The Improv Network Podcast

Bob and James wrap up the end of year with the last stream of the year.

The cast of PGraph joins to talk about their special brand of narrative improv, being together as a group for 15+ years, and their book 'Do It Now: Essays on Narrative Improv'. Since their premiere in November of 2005, Parallelogramophonograph has been more than just any improv troupe. Fiercely dedicated to the craft and art of improvised theatre, PGraph has held an award-winning weekly show non-stop since 2006. Early on in their time together, Kaci Beeler, Kareem Badr, Roy Janik, and Valerie Ward knew they wanted to do something different onstage. Intrigued by the challenge of telling fantastic fully-improvised stories together as an ensemble, PGraph spent years developing original formats and studying the art of theatre, improv, and storytelling. They’ve toured the country and the world performing and teaching their unique brand of improv with ensemble appearances in over 60 cities in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the UK. Renowned for their theatricality, playfulness, and hive-mind-like ensemble, their goal with every show is to push both themselves and the art of improvisation to new and dizzying heights while taking the audience along for a joyous ride. The members of PGraph regularly teach, direct, and perform at The Hideout Theatre in Austin, Texas. Their book on narrative improv, "Do It Now", is for sale on their website as well as on Amazon. Check out PGraph.com for more information.

Jeffrey Thompson joins to talk about listening to your scene partner(s), give and take, and how to use what you hear. Jeffrey Thompson is an LA native and is the Secretary of the Board for The Improv Network. He’s an actor and writer, but he also teaches psychology at Citrus College and does taxes for creative professionals. He’s received a Master’s degree in Psychology and an MBA with a marketing emphasis, both from Pepperdine University. He is also licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers as an enrolled agent. He’s been performing for over 15 years and currently performs at the Ruby LA on the sketch team, The Money Pit, and at the Westside Comedy Theater on the house improv team, Gravity. He also co-produces the Westside Comedy Festival.

Episode 111: Immersive Theater w Mallory Vance The Improv Network Podcast Download

Natalie and Julia join for a chat about how confidence level comes into play (cool pun) in Improv.

Sunny Atwal joins to talk about the give and take exchange between improvisers and filling in the missing pieces of a strong scene.

Tom Novik joins to talk about moments of epiphany in Improv when something about the magic and mystery of how it works just clicks. Tom has been performing, coaching, and teaching in the metro Detroit area since 2013. When he isn’t doing real estate, he’s either planning his next meal or thinking about the appropriate time to put up Christmas stuff. Tom is a founding member of AWOL Theater Co. and half of the long-running duo Listen Stupid. He is currently teaching classes at Go Comedy, and working on a new scripted show with Maggie O’Reilly set to open next year at Planet Ant.

Bill Binder joins to talk about the development and future of virtual Improv.

Dan O'Connor joins to talk about the 'Impro' as opposed to 'Improv', Keith Johnstone, and the Theatresoprts world of Improvisation.

Stacey Hallal joins to talk about Ruby Rocket, Private Detective; an improvised noir show, animated web series, comic book, and soon to be podcast. Stacey has been devoted to comedy in Portland and Chicago for over 22 years and has appeared and taught at more than 100 festivals across the United States and Canada. She is the founder and Managing/Artistic director of the Curious Comedy Theater in Portland, Oregon as well as the founder and Artistic Director of the All Jane Comedy Festival. While in Chicago, Stacey completed the iO, Annoyance, and Second City training centers. She went on to complete the prestigious Directing Program at Second City where she also performed, taught improv and comedy writing, and assistant directed the main stage. Stacey is the creator of Ruby Rocket, Private Detective, an improvised noir comedy live show, podcast, web cartoon, and now comic book with artist Sam Neimann. Stacey also uses improv to help blue chip corporations better understand and communicate their brand stories. Over the past 18 years, Stacey has worked with 200 brands including Fossil, Old Spice, Cheerios, Shure, Adobe, and many more. https://www.rubyrocketpi.com/