Have you ever watched an improv scene unfold and felt like you were witnessing a real-life magic trick? That's the power of the 'choose to know' philosophy in improvisation, as taught by the acclaimed actor and improviser Craig Cackowski. In this episode Lloydie sits down with Craig to discuss this transformative approach to improv that has the potential to not only solve common scene issues but also to leave audiences spellbound... and then tries it out with a group of improvisers to see how it differs from a "Yes And" exercise. Guest: Craig Cackowski Take a class with him in LA: https://wgi ..read more

Is the initiation of a scene all that important? How do we make a good start? What are different ways of starting off? This episode we delve into the essence of what makes a good scene start. Guest Rob Norman shares his wisdom on the importance of the "first breath" of a scene, the power of emotions over words, and the necessity of making bold choices on stage. We explore the nuanced craft of initiating scenes and the struggles of overcoming improviser's politeness. This episode offers a fresh perspective on creating compelling scenes that resonate both with fellow performers and the audience ..read more

Step behind the curtain with Lloydie on the Improv Chronicle as he lifts the lid on a situation impacting a growing number in the improv community: burnout. Lloydie connects with Laura, a member of the Glasgow improv scene and producer of Edinburgh International Improv Festival, and David Raitt, a Toronto improviser with decades of experience, to discuss the fine line between passion and exhaustion. This episode looks at the resilience of creative people navigating the demands of performance, administration, and personal well-being in improvisational comedy. In this episode you hear: Laura Ho ..read more

Navigating the nuances of forming an improv team can be as complex as a well-crafted scene. In this episode of The Improv Chronicle Podcast, we delve deep into the essentials of team dynamics, commitment levels, and the alchemy of personalities that can make or break a group's chemistry. Hear insights from improvisers who have been through the process of assembling and reassembling teams in the ever-evolving landscape of improv. In this episode you hear from: Jack Cross - Rhymes Against Humanity and The Improclaimers, Nottingham (UK) Jeanette Bird-Bradley - Rhymes Against Humanity, Nottingha ..read more

How does acting training help improvisers? Three improvisers who trained as actors share what acting training can give improvisers to help make their shows better - and how improv helps their acting too. On this episode you hear: Eleanor Stankiewicz - IG: @elestankiewicz / @thenewlywedsimprov / linktr.ee/elestankiewicz Anděl Sudik - yesandel.com Dan Simpson - itsdansimpson.com Host: Lloydie James Lloyd - an improviser based in Nottingham, England Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Help the Improv Chronicle make more episodes. Your small donation makes a big differ ..read more

A new year, new you? Looking to supercharge your improv with some tips from great improvisers? The Improv Chronicle has got you covered. In the last four and a half years, this podcast has spoken to a lot of improvisers and gained a lot of insights. This podcast and chosen a few of those insights, some of which haven't been heard before, and put together a series of tips and things to think about for 2024. Here's to a great new year of improvisation. Guests (in order of appearance): Rob Norman - The Backline Podcast / Second City Patti Styles - https://www.pattistiles.com/ Dave Pasquesi - TJ ..read more

What's the point of putting a bunch of students on stage after they have been learning improv for a series of weeks? How much does it add to their learning and how do we set these shows up for success. Hear from Lloydie's students after their most recent end of term show, and from improv teachers with advice on making a student show a success. This episode features: Rick Andrews - Magnet Theater NYC Chelsea Clarke - UCB Theatre NYC This podcast seeks to be a useful part of your improv experience - if you value that, please consider donating to help it continue here: https://ko-fi.com/improvc ..read more

How can we use lighting and sound better in our improv. In this episode, you hear from two improvisers who also do tech and who give you a view from the tech box. This episode aims to help on-stage improvisers and improv teams think more about their tech. You will hear from: Cleo Pettitt - Lloydie's cousin and a professional set and costume designer Charlotte Brown Matt Holman Host: Lloydie James Lloyd Podcast Theme: Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly Get the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - https://improvchronicle.substack.com/ Dona ..read more

Is the medium of improv too often confused with the genre of improv? Surely improv isn’t one thing in the same way that theatre isn’t one thing. The genre is not the medium. This episode explores how we make the distinction between improv and styles of improv. Guests: Jim Fishwick (Jetpack Theatre / ITS / New Zealand Improv Festival - Insta: @fimjishwick) Hannah Platts (Tiny Stories / Rhymes Against Humanity / Date Night) Will Naameh (MC Hammersmith / Spontaneous Players / Shamilton / Baby Wants Candy) Get the world of improv in your inbox every week with the Improv Chronicle Newsletter - ht ..read more

Why is it that some improvisers avoid playing with an older improviser, or when they do get to play with them, they make them their grandparents? Given some of the most famous, gifted improvisers who sell out shows are over the age of 60, why do peculiar attitudes around age still exist in our art form? This episode you hear from: Kathy Rinaldi - ImprompTwo, Sarasota, Florida Shaun Landry - The Ledge Theatre, LA The u3a group, Market Harborough, UK Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-improv-chronicle-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more