It’s nice to write a blog every once in a while when you don't have all the answers. This time, I’m going to you for answers, because one thing I’ve learned over the years is if I’m struggling with something, there are other people out there who have struggled with it, too. And if I’m willing […]
If you don't take care of yourself in this exciting, yet taxing art form you will be toast. Toast does not perform well on stage – it’s dry, and flat and doesn't have much flavor. If you want to avoid the toast syndrome, one of the best ways is through a little self-care. Self-care is […]
A couple weeks ago, I talked about the importance of doing improv warm-up games before your classes, workshops and rehearsals. Today, I wanted to share three warm-up games that I have been using for some time that I found to be very helpful. Like improv itself, there is no right or wrong way to play […]
From time to time, a fan of this blog or the podcast will contact me directly and ask me an improv-related question. Recently, I received a question about how to know if you should pursue improv seriously, and I decided to share it because it's something I believe everyone in improv, comedy and acting has […]
When it comes to teaching improv, I am old school. Though I have evolved as a teacher and performer over the years, one thing that has not changed since I started teaching is that I love beginning each improv class or workshop with a series of warm-up games. Warm-up games are essential. This is something I learned from one of my […]
Last week, I did it. I finally did it. After five years of auditioning for Chicago P.D., I landed a part, a nice speaking part with lines. It was playing a prison guard. Which is not only in my wheel house, it’s apparently my calling in life. One of my first parts I ever got in TV […]
As improvisers, we always want to be pushing ourselves to improve and to find ways to continue to up our game. And if you’re interested in improving, there’s nothing that can help more than getting notes after an improv show. But the process of getting and giving notes is not as easy as it seems. […]
Lately I’ve been noticing that there are a few basic roadblocks that many improvisers have in their scene work that prevent them from getting ahead in their improv. Each of these things is easy to change, and I guarantee by making a few of these simple adjustments, you’ll be able to take your scenes from […]
If you were watching the Academy Awards on Sunday, you know that Jordan Peele won an Oscar for Best Original Screen Play for his movie, Get Out. I didn’t get to watch the awards live, but as soon as I found out on Facebook I was really happy for him and proud, since Jordan was part of […]
If you are performing an improv show, you may think that the only thing that will determine whether or not you have a good show is how well your group performs on stage. But the truth is, there is a lot more that goes into having a good show – including the pre-show music, how […]