I love watching documentaries and reading biographies about artists because I always get a couple of nuggets of inspiration. That’s why I originally started doing the podcast Improv Nerd so I could learn from other successful improvisers. This summer I watched a lot of documentaries, and here are three that I wanted to share with you that I thought you would like as much […]
It doesn't matter if you are an improviser, a stand-up, an actor or a writer -- we all are looking to be more creative. And if you are looking to be more creative one of the best things you can do is find a way to collaborate with others. Thank God I have been brainwashed by […]
Lauren and I read a lot of library books to my four-and-half-year-old daughter, Betsy. Recently one night we read a new one called Alex's Good Fortune, by Benson Shum. The plot goes like this: Alex invites her friend Ethan over to her house for Chinese New Year, and (spoiler alert) we learn about all of the things […]
This month it's been nine years since I started writing this blog. It was not my idea. It was Lauren's. She thought it would help with marketing my improv classes and workshops. Like most of the good ideas I get from Lauren, or anyone else, my first reaction was to resist. So the first blog I […]
Whether you work in a creative field or not, we all have a human need to be creative on a regular basis, for our hearts and our souls. When we find ways to express our creativity, we are lighter, things don't bother us as much, we are easier to be around, we are more fulfilled, and […]
As improvisers, we are considered "creative types." Some of us may be quirky or even moody, but regardless of our personality, we are all after the same thing: to get in the creative flow. When we get into the flow, it’s like being a surfer riding a big wave, and it's exciting. Ideas just come to […]
If you’ve been acting or improvising for a while, you’ve probably learned that success as a performer always seems to ebb and flow. If your improv career is in a dry spell right now and you haven’t been landing any auditions and no one is asking you to be in their show, it’s easy to […]
Recently, I read a wonderful article by Madeline Wolfson about award-winning playwright, actor, and sometimes improviser Tracy Letts. In it, he gave 10 pieces advice on how to live a more creative life. I liked it so much, I have included the link. Now, I’m no Tracy Letts, but I like to think I’m a […]
Lately, I have been trying my hand at stand-up and storytelling, doing some open mics around the city. So far, the results have been mixed, but where I am starting to see it pay off is in my improv. Doing things outside of improv only makes you a better improviser. A lot of times I […]
Are you an improviser who has had your fill of zip-up hoodies and pairs of skinny jeans? If so, this year, we recommend that you ask Santa to bring you some books. These three non-improv books are must-haves for any improviser who wants to boost your creativity and improve your craft. And if Santa doesn’t […]