsdansimpson.com Host: Lloydie James Lloyd - an improviser based in Nottingham, England Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Help the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. Your small donation makes a big difference: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does acting training help improvisers? Three improvisers who trained as actors share what acting training can give improvisers to help make their shows better - and how improv helps their acting too. On this episode you hear: Eleanor Stankiewicz - IG: @elestankiewicz / @thenewlywedsimprov / linktr.ee/elestankiewicz Anděl Sudik - yesandel.com Dan Simpson - itsdansimpson.com Host: Lloydie James Lloyd - an improviser based in Nottingham, England Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Help the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. Your small donation makes a big difference: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new year, new you? Looking to supercharge your improv with some tips from great improvisers? The Improv Chronicle has got you covered. In the last four and a half years, this podcast has spoken to a lot of improvisers and gained a lot of insights. This podcast and chosen a few of those insights, some of which haven't been heard before, and put together a series of tips and things to think about for 2024. Here's to a great new year of improvisation. Guests (in order of appearance): Rob Norman - The Backline Podcast / Second City Patti Styles - https://www.pattistiles.com/ Dave Pasquesi - TJ and Dave https://books.google.com/books/about/Improvisation_at_the_Speed_of_Life.html?id=zyjWoQEACAAJ Kathy Rinaldi - ImprompTwo https://www.facebook.com/ImpromptuSarasota/ Colin Mochrie - Whose Line Is It Anyway Help the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. The smallest of donations can still make a big difference. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Host: Lloydie James Lloyd - an improviser based in Nottingham, England Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the point of putting a bunch of students on stage after they have been learning improv for a series of weeks? How much does it add to their learning and how do we set these shows up for success. Hear from Lloydie's students after their most recent end of term show, and from improv teachers with advice on making a student show a success. This episode features: Rick Andrews - Magnet Theater NYC Chelsea Clarke - UCB Theatre NYC This podcast seeks to be a useful part of your improv experience - if you value that, please consider donating to help it continue here: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Get the weekly Improv Chronicle newsletter here: improvchronicle.substack.com For transcripts of episodes: improvchronicle.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the point of putting a bunch of students on stage after they have been learning improv for a series of weeks? How much does it add to their learning and how do we set these shows up for success. Hear from Lloydie's students after their most recent end of term show, and from improv teachers with advice on making a student show a success. This episode features: Rick Andrews - Magnet Theater NYC Chelsea Clarke - UCB Theatre NYC This podcast seeks to be a useful part of your improv experience - if you value that, please consider donating to help it continue here: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Get the weekly Improv Chronicle newsletter here: improvchronicle.substack.com For transcripts of episodes: improvchronicle.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the point of putting a bunch of students on stage after they have been learning improv for a series of weeks? How much does it add to their learning and how do we set these shows up for success. Hear from Lloydie's students after their most recent end of term show, and from improv teachers with advice on making a student show a success. This episode features: Rick Andrews - Magnet Theater NYC Chelsea Clarke - UCB Theatre NYC This podcast seeks to be a useful part of your improv experience - if you value that, please consider donating to help it continue here: https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Get the weekly Improv Chronicle newsletter here: improvchronicle.substack.com For transcripts of episodes: improvchronicle.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we use lighting and sound better in our improv. In this episode, you hear from two improvisers who also do tech and who give you a view from the tech box. This episode aims to help on-stage improvisers and improv teams think more about their tech. You will hear from: Cleo Pettitt - Lloydie's cousin and a professional set and costume designer Charlotte Brown Matt Holman Host: Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly 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/improvchronicle Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/improvchronicle Book referenced in podcast - Improvise Freely by Patti Styles: https://www.pattistiles.com/english Host / Producer: Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support 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, Florida Shaun Landry - The Ledge Theatre, LA The u3a group, Market Harborough, UK 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/improvchronicle Host / Producer: Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moving your life to a new town or city is a big undertaking - there’s a lot to sort out. So what’s it like getting settled in a new city’s improv scene? Hear from three improvisers who have moved their lives to another city and then worked on fitting into that city's improv scene. This episode hear from: Robby Appleton (formerly Tennessee, now Chicago) Cale Bain (formerly Toronto, now Sydney) Liam Webber (formerly Nottingham, now Sydney) 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/improvchronicle Host / Producer: Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Sydney Jorin Garguilo - CIC Theatre, Chicago Hellena Jang - IMFROG, Seoul Shaun Landry - The Ledge Theatre, LA 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/improvchronicle Host / Producer: Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support 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 Chok IG: @verachok and verachok.org Marcel Blanch-de Wilt https://marcelthecomedian.substack.com/ Sam Irving https://www.thespontaneousplayers.com/ Host: Lloydie James Lloyd Improv Chronicle Newsletter: https://improvchronicle.substack.com/ Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slowly, gradually, in some parts of the world, live shows are coming back. For some performers it’s their first shows back in front of a live audience in 16 months. That sort of gap between shows is something many improvisers never thought they’d have to face and it’s meant a whole big mix of emotions. This episode features: Liam Webber https://www.liamwebberimprov.co.uk/ Nottingham improv duo The Clones Twitter: @liam_webber Instagram: @liamjwebber Tanyika Carey https://www.cherubimprov.org Twitter: @TanyikaCarey IG: @TanyikaCarey Tanyika's sketch team IG: @GaryfromHR. Katy Schutte https://www.katyschutte.co.uk/ Twitter: @katyschutte Instagram: @katyschutte The Improv Chronicle Podcast is produced and hosted by Nottingham improviser Lloydie James Lloyd Get the world of improv in your inbox every two weeks - improvchronicle.substack.com Get transcripts of episodes and blogs at improvchronicle.com Get in touch at newsdesk@improvchronice.com Theme music - Sam Plummer Logo design - Hélène Dollie Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.