I have been involved in a bit of controversy around some of my Facebook posts. I have heard through others people that some of my friends are concerned, they think I am ruining my reputation, sharing too much information or having another break down. On the most recent episode of Improv Nerd podcast, we turned […]
In theory, using a suggestion that an audience member throws out at the top of an improv scene should be easy. But in the hands of inexperienced of improvisers, a simple suggestion can cause an entire scene to fall flat. Often, improvisers either over complicate the suggestion, taking themselves out of the moment, or they […]
Is your goal in improv to never have a bad show, scene, class or rehearsal? If so you are doomed. Get out while you can. Improvising is not an exact science. You are never going to master it. That’s why some of us are in it for life. What you need to be striving for […]
We have all been that person stuck on the back line during an improv show terrified to step out and do a scene. We stand there, unable to move our bodies. We’re paralyzed, convinced we have been crazy-glued to the back wall, and we only become unstuck when the show is over. Sometimes we are […]
Jimmy Carrane is pleased to announce the release of his second book, Improv Therapy: How to Get Out of Your Own Way To Become a Better Improviser, on May 4. Improv Therapy is an honest and insightful book about the things improvisers don’t want to discuss: their feelings. The book takes a look at the […]
We have all been there. Something happens during the day that rattles us: a break up, a jerky boss at our day job, a fight with a friend. It’s emotional and we can’t shake it. Then that night we have to trot off to improv class, or worse, we have to do a show and […]
Dealing with group dynamics in an improv group can be complicated. You’re dealing with egos and sensitive personalities, as well as a lot of people who probably came from dysfunctional families. In my experience, most problems in improv groups occur when the group hasn’t authorized itself as a group. Basically, the group is wishy-washy about […]
I have gotten to work with some pretty incredible people over the years in improv, as a performer, a teacher and a director. And I will tell you this in all sincerity: The best part of improvising has been the people. This is an art form based in community, and I think one of my […]
Anyone who’s taken an improv class has probably heard the teacher say "play to the top your intelligence," and if you are like most improvisers, you’re not quite sure what they mean. Believe me, I’ve been saying that in my classes for more than 20 years and sometimes I’m confused by it. If you asked ten […]
If you are anything like me and you suffer any kind of disappointment in your improv career, you want to quit. Immediately. Change your phone number. Move out of state. Go into the witness protection program. I am there right now. I suffered a big blow to my ego last week, and now I am […]