Mischief Improv
63 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsFollow the start of an improv team in Chester, England. David Escobedo has been performing improv since 1995 and has directed/produced 100's of improv shows ranging from Long Form to Short Form, and from Street Performances to Happenings. This podcast will give you the Warm-Up's, Exercises and some of the challenges that arise from promoting, producing an improv team consisting of many people who have never heard of improv before! This documentation occurs as a requirement from his Master's Thesis from University of Chester and in conjunction with his internship at Storyhouse
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Mischief Managed Episode 47 - "How We View Improv as Permanent"
March 24, 2021 12:45 - 3 minutes - 8.99 MBIn art form that is so temporary, we have a tendancy to view aspects of it as permanent. We think an improv team will last forever, or take classes with only one person... improv is organic. It stops, and starts. If you need to take a break, go ahead. If you want to switch teams, go ahead. If you want to change the style of your team, go ahead. The practice and study of improv is as ethereal as the show. Allow your journey to ebb and flow, like your improv sets.
Mischief Managed Episode 46 - "Leadership"
March 24, 2021 12:27 - 43 minutes - 100 MBI did a study for fun. I looked at communities and how communities interact with one another like organisms in an ecosystem. This is a portion of that ecosystem when talking about "leadership."
Mischief Managed Episode 45 - "Rediscovering Listening"
January 13, 2021 13:37 - 7 minutes - 17.5 MBHow many improv workshops deal with "listening?" Like a ton of them. One of the issues we have with online improv is that the skills we used to use in person (observation, peripheral vision, etc) we can't use in online improv. Online improv is different - and it should be. It should have the same differences as a live play to a movie. I talk about rediscovering listening, and how odd it is that some improviser are so resistent fo evolve.
Mischief Managed Episode 44 – “USP and Branding"
November 21, 2020 16:55 - 11 minutes - 25.5 MBWhat is your brand? Your unique selling point? And why is that a benefit!
Mischief Managed Episode 43 – “Just Pick Something”
September 14, 2020 11:40 - 10 minutes - 24 MBFirstly and leastly, I talk about this entire podcast and why I started it. It’s all about DOCUMENTATION!! Which made me think I want to do a whole episode on “documentation.” Then we get into the heart of the podcast which is the concept of “stop trying to find something, and just pick something.” Sounds simple. In some respects it is MUCH MORE simple than we make it. In other respects the difficulty of finding something, comes from finding it as a group – not an individual.
Mischief Managed Episode 43 - "Systematic Racism in Larger Improv Groups"
September 02, 2020 12:35 - 15 minutes - 35.6 MBI have been noticing a few trends in larger improv companies when addressing their lack of BIPOC representation on stage and as teachers. Leaders tend to use the same reasons across the board - and sometimes they are reasons for past behavior, as well as an excuse for future behavior.
Mischief Managed Episode 42 - "The Value of Class"
August 20, 2020 21:15 - 11 minutes - 25.8 MBThe value of class is not always what comes from the instructors. I do my best to make my workshops and classes have value beyond what I teach. In college and when taking classes at big improv institutions, I find the connections I make one of the most valuable experiences.
Mischief Managed Episode 41 – “Improv Community”
July 01, 2020 15:44 - 8 minutes - 12.3 MBThe problem with “Improv Community” is … In this podcast about improv, I talk about the Improv Community. No, I don’t just say why it’s bad – but I talk about why it’s not the faultless gold trophy so many people champion it to be. I have learned recently that the “community” can be wrong! Which is such an odd thing to say. I think it is. Hope you enjoy!
Mischief Managed Episode 40 – “lmdkfjne082f4rff”
June 29, 2020 10:46 - 9 minutes - 13 MBChaos. Chaos can lead to exploration in art. Also in improv, especially long form, the most impressive shows are not laugh-laugh-laugh, they are about “how did they do that?” Comedy is only a by-product of the process. Sometimes the laughter is misleading us to sacrifice the story or re-hash bits that everyone has already seen. Lean into the chaos. Enjoy it. Face it. Sometimes it leads to beautiful discoveries. lmdkfjne082f4rff
Mischief Managed Episode 39 – “Most Dynamic Parts of Your Body”
June 25, 2020 14:16 - 8 minutes - 15 MBFinally feeling like I’m getting back into the swing of producing things! Let’s talk about some of the physical tools you have when performing. Your hands and face – and WHY they are some of the most dynamic parts of your body. AND BONUS content at the end! Shhhh. It’s a surprise tip.
Mischief Managed Episode 38 – “Failures”
June 03, 2020 17:36 - 13 minutes - 18 MBI talk about my failures, and specific ones in the last few weeks. “Struggle” has always been a part of improv – either as the scene on stage or off stage as part of the company/team. We don’t talk about it too much because we avoid vulnerability and we want “brand trust.” If I run a team, I want people to trust we are going to be successful every show. If run an improv company, I want students/audience members to trust my product and talking about failure *may* challenge that. I talk abou...
Mischief Managed Episode 37 – “Love and Conflict”
May 26, 2020 11:51 - 6 minutes - 8.55 MBRecently inspired by opening my own book, “This Improv Book”, to a random page and reading it. It’s funny because so much has happened (covid19, beginning my PhD, moving) since I published it earlier this year, and I’ve been reading so many other things for my degree that I have forgotten about what I wrote. I read it and think “I totally agree with that!” Why not? I wrote it! Lol. I talk about a passage from my book, called “Pro Tips” – which is meant in a tongue in cheek way. Hope you...
Mischief Managed Episode 36 – “Reminded of Courage”
May 07, 2020 14:28 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MBHad an epiphany while recording this. I talk about how the first third of an improv set should have confidence and not an anxious search for the plot. Writing a contract at the beginning of the show makes it “more comfortable“ for the performers because then they have a more clearly defined scale of a “successful show.” Did we do what we promised at the beginning? But usually those contracts are written by the more domineering members of the group. Which means they typically are always s...
Mischief Managed Episode 35 – “Keith Hyland”
May 02, 2020 14:40 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MBInterview with Keith Hyland of Broken Chair Improv and Liverpool Comedy Improv. Keith has come to improv more recently, but with a plethora of acting/performing experience. He is truly a giant energy to watch on stage, and his teams love him. He is great at finding a character within milliseconds of stepping on stage, and then still being flexible with that character depending on where the show goes. Very happy I got to know Keith a bit better and I look forward to working with him after...
Mischief Managed Episode 34 – “John Guelke”
April 13, 2020 11:45 - 42 minutes - 58.5 MBSince we’re not having rehearsals right now, I thought I’d do a couple interviews. I have always enjoyed working with John Guelke. He has a very unique style and an awesome perspective on improv and art. Hope you enjoy it! (I sure did)
Mischief Managed Episode 33 – “What Do I Share?”
April 03, 2020 09:38 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MBToday we go surfing … … the social media waves. I walk you through my process for sharing and commenting on social media pages. I run over 20 social media pages from FB to IG to Twitter (and a small number on YouTube). How do I make efficient use of my time? Well, I walk you through that. I also hope it shows what someone sees who is actively looking for improv teams/shows. Then compare this to people you are trying to reach who happen to be cruising social media *not* searching spe...
Mischief Managed Episode 32 – “10% of the Whole Activity”
March 26, 2020 17:41 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBI talk about how a lot of the reward is not what happens on stage. We focus so much on skills and shows that over the years the BEST thing about improv has been the people I’ve met. It’s about the experiences. It’s important for us to talk in the academic community. Those statistics and works is how many organizations validate improv in schools or in the workplace. They need to be able to quote stats. I also talk about my work on Buzzfeed Community! So excited. I like the work so far. ...
Mischief Managed Episode 31 – “Story Spine and Earn Your Wacky”
March 26, 2020 11:12 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MBLet’s talk a bit about being “plotty” and a great book I’m reading, “Do It Now” by Parallelagramophonograph in Austin, TX. The difference in narrative improv between Los Angeles and England is almost polarizing. How the community views “plot” is different and each has their own strength/weakness. I also talk about discovery a bit and how Brandon Sornberger taught the concept of “Earn Your Wacky.”
Mischief Managed Episode 30 – “Jo Sarginson”
January 31, 2020 14:57 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBI get to interview one of our newer cats members, Joanne Sarginson. She is a joy to work with! Her creativity and ability to justify moves is astounding. We talk a little bit about “energy” and how that affects a show.
Mischief Managed Episode 29 – “With Courage…”
January 30, 2020 17:16 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBMischief Managed Improv just performed as guests at Deacon Street Arts in Leicester. This reminded me to go over some tips of how to be a good guest team in another community. I also talk about dynamics – hitting different visual levels in a scene. Also how having new blood on a team of experienced players (no matter how experienced) is good for both! Experienced players may have fallen into habits or formulas and newer players bust those plateaus. Also, touch a bit on contradictrio...
Mischief Managed Episode 28 – “Liam Webber”
January 14, 2020 11:46 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBLiam and I had just performed in London at Hoopla Impro. We talk a bit about that performance but also talk about: When Should People Take Big Risks in Improv What Role Does the Audience Play Teaching Knowledge vs Constructivist Thinking It was a crazy great interview!
Mischief Managed Episode 26 – “First Regular Show: What a Crowd!”
January 14, 2020 10:54 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWe had our first regular show at the Lock Keeper in Chester – and what a huge response! I talk about that. But first I mention this Improv summit I’ve been working on, where we got representatives from improv teams from all over Liverpool, Manchester, and Bangor to come together to just talk. It was great. So happy to have met people face to face. Already talking about doing it again.
Mischief Managed Episode 27 – “First Regular Show: What a Crowd!”
January 14, 2020 10:54 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWe had our first regular show at the Lock Keeper in Chester – and what a huge response! I talk about that. But first I mention this Improv summit I’ve been working on, where we got representatives from improv teams from all over Liverpool, Manchester, and Bangor to come together to just talk. It was great. So happy to have met people face to face. Already talking about doing it again.
Mischief Managed Episode 26 – “Driving in Cars with Improvisers”
December 21, 2019 18:44 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBI was in San Diego, and I was fortunate enough to get to interview Vanessa Anton, again! Vanessa Anton is a teacher and performer with Cornerstone Improv in San Diego. She also travels around the world teaching workshops. This was recorded as we drove through San Diego. Vanessa a gem. #improv
Mischief Managed Episode 25 – “Sarcasm, Emotion and Take the High Road”
December 21, 2019 18:35 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBThis episode I talk about something very vulnerable to me personally. First off, we talk about conflict in improv teams. I give the three pronged advice of Sarcasm, Emotion and Take the High Road. Don’t use sarcasm Don’t use emotion – except for happiness and genuine sympathy Do take the high road I fail at this. I am only human. I also convey what my greatest fear is with regards to being the leader of Mischief Managed Improv. Please like, share … and recommend this podcast to a...
Mischief Managed Episode 24 – “Initials”
November 24, 2019 12:59 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBI made a blanket fort! In the best interest to mitigate echo. I talk a bit about “lying” during improv scenes and when character try to change each other. “Initials” is a game I invented for our team, and it works really well for any genre team! It can teach the tropes associated with that genre but also to deliver concepts as if they are real and without apology. “When I hear a good improv tip I TELT it everybody I know!” Let’s talk about TELT!
Mischief Managed Episode 23 – “Handshake Work”
November 15, 2019 12:45 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBLukas Kirkby guest coached us, and then we had a rehearsal where I introduced the Mischief Managed format to the new players. I go over some incredible moves the players did in supporting one another. We did the warm up I learned from Jay Sukow which is called The Handshake where the team invents a handshake. Moves within that handshake have to be representative of the people who are doing the handshake, then they have to teach that handshake to everyone else. First of all, the moves m...
Mischief Managed Episode 22 – “Too Beautiful To Stop”
October 27, 2019 13:37 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBWe’re back for Season 3. I’ll tell you how my non-auditions went, a little bit about our 4 new players and how we’re diving into Short Form as a way to learn more about Long Form. We learned how to “sell it” by playing New Choice, Pillars, Hesitation and Sentence Fragments. All of these games require the players to sell and justify an idea that isn’t theirs. That’s what makes it funny for the audience and fun for the players! So then we lean into that philosophy in a Long Form set. Take...
Mischief Managed Episode 0 – “Unplugged: Part 3”
September 01, 2019 11:21 - 38 minutes - 35 MBThis episode is a few rapid fire questions to Maggie Noland and David Elliot. I get to ask them things like: If there was an improv moved named after David Elliot, what would it be? If there was a short form game named after Maggie Nolan, what would it be? If you walked to the top of “improv guru mountain” and someone unexpected would be the “guru of improv” who would it be? What did you do better when your first started, that you sort of lost after doing it for so long? How can yo...
Mischief Managed Episode 0 – “Unplugged: Part 2”
August 21, 2019 16:05 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBPreviously we had asked two of our talented cast member Maggie Nolan and David Elliot “what is the pompous things improv performers talk about?” … when we talked about it. This time we asked, “what don’t improv performers talk ENOUGH about?” Give it a listen.
Mischief Managed Episode 0 – “Unplugged”
August 18, 2019 12:19 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBBetween seasons I interviewed two of my improv cast members, after some drinks. We get raw and honest about improv as a community and some skills. This is Improv UNPLUGGED! Maggie Nolan, David Elliot and I talk about our experiences in the improv community. This episode we discuss what we see people post a lot about online. We talk about what a lot of people seem to want to weigh in on ... but may have very little impact on their improv rehearsal! WELCOME TO SEASON 3 OF MISCHIEF MA...
Mischief Managed Episode 21 – “Improv ComicCon”
July 28, 2019 21:58 - 33 minutes - 31 MBLast show of the season, we had a great time visiting the incredible community in Nottingham. SOLD OUT SHOW! If your team has fun and gets along, you should do a tour! The van trip is so fun. Our final show was 10 months in the making and I talk about how the whole MissImp evening warmed up, then how we as a team warmed up. Mischief Managed Improv got to share the stage with Four From Far Away – a great improv team. Thank you for listening. This marks the end of our very first season a...
Mischief Managed Episode 20 – “G.R.R.”
July 16, 2019 22:07 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBLAST rehearsal of the season. We talk about “good” and then “fantastic” improv. The warm-ups include a name game taught to me by Stuart Moses of the Improv London Podcast. We use it as a method to organically find the game. Then we did an exercise that was HARRY POTTER TROPE + TWO LETTERS OF THE ALPHABET to help us continue to make specific names within the realm of the genre. An exercise I invented which is good just to get your minds into that world. We also talk about the difference ...
Mischief Managed Episode 19 – “Pineapple, Trump, Brexit and BLEEP”
July 12, 2019 18:26 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBThis episode I announce that my team operates in “seasons” much like a “theater season.” I go over the advantages this has as an improv leader as well as for the members of the cast. It eliminates a conflict. For our last rehearsal we worked on taking bad suggestions. Suggestions that are polarizing, repetitive or offensive, how to receive them and still honor them. Audience members want to feel like part of the show and the suggestion is usually their one time to interact directly. A...
Mischief Managed Episode 18 – “FORMATS: Monoscene”
July 05, 2019 15:09 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBOne of the tougher forms to pull off as a show piece in my opinion. A Monoscene is one location, no edits, no time jumps, and no exits. There are less meta-improv tools at your disposal, and the scrutiny of the success comes in really deep characters exploring specifics through dynamic relationships. The more people participating in the Monoscene increases the number of relationships. 2 people have 1 relationship. 3 people have 6 relationships! Then bringing in solid characters with poin...
Mischief Managed Episode 17 – “Words Won’t Save Us”
July 04, 2019 11:17 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB"How do you inject your idea into an ensemble scene?" An awesome question raised during one of our rehearsals. Words aren’t going to save us – object work and relationships will save us. I talk about an older improv philosophy “get to the action.” Which, over 20 years later, still has value. Improv is a language. It provides the grammar, wherein we provide the content. It doesn’t tell us what to say, or in what delivery style, it tells how to say it and how to better hear it.
Mischief Managed Episode 16 – “Ouija Lottery Ticket”
June 28, 2019 11:34 - 24 minutes - 22 MBThis episode comes after a rehearsal where everyone just made solid game moves. We did two warm ups into an exercise into a long form set. Our Warm Ups were: 5 Differences Character Monologue Exercise was: A Monoscene Yes, we did a long form format as an exercise to have that SKILL it exploits be brought further to the surface. Then ran into two forms of the Quest. Lots of GREAT NEW improv teams popping up! It’s a great time to begin your own team, or support a new team! ...
Mischief Managed Episode 15 – “Always Take a Little Improv Class on the Side”
June 18, 2019 15:06 - 17 minutes - 16 MBWe have been exploring the improv format known as “The Quest” which is great for thematic improv. It helps us stay on target and gives us a brilliant jumping off platform to explore a story. Our opening is a group scene paint – into a hero’s story. I also talk a bit about gatekeepers, and instead, riding the big improv wave that’s happening in England. It's always better to ride the wave or be a PART of the wave, than to try to funnel it for personal gain. We're stronger together. I al...
Mischief Managed Episode 14 – “Inspired by Jill Bernard”
May 29, 2019 17:30 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBTwo of Mischief Managed’s amazing cast members go over a list of improv tips shared online by Jill Bernard. Jill Bernard is synonymous with improv, and her blog, articles and workshops have inspired thousands of people around the world. She is a constant source of insight for improv scene work, but also the improv community. We go over only a few points she makes in a longer list with Monica Escobedo and Maggie Nolan. It proves to be a bonding experience and have some very serious moments...
Mischief Managed Episode 13 – “Lukas Kirkby”
May 28, 2019 10:16 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBI explain an exercise we invented that helps flex your “long form muscle.” This helps your team practice binding stories together and determine what truly is valuable to set up in the first few scenes. I also gush a bit about working with Lukas Kirkby and he runs a little Q & A with the Mischief Managed Improv Team.
Mischief Managed Episode 12 – “Play, Just to be Happy”
May 11, 2019 11:28 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBWe have a guest from the cast, Rodrigo, to talk about the cultural differences he has in being from Argentina and performing in an English improv team coached by an American improv teacher. We also discuss some of his favorite improv moves that his teammates make and why he enjoys performing with the Mischief Managed Improv team – even though he doesn’t consider himself a Harry Potter fan!
Mischief Managed Episode 11 – “Improv Super Powers”
May 01, 2019 22:11 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBThe end of this episode organically shifted to my group discussing how to view boundaries. It’s awesome. Before then I talk a bit about the British Improv Project, Copenhagen International Improv Festival and how I tried imbuing my cast with super powers!
Mischief Managed Episode 10 – “FORMATS: Funeral Service”
April 29, 2019 17:22 - 8 minutes - 8.16 MBLet’s explore another format! The Funeral Service, is a controlled long form show that highlights relationships and is best served when you play the reality of the scene instead of making it wacky. Didn’t have a rehearsal due to the holiday weekend, but looking forward to our next one! Thank you for listening and please share!
Mischief Managed Episode 9 –“School for Schools
April 10, 2019 22:10 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBI have an excellent guest on this episode. Phaedra is on the Mischief Managed team and has been a part of it from the beginning. We explore her background and some of the excellent moves she has made in scenes. It’s fascinating to hear what she does in her field (DNA) and how that is juxtaposed with her talent in performing improv. This will be one of the highlights to those of you who teach improv – hearing someone new to the field appreciate the skills improv highlights.
Mischief Managed Episode 8 – “Improv Teachers”
March 28, 2019 19:08 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBA tough rehearsal, where I take credit for all the challenges. The team still rocked through it and trusted each other. All teams will have a tough rehearsal – a rehearsal where people just don’t jell. Even through a tough rehearsal my team took big risks and trusted each other. I am beginning to train someone to teach improv. This allows me to define what virtues I think make a good teacher. I get into that, which explores the relationship between the improv teacher and their students...
Mischief Managed Episode 7 - "The Truth Is ..."
March 14, 2019 14:16 - 37 minutes - 50.8 MBVanessa Anton guests on this episode, and we talk about her coaching the team for International Women's Day. Our regular cast had the pleasure of working with several guests from other teams. After an online conversation with Dr. Ron Harvey, I decided to add an improv scene to this episode. After which we discuss specific moves in the scene and some tips on how we enter scenes. Great episode!
Mischief Managed Episode 6 – “FORMATS: Le Rhonde”
March 10, 2019 22:12 - 41 minutes - 56.5 MBLe Rhonde is an improv format where the performers edit and enter scenes in a specific order. All their storylines are related to one another, but never cross over – unless your team decides to do so. The order creates a circle and you at some point come back to the first person. I also go over how Long Form Formats typically capitalize on a few elements that are found across most long forms. Also, how practicing both Short Form and Long Form can benefit your team! Lastly, I also go off...
Mischief Managed Episode 5 – “Take a Moment Every Day and Just See Beauty”
March 05, 2019 11:54 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBI sol- WE BOTH solemnly swear we’re up to no good! I have another guest! Our warm-ups: Trust Circle Stretching Dog-Bark George Smith is my guest co-host for this episode. We deconstruct the last rehearsal and talk about some specific improv tactics. George and I touch on “justify and don’t normalize” and how relationship is more important than plot – because it will help you out more when the energy seems to dip in a scene. During the last rehearsal we ran a full Short Form set ...
Mischief Managed Episode 4 – “Give 100% to Your 10%”
February 26, 2019 11:13 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBKate Swift is my guest, co-host for this episode. Animagus Mandrake Roots House Elves We dissect the rehearsal and a bit of the show in Leeds. Kate is a brilliant student of improv, and has some observations that even people who have been doing this for years normally don’t notice. We talk about how trust comes from support. We mention a moment of great support in the rehearsal where Kate supported me with “oh that’s a great band!” This support creates trust, but it also shows th...
Mischief Managed Episode 3 – “FORMS: The Pretty Flower”
February 22, 2019 23:08 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBMuch like Episode 0 where I discussed and explained the Harold, I thought I would explain another long form format. I discussed the Pretty Flower, sometimes called the Family Guy Format. There is a flow-through scene which incorporates all the players. Then cut-to’s or tagout runs branch off this, but we always come back to the main flow-through scene. Because of how shows and rehearsals landed there were no rehearsals between the last podcast and the current one. Hope you enjoy it! ...