Episodes

  • Playing the Verb

    Playing the Verb
    Nov 22 2024
    In this episode, Rob and Adam open up the Backline Mailbag to answer listener questions about Rob's book Improvising Now: A Practical Guide to Modern Improv and the new concept of "The Act of ..." Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    38 mins
  • A Comprehensive Guide to All Shortform Games – Part Two

    A Comprehensive Guide to All Shortform Games – Part Two
    Nov 11 2024
    This week Adam and Rob, use extensive metrics and data (definitely not just their opinion) to determine an ongoing ranking system for all shortform games. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Auditions and Disappointment

    Auditions and Disappointment
    Nov 4 2024
    After a big audition, it's not uncommon to be disappointed with the results. This week Adam and Rob discuss their own feelings about rejection, disappointment, and feeling lost. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    52 mins
  • Control

    Control
    Oct 9 2024
    Built into the fabric of improv is going with the flow, not thinking ahead, and letting go of control. But being completely "out of control" isn't a good thing either? This week, Rob and Adam discuss the need to control what happens next. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    53 mins
  • Teaching Your First Workshop

    Teaching Your First Workshop
    Oct 1 2024
    Eventually, every improv professional needs to teach their first class. But what about? How do you pick a topic? How do you make that workshop successful? Is there any pitfalss to avoid? In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss teaching your first workshop. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    48 mins
  • The Problem with Strong Characters

    The Problem with Strong Characters
    Sep 23 2024
    Strong characters! It's whatever everyone wants to do onstage. In this episode, Rob and Adam go over techniques, tricks and tips for better characters. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    57 mins
  • The Unteachables

    The Unteachables
    Aug 21 2024
    Can improv be taught? What about funny? What about stage presence? What about "star power"? This episode Rob and Adam discuss what can and cannot be taught in the classroom and the mysterious, and amorphous qualities make for a great improviser. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    56 mins
  • Sex, Lies, and Improv Videotape

    Sex, Lies, and Improv Videotape
    Aug 15 2024
    This episode Rob and Adam discuss the powers of game tape, the shame of watching yourself, and how to challenge yourself to be a better player. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    54 mins