If you've been in an improv group for a while, you’ve most likely hit a consistency level with your shows. This is a good thing. But it can also be a trap. When some groups get to the point where they’re consistently doing good shows, they’re usually happy with this and seem to go on auto pilot. […]
There is a saying I’ve heard that goes: "Don't quit before the miracle." But when you’re in the arts and creating shows, how do you know how long you have to wait? I have been doing the podcast Improv Nerd for over five years. I’ve had some really big name guests. I’ve toured with the show all […]
As you know, jealousy and self-defeating attitudes are something that has plagued me for my entire improv career. For years, whenever someone else got something I wanted, I judged them for it, and whenever a new opportunity presented itself to me, I would immediately assume that I wasn't good enough to get it. Oy. Courtney […]
When Betsy was born, people said stupid things to me like, "You are going to learn a lot from her." I was so annoyed by that, why, I can't tell you, but they were right. So far she has taught me about patience and unconditional love and how to survive on a minimal amount of […]
The other day I was on Facebook and read a post by one of my favorite improvisers: Stacey Smith. If you don't know her, she is a gifted performer, super positive and a hard worker. She lives in Chicago -- a city that has more opportunities than most for improvisers. Her post was brutally honest […]
Actors are often skeptical of taking an improv class. I can’t tell you how many actors tell me “I am a serious actor. Why do I need to take an improv class?” Or they say, “I’m not funny,” “It scares me,” or “I wouldn’t be any good at it.” Actors avoid taking improv classes for lots […]
I have known Bill Arnett for some time. I think I first became aware of him when I was teaching at iO Chicago. Bill has always been a thoughtful improviser, teacher and director with a stellar reputation. As a fan of his improv blog, I was excited to find out that he recently put together […]
We have all been in those improv scenes where we suffered from the talking statue syndrome. You know, where two improvisers are frozen in the same positions while trying to exchange witty banter. This is improv purgatory. Remember, live improv is not the same as a podcast. It’s a three-dimensional art form, and we have […]
Comedy, acting, and improv can be a hard business. There are so many disappointments and so much rejection that we often forget to give ourselves credit for even showing up. I know I do. I cannot tell you how many times I have been out with a group of friends and someone will have a […]
I love Chinese food, and even though I don't eat sugar, I love opening the fortune cookies at the end. The little pieces of wisdom are the perfect way to end a great meal. So now that the year is coming to a close, I decided we should wrap things up with some improv wisdom […]