An Improv Workout: 6 Exercises to Build Your "Failure Muscle"

Alt title: Get to Skin Suit Town: 3 Exercises to Improve Your ActingIn this episode, I'm diving into one of the best acting exercises you can give yourself: practicing scene work with little dialogue, or even none at all. I’ve found that learning to use physicality, emotional reactions, and environment is what changes a performance from "just saying words real good" to truly embodying a believable character. Or like... as I like to say because it is now improv canon, "get to skin suit town".I’ll explain why taking dialogue away forces you to slow down, live in the scene, and build a story layer by layer. Part of that oh-so-classic "show, don't tell" advice. Then, the exercises. You can add three new exercises to your workout to build this skill. I'll also tell you how to adjust them to practice on your own.And if you do a lot of audio-only improv or have difficulty with nonverbal cues: I’ll specifically explain why this work is still useful, and how you can adapt it to your own unique brain and performance style.As an aside! If you have trim silence features on in your podcast app, I'm gonna guess it'll trim a few intentional pauses in this one ;)Resources Mentioned:Downloadable PDF Exercise Guides: improvupdate.com/downloadsThe Improv Update Discord Community: improvupdate.com/discordFree Improv Worksheet &amp; Newsletter: improvupdate.com/newsletterImprovised Comedy Podcast, Grack Public Access: stereoforest.com/grackDownloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. <a href="https://StereoForest.com/contact"...

Your inner critic might be a key reason you feel stuck, anxious, or in your head during an improv scene. But trying to fight it or ignore it doesn't work. This episode reveals a completely different approach: give that critical energy to your character.I break down the science of why your brain creates that critical voice and how it’s connected to a deep fear of social rejection. You will learn a practical three-step system for working with your inner critic instead of against it.The episode concludes with a practical exercise I'm calling "Accept This Story, You," designed to retrain your brain. This exercise teaches you how to turn that intense analytical energy outward into relentless curiosity and support for your scene partner, transforming what might be your biggest challenge into a pretty useful tool.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter - get Neurodivergent resources if you select "Performing and your brain" option.Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps with challenging scenes "Exercises to Ruin You": https://improvupdate.com/downloads and its YouTube companion https://youtu.be/h2_J4tLqCN0Episode with 7 hacks to help you get out of challenging spots in a scene: https://youtu.be/RTN5KfE7GZ4The science of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism (related to sport, but a good jumping off point): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11055971/CONNECT WITH ME:StereoForest Podcast Production: https://stereoforest.comSocial Media: https://tiktok.com/@yourimprovbrainhttps://instagram.com/yourimprovbrainhttps://jendehaan.bsky.socialDownloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for

We know that failure is the engine of learning, but how do you actually practice it in a safe and productive way? In this episode, I provide a full workout plan with SIX specific exercises designed to put you in challenging situations. Learn practical drills for your practice groups or classes that train you to handle wild scenes, distracting environments, and even challenging scene partners. This is your guide to getting your reps in, building a tolerance for chaos, and developing the confidence that you can handle anything on stage.And you can get these exercises as a handy written PDF. Link for that right below this sentence. Hi!References in this episode: Previous episode mentioned about failure: https://improvupdate.com/7-scene-hacks-to-help-when-you-make-a-mistake/ (video, podcast, etc links on this page)Download PDF mentioned available here: https://improvupdate.com/downloads Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/h2_J4tLqCN0Improvising Solo with a Mannequin: https://jens-discount-improv-emporium.bizPeople mentioned: Berg, Jake Regal, Sebastian Conelli Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at <a...

We are often taught that forgetting is a weakness, especially in improv where details seem really important. It's what we practice all the time!However, forgetting can be a skill to practice. In this episode, I explore the science behind why our brains are designed to forget, and how we can use this adaptive process to our advantage in our scenes and shows. Learn how letting go of details can reduce cognitive load, improve listening, and help you get out of your head and out of your own way in a scene. I'll also cover how this also applies to some neurodivergent performers who process information in different ways. You will also discover a practical pre-show exercise to clear your mind so you can be more present and spontaneous in your scenes inspired by Mo Gawdat.Resources mentioned:Research on Forgetting: https://www.utoronto.ca/news/why-forgetting-really-important-memory-u-t-researchThe PDF resource mentioned in this episode will be available mid-August 2025 at: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsImprov Update Website &amp; Newsletter: ImprovUpdate.com/newslettersYour Improv Brain Discord Community: https://discord.gg/6fAfQ8fhCADownloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at <a href="https://members.stereoforest.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

What if the key to becoming a great improviser is the number of failures you accumulate? That moment when you feel like you have failed in a scene, or a scene is falling flat, can feel awful. But it is also one of the most valuable data points for your growth.In this episode, I help you reframe failure as a solvable technical problem. You will learn a toolkit of seven specific, actionable techniques to use that moment you feel a scene is failing. These techniques also help turn these moments into opportunities to help you accelerate your learning. And it's all based on the science of deliberate practice and error correction.Mentioned in this episode: Episode about Mind Going Blank (episode #28): Video PodcastPeople mentioned in this episode: Naval Ravikant Malcolm GladwellAnders EricssonAnd hey, it's episode 30! Nice round number.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in...

To be a successful improviser, you have to communicate effectively with everyone on your team. But what happens when people think, communicate, and experience the world differently? In this episode, I break down the common causes of communication breakdown between improvisers, and why assuming everyone is on the same page can lead to invisible struggles and burnout. Discover the single most important skill that allows great improvisers to perform with literally anyone, and learn a clear, four-step path to developing that skill yourself. This is about meeting in the middle, adapting your communication style, and building a stronger, more supportive improv community.I also have an exercise in this episode you might want to try with your classes or teams. There are more details about the specifics in the Improv Update discord general improv chat channel. Or ask! Read and share the web post or grab the YouTube video here: https://improvupdate.com/improving-communication-skills-improvise-with-anyone/Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical...

That feeling of your mind going completely blank on stage is a top fear for any performer. But what if it's not a personal failure? This week, I explain how this is often a biological response to being overwhelmed, not a lack of ideas. In this episode, you'll learn a simple, three-step system to effectively reboot your brain when it crashes. This practical technique works with your body's natural responses to get you out of your head and painlessly back into the scene, turning a moment of panic into a moment of connection.You'll also learn the final, most important safety net all improvisers have.Read and share the web article for this episode, which includes the YouTube video and this podcast. Find it here.In this episode, I refer to an earlier episode called "A Source of Great Improv Ideas (bonus: Get Out of Your Head)". This was episode 26.Find the YouTube here.Read the article and find the podcast here.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive...

Feeling frustrated, stuck, or even like you're getting worse at improv? This episode reframes the struggle. Discover the difference between productive learning pain and the unnecessary pain that you can walk away from. Learn a clear framework to assess your comedy practice, connect with your "why," and decide if your creative struggle is worth it. Doing this can help you re-engage in improv with more confidence and purpose. And maybe make your growth a bit easier too.Find the web article and YouTube embedded on this page. Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteI mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts, feedback, or contributions using the contact form on this page. This podcast uses...

If you struggle to come up with specific or original ideas in your improv scenes, there's something you can do between scenes to help with that struggle.This episode of Your Improv Brain reframes the problem of trying to get ideas into a scene. Discover why the key to better creative output isn't forced thinking, but quality input and curiosity to get it there. So you can use your noggin RAM.Learn a practical, no-cost method to fuel your creativity using curiosity, making your ideas and characters richer and more automatic.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteI mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts, feedback, or contributions using the contact form on this page. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac -...

Are you sacrificing your well-being for your improv team? This episode of Your Improv Brain challenges the myth that good improvisers must be comedy doormats. Always saying yes outside the scene doesn't help your scene partner in the end.Discover why putting yourself last leads to burnout and how "doing comedy for you first" actually creates more exciting, sustainable, and authentic performances for everyone. Learn practical ways to prioritize your needs and your energy without abandoning your team.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" More resourcesGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteI mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts, feedback, or contributions using the contact form on this page. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp