Improv Comedy Institute Podcast
15 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago -At the Improv Comedy Institute we love improv and, in our podcast, we talk to guests who love it just as much as we do. We believe that improv changes lives–a theme constantly reenforced by the stories and discussions you'll hear within. Whether you're a teacher, a student or just a fan, join us to celebrate this incredible art form.
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Episodes
Billy Merritt
June 01, 2020 19:05 - 33 minutes - 38.4 MBJeff connects with UCB bigwig–Billy Merritt, co-author of the recent improv book "Pirate Robot Ninja" (with Will Hines). Billy chats about the early days of Upright Citizens Brigade, having been trained by all four of the founders. As a primer, Billy gives us explanations of the book's concepts as well as the core UCB methodology. Other topics include Rupert Holmes, ventriloquism and Rhode Island Clam Chowder. Buy Pirate Robot Ninja Follow Billy on Twitter (@BillyMerritt) Watch UCB Come...
Stacey Hallal
May 25, 2020 20:23 - 44 minutes - 50.7 MBJeff connects with Curious Comedy Theater founder and everyone's favourite improviser - the brilliant and hilarious Stacey Hallal. Stacey's shares her story of how she made her way through different jobs, leading up to the formation of the theatre in 2008. Grab yourself a coffee and listen up - this is one very inspiring episode.
Mark Sutton
May 19, 2020 01:48 - 34 minutes - 39.7 MBJeff has a conversation with improv heavyweight Mark Sutton. Mark is a Chicago-based performer, instructor and director; perhaps most notable for his co-founding of the Annoyance Theatre. In addition to this, Mark is the Learning Designer and Lead Facilitator of Second City Chicago and had spent several years as the Artistic Director for the Chicago Improv Festival. In this very educational episode they discuss the origins of the Annoyance Theatre (including its namesake), Bassprov (his pa...
Denise Jones
May 11, 2020 21:33 - 30 minutes - 35 MBJeff chats with Vancouver based improviser, actor, writer, director and teacher, Denise Jones. Denise is a powerhouse performer and can be seen regularly performing at Vancouver TheatreSports™, touring with the Comic Strippers or playing in her own show "The Love of Your Life: An Improvised True Romance". Denise was also the Artistic Director of Vancouver TheatreSports™ for five years. You will enjoy getting to know this talented and hilarious performer.
Michael Teigen
May 04, 2020 19:20 - 29 minutes - 34.2 MBJeff converses with one of the coolest people we know–Michael Teigen. Michael is a very experienced actor and improviser from Vancouver, BC. His journey is fascinating as it includes high school drama, New York acting training and kidney donation. There are so many great stories in this episode that we wanted to include some additional links. Check them out: Check out more information on Michael Teigen and his movie career on his website or his IMDB page. Learn more about Green Shirt D...
Daniel Chai
April 27, 2020 22:30 - 32 minutes - 37.6 MBJeff chats with improviser, actor, writer, format creator, producer and Vancouver TheatreSports™ alumnus–Daniel Chai. Daniel shares his improv journey and includes some wonderful tips for those folks who are keen on starting or producing their own shows. You can find Daniel at one of the many improv shows in Vancouver presented by The Fictionals or listen for him on the podcast he co-hosts with Jeff Porter called The Fear of Science. Thanks for visiting us, Daniel!
Brian Anderson
April 20, 2020 21:00 - 31 minutes - 36 MBJeff converses with brilliant improviser, actor, director, show creator, magician and science guy—Brian Anderson. Brian is one of the smartest and kindest improvisers that we know. Brian talks about his journey from being a university computer science wiz kid to the bright lights of main stage at Vancouver TheatreSports™. He shares a lot of wisdom and encouragement along the way.
Denalda Williams
April 11, 2020 01:00 - 33 minutes - 38.6 MBJeff catches up with improv legend and actor, Denalda "Denny" Williams. If you have ever seen Denalda perform you know she is a powerhouse of talent on stage. Denalda talks about her time in the early days of Vancouver TheatreSports™ amongst many other fascinating stories.
Pearce Visser
March 28, 2020 16:00 - 32 minutes - 37.2 MBJeff chats with long-time Vancouver TheatreSports™ ensemble member and instructor Pearce Visser. Pearce is also a co-founder of Queerprov and a core member of the touring group–the Comic Strippers. Tap into Pearce's vast knowledge of improv, acting and mixology. --- Monkey's Lunch Recipe Ingredients: • 1/2 shot coffee liqueur • 1 shot banana liqueur • milk • ice Preparation: Pour coffee liqueur. Add banana liqueur. Top off with milk and ice.
Lauren McGibbon
March 14, 2020 00:15 - 35 minutes - 41.6 MBJeff catches up with hilarious actor, improviser, stand-up comedian and sketch writer/performer–Lauren McGibbon. Lauren performs and teaches at Vancouver TheatreSports™ and the Improv Comedy Institute. You may also know her from her work in A Series of Unfortunate Events, Trial and Error and Freaky Friday.
Rob Norman
March 05, 2020 21:29 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MBJeff catches up with the acclaimed writer, director, actor, improviser, Torontonian and podcast host–Rob Norman. Rob performs and teaches at Second City and the Assembly. You may also know him from The Backline podcast and CBC's Personal Best. Follow Rob on Twitter (@RobTheNorman) and be sure to read his book Improvising Now.
Sarah Dawn Pledge
January 17, 2020 01:22 - 31 minutes - 36.4 MBJeff talks with the wonderful Sarah Dawn Pledge about her journey as an actor and as an improviser. We hear about some "high times" she has experienced, some amazing adventures she has had in a remote community in British Columbia and why she loves teaching so much. You can learn more about Sarah Dawn's teaching and acting on her Facebook page at Sarah Dawn Pledge - Actor and Improv Comedian.
Hugh McLeod
November 15, 2019 20:00 - 26 minutes - 30.8 MBJeff talks with improv legend Hugh McLeod - creator of Staircase Theatre, also known as Hamilton's (Ontario) Arts Incubator. Hugh has a fascinating journey in improv. It involves practicing medicine, building his own theatre and putting improv on the early web at LearnImprov.com. You can learn more about Hugh by checking out his improv theatre in Hamilton, Ontario. Visit The Staircase Theatre for all the details. If you would like to peruse one of the world's first improv game sites, go to ...
Hugh MacLeod
November 15, 2019 20:00 - 26 minutes - 30.8 MBJeff talks with improv legend Hugh MacLeod - creator of Staircase Theatre, also known as Hamilton's (Ontario) Arts Incubator. Hugh has a fascinating journey in improv. It involves practicing medicine, building his own theatre and putting improv on the early web at LearnImprov.com. You can learn more about Hugh by checking out his improv theatre in Hamilton, Ontario. Visit The Staircase Theatre for all the details. If you would like to peruse one of the world's first improv game sites, go to...
Joe Bill
October 30, 2019 19:00 - 34 minutes - 39.6 MBJeff sits down with improv legend Joe Bill to discuss all things improv, as well as to which Harry Potter house he belongs. Be sure to check out all the amazing workshops and shows that Joe Bill is doing on Facebook at Joe Bill Teaches!