Podcasts by The Backline - An Improv Podcast

219 - Justification from 2022-04-21T10:32:46

In this episode, Adam and Rob discuss the justification, why we need it, why explaining too much causes problems, and the need for mystery in scenes. Also: Flash baths, re-reading books, and upd...

218 - Grounding the Surreal from 2022-04-14T14:37:51

This week, Adam and Rob discuss their criticism of "grounded scenes". In this episode: the reality of a scene, truth in improv, Norse creation myths, and how to make big, wild scenes work.

217- RIP Marijuna Man from 2022-04-08T19:53:52

An updated 2022 our list of all the characters we are ready to retire. Also: the 5th Anniversary of the Assembly, UCB's new investors, the politics of accents, and why the mystery is a foundatio...

216 - Getting Good from 2022-03-31T05:17:18

This week Rob and Adam discuss cornerstones of what conditions are necessary for improv mastery. Also discussed: teaching Improv 2, Malcolm Gladwell, migraines, and how to confront your improv p...

215 - I Hate My Scene Partner from 2022-03-23T19:57:37

There's a whole bunch of reasons why someone might feel frustrated: bad day at work, fight with a friend, doing your taxes ... but what do you do if the source of your frustration is the person ...

213 - Timing from 2022-03-17T10:01:06

This week Rob and Adam discuss the ever-elusive nature of comedic timing. As well as the show Last One Laughing, and what it means for fellow improvisers affected by the Russian invasion of Ukra...

214 -To Coach or Not To Coach from 2022-03-17T09:30:39

This week Rob and Adam open up The Backline mailbag to answer your questions about teaching, directing, coaching and the difference between all three.

212 - Write (and then Forget) the Script from 2022-03-03T11:25:29

This week Adam interviews Rob about the process of creating the CBC podcast Limited Capacity. They discuss directing, improv as a writing tool, and why Rob wrote 5 full episodes, only to improvi...

211 - Is Online Improv Here to Stay? from 2022-02-24T08:00

From the vault: Rob and Adam share a never-aired episode of the Backline where they share their thoughts on online improv, Irish paganism, and drinking orange cokes.

210 - Is the Harold Dead? from 2022-02-18T19:19:11

With the return of the iO (formerly improvOlympic), Adam wonders if the Harold will return with it, or if improv's most famous and psychedelic form should be retired from our classrooms and our ...

209 - Chorus/Verse (and How It Changes the Way We Play) from 2022-02-10T12:02

In this episode, Rob and Adam answer a question from Estonian improv teacher Martin about chorus/verse, scenic structure, taking breaks, and how to build the skill in the classroom.

208 - Is Support a Double-Edged Sword? from 2022-02-03T00:00

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss foundational support, what support looks like onstage amongst professionals, and how to avoid the creeping threat of resentment.

207 - What is Improv? from 2022-01-27T11:22:44

It's a whole new season of The Backline. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss their 1-year hiatus, the NFL, definitions of improv, and how art criticism shapes our artform.

200 -The 2020 Holiday Special from 2020-12-21T06:00

It's the season finale!  LIVE FROM THE LONDON PALLADIUM in Soho, Rob and Adam celebrate 200 episodes of their award-winning, critically acclaimed podcast in front of a live audience.  Enjoy as R...

206 - The Lightning Round from 2020-11-18T17:26:32

In this episode Rob scours improv Facebook group for a series of conversation starting prompts and ambushes Adam with THE LIGHTNING ROUND!  Also discussed agendas vs deals, and savouring the sma...

205 - Magic from 2020-11-11T15:44:30

This episode Rob and Adam dissect the idea of "magic" within improv, feeling like an imposter, and trying to make good scenes.  Also group mind, subconscious priming, and cheating your way throu...

204 - Questions Only (Live from the SeaTea Comedy) from 2020-10-28T06:00

This week we bring you a pre-recorded live event from January 2020. Rob and Adam travelled to Hartford, Connecticut to perform and teach at the SeaTea Comedy Theatre. Enjoy this special episode ...

203 - The Future of Improv -Part II from 2020-10-23T09:05:29

This week, Rob sits down with Sean Geobey, Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo who specializes in financial collaboration and co-operative business models.

202 - Future of Improv from 2020-10-14T16:47:34

In this episode Rob and Adam discuss the announcement of the Second City being put up for sale and what financial models make sense for theatres in a post-Covid world. Also discussed  changes at...

201 - A Brief History of Improv from 2020-10-07T15:02:29

This week we bring you an audio version of The Assembly Toronto's online lecture series entitled "A Brief History of Improv".  Thanks to Martha Stortz, Spencer Thompson, and everyone who attende...

199 -Sustaining Scenes from 2020-09-23T15:04:18

This week Rob and Adam discuss sustaining scenes. How to keep the spark alive while improvising, layered complexity, and the need to get onstage only so you get off stage.  It's all covered on t...

198 - Stereotypes from 2020-09-16T13:11:16

On this episode, Rob and Adam discuss gender, identity and how stereotypes manifest in scenes. Also: homemade saunas, illuminati pizzas, and why every scene you should walk onstage as a bear (or...

197 - Deals from 2020-09-10T16:29:51

This week we discuss the art of the deal - initiating with a half-idea to inspire your scene.  Rob and Adam also tackle the difference between preconceived notions and deals, existential ennui o...

196 - Lying from 2020-09-02T10:20:45

This week Rob and Adam try to answer a simple question about characters lying in improv scenes.  Instead they chat about pre-constructed narratives, fractal storylines, the Act of, and ever shif...

195 - Ambition from 2020-08-27T06:30

One of the first things we lost in the quarantine was ambition. Performers looked at their calendars and realized their careers (and lives) might never be the same. This week Adam Michael Cawley...

194 - The Zoom Shift from 2020-08-12T12:04:34

Six months ago Adam started teaching improv via Zoom; Rob did not. This week Adam reveals his observations.  From example exercises, and his altered lesson plans; to the differences (and limitat...

193 - Making It Worth It from 2020-08-06T11:26:08

This week Rob and Adam debate over an improviser's responsibility to our audience and how we might renegotiate that relationship in the age of Zoom improv shows. Also discussed: the nature of ri...

192 - The Zoom Show from 2020-07-31T10:56:20

After months of discussing, Rob and Adam return to improv with some new thoughts about Zoom shows, backgrounds, and best practices for creating visceral, personal online improv performances.

191 - From Page to Stage from 2020-07-23T11:25:15

This week Rob and Adam discuss putting your sketches on stage, dealing with lights and sound, and deciding on formal elements to make each scene you perform special.

190 - Fixing It from 2020-07-20T12:05:30

Now that you've written your sketch - it's probably very bad. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss reworking old scenes, rethinking premises, and recasting characters.

189 - Running Order from 2020-07-09T11:30:51

You have a bunch of sketches but don't know where to put them? We can help!  Find out how to create the best flow for your running order and make your scenes pop.

188 - What's Next? from 2020-07-02T10:10:33

This week Rob and Adam take a break from their Sketchtown Series to address some of the massive changes happening at improv theatres across the world due to Covid-19 and the economy.  In this ep...

187 - Monologues from 2020-06-24T14:22:57

This week Rob and Adam crack open the Vault, for an episode about one-person sketch, how to write it, and what's the best way to set it up. Back next week with a new episode.

186 - Relationship from 2020-05-27T11:28:21

Sketchtown continues! This week, Rob and Adam discuss the make-up of relationship scenes, why they're funny, and why although they might underrated, continue to serve an important role in a sket...

185 - Genre from 2020-05-20T17:24:24

This week, Rob and Adam discuss styles, frame of reference, parody and finding the perfect vehicle for your premise. Also, the legacy of Second City founder Howard Alk!

185 - Satire from 2020-05-13T11:31:10

Satire is a comedy tradition that is thousands of years old. This episode Adam and Rob discuss satire, authority, and saying what you mean without saying it. Also The Boys, the Annoyance Theater...

184 - Stakes from 2020-05-06T08:02:45

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss comedy's relationship with tension, why stakes are important, and when you don't need to focus on stakes in a show. Also Adam's favourite instagram account,...

183 - Structure from 2020-04-29T09:12:59

Part Three of Sketchtown. This week, Adam and Rob discuss how to structure a scene, how tension is useful, and why knowing structure is necessary to build out a comedic premise. Also, Adam talks...

182 - Premise from 2020-04-22T05:00

Sketchtown - Episode 2.  In this instalment, Rob and Adam discuss premises: how to find them, how to write them, and ultimately where does comedy comes from.  

181 - Welcome to Sketchtown from 2020-04-15T05:15

With the pandemic upon us, Rob and Adam launch a new mini-series on The Backline all about sketch comedy, finding premises, and trying to write them down for the first time.  In this episode, Ro...

180 - Back in Action from 2020-04-08T06:00

With the world in a state of lockdown, two grizzled warriors emerge from isolation to set you straight ... about using make believe to tell stories.  It's Season 6 of the Backline with Rob and A...

179 - Year End Review from 2019-12-11T12:26:25

It's the Backline Finale! This week Rob and Adam reflect upon their top three moments of the year and follow-up with two listener questions! Thank you so much for your ongoing support. We will s...

178 - Top of Your Intelligence from 2019-12-05T17:57

This week Rob and Adam, discuss the term "playing to the top of your intelligence" within scenes. Will they have conflicting opinions?  Will this be the topic that finally ends the podcast. Also...

177 - Bulldozing from 2019-11-20T13:27:25

This week we're talking about bulldozing. How much space should you take up onstage? What is the difference between attacking the scene and bulldozing over top of your partners ideas?  This week...

176 - Solo Improv from 2019-11-15T13:16:04

This week Rob is very lonely talking about solo improvisation, while trying to record an entire episode by himself.  From monologues to ghosting to audience interaction - he'll give you all the ...

175 - How to Build an Improv Company from 2019-11-07T11:54:24

In this episode, Rob talks with two entrepreneurs who are building parallel improv companies in two very different countries. Martha Stortz (Toronto) and Sara Delile (Mexico) discuss what its li...

174 - Questions Only from 2019-10-30T12:07:22

In this episode, Rob and Adam answer your questions! From Haroldfest to auditioning for a gig you don't even want to book, we'll tackle it all. Also, a brand new Backline show announced! 

173 - Five Tips For Producers from 2019-10-23T11:59:53

Renowned improv curmudgeon Adam Cawley, shares with us his 5 tips for making improv shows run a little smoother from creating smooth transitions between acts to how to create a more communal atm...

172 - Relaxation from 2019-10-16T06:10

Improv is all about going with the flow. So why are we always so stressed out?  What does it take to relax?  This episode we chat about relaxation onstage and offstage, and the trouble stressed ...

171 - Break the Scene from 2019-10-03T11:00:50

Trying to find an ending can be tough.  Sometimes we're hoping for someone to sweep, or a joke big enough to bring down the lights.  Other times, we pray to the improv gods for some kind of divi...

170 - Old Team, New Player from 2019-09-25T15:00:36

What happens when you're a new improviser joining an established team? Does placing a new player on a team with veterans promote or stunt their growth? What happens to experienced players who pl...

169 - Beatprov from 2019-09-18T15:12:07

This week Rob and Adam walk you through a semi-scripted beatprov show. They chat about characters, story, and what makes beatprov different from conventional longform. Also on the podcast Mad Me...

168 - Making It Natural from 2019-09-11T13:49:33

Of course you want to learn technique and understand structure. But you don't want to make it look mechanical. You have take your "comedy math", internalize that work, and make it look easy. Als...

167 - Social Media from 2019-09-05T12:27:25

To post or not to post? What does it mean for an improviser dealing with show promotion, self-congratulatory braggarts, and the constant cascade of never-ending tweets.  How does it affect our c...

166 - Direct from 2019-08-29T08:27:46

After a month of touring, Rob and Adam have finally returned home. In this episode, they discuss Zapotec spiritual traditions, foreign legal advice, and also improv stuff.  Mostly, how to direct...

165 - Tour Essentials from 2019-08-21T06:06

This week Rob reflects upon his tour through Birmingham, London, and Copenhagen. Also Rob and Adam tally some essential supplies you'll need on touring different improv festivals and theatres.

164 - Small Town from 2019-08-14T11:05:01

Adam Cawley is back!  Rob Norman is back!  This week they discuss how to keep your team motivated when you're the only competition in town and your team is losing motivation!

163 - Connecting With Your Partner from 2019-08-07T05:27:42

This week Rob talks with Stuart Moses (host of the Improv London Podcast) from the Nursery Theatre Training Centre for a crossover event!  In this episode, Rob and Stuart chat about connecting w...

162 - Buzzed Out from 2019-07-31T17:15:45

This week Rob and Adam talk about what it feels like to "buzzed out" from an elimination-style improv show, and what to do if you feel like the audience doesn't like you.

161 - Whose Line Is It Anyways? from 2019-07-24T10:51:29

This week, Rob and Adam discuss the renown improvised TV show Whose Line Is It Anyways? Also, Adam drops a HUGE surprise ... 

160 - Reviews from 2019-07-18T14:16:35

This week, Rob and Adam discuss improv reviews, how criticisms benefit improv shows, and how much we should expect when a critic comes to see your show.  Also migraines, reality television, and ...

159 - The Johnstonian Dictionary from 2019-07-10T11:38:42

Different improv schools have differing names for games, improv technique, and sometimes radically different philosophies that govern their approach to unscripted work. This week, Rob and Adam u...

158 - Agenda from 2019-07-03T10:17:37

There's nothing more difficult than starting a scene.  This week, Rob and Adam discuss why initiating a scene deserves a second thought, how to protect your agenda, and why inspiration is the mo...

157 - How to Remember from 2019-06-26T13:24:28

You're standing on the sidelines, and the group game has just come to a close. Now it's time to initiate 2nd beats ... but you have nothing. Nada. Can't remember a single scene or character.  Uh...

156 - The Fifty Dollar Ticket from 2019-06-19T10:42:50

The Raptors won! Two million people took to the streets! Don't worry Rob and Adam are locked inside their homes talking about improv. Specifically, how do we achieve massive, commercial successe...

155 - Small Crowd from 2019-06-12T06:39

This week Adam answers questions from the Backline mailbag, while Rob reveals a very bad idea for an improv jam. Followed by a chat, about what to do when playing to a small crowd.

154 - Improv as Ritual from 2019-06-05T12:17:57

Improv has a rich tradition of ritual and ceremony that dates back to mask work and continues right through to the teachings of Del Close. From shortform to longform, ritual (and transformation)...

153 - The 30 Second Clock from 2019-05-29T06:00

Shortform has particular kind of rhythm. Action sparks every 30 seconds. In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss how to slow down, enjoy the moment, and find more relaxed play out of a shortform m...

152 - Coming Back to Improv from 2019-05-22T06:00

Its the launch of Season Five! This episode Rob and Adam talk about what's it's like to break from a regular improv performance schedule, how to get back into the community, and why it shouldn't...

151 - A Year in Review from 2018-12-12T11:49:49

It's the season finale of the Backline with Rob and Adam.  This episode Rob and Adam discuss changes in the improv landscape, new exciting announcements, and what they're looking forward to in 2...

150 - Mapping from 2018-11-22T12:38:22

This week we discuss how to map the rules of one scenario over top the context of another.  Also this episode, Rob and Adam answer questions about mirroring and comedic horror.  Happy 150th epis...

149 - Preparation from 2018-11-11T20:08:55

We spend lots of time talking about what happens onstage. But sometimes scenes are won/lost before you even step onstage.  Before your show there are warm-ups, research, intentions to be set, et...

148 - Be Affected from 2018-10-31T22:25:24

"Our only job as an improviser is to affect others, and be affected."  We all know it to be true, yet over and over again, we get stuck in scenes where we're explaining our premises to our partn...

147 - Improv on TV from 2018-10-18T09:52:36

After an afternoon on set, Adam wonders about the future of improv on television.  What changes when you record an improv show?  Why isn't more improv on TV? If television networks don't want mo...

146 - Frustrated from 2018-10-11T09:26:35

When you spend tons of time with the same people over and over again, you're bound to get frustrated with some of them.  Where does all that frustration go?  What if you hate your classmate, tea...

145 - Playing Yourself from 2018-10-01T22:12:53

This week Rob and Adam discuss what's it like to "play yourself" onstage.  From grounded scenes to nuanced heightening to characters who talk just like you!

144 - Reading The Room from 2018-09-22T12:17:54

This week Adam and Rob discuss our relationship with the audience, how to follow Blue acts, and what to do when our expectations don't match what the audience wants. Also oil lamps.

143 - Casting from 2018-09-05T17:04:21

In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss casting and what does the "perfect" Harold team look like! If you'd like to play at home, pick 8 archetypes from the list below:

1) Initiator - This...

142 - Loud, Proud, and Wrong from 2018-08-15T11:35:09

This week Adam and Rob discuss the importance of swagger, showmanship, and stagecraft in improv scenes.  Whether you're struggling controlling an audience or you're stuck in a scene that's gone ...

141 - Bombed from 2018-08-08T01:26:06

This week Adam chats with Rob from Copenhagen, Denmark to discuss that terrible, awkward, weird feeling when you bomb.  What do you say? How do you manage the feeling? What do you say to your fr...

140 - Advanced GOTS from 2018-08-01T08:46:18

This week Rob and Adam revisit the Game of the Scene from Season One, and discuss how their views have evolved over the past four years.  From pattern recongition to heightening, all is covered ...

139 - Questions Only from 2018-07-25T08:13:12

This week Rob and Adam answer listener questions! From improv copyrights to accents to panicking onstage to the walk-ons - all will be revealed. Please if someone knows where Rob's dad is, conta...

138 - Disappointment from 2018-07-19T19:40:10

Rob And Adam talk disappointment. 

137 - So We Bought a Zoo from 2018-07-11T12:54:13

This week Rob and Adam discuss the very theoretical scenario of opening an improv theatre. What do you need? What resources do you require? How does an improv theatre actually work?  Also if you...

136 - Blocking from 2018-07-04T06:00

If we don't need to literally say "Yes And" to offers in scenes, then what does agreement actually look like? With this new defintion, what is blocking?  Is blocking even possible in modern impr...

135 - $300 from 2018-06-27T11:39:34

For students new to improv, classes are a great way to meet people, involve yourself in the community, and hone your craft. But what do you do when classes are no longer challenging you and you ...

134 - Therapy from 2018-06-20T13:22:31

This week Rob and Adam discuss all things therapy!  From improv as therapy to their real expereinces inside a therapist's office, and the importance of mental health care in an industry full of ...

133 - Effort from 2018-06-13T06:00

Canadian Comedy Award winner Adam Cawley has a couple pet peeves that he has to get off his chest! Watch out relaxed improvisers! Beware trucks parked in the bike lane! Prenez-garde major corpor...

132 - The Maker from 2018-06-06T16:46:27

This week Rob and Adam discuss The Maker, Toronto's best kept longform secret. In this episode, you'll learn The Maker's origins, the nature of thematic longform, and how to try one in your own ...

131 - Trust from 2018-05-23T17:42:22

"I got your back" is the last thing you hear from your teammates before you leap onstage.  But real trust is more than just a platitude.  It's earned.  What do you do when you struggle with putt...

130 - When to Leave from 2018-05-16T08:25

This week Rob and Adam discuss their decision to leave MANTOWN: The Improvised Frat Party after 12 years of service. When is it a good time to leave? Why should you stay on a team?  What does it...

129 - The First 30 Seconds from 2018-05-09T08:48

What happens in the first 30 seconds of your scene - determines what you'll be stuck playing for the next 4 minutes.  This week Rob and Adam explore the challenges of starting a scene and what t...

128 - The Harold Experience from 2018-05-02T08:52:48

It's the premiere of SEASON FOUR OF THE BACKLINE! This episode Rob and Adam debrief The Harold Experience from the Next Stage Festival. What does it mean to do a Harold for an hour?  What burden...

127 - A Year in Review from 2017-12-20T10:59:38

This episode Rob and Adam say goodbye to the dark cloud that was 2017 by remembering all the good things: the touring, the travel, and burgeoning improv communities across the globe! Also have y...

125 - Judgment from 2017-12-06T17:58:56

Of course, you never want to judge an offer.  But sometimes it's easier said than done.  This week Rob and Adam discuss the nature of judgment and investigate where it c...

123 - The Improv Sherpa from 2017-11-15T14:38:59

Sherpas live near the Himalayan mountains. They are known to be expert mountaineers and sometimes guide foreigner through the perilous trek up the mountain.   For many veterans, guiding new imp...

32 - What's Missing? (R) from 2017-11-08T15:49:29

FROM THE ARCHIVES:  This week Adam and Rob talk about might be running through your head, standing on the backline of a longform improv set.  Great improvisers don't walk onstage and just do goo...

122 - How to Frankenstein a Character from 2017-11-01T15:41:13

This spooky Halloween episode, deals with using arcane sorcery to animate a character and bring it to life!!!  Adam and Rob talk Tatiana Maslany, Mike Myers, Hot 30's, and accents. Regardless, t...

121 - R.I.P Who, What, Where from 2017-10-25T13:37:44

There comes a time in every improviser's life when you have to say goodbye to your previous ideas of who,what, and where.  This week, Adam and Rob rabidly scream out their frustrations with the ...

119 - The Golfer's Clubs from 2017-09-27T04:57:24

Every improviser is a golfer with a bag of clubs.  Every club is a different way of improvising and a different school of thought. The improviser looks over the green (the show they are doing) a...

118 - Framing from 2017-09-14T09:38:18

This week Rob and Adam, delve deep into the world of UCB-style Game of the Scene and discuss framing.  We know framing is all about contextualized, that one weird offer in your base reality (pla...

114 - Jams (Wish I Was Your Lover) from 2017-08-10T00:19:37

This week Rob and Adam get into a heated debate over the effifacy of improv jams. How useful are improv jams? What's the best way to make the most of jamming?  As well as, some tips on how to ha...

113 - Vulnerability from 2017-08-02T09:34

Jokes are a great place to hide.  Having a funny voice or massive character can protect you from you having to expose your true self. This week Rob and Adam discuss how to open up in front of au...

112 - Greedy (In a Nice Way) from 2017-07-19T08:20:33

As performers we are inherently greedy for stage time.  We have to be.  It's competitve in an improv show.  Lots of people vying for attention with competing narratives.  This week Rob and Adam ...

111 - Coachless from 2017-07-12T16:31:40

Again and again, you constantly hear about the importance of having a coach.  Which is all good if you're rehearsing in major improv cities with thousands of other comedians.  But what do you do...

110 - Mentorship from 2017-07-05T01:15:43

This week Rob and Adam discuss the importance of mentorship in the community: what to look for in a mentor, how to connect with possible mentors, and how to be a valued protege.  Also discussed:...

109 - Our Favourite Shortform Games from 2017-06-29T12:58:29

While The Backline spends tons of time discussing concepts related to longform improvisaiton, Rob and Adam both started in shortform.  This week: Pillars, Pan Left, roast jokes, set-ups, and bes...

108 - Showmanship from 2017-06-22T23:10:11

No matter how hard you work, you can only get so good at improvising scenes.  At a certain point it feels like it's impossible to get any better.  This week, Rob and Adam give a list of simple t...

106 - A Week in the Life of an Improv Show from 2017-06-07T13:28:39

This week, Rob and Adam go behind the scenes of MANTOWN: The Improvised Frat Party to learn what it takes to produce a sold-out improv show.  This episode follows a week of radio diaries from Sh...

105 - Jokes from 2017-05-31T01:13:15

In the context of improvisation, jokes can mean many things: a punchline, an out-of-place remark, a desperate attempt to get the audience to like you, or a straight up street joke (think Knock, ...

103 - Silence from 2017-05-17T08:30:22

Silence is golden.  This week Rob and Adam talk very loudly about silent scenes. Together they explore: how to find silences in scenes, the 30 second rule, and how to improvise in a non-verbal w...

102 - Connections from 2017-05-10T07:18

It's the launch of Season 4.  In this episode Rob and Adam discuss how to take random scenes and find connections between them. Also covered, the difference between callbacks and connections, di...

100 - Musical Improv (LIVE) from 2016-12-21T13:51:32

It's the finale of Season 3!  In this episode of The Backline LIVE, a reluctant Adam takes a tour through the world of musical improv with some of Toronto's best musical performers.  Along the w...

99 - Gifts from 2016-12-14T00:16

Its a very special holiday-themed episode of the Backline.   Tis the season for gift-giving, so this week Rob anda Adam examine what kind of offers make the best "gift" for your scene partner. ...

From the Archives: Time Travel (17) from 2016-12-08T13:15:46

From the Backline Archives:

Time Travel!  It’s impossible!!!  OR IS IT?  In this episode Rob and Adam go back ten years into the past to warn their earlier selves about improv techniques...

98 - The Armando from 2016-11-30T15:56:37

This week Rob and Adam attempt to discuss the longform, storytelling format called The Armando.  Unfortunately, both Rob and Adam know nothing about it and forced to find help. It's a real shit ...

97 - Grounded from 2016-11-23T13:39:15

Sometimes bigger characters, sillier jokes, and dumber choices doesn't always mean a funnier scene.  This week, Rob and Adam discuss how to create a grounded scene, navigating auditions, and how...

96 - Group Scenes from 2016-11-16T09:13:35

We take two-person scenes for granted.  But most of our training, and time onstage is within two-person scenes.  We think that's improv.  We assume what works in a two-person scene, will work in...

95 - Expectations from 2016-11-09T00:00

Determining what success or failure is depends on only one thing: expectations.  This week Rob and Adam discuss what happens to an improviser who expects a certain kind of scene partner, or improv ...

94 - Mirroring from 2016-11-03T14:43:49

In improv classes across the world we are taught the value of saying Yes, going with the flow, and supporting our partner.  But for some reason onstage we focus on conflict, difference, and contras...

92 - Hecklers from 2016-10-18T13:47:29

Rob and Adam discuss the topic of hecklers!  From calling out in the middle of shows to an accidental cell phone going, the guys discuss ways to handle any surprise.  They also chat about their fav...

89 - Reputation from 2016-09-28T13:47:26

This week, Rob and Adam chat about what your reputation means within the comedy community: the value of a player's reputation, your improv show's reputation, and how to change how you are seen by t...

88 - Babies, Animals and Bigots from 2016-09-22T16:52:55

Some characters are easier than others.  In this episode, Rob and Adam go over some troubling characters and how to best approach them in a show.  Also Adam shamelessly gushes about his love of map...

87 - How To Tour from 2016-09-15T17:32:16

After a one week hiatus, The Backline with Rob and Adam are back!  Where did they go?  They were on a West Coast tour: Vancouver, Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton.  Now home they share their favouri...

86 - Steph's First Improv show from 2016-08-30T20:37:59

Rob's friend Steph "accidentally" signed up for the improv competition TKO.  In this episode, we chat about what it feels like to step onstage for the first time in front of an audience.

85 - Listening from 2016-08-24T08:53:59

Any time you receive a note on Listening, it's not a comment about your inability to absorb information from your partner but rather a criticism on your reaction to partner's offer.  If you learn h...

84 - Debrief from 2016-08-16T23:41:38

An improv exercise is only as good as the conversation afterwards.  This week, Rob and Adam discuss how to debrief exercises and scenes for maximum effectiveness.  Also hear updates about the Backl...

83 - Pressure from 2016-08-11T08:49:06

Expectations, anxiety, and responsibility are all factors that contribute to feeling pressure onstage.  This week, Rob and Adam discuss why pressure happens and some tricks they use to letting go b...

82 - Left Behind from 2016-08-03T01:26:48

This week Rob and Adam discuss what happens when one teammate isn't making progress in shows or rehearsals.  Is your improv troupe a business arrangement or a family?  When is it time to cut someon...

81 - Push/Pull from 2016-07-27T00:56:39

From Mick Napier's book Improvise, Rob and Adam discuss the concept of Push/Pull and what it means to their own practices.  Also talked about is Verse/Chorus and Dynamic/Waste, two adaptions to exp...

80 - How to Waste Time in Rehearsal from 2016-07-20T13:17:21

You only have two hours to rehearse your 8 person Harold team.  It's easy to waste that time and get nothing done.  This week Rob and Adam make it even easier, by listing 10 simple things you can d...

79 - Staying Sharp from 2016-07-13T00:50:38

Eventually, you're going to get rusty.  Whether that's from taking a break from doing shows.  Or simply outgrowing the teachers in your town or city.  This week, Rob and Adam take you through some ...

77 - Called Out from 2016-06-29T09:38:41

Adam and Rob discuss calling out offers in an improv scene.  What's the difference between "Hanging a Lantern" on a mistake and undermining the reality of the scene? What should you do with waning ...

76 - How to Plan a Party (Show) from 2016-06-15T15:09:50

This week Rob and Adam share their experiences from MANTOWN: The Improvised Frat Party and detail how to plan a party-oriented improv show. Tips on what music to pick, how to host, and how to invol...

75 - More Physical, More Fun from 2016-06-08T01:12

This week Rob and Adam demystify physicality in improv and offer a series of suggestions for you to try onstage tonight.  From characters to object work to stage picture, The Backline offers a bunc...

74 - Teachers from 2016-06-01T10:49:12

This week Rob and Adam discuss what makes a good improv teacher, how to be a good student, and what sort of teachers they avoid.  As a student know your rights in class and what you deserve from a ...

73 - Can Improv Fix You? from 2016-05-24T23:04:39

We make a lot of promises as improvisers, teachers, and corporate facilitators.  We promise new students that saying Yes, working as an ensemble, listening, and taking care of your partner can chan...

71 - Duos from 2016-05-11T00:44

Rob and Adam discuss the politics, technique, and obstacles to committing to a two-person improv troupe. Adam also reveals his greatest frustration while working with Rob.  It gets heated.  Then it...

69 - What is a Suggestion? from 2016-04-27T01:54:28

This week Rob and Adam look at the most fundamental aspect of improv: the suggestion.  What's the best way to take an audience's idea? How should we use it?  Is a suggestion still important in mode...

68 - The Power of No from 2016-04-20T09:52:22

This week Rob and Adam delve into the power of saying No is scenes.  Is saying No ever a good thing onstage?  How can saying No move a scene forward? When does No become dangerous in scenes.  Also ...

66 - Improv Is Not a Formula from 2015-12-17T14:50:52

It's the end of Season Two.  Rob and Adam discuss what makes up a quality scene, faulty checklists we are told we have to follow, and goals to strive for every time you step onstage.  After this ep...

61 - Genre from 2015-11-04T00:01:04

This week Rob and Adam explore genres in improv.  What is a genre?  How do you elevate genre-work to a higher level?  Also Adam reveals why he hates genre and begrudgingly agreed to do this episode...

60 - Should I Quit? from 2015-10-28T11:06:14

Is there a time when you look at your improv and think "Maybe I should cut my losses and quit?"  This week Rob and Adam discuss the complications involved when making that decisions and also recoun...

56 - Persona from 2015-10-07T01:31:34

This week Rob and Adam discuss stage personas improvisers often adopt when "playing themselves" when they first come onstage, take the suggestion, or between scenes.  But what does a stage persona ...

55 - Five Ways to Make Object Work Fun from 2015-09-30T00:11:07

Ugh, object work. The dreaded chore that every improviser must endure. No one wants to mime when there's stories to explore and jokes to make!  This week, Rob and Adam discuss problems with object ...

54 - Characters, Consistency, and Change from 2015-09-23T16:53:02

This week, Rob and Adam discuss characters, consistency, and change. When should your character change their emotion or energy? When should you reinvest? How is a shortform character different than...

50 - Dynamic from 2015-08-19T00:01

This week we delve deep into what drives a scene: the dynamic. Rob and Adam investigate the differences between dynamic and relationship, how to keep your scenes in the now, and an easy way to figu...

49 - Group Mind from 2015-08-12T12:28:32

This week Rob and Adam mind-meld to discuss their mystical, psychedelic, group mind encounters.  From working better together as a team to factors that prevent teams from syner...

45 - Warm-Ups from 2015-07-07T23:54:15

Before every class or show, improvisers dedicate their time, energy, and focus to a series of activities that are supposed to improve their performance. But do they actually work?  Rob and Adam dis...

43 - Hosting from 2015-06-24T08:47:01

This week, Rob and Adam delve into hosting: interacting with the audience, common pitfalls for newer improvisers, and basing your style on the tone of the show.  Also listener suggestions of broad ...

41 - R.I.P French Guy with a Cigarette from 2015-06-15T23:31:41

There's a handful of characters that every improviser knows.  Stock characters that we fall back on in scenes.  This week Adam and Rob, put a bullet in the brain of 10 well known hack, trope charac...

40 - Premise from 2015-06-03T09:00

We all know preconceived notions can be toxic for improvisation.  But what do you do when premises are ingrained in the format you're playing?  This week Adam and Rob recount their experiences writ...

38 - Editing from 2015-05-13T06:00

There's nothing worse than a perfect improv scene that goes on for too long.  This week, Rob and Adam tackle different types of edits, tips on how to make clear transitions, and what a well-edited ...

34 - Back to Basics from 2015-04-22T14:09:03

Improv is getting too confusing.  Go back to basics.  This episode shows you how.

29 - The Harold or Not the Harold? from 2015-03-18T12:06:08

The Harold is the most recognized format in improvisation.  The list of celebrities and improvisers who have learned, loved, and mastered it is extensive.  In this episode, Rob and Adam discuss wha...

28 - Self-Evaluation from 2015-03-11T08:48

After a particularly rough show, Rob and Adam sit down to discuss the importance of self-evaluation.  If your troupe has made the dangerous decision to play without a coach, you'll need to learn ho...

27 - Story from 2015-03-04T01:07:12

Every scene has a story.  For game-based improvisers, we believe that story is what happens while you’re busy with other stuff.  But for narrative improvisers, story is somethi...

25 - Survival from 2015-02-18T16:37:47

It's the 2nd Beat (Season) of The Backline with Rob and Adam.  In this episode, the guys remember back to their first days of being a "professional" improviser and all the odd jobs and desperate me...

23 - Ego and Ensemble from 2014-12-17T00:35

Ego is the part of Self that interacts with outside world.  A strong ego is important for developing your voice and point of view onstage.  But is it possible that your comedic voice might be inter...

22 - Shame from 2014-12-10T01:47:35

Shame is that secret, perceived weakness that can either power or handicap an improviser's performance. We're comedians.  We are all dealing with some kind of childhood psychic trauma that continue...

21 - Shortform from 2014-12-03T08:24

Rob and Adam discuss the improvisation of Theatresports, ComedySportz, and Whose Line is it Anyway?  SECRETS REVEALED: how to set up an intro, building a running order, the value of shortform for l...

20 - ROADTRIP! from 2014-11-27T17:47:50

Rob and Adam pack up the Backline podcast and take it on tour.  Driving from Toronto to Peterborough they discuss their best touring memories, pitfalls of playing away shows, a...

19 - Auditions from 2014-11-19T09:00

Have you ever wanted to know EVERYTHING that happens in your audition after you leave the room?  From professional gigs to auditioning for Conservatory, Rob and Adam take you behind the curtain and...

16 - Troupes from 2014-10-29T06:00

It’s time to grab a posse!  YOU CAN'T IMPROVISE ALONE! But how do you go from a random smattering of people to a reliable improv family onstage?  Rob and Adam discuss creating your first improv tro...

14 - Game of the Scene from 2014-10-15T12:25:01

If there's one improv technique that Rob and Adam use more than anything else onstage, it's Game of the Scene.  Together they discuss their personal definitions, simple techniques to try onstage, a...

12 - Stuck (In Your Head) from 2014-09-30T23:17:26

Ever have that feeling like you’re just going through the motions onstage?  Rob and Adam also feel that way all the time!  Today these two best buds discuss anxiety, comfort, i...

8 - Notes from 2014-08-27T15:44:06

Time for real talk!  You need some feedback about notes: good notes/bad notes, how to receive them, what notes you should avoid, and what to do when a fellow improviser gives a...

2 - Fear from 2014-07-23T05:02:43

The scariest episode of the Backline to date!  Rob and Adam discuss the nature of fear onstage: Where does it come from?  Is fear a good or bad thing?  What does fear look like in new players?  Pas...

1 - Getting Started from 2014-07-18T20:10:41

It's the first episode of The Backline!  Rob and Adam discuss getting started in the improv business. Together they outline steps from student of a beginner level improv class to becoming a "pro...