Jive Turkey is Chris Ulrich and Joe Randazzo. They've been working on a two-man format where all the worlds connect. There's certainly a through-line of a plot here - finding one character's spouse, trying to have a threesome with said spouses, etc. - but what I like here is that the worlds are more connected by […]
A "Blackout" is a short scene with one big punchline. In sketch, or in improv with a tuned-in booth operator, the lights would go out on stage after the punchline, designating the end of the scene and earning the name "blackout." Blackouts are fun. They can help vary the pacing of a long-form show. They […]
Want to see a Monoscene? Here's a good one. Greg Tindale, Jordan Hirsch, Amanda Hirsch and Sean Murphy of the Washington, DC based group Hijinx took one suggestion and built a great work of character and relationships out of it. Check it out. [wpvideo Q7ARBujL]
I love watching these guys play. "Play" being the operative word. [wpvideo 2PrQMKfU]
The Johnsons' suggestion was "Cat Food." Thus, Cat Videos. The whole show is worth watching and is included at the bottom of this post. But first: Mr. Mittens. [wpvideo NdNpnKCD]
I get excited every time Alan Volmer and Jonathan Nelson start a scene together. They're able to create rich character with rich worlds expressed through rich reactions on a dime. This scene begins beautifully, with Alan establishing some physical business and Jonathan establishing a Personal Game for himself. When Alan references his prediliction for spider […]
Tertiary Player Good Faith Mantra – I will only enter a scene in progress to serve what has already been established. If you're entering a scene in progress, that scene is not about you. If you Walk On, you should only do so to heighten a reaction already perceived in the scene - feed a character's […]
Pimping. Fun. The audience knows the improviser is being forced into a situation where s/he has to contribute. The power of the expectation - what is s/he supposed to deliver, what is s/he supposed to be knowledgeable of - and the power of the moment -confidently accepting the challenge/endowment - lends the best pimping moments a "it […]
Don't let why keep you from following how. You don't have to decipher what you just saw, you just have to repeat and heighten it. And I so love when The Johnson's do something like this that I have to showcase it even if the video cuts off the width of the stage show. I'm […]
I (and the audience) loved this show from The Johnsons. It's a terrific showcase for their ability to find and build scenes together as an ensemble. [wpvideo rK6IDTZk] The Johnsons are: Scott Beckett, Shawn Hambright, Townsend Hart, John Hilowitz, Jonathan Nelson, Lauren Serpa and Alan Vollmer