The Improv Chronicle Podcast

Clowns are making a comeback, and their impact on the world of improv is undeniable. In this episode, Lloydie explores the resurgence of clowning and its influence on improvisation. He speaks with several improvisers who integrate clowning into their practice to understand the overlap, the differences, and the essence of clowning.Guests:Lee Kennedy – Clown and Middle Banana at Club Wormhole https://www.instagram.com/club_wormhole/Andel Sudik – Improviser and Teacher https://www.yesandel.com/Isaac Charles Kessler – Clown and Improviser https://www.instagram.com/isaackessler/Host:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle

Not many improv projects start with a trip to the Arctic and then end up trying to save the world. In this episode, Lloydie delves into the unique and inspiring journey of "We Built This City on Rock'n Coal," a climate change improv science comedy touring show. This initiative is touring the west coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland, aiming to make the climate crisis more accessible and engaging through comedy and improv. Find out more at http://www.rockandcoal.ie/ Guests:Jessamyn Fairfield – Improviser and ScientistKaty Schutte – Improviser, Writer, and Theatre MakerHost:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle

David Escobedo, a PhD candidate and the mind behind the Improv Boost website, joins Lloydie to explore the complexities of maintaining individuality while fostering group collaboration. They discuss the balance between contributing one's unique voice and accommodating others, the unintentional nature of assimilation, and the impact it has on storytelling diversity.Guest:David EscobedoHost:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle

This is a special bonus episode showcasing a brand new podcast: Kornfeld and Andrews: The Radio Plays.Subscribe to hear more episodes at podfollow.com/kornfeldandandrewsTwo co-workers need to sharpen the important presentation they have to make, but both appear to be lost in the corporate machine, while simultaneously being in the work restrooms.Improvised by:Louis KornfeldRick AndrewsProduced by:Lloydie James Lloyd

What happens when one artist takes up too much space? This episode, Lloydie dives into the delicate dance of sharing the spotlight. We hear from Swedish improviser Hjalmar Hardestam who reflects on the fine line between supporting scenes and steamrolling them. As he recounts his experiences from the Robin Hood International Improv Festival, we're offered a glimpse into the self-awareness required to balance personal drive with ensemble harmony.We also meet Autumn Unwin, who candidly shares her journey from a newbie to a seasoned improviser with a passion for inclusivity. Both guests explore the nuances of stage dynamics, from the pitfalls of hogging the limelight to the challenges of coaxing reluctant performers into joining the fun on stage.Guests:Hjalmar HardestamAutumn UnwinHost:Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio Dragonfly

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 CackowskiTake a class with him in LA: https://wgimprovschool.com/teachers/view/34Check out the two-person show he does with his wife Carla: https://orangetuxedoimprov.com/Host: Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle

In a groundbreaking move, two improv theaters from different cities forge a unique collaboration, setting the stage for a new era of improvisational comedy. This episode takes you on a journey from Chicago to Brooklyn as Lloydie explores the partnership between the iO Theater and the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of how these institutions are creating a dynamic bridge, facilitating the exchange of performers, teachers, and students. Hear from Steve Plock, General Manager of iO Theater, and Philip Markle, Artistic Director of the BCC, as they discuss the genesis of this sister theater relationship and its potential to reshape the improv landscape. From fostering talent to nurturing international connections, this episode uncovers the enthusiasm and the strategic moves that hope to invigorate the community and celebrate the art of improv.In this episode you hear from:Steve Plock - General Manager, iO TheaterPhilip Markle - Artistic Director and Founder, Brooklyn Comedy CollectiveHosted by Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle

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.In this episode you hear from:Rob Norman - Author and Improviser - "Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improv"Episode hosted and produced by Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improvhttps://www.amazon.com/Improvising-Now-Practical-Guide-Modern/dp/1505912336 The Backline Podcasthttps://backline.podbean.com/The Complete Improviser by Bill Arnetthttps://www.amazon.com/Complete-Improviser-Bill-Arnett/dp/1541172817Improv Chronicle Newsletterhttps://www.improvchronicle.com/

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 Hotchkiss - EIIF - https://www.edimprovfest.com/aboutDavid Raitt - The Improv Illusionist - https://improvillusionist.com/ Hosted by Lloydie James LloydPodcast Theme:Composed by Chris Stevens at Studio DragonflySupport The Improv Chronicle Podcast by donating or sponsoring an episode. Your contribution helps us continue to share the stories and wisdom of improvisers from around the globe. https://ko-fi.com/improvchronicle