If you’re an improviser who thinks you don’t need to really know anything about acting, I have news for you: You do. While most actors also train in improv, many improvisers are hesitant to try their hand at acting classes. The problem is, when you’re finally cast in a sketch show or other (semi) rehearsed […]
You would think as an improviser I would like to play in my everyday life. You would think I would at least know how to have fun and be silly. I am sorry to disappoint, but I don't. A couple of weekends ago it became very clear that this might be becoming a problem. On Saturday afternoon, my […]
I’ve been doing improv for more than 30 years, so I’ve had lots of time to think about it. And I’ve come to realize there are lots of great pieces of improv wisdom that can help people on stage and in their lives. So about a year ago, I started jotting down these little gems […]
We recently held a little contest to win a free spot in my upcoming workshop. We asked improvisers to tell us about a time that they had bombed, and what they learned from it. Like every improviser, I've had more than my share of shows where I have bombed. I have not only bombed on stage, […]
If you have been doing improv for a while you will eventually get a chance to audition for some pretty cool stuff. Stuff you will really want to get. It may be for a Harold team, or a show, or if you’re lucky, even bigger things like a role on TV or film. Some stuff you will […]
Has this ever happened to you? After a string of great shows you get tons of compliments, but instead of being happy you start to worry... will you be able to keep it up? You've raised the bar on your improvising so high that if you don't deliver you will disappoint. You're paralyzed in your fear. […]
Have you ever been sick of improv? Like, just over it? I am right now, and I hope I’m not alone with this one. I have been improvising pretty much my whole life, and right now I am sick of it. I have lost my passion. Frankly, I’m just bored with it, and when I feel like […]
I have yet to have a student in one of my improv classes or workshops come up to me and say, "Hey, can you just point out the good stuff I do today?" Nope, it’s always the opposite: "Hey, can you please tell me the things I'm doing wrong? I can take it. You can […]
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In this latest episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy talks to Scott Morehead of the Second City e.t.c. cast and the Late ’90s at iO Chicago. Jimmy talks to him about his journey to a resident company at Second City, asking for what you want and becoming a dad.
Improvisers are told all the time how important is to "give gifts to your scene partners," but are rarely shown how, leaving them dazed and confused. I am no different. At times I am confused by it, too. Certainly, I been around long enough that I know a good gift on stage when I see one, […]