Improv Nerd With Jimmy Carrane: Recent Episodes
Jimmy Carrane
Well-known improv teacher and former Studio 312 host Jimmy Carrane explores the creative processes used to make great comedy.
Keli Semelsberger has been teaching, directing and performing improv for more than 26 years. She founded the award-winning Charlotte Comedy Theater and she is the author of her new book, Improv Shaman: The Transformative Journey of Divine Play. We talked to her about being enough, taking care of yourself and how to be more vulnerable.
Rich Sohn is a master teacher and improviser at The Pack Theater in Los Angeles. He's worked at The Annoyance Theater, iO-Chicago and Second City. We talked to him about how he found his voice as a teacher and improviser at The Annoyance, how the Annoyance style brings such freedom on stage, and what he learned from working with Del and Mick in Chicago in the '90s.
Patti Stiles is a world-renowned teacher and improviser who lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is the author of Improvise Freely: Throw away the rule book and unleash your creativity. We talk to her about why she doesn't like rules in improv, how we can shift from rules to tools, how to enjoy making mistakes more.
Photo credit James Penlidis
Patrick McCarthy is an actor, improviser and one of New York's most respected improv teachers. He teaches and performs at The PIT in New York. We talked to him about what truth in comedy means to him, why it's important to take an acting class, and his journey from addiction to sobriety.
Greg Hollimon is an actor and improviser who is best known for his work on Comedy Central's "Strangers with Candy" as Principal Blackman. We talked to him about how to have a great stage presence, why he likes performing with Pimprov and how he got cast in "Strangers With Candy."
Aretha Sills is a legendary improv teacher and writer. She is also the daughter of Paul Sills and the granddaughter of Viola Spolin. If you really want to get a sense of the origins of improv and what it was like to grow up in an improv family and the huge contribution that Viola made to improv, then you will want to listen to this episode.
Marz Timms is an improviser, stand up, teacher and actor. He is the creator of Pimprov, one of Chicago's longest running improv shows. We talked to him about the Annoyance's style of improv, how to be bigger than the stage, how you can get paid in improv, and the difference between stand up and improv.
Dan O'Connor is an actor, improviser, teacher and co-author the new book Ensemble: Using Power of Improv and Play to Forge Connections in a Lonely World. In this episode we talk to Dan about what he learned from Keith Johnstone, how to be more vulnerable in improv, and why it's important to challenge your teachers.
Jude Leak is the writer and director of a new documentary called Inventing Improv, about the mother of improv, Viola Spolin. We talked to Jude about her documentary and how Spolin created the theater games that have been used to teach improv ever since, how her idea to get suggestions from the audience came about, and her huge influence at The Compass Players and Second City. Improv started with Viola Spolin, this is a great episode to understand the history of improv.
Laura Hall is the musical director of the hit TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" She started at Second City in the '80s and she has worked at The Annoyance Theater and i0-Chicago. She has also taught people around the world how to play music for improv shows and has created a wonderful online video course called A Musical Guide To Improv Comedy (laurahall.com). We talk to her about how to improvise a song without rhyming and why Wayne Brady is a musical improv savant. And we also perform some musical improv numbers with her and special guest Rick Hall. If you love musical improv or have always wanted to try it, you are going to love this episode.
Jeff Rogers is an accomplished improviser. He started out in the '80s, was part of the National Touring Company of The Second City and understudied for the Second City resident company. He is also an actor and a best selling author and his new book is called The PLAYMaker Mindset. He recently reopened the legendary improv school The Players Workshop in Chicago. We talked to him about why it was so important to him to reopen that school, how he brings gratitude on stage with him when he improvises, and what would happen if we got paid to improvise.
Erick Acuña is an improviser, teacher and lawyer. He started improvising in Peru ten years ago before moving to the States and studying at WIT in Washington, D.C. and UCB in New York. We talk to him about how he found his voice in improv, and he shares two exercises you can use to find it. He also talks about what it's like to improvise in English when that isn't your native language and what we can learn from having difficult conversations after a scene that may have reinforced stereotypes. This is a great episode!
Nancy Hayden is the Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center in Chicago. She is also a writer, actor, director, teacher and producer. We talk to Nancy about how she creates characters by using emotions and adjectives, how she believes improv can save lives, and what the future of improv may look like.
Brendan Sullivan started improvising almost 30 years ago in Chicago. He is an actor, corporate improv trainer and was a member of the legendary Harold team Blue Velveeta at iO-Chicago. We talk to him about how he found his role on that team, which was made up of strong personalities, how he learned to play things honestly, and the best way for older improvisers to play with the younger generation. In this moving interview, Brendan also talks candidly about the death of his 24-year-old son, Charlie, last year, and the dangers today of drugs that are laced with fentanyl.
Michelle Gilliam is the owner and artistic director of ImprovMKE in Milwaukee, WI. She is one of those great improvisers with a strong acting background. We talk to Michelle about how she applies her short form experience to her long, how she strives to make her theater inclusive, and she shares what it was like for her to be the only Black woman in an improv group.
Marcus Sams is the founder of Moment Improv Theater in San Francisco, the artistic director of The San Francisco Improv Festival, and one half of one of my favorite improv duos, Liss n' Sams, with the incredible Joe Liss. We talk to Marcus about doing Duo Improv, the importance of emotions and where he thinks Zoom improv is going in the future.
Adam Cawley is a three-time Canadian Award-winning actor, who is also a writer, improviser and teacher. He has written four revues at The Second City Main Stage in Toronto and is the co-host of the podcast The Backline with Rob and Adam. We talk to him about variety in improv, how he approaches improv shows in different venues and how he deals with jealousy.
Shaun Landry is an actor, teacher and improviser. She teaches at The Pack Theater in Los Angeles and is is the Artist Director of Oui be Negros, which is an African American sketch and improv group that she started back in 1994 in Chicago. Jimmy talks to her about why it's important to make social statements in her improv, why she does not back off from race when she is improvising, and how to be ok with promoting yourself and your shows.
Ric Walker has performed with Improvised Shakespeare Company for 15 years and is the director of Chicago cast. He is also a professor at Columbia College in Chicago, where he teaches improv, sketch and stand-up. Jimmy talks to him about Improvised Shakespeare, why emotions are our friend in our scene work, and his thoughts on improving diversity in improv.
Steven Castillo is an Emmy-nominated writer for Saturday Night Live.
Jimmy talked to him about how improv helped his stand-up, auditioning for Saturday Night Live, and about some of his favorite sketches from the show like “Shrek“ and “Weezer.”
Will Luera is a renowned improviser, actor, director and instructor who performs and teaches all over the world. He has served as the artistic director at Improv Boston and the director of improv at Florida Studio Theater, and was recently named artistic director of Improv Asylum in Boston and New York. In this episode, Will shares with us how he helps improvisers find their voice, what he learned from Amy Poehler, and what preparation he's taking at his theater in Florida during Covid-19 as they plan to reopen to live audiences in three weeks.
Jane Morris is an actor, improviser and director. She is the Johnny Appleseed of comedy clubs, having opened the Chicago Comedy Showcase and the Second City e.t.c. in Chicago and the Upfront Comedy and the Comedy Underground in Santa Monica, CA. She currently manages the Fanatic Salon in Culver City, CA. Jane has a reputation for doing incredible character work, both on stage and screen. Jimmy talks to her about how she physically uses "Yes And..." in developing her characters, why she loves running comedy clubs and why she doesn't believe in the level system when it comes to teaching improv.
Armando Diaz is widely regarded as one of the best improv teachers in New York. He is the co-founder of The Magnet Theater there, and help create one of the most popular long forms ever, The Armando Diaz Experience. We talked to him about what makes a good Armando show from both the monologist and the players and why he doesn't like the term "game." And he demonstrates some exercises to help you to better connect with your partner and find a point of view for your character.
George McAuliffe is the writer and star of the short film The Improv Guru, which is based on his popular Twitter account. Jimmy sits down and talks to him about his dark comedy, why it is so important for improvisers to make fun of themselves, what he hopes improviser get from the movie and advice about following your own path in improv. In the second half of the episode, Jimmy interviews George as his character, The Improv Guru, and they talk about throwing chairs at hecklers, creating Improvised Donny Brasco, and how the Rule of 86 will replace the Rule of Threes.
Rich Baker is an incredible improv teacher at Second City Hollywood, as well as an improviser and author of the book Improv Made Easy. He has performed with The Second City, iO-Chicago, and ComedySportz, and has toured the country with Mission Improvable. Jimmy talks to Rich about why you need to fail to get better, why an improviser's goal should be to always get better, and Rich shares a lot of great tips and exercises from Improv Made Easy to help you do great scene work.
Joe Liss is one of those improvisers whom Jimmy looked up to when he was coming up in the improv scene in Chicago back in the '80s. Jimmy says Joe is truly one of the funniest performers he has ever seen. His character work is incredible. Joe was in the National Touring Company, Etc. and Main Stage at Second City. We talk to him about how he creates his characters, why giving specifics in improv is so important and he how played a practical joke on Chris Farley.
Jay Sukow is one of the best improvisers and teachers out there. He has taught at almost all of the Chicago intuitions and also served as the Artist Director at ICC Theater in Copenhagen. He now lives in Los Angeles and teaches and performs around the world. Jimmy caught up with him in Chicago at Green Shirt Studio to talk to him about why it's important to make positive choices in your scene work, why he uses anger in improv and how he is adapting his teaching as improv changes.
In this latest episode of Improv Nerd, UCB's Billy Merritt talks about his new book, Pirate Robot Ninja; An Improv Fable, which he co-wrote with Will Hines. Jimmy talks to Billy about what it means to be a Pirate or a Robot in improv, the "four pillars" of doing a good improv scene, and what the "game of the scene" means to him.
Finally a new episode! The Crowd Theater is great little comedy theater in Chicago that strives to support diversity, inclusion and affordability in the improv community. Jimmy sat down with the three founders —Blair Britt, Dillon Cassidy and Taylor Jones — last fall to talk about how they met and started the theater, how they carry out their mission and their delicious chicken wings.
Ike Barniholtz is the writer, director and star of the new dark comedy The Oath. Ike improvised in Chicago in the ‘90s at Second City, iO Chicago and The Annoyance. He was on MADtv for five seasons, and also starred on The Mindy Project. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about when he first started out in improv, how he got through the lean years in L.A. and why he decided to make his new film, The Oath.
Derek Miller is a master improviser, teacher and actor in L.A. He has done tons of commercials and been a regular in three TV shows. He was in the cast of Opening Night: The Improvised Musical! at the old iO-West. We talk to him about how the L.A. improv scene has changed, how he uses suggestions to make an emotional choice for his character, and why he's leaving L.A. and moving to England with his family.
Jimmy is really proud to share with you this piece he did for Curious City on WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio, answering the question, "Why is Chicago the mecca of improv?" In this episode you will hear several people’s theories about why this is. Jimmy interviews old friends TJ Jagodowski, Susan Messing and Jonathan Pitts to get their input. This is a must-listen for any improv nerd, and Jimmy secretly hopes after you listen to this episode you move to Chicago.
Sophie Shrand is the host and creator of "Science with Sophie," a science comedy show for girls and everyone. She is an accomplished improviser in Chicago, and we talked to her about how she got through the hard times when she moved to Chicago from Boston, why it is important to her to be a role model to girls in science, and her tips on musical improv.
TJ Jagodowski is one of the finest improvisers and people you will know. He's half of the long-running show TJ and Dave. In this special episode that was originally recorded for Curious City at WBEZ in Chicago, Jimmy talks to TJ about why he thinks Chicago is still the mecca of improv, his definition of Yes, And... (which is not out of the text book), and why he has stayed in Chicago to improvise.
Jeff Michalski is an improv legend. He is a teacher, director, an improviser who was a founding member of Second City's ETC Theater back in the '80s and now teaches in Los Angeles. Jimmy sat down with Jeff to talk about what he learned working with Del, how he uses Meisner and view point techniques when he is teaching improv, and telling Stephen Colbert to start loving to bomb on stage.
Shad Kunkle is an improviser, actor, teacher, and comedian. He has been playing with the iO Harold team Carl and The Passions for 20 years, he toured with Second City and understudied the Main Stage. We talked to him about the importance of focusing on the other person, being selfless as an improv coach/director, and how he uses short form to help his long form.
Todd Milliner is one of the executive producers on CNN's original series, "The History of Comedy." He has produced such shows as "Hot In Cleveland," "Hollywood Game Night" and "Grimm." We talk to him about taking improv classes at The Annoyance back in the '90s, how "Yes, And..." works in L.A., and why it is important for people in improv to know the history of comedy.
Andel Sudik is an incredible improviser and teacher. She has performed all over the United States with The Second City Touring Company and in Europe with Boom Chicago, and she travels the world improvising and teaching. We talked to her about how she creates her wonderful characters on stage, what she learned about herself after being fired from the Second City ETC cast, and auditioning for Saturday Night Live.
Jimmy Pennington is one of the Annoyance Theater's most popular improv teachers. He has performed in lots of shows there, including Co-ed Prison Sluts, and is currently in Fish Bowl on Thursday nights. We talked him about how to "get out of your head" when you are improvising, how to improvise from the character versus from the scene, and the importance of doing the projects you love.
Vernon Mina teaches and performs at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago where he is currently in Trigger Happy directed by Mick Napier. He also performs with the Second City Touring Company and has previously understudied for Second City’s ETC. We talked to him about the Annoyance style of improv, diversity in improv in Chicago and auditioning for Saturday Night Live.
Mark Czoske is one of Chicago’s most respected improvisers and teachers. He currently teaches at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and has performed at The Improv Institute and in Flannigan’s Wake. Jimmy talks to him about the “hard truth and realism” in improv, how he develops his characters and how meditation has help him be more in the moment as a teacher and improviser.
Dan Bakkedahl is one of the stars of CBS's "Life In Pieces," and you also know him from VEEP. He is an alumni of the Second City and iO Chicago. Jimmy caught up with him while he was back in Chicago recently to talk to about why he's happy with the state of improv on TV and film, getting a compliment from Del Close, and why choosing not to play certain stereotypical characters makes him a better improviser.
Scott Goldstein is an improviser, director, teacher and writer. He directed The National Touring Company at Second City and The Annoyance Theater, where he also performed. He was the Artistic Director of Flat Iron Comedy and teaches writing and improv at the Second City Training Center. We talk to him about taking long brakes in improv, going from intern to performer and a little politics.
Pete Holmes is a stand-up comedian and the star and creator of the HBO show "Crashing." He is also the host of the podcast You Made It Weird. We talked to him about finding improv in the sixth grade, what was like moving to Chicago to purse improv back in 2001, how to bring more joy on stage, and of course his show, "Crashing."
Sam Wasson is the author of the new book, Improv Nation: How We Made A Great American Art. Jimmy talks to Sam about the history of improv, from beginning of improv with The Compass Players to Del Close and The Harold, Bill Murray, the Chicago improv scene in the '90s and more. If you want to know more about improv's history, don't miss this episode.
Mark Sutton is an improv teacher and a founding member of The Annoyance Theater, where he was part of the cast that created Co-ed Prison Sluts. He has toured around the country with Joe Bill doing Bassprov. We talk to him about the early days of The Annoyance, why the first 15 seconds of an improv scene is so key, and the importance of vulnerability and making an emotional connection.
Nick Johne is from Canada where he performed with Second City Toronto. He is one of Chicago's most respected teachers, working with improvisers and actors and teaching improv to people on the Autism spectrum. We talk to Nick about why that brings him so much joy, the difference between Canadian and American improvising and how he creates characters.
Bill Chott is an incredible improv teacher in Los Angeles who does long form, short form and musical improv, and also acts in TV and films and even does magic. We talk to him about why he puts so much importance on space and object work, how short form can help with long form, and the pluses and minuses of getting your big break at a young age.
Dee Ryan was a member of The Second City Etc., where she did three revues back in the late '90s. In LA, she performed with the amazing group Stacey's Not Here and the award-winning The All Girl Revue. She currently teaches long form to film students at Northwestern. We talked to her about how having brothers prepared her for a life in improv, how she over came working with difficult people and how she approaches characters.
Nick Armstong is the founder of Improv Utopia and the artistic director of West Side Comedy Theater in Los Angeles. He performs with King Ten, the longest-running Harold team in LA, at iO West. Jimmy talks to him about why you should have an improv coach, he gives Jimmy an exercise to learn how to be silly and he shares what it's really like to be an artistic director.
In this live show, Jimmy sits down with four members of Chicago's best improv group: 3Peat. Nnamdi Ngwe, Patrick Rowland, John Thibodeaux, and Dewayne Perkins. Jimmy talks to this all-black ensemble about diversity in improv, their style of play and how they came up with their name.
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In this special bonus episode, "The World According to Jimmy," Jimmy sits down with his producer, Dan Schiffmacher, and answers questions about improv, career and life submitted by our listeners and some of Jimmy's students.
Jill Valentine is the executive director of The Chicago Women's Funny Festival at Stage 773 and an original member of The Cupid Players. We talked about how women's roles in improv have changed since she started in 1999, why she likes to make bold choices in her improv, and why she doesn't give herself notes after she improvises.
Alan and Claire Linic are improvisers, writers, teachers -- and a married couple. Alan is in the current Second City etc cast and Claire is the author of two books. We talked to them about how they met at an improv show, why they don't improvise well together and why it's important to put your ideas out there.
Alison Riley is the producer of Second City, where she has worked for 30 years. She is one of the people responsible for casting. Jimmy sat down with her to talk about what Second City is looking for when they are hiring actors, how things have changed during her time there, and what Stephen Colbert was like when he worked in the box office.
Theresa Mulligan Rosenthal is a TV writer and producer, working on such shows as "Lady Dynamite," "How I Met Your Mother" and "Whitney." She started out improvising in the '90s in Chicago and was a member of Second City Touring Company, Second City Northwest and Jazz Freddy. We talked to her about taking improv classes with her mom, how she went from being an improviser to writing for TV, and how she has overcome her insecurities.
Bob Fisher is a well-respected teacher and improviser at The Annoyance Theater, where he was in the original cast of Co-Ed Prison Sluts. He was in also in the Second City Touring Company and the amazing group's Cardiff Giant and Bang Bang. We talked about his career as a lawyer, how he used improv to win a jury trial, and how we can always learn from the bad shows as well as the good.
Rachel Dratch is best known for her seven seasons on SNL. She recently returned to Chicago for the Chicago Improv Festival, where she recorded this live episode of Improv Nerd on the Second City Main Stage. Jimmy talks to her about how she built her confidence as an improviser, how the slow times in her career have turned into great projects, and of course, SNL.
Jaime Moyer is an improviser, teacher and actor. You have seen her in such shows as Modern Family and Parks and Recreation. She was originally a member of Second City Detroit before moving to LA in 2009. In this live episode recorded at The Chicago Improv Festival, Jimmy talks to her about how she auditioned for Second City for a parking pass, how she avoids being pigeonholed in improv, and how she decides what projects to take on.
Shantira Jackson is a cast member of the current Second City Mainstage, and she also performs with Chicago's hottest improv group, 3Peat, at iO Chicago. Jimmy sits down and talks to her about leaving journalism for comedy, what she is trying to get across to the audience when she's performing, and her incredible work ethic.
Will Hines has taught and performed improv at UCB NY and LA since 2000. He is the author of the new book How To Be The Greatest Improviser On Earth. Jimmy talks to him about the importance of bringing your real self to improv, how to become brave on stage, and living through the improv rut.
Bob Kulhan is the author of the new book "Getting to Yes And: The Art of Business Improv." He is an incredible improviser and teacher who was a core faculty member at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and co-founder of the uber musical group Baby Wants Candy. Jimmy talks to him about how he was influenced by improv teacher Martin DeMaat, the early years of musical improv, and how he fell into teaching improv for business.
Bill Arnett is one of Chicago's most respected improvisers, teachers and directors. He has played with such groups as People of Earth, 3033 and Armando. He is the founder of The Chicago Improv Studio and the author of the new book, The Complete Improviser. He is back on the podcast to discus his new book, how to play more real, and his take on the traditional improv rules. This is a master class in improv, so listen and learn.
Colin Mochrie is best known as a regular on both the American and British versions of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which has inspired an entire generation of improvisers. In this episode, Colin sits down with Jimmy at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL, and talks about starting out in Theatresports in Canada, how he dealt with the censors on Whose Line and what he really feels about all the bald jokes.
Brad Sherwood is a regular on Whose Line Is It Anyway? He was also on the British version of Whose Line for three seasons and has tons of TV credits including many appearances on The Tonight Show and hosting The Dating Game. Jimmy caught up with Brad before his two-person improv show with Colin Mochrie at The Genesse Theater in Waukegan, IL, and talked to Brad about confidence as improviser, being on Whose Line and a time he bombed doing improv.
Sam Bennett is the author of the new book Start Right Where You Are, about how little changes can make a big difference in achieving our goals. She's also an actor who has performed and taught at The Second City in Chicago. Jimmy talks to her about ways improvisers can get unblocked, the importance of self care, and how to deal with the fear of success.
Jonathan Pitts is the executive director of the Chicago Improv Festival, which he founded 20 years ago. In this interview, Jimmy gets an Improv Nerd exclusive -- Jonathan tells Jimmy what he's going to do after this year's festival -- and they talk about how Chicago has been able to stay relevant as an improv mecca and Jonathan's experience working with David Shepherd.
Jimmy sits down with producer Dan Schiffmacher and director Sam Bowers to pick their favorite moments of the year and give you behind the scenes stories. Plus Dan and Sam give you their favorite "Jimmy moment" of 2016.
Ron West is an actor, writer and director. A longtime director at The Second City in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and LA, Ron also worked as a consultant on "Whose Line is It Anyway?" and has had numerous TV and film credits, including on "Third Rock from the Sun." Jimmy talks to him about how he uses improv to help in writing, what he learned from Bernie Sahlins and why "Whose Line" works on TV.
Claudia Wallace is an actor and improviser who is currently the interim casting director at Second City. She is an alumni of the Main Stage, where she performed in three revues. In this episode, she talks about how she creates characters with only a sound, what she looks for when she is casting for Second City, and her take on what happened earlier this year when four ETC cast members resigned.
Scott Adsit played Pete on NBC's "30 Rock" for seven seasons and is an alumni of The Second City, where he was part of the ground-breaking show "Pinata Full of Bees." In this episode, which celebrated Improv Nerd's 5-year anniversary and was recorded at The Chicago Podcast Festival, Scott talks about meeting Paul McCartney, why he still loves to improvise and what Jimmy was like when they both started taking improv classes at Columbia College in Chicago.
Jane Lynch is best known as Sue Sylvester on Glee and for her work with Christopher Guest in Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. She got her start in comedy at The Annoyance Theater and Second City. Jimmy sits down with her to talk about how she started out in Chicago in the '90s, how she prepares for an improvised movie and what it was like to win an Emmy.
Ryan Archibald is an improviser, teacher and director. He has performed with The Second City touring company and on a resident stage in Las Vegas. He is a member of 3033 and was part of the group People of Earth at iO Chicago. Jimmy talks to him about the three things he likes to start his scenes with, how he gets over bitterness, and how letting go of goals helps him to enjoy the journey.
Kevin Allison is the creator and host of the hugely popular storytelling podcast RISK! He was also a member of the sketch comedy group The State on MTV in the '90s. We talked to Kevin about what he learned from working with such a large sketch group, how he eventually found his comedic voice, and practical tips on to how to craft a story to be on RISK!
Jon Glaser is a writer, actor and producer whose new show, Jon Loves Gear, premiers on TruTV on Oct. 26. He has written for Conan and Inside Amy Schummer and has acted in Trainwreck, Girls, and Parks and Recrecatation. Jimmy talks to him about starting out in improv in the '90s, his approach to comedy and why he drinks apple cider vinegar.
Laura Krafft is a comedic writer and actress, an iO Chicago and Second City alum and former staff writer for the Colbert Report. Jimmy talks to her about how improv helps her write for television, how she seems to find herself in the right place at the right time, and lessons she's learned from her dad.
Abby McEnany was recently voted Improviser of The Year at iO Chicago, where she improvises regularly with Virgin Daiquiri. She is also a member of Sirens, performs with The Improv All-Stars at Second City and is known for her one-person shows. Abby talks to Jimmy about how a private person can do a revealing one-person show, why she didn't think she would get Improviser of The Year, and the importance of having a strong voice in improv.
Rashida Olayiwola is a Chicago native who has performed at iO Chicago, The Annoyance and Second City. She was also the recipient of the NBC Universal Bob Curry Fellowship at Second City, and she recently left for LA to be part of the CBS Diversity Showcase and workshop. Jimmy talks to her about how she creates such belivable characters, why mentoring and being mentored is important to her success, and what it was like to be the only African-American woman in an all-white cast.
Micah Philbrook is one of Chicago's most thoughtful and invovative improvisers and teachers. He teaches at The Second City Training Center, he's a founder of pH Productions, and he performs with Tim and Micah Project. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about joining a cult-like improv group when he first came to Chicago, the importance of hanging out in the improv community and what he likes about improv.
Stacey Smith is the founder of the Chicago Musical Improv Festival, as well as an amazing improviser and teacher. Jimmy talk to her at this year's festival at iO Chicago about how the hard times starting out in improv in Chicago, what she loves about doing musical improv and how she's able to do so many projects.
TJ Miller, a hilarious stand-up and star of HBO's Silicon Valley, sits down with Jimmy at The Annoyance Theater in Chicago to talk about why physicality is important in comedy, how he developed his great work ethic and his unique approach to acting and auditioning.
Bob Dassie is a legendary improviser and teacher. He performs with his wife, Stephanie Weir, in Weirdass, and has also been improvising with the group Dasariski for 17 years. We talk to him about his incredible work ethic, he philosophy on getting better and making the positive choice in a scene.
Marty DeRosa is a comedian who is considered the king of Chicago crowd work, using a lot improvisation in his stand-up act. He is a founding member of Comedians You Should Know and he co-host the hilarious podcasts Marty & Sarah Love Wrestling, and Wrestling with Depression. Jimmy talks to him about experiencing the death of one of his siblings and a parent at a young age, his dad, and how he uses improv in his stand-up.
Jeff Quintana is the Artistic Director and co-founder of The Villain Theater in Miami. He is a respected teacher and improviser who has studied in New York and Chicago. In this episode that was recorded live at The Villain Theater, Jimmy talks to Jeff about his dream of opening up an improv theater, being homeless in New York, and how to create a character immediately at the top of an improv scene.
Joe Bill is an international improv teacher and performer. He is a co-founder of the Annoyance Theater and tours with Mark Sutton in Bassprov. He has taught at Second City, The Annoyance and iO Chicago and continues to teach around the world. Jimmy sat down with him in this live episode to talk about The Annoyance, the day he quit stand-up, and his unique psychological approach to improv.
Simon Helberg is best known as Howard from the hit CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. He is currently staring in the new film Florence Foster Jenkins with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. We talked to him about following in his father's footsteps at The Groundlings, how acting is like improv and the importance putting your stuff up.
This is our 200th episode of Improv Nerd! To acknowledge this milestone, we have compiled 15 of our favorite past guests' advice for people who are going into improv or comedy today. You will hear wisdom from people like Adam McKay, the ladies from Broad City, Lauren Lapkus, TJ and Dave, Jill Soloway, Bob Odenkirk, Jon Favreau and more. Take a listen!
Matt Dwyer is a writer, stand-up and podcaster. He was one of the youngest people to be hired for the Second City Touring Company at the age of 21. He has written for Funny or Die and Jonah Ray's Hidden America on Netflix. We talked to him about hanging out at Second City when he was high school, how getting fired at Second City led him to stand up, and the importance of writing for improvisers.
Mike Birbiglia is the writer, director and star of his latest independent film, "Don't Think Twice," about a popular New York improv group where one of the member gets his big break. Jimmy talks to Mike about some of themes in his film, like jealousy, self-sabotage and fame. Also, Mike talks about falling in love with improv and why it's so important for him to create his your own projects.
Peter Grosz is best known as one of the two guys in the Sonic commercials, but he has also written for The Colbert Report and Late Night with Seth Meyers. He has performed at The Second City etc., the UCB, Boom Chicago, and iO Chicago. Jimmy talks to him about why he still loves improvising, getting hired to write for Colbert and why he likes to play the unlikable Sidney Purcell in HBO's VEEP.
Kelsie Huff is one of Chicago's hottest comedians. She has studied at iO Chicago and Second City and she teaches the popular Feminine Comique, which is a stand-up class geared towards woman. Jimmy talked her at this year's Chicago Women's Funny Festival about how she uses improv in her stand-up, how to make the transition from storytelling to stand-up, and how she has been able to transform pain into comedy.
Jason Winer is a director, an Emmy-award wining producer, and writer. He has directed and produced such hit sitcoms at Modern Family, Life in Pieces and The Crazy Ones. Jason studied at iO Chicago back in the late '90s and was part of the team The Tribe. Jimmy talked to him about learning to improvise at young age thanks to his supportive parents, his initial reaction to Modern Family, and he how he works with actors.
Nia Vardalos is an actress, screenwriter and director, best known for her critically acclaimed films My Big Fat Greek Wedding I and II. Jimmy talks to her about how she went from working in the box office at Second City to getting hired as actor, using improv to write her screenplays and the importance of following your heart.
Tara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto are masters of musical improv, touring around the world doing their critically acclaimed two-person musical improvisation show: HERE. Jimmy sat down with the recently married couple and talked them about how they first met, the power of musical improv, and why they like to make their audience cry as well as laugh.
Ed Furman is a writer, actor and improviser who has performed in three Second City revues and co-written Chicago's longest running musical Co-ed Prison Sluts at The Annoyance Theater. He's also written a sketch project for NBC, two children's plays and a best selling book. Jimmy sat down with Ed and talked to him about starting out at the Annoyance, how he developed his unique comedic voice and not worrying about getting the laughs when he improvises.
Miles Stroth is the founder of the Pack Theater in Los Angeles. He is also an incredible improviser, teacher and director who was part of the legendary improv group The Family at iO Chicago in the '90s. Jimmy talked to him at his theater in Los Angeles about being a hit by car, what he's learned from other improvisers that makes him so good, and how the UCB Cagematch changed how he improvises.
Hello from the Magic Tavern is a fully improvised comedy podcast that's exploding in popularity. In this episode, Jimmy sits down with creators Arnie Niekamp, Adal Rifai and Matt Young at the Chicago Improv Festival to talk to them about how they all met, how they developed great chemistry, and how they go about creating their magic world.
Kevin Nealon was on Saturday Night Live for nine seasons, and was best known for his characters Mr. Subliminal, Hanz and Franz with Dana Carvey and being the host of Weekend Update. Jimmy talks him about why he didn't think he'd ever get hired by SNL, how having a full life is helpful in a career in comedy, and the importance of being original.
Pete Gardner plays Darryl Whitefeather on the hit CW sitcom My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Jimmy sat down and talked with him about why he moved to Chicago in the '90s to study improv, the importance of taking acting classes even when you are on hit sitcom, and his relationship with his father.
Kate Flannery is best known for playing Meredith on the NBC series "The Office." She is also part of the comedy lounge act The Lampshades and was a member of Second City Touring Company and The Annoyance Theater in Chicago. Jimmy talked to her about what is like to be on a hit sitcom, her days in Chicago and why she still keeps a costume change in her car.
Pat Finn is a member of Beer, Shark Mice who has appeared in such sitcoms as Seinfeld, Friends, The Drew Carey Show, and Curb Your Enthusiasm just to name a few. He has also done a ton of national commercials. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about his late friend Chris Farley, how he developed his physical style of improvising and what it was like to work on Seinfeld.
John Lehr and Nancy Hower create and produce sitcoms that are improvised, such as Ten Items or Less for TBS and Quick Draw for Hulu. John improvised with ED in Chicago in the late '90s. Nancy studied acting Juliard and fronted a rock band. Jimmy sits down with them to talk about why they like improvising their TV shows, how they settle creative differences, and opening for Meat Loaf.
Tim Kazurinsky is an actor who was on Saturday Night Live from 1980-84 and is best remembered as Carl Sweetchuck in the Police Academy films. He is also a screenwriter who co-wrote About Last Night. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about why he started taking improv classes at The Second City, how he got on SNL and making his Broadway debut last year in An Act of God with Jim Parsons.
Jon Favreau is a well-known writer, actor and director who has directed such films as Iron Man 1 and 2, Elf, Made, and Chef, just to name a few. He's also the director of Walt Disney's The Jungle Book, which comes out April 15. Jimmy sat down with him to discuss his comedy days in Chicago, what tools he uses from his improv training to write his films, and working with Bill Murray on The Jungle Book.
Cecily Strong is a cast member on SNL and she's in four new movies coming to theaters this spring and summer, including Ghostbusters, The Bronze, The Meddler and The Boss. Jimmy talks to her about being a ham when she was younger, why studying in Chicago was important to her career, and why she almost didn't audition for SNL.
Kristy and Jethro Nolan are the co-founders of The Arcade Comedy Theater in Pittsburgh. They are incredibly accomplished improvisers and teachers who have performed at iO-Chicago and Boom Chicago in Amsterdam and taught at the Second City. Jimmy talks to then how they met in improv, why the moved from LA to Pittsburgh, and how they have adjusted to teaching improv in a smaller market.
Kate James is an actor, improviser and writer who is best known as one of the members of the hilarious sketch comedy group Schadenfreude and from the viral video Drunk Cubs Fan. She has also written on the Jeff Award-winning The Second City Guide to the Opera. We talk to her about why most of siblings went into the arts, what it takes to be part of a successful sketch group, and the secret to having your video go viral.
Natasha Rothwell is a former writer for Saturday Night Live who is now one of the stars of the new comedy sketch show "Characters," which debuts on Netflix March 11. We talk to her about training at the People's Improv Theater and UCB in New York, her work ethic, how she got hired by SNL and her new show.
In this episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy moderates a panel discussion on the issue of sexual harassment in improv, which has become a very heated discussion lately throughout the improv community. On the panel is improv teacher Susan Messing, improvisers Julia Weiss and Laura Bowers, former attorney and corporate trainer Ben Capraro and therapist Nadia Greenspan. This episode was taped on Feb. 18 at Green Shirt Studio in Chicago.
Nora Dunn was a cast member on Saturday Night Live form 1985-1990. She has appeared in the movies Working Girl, Three Kings and Pineapple Express. Jimmy sat down with her to talk to her about her years on SNL, how she comes up with her characters and why she moved back to Chicago after living LA.
For this special compilation episode we have put together some of our favorite moments from our guests talking about a red hot topic -- diversity in comedy. Listen to Key & Peele, Chris Redd, Puntam Patel, Ali Farahnakian, and Edgar Blackmon talk about how they discuss race in comedy, avoid stereotypes and more.
The Defiant Thomas Brothers (Paul Thomas and Seth Thomas) is a brilliant two-person sketch group out of Chicago. After splitting up 9 years ago, they have gotten back together and now have an open run at The Second City Training Center. Jimmy sat down with them at this year's Chicago's Skectchfest and talked to them about getting back together, how audiences have changed, and race in comedy. You are going to love this episode!
Mick Napier is the founder and artistic director of the acclaimed Annoyance Theater in Chicago, an artistic consultant at Second City and the author of the new book, Behind The Scenes: Improvising Long Form. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about some of the concepts in the book such as giving yourself permission to be funny, how to appeal to a non-improv audience and how to get in the right frame of mind when improvising.
Shana Merlin is the owner and founder of Merlin Works in Austin, TX. She is a well-respected improviser and teacher with quite a following. In this lively episode recorded at the Institution Theater in Austin, Jimmy talks to her about starting to teach improv when she was only 22, her take on making mistakes in improv, and how having a baby can affect the business of running an improv theater.
Asaf Ronen is the educational director at The Institution Theater in Austin, TX, and author of Directing Improv. He has been involved in improv since 1990 and has improvised and taught all over the world. In this episode, which was recorded at The Institution Theater, Jimmy talks to him about growing up as a latch-key kid, why he moved from New York to Austin, and how teaching improv helps with depression.
Geoffrey Baer is a popular host, producer and writer at Chicago's public television station, WTTW. In this interview, Jimmy talks to Geoffrey about his theater background, teaching improvisation at the Players Workshop of the Second City, and his grandmother's prediction for his career.
Matt Higbee is well-respected teacher and improviser at iO-Chicago with a huge following. He talks to Jimmy about the hard part of being on the Harold Commission, which decides which teams get to play and which teams are broken up; being bounced around and cut from teams when he started out; and why it's important to study one method of improvisation at a time.
Join Jimmy and his trusted staff -- Producer Dan Schiffmacher, Director Sam Bowers and Head of the Interns Lauren Carrane -- as they sit down to discuss their favorite episodes of Improv Nerd from the past year.
Adam McKay is a writer and director of such comedies as Anchorman, Taladaga Nights, Step Brothers and more. He has just released his latest film, The Big Short. Jimmy sat down and talked to him about improvising in Chicago back in the '90s, what he learned from being head writer on SNL, and how improvises when he directs his films.
Colt Cabana is an internationally known professional wrestler and host of the super popular podcast The Art of Wrestling. Jimmy talks to Colt about his improv and comedy back ground, the comparison between wrestling and improv, and the importance of promoting yourself.
Mike O'Brien has been a writer and featured player on Saturday Night Live. He is an alumni of The Second City Main Stage in Chicago and was a member of the legendary Harold team The Reckoning at iO Chicago. Jimmy sat down and talked to Mike about his love for uncomfortable comedy, his journey from writer to performer on SNL, and his new comedy album, Tasty Radio.
Mike Carr has been the Artistic Director at SAK Comedy Lab in Orlando, FL, since 2006. He has performed with Mission Improvable, studied at iO Chicago where he was on the Harold team Revolver and gotten to improvise at his job at The Monster Inc. Laugh Floor at Disney World. In this episode, Jimmy talks to Mike at the Tampa Improv Festival about how he got started in theater and what it is like to be an artistic director at an improv theater.
Anne Libera is the director of The Comedy Studies program of Columbia College at The Second City in Chicago. She is a well-respected teacher and director who was the Executive Artistic Director of The Second City Training Center for eight years. Jimmy sat down and talked to her about going from actor to director, becoming friends with Stephen Colbert at Northwestern University and the importance working with people you like.
TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi are true improv legends. Their show, TJ and Dave, is an international award-winning show that has inspired improvisers all over the world. Jimmy sat down and talked to them about the history of TJ and Dave, their new book, Improvising at the Speed of Life, and why they decided to give up running The Mission Theater.
Anthony LeBlanc is an actor, teacher and director who recently directed the current Second City etc. show "Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?" He was also a cast member of the Second Mainstage, where he put up two revues. Jimmy talks to him about how the death of his brother has inspired him, why his dream job was to work for NASA and his insight about race in comedy today.
Jen Ellison is a director, writer, teacher and performer who is best known for directing The Second City e.t.c.'s 38th revue, "Apes of Wrath."She teaches at The Second City, DePaul University, and Columbia College. In this episode, Jimmy talks to Jen about discovering a passion for directing at a young age, the transition from DePaul's Theatre School to ComedySportz, and the importance of admitting your mistakes.
Irene Marquette is a performer, teacher, writer and director. Best known for the host of the popular "Curio Show" she teaches at iO-Chicago, The Annoyance and Comedy Studies at Columbia College. She also regulary improvises with Tone and Super Human at IO-Chicago. Jimmy talked to her about starting out doing murder mystery dinner theater with her parents, finding improv at 19 in a coffee shop in Las Vegas and how important it is do the improv you love doing.
Joel Murray joins Jimmy during a recent trip to Chicago and talks about his time with The Second City Chicago, his career in film and television, and growing up with brothers Bill Murray and Brian Doyle Murray.
Jimmy explores the process of getting rejected in comedy with guests Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer from Broad City, David Koechner, Dan Harmon, Colbert writer Brian Stack, and more.
In this episode, which was recorded live at the Providence Improv Festival, Jimmy interviews two of the pillars of the Providence improv community: Melissa Bowler, the artistic director of Provindence Improv Guild (P.I.G.) and Tim Thibodeau, the producer of the Providence Improv Festival. They talk about their thriving improv community, how P.I.G. was formed, and the advantages of improvising in a smaller city.
Zach Ward is the owner, founder and executive producer of DSI Comedy Theater, as well as the artist director and executive producer of the NC Comedy Arts Festival. Jimmy sat down at talked to him about starting improv classes in North Carolina, while he was still living in Chicago improvising, what it takes to run an improv theater and why he considers himself a comedian who does improv.
Lance Barber is best known for his role as Pauli G on the short-lived TV sitcom The Comeback on HBO, as well as Jimmy Speckerman in The Big Bang Theory. He studied at The Second City and iO-Chicago where he worked with the legendary Del Close. Jimmy sat down with Lance to talk about what he learned from Del, turning down Second City to move to LA and playing Pauli G.
Jeff Bouthiette is currently the Head of the Music Program at the Second City Training Center in Chicago. As an improviser, he was a longtime member of the musical improv troupe Jazz Hands Across America and currently performs with the Second City Training Center musical improv house ensemble, Infinite Sundaes. Jimmy sat down with him at the Chicago Musical Improv Festival and talked to him about how musical improv is growing up, what the next frontier is for musical improv, and why studying musical improv can you make you a better improviser.
Dan Telfer is stand-up comedian who has opened for Maria Bamford, Brian Posehn and Patton Oswalt. He's performed at the Just For Laughs Festival in both Montreal and Chicago and his writing has appeared in Paste Magazine, The Onion, and The A.V. Club. Jimmy talks to him about starting out in theater, how quickly he made the transition from improv to stand-up, and how he's always been a nerd.
Paul Vaillancourt is the author of the new book Triangle of the Scene, as well as a teacher at iO West, a member of Beer Shark Mice and one of the most respected improvisers around. Jimmy sat down with him to talk about his specific approach to long form scene work, playing with Beer Shark Mice and all the great opportunities he's had along the way.
Jeff Griggs is a teacher at iO-Chicago and The Second City Training Center in Chicago and is the author of Guru: My Days with Del Close. Jimmy sits down and talks to Jeff about his experience with Del Close, improvising with Deep Schwa and what it is like to getting into the Second City directing program later in life.
Rush Howell has been improvising in Chicago since 1999. He has performed with groups such as 3033, Atlantis, CUFFS, The Scene and ARMANDO DIAZ at iO-Chicago. Rush has coached and taught at many theaters across the country and at dozens of festivals. Jimmy talked to him about how he balances being a full-time lawyer, why he still loves to improvise and creating your own projects.
Rashawn Nadine Scott is the cast of The Second City e.t.c.'s 39th revue, "Soul Brother Where Are Thou?" She is a recipient of the Bob Curry Fellowship, and she's performed in The Art of Falling with Second City and Hubbard Street Dance. Jimmy talks to he about her amazing confidence, how she got the Bob Curry Fellowship, and how having a background in singing and musical theater helps her at Second City.
Zach Bartz and Kevin Gerrity are the masterminds behind Shit Hole, one of Chicago's most popular underground comedy shows. Jimmy talks to them about why they have such a big following with their anti-marketing approach, the expectations they have for their audiences and performers, and why building community has been so important to their success.
Jorin Garguilo is an incredible teacher and improviser living in Chicago. He performs with Revolver, Felt and The Scene at iO Chicago and was part of the legendary group Rainbow Deli at CIC. Jimmy sat down with him and talked about starting out improvising when he was 17 in North Carolina, performing with Revolver and why he think he did his best work with Rainbow Deli.
In this latest episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy talks to Scott Morehead of the Second City e.t.c. cast and the Late '90s at iO Chicago. Jimmy talks to him about his journey to a resident company at Second City, asking for what you want and becoming a dad.
Katie Rich writes for SNL's Weekend Update, is an alumni of The Second City Mainstage and has performed at iO-Chicago with Carl and The Passions. Jimmy talks to her about her first day on the job at SNL, what goes into writing for Weekend Update, and meeting the President at the White House Correspondent's Dinner.
Have you ever wondered what it would take to start your own Improv Theater? In our first compilation episode, you'll hear clips from previous interviews from successful theater owners such as Mick Napier, Tom Booker, Dianah Dulaney, and more! Take a listen as they discuss how to manage actors efficiently, where to find the perfect location, and what their philosophies were when creating their new space.
In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Dick Chudnow, the creator and founder of ComedySportz, and Matt Elwell, current Executive Director of ComedySportz, at the 2015 ComedySportz World Championship in Rock Island, IL, where they talk about the creation of ComedySportz, the advantage of working clean and short form versus long form. Don't miss this great episode!
Ithamar Enriquez is a writer, actor, teacher and performer. He is an alumni of The Second City, writing and performing shows with the MainStage, ETC and the Second City Touring Company. Jimmy talks to him about physical comedy and his wonderful one-person silent sketch show "Ithamar Enriquez Has Nothing to Say."
Billy Merritt has been a performer, teacher and director since the UCB opened in New York. He was founding member of The Swarm and The Stepfathers in New York, and The Smokes in LA. We talk to Billy about how he classifies improvisers as pirates, robots, and ninjas, and what the game in the scene means to him. He also does an amazing job of deconstructing the improv scene between Jimmy and himself.
Dylan Rohde is the founder and co-owner of The Backline in Omaha, NE, and the producer of the Omaha Improv Festival. We talked to him about studying at the UCB and iO West and why he moved from LA to Omaha to start a comedy theater. He also demonstrates an improv game that you will definitely want to use!
Dave Buckman is a director-teacher-improviser. He started out in studying and teaching in Chicago, before becoming the Artistic Director of Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. He has directed at The Second City in Chicago and Cleveland before moving to Austin in 2005. We talked to Dave about directing at The Second City and Boom, why the growing Austin improv community plays nice together, and what it's like performing with his wife, Rachel. Thanks to Joseph Dailey & Cene Hale for the great opening!
Rob Belushi and Jon Barinholtz are in the duo group Sheldon and the perform improv around the country. Jimmy caught up with them at this year's Chicago Improv Festival, where they talked about their brotherly relationship and how they use it on stage, who they named their show after, and they set Jimmy straight on the whole topic of fame and coming from famous families.
Dianah Dulany is an improv institution. She is the owner and producer of ComedySportz in Houston, where she is wonderful teacher-director-actor-improviser. Jimmy talked to her at the Houston Improv Festival about what makes the culture of ComedySportz special, why short form gets a bad rap, and how to tell one of your performers they need to take a shower. Special Introduction was provided by John Thompson's Renaissance Academy Charter School of The Arts Kindergarten class from Rochester, NY!
R. Kevin Doyle has been involved in improv in Hawaii since 1989. He is a member of On the Spot and a founding member of Loose Screws. In this episode, which was recorded at The Actor's Workshop, owned by Wayne Ward, Jimmy talks to R. Kevin about what it was like improvising in Hawaii back in the day, his unique approach to improv, and how he dealt with depression.
Ali Farahnakian is the founder of the Peoples Improv Theater (PIT) in New York City. An improv legend, Ali studied at iO-Chicago and Second City, was a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade and wrote for Saturday Night Live. Here, he sits down with Jimmy at The New York Improv Festival to talk about his amazing career in improv.
Centralia is an improv group from New York that has developed its own unique style of improv. Jimmy sat down with this legendary group at The New York Improv Festival at The PIT Theater and talked to them about the evolution of the group, their influences and what the New York improv scene was like when the were starting out back in the '90s. You are going to love this one!
Jordan Klepper is a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He has taught and performed at The UCB New York, where he is a member of legendary group The Stepfathers, as well as at iO-Chicago, where he in the the original cast of World News Tonight and a member of Carl and The Passions. In this episode, which was recorded at the Peoples Improv Theater during the New York Improv Festival, Jimmy talks to him about how he got a job on The Daily Show, why he moved from Chicago to New York, and the realities of the comedy world.
Kelly Leonard is the Vice President of The Second City, and President of The Second City Theatricals. He's also co-author of a new book with Tom Yorton, "Yes, And." (How Improvisation Reverses "No, But" Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration--Lessons from The Second City) Jimmy talks with Kelly about how he got started at Second City back in 1988, stepping in as the producer at a young age for the legendary Joyce Sloan, and of course- his new book. If you want to get inside the mind of an accomplished producer at one of the most successful comedy theaters in the world, you are going love this episode!
Joe Canale has done it all in the improv world. He's an alumni of The Second City Main Stage in Chicago, and has performed too many shows to list at iO and Boom Chicago. Jimmy talks with Joe about why he's so comfortable being "a lighting rod," what he learned from hosting an improv jam when he was just starting out, and why he wishes he would've stayed at Boom Chicago and Second City for just one more year. Joe Canale is always honest and always insightful.
Dana Quercioli is from Cleveland, where she was the second youngest person to be on a Main Stage at Second City. She is a hugely respected improviser and teacher performing at iO-Chicago and Second City. Jimmy sat down with her and talked to her experience on the Main Stage in Cleveland, driving from Ohio to Chicago on Sundays to take classes at iO, and what she wants to do next in her career.
Brad Morris is a writer/actor/improviser. He wrote for three seasons on Cougar Town, he is an alumni of The Second City Mainstage and a member of the legendary iO Harold team The Reckoning. Jimmy sat down with Brad and talked to him about his journey from iO to Second City to LA as writer, actor and everything in between.
Jill Soloway is the creator of the hit show Transparent. Jimmy sat down with The Golden Globe winner and talked to her about starting out at The Annoyance Theater back in the early 90's, how she is dealing with her success, and the creative process. You will not want to miss this honest and insightful interview!
Noah Gregoropoulos is an amazing teacher, director and improviser at iO-Chicago. He is one of the oldest members of iO, where he has been teaching and improvising for close to 25 years. Jimmy sits down with his old friend to talk about stepping in for Del Close when he died, what "truth in comedy" means to him and where he developed his artistic approach to improv.
Amey Goerlich is a hugely respected teacher, director, coach, producer and improviser in New York City. She has directed or coached more than 300 teams and off-Broadway productions. She hosts and produces the Indie Cage Match at the UCB and improvises all around the city. Jimmy talked to her her about starting out at the UCB, teaching improv seven days a week and the famous people she has been fortunate enough to work with over the years.
The UCB Touring company consists of Marshall Stratton, Mike Kelton, Jenny St. Angelo, and James Smith. Jimmy caught up with them at The Steel Stacks Improv Comedy Festival and talked to them up about how they got into the touring company and what they've learned from doing gigs on the road. Take a listen!
In this episode, Jimmy interviews Judy Fabjance, a well-known improv teacher at Second City, who recently created a two-person sketch show called "Tales Of A Stage 4 Cancer" with her wife, Kelly Beeman. The show is based on Judy's struggles with cancer and Kelly's experiences as a caregiver to Judy. In this very moving episode of Improv Nerd, they discuss how they created the show and how they turned something so painful into something so funny.
Will Hines is a legendary teacher and improviser at the UCB. He has been performing there since 2000 and he headed up the training center in New York for years. Jimmy talked to him about how he was first exposed to improv in New York back in the late '90s, what the UCB was like when he first started, and what "the game of the scene" means to him. Will is both thoughtful and articulate about improv, so you won't want to miss this episode!
Danny Balel is not someone you may know. He is in the improv trenches doing the un-glamorous work of teaching improv to kids. He is a member of Improv Boston's Touring Company who also teaches improv to a diverse bunch of high school kids in the working class city of Worcester, Mass., as well as at Clark University. In this episode, Jimmy talks to him about his rough teenage years, how theater saved his life and how he's making a difference teaching improv.
Jack Bronis is a teacher at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and he is easily one of the best ones out there today. Jack is also a well respected improviser and actor in the city. Jimmy talks to him about why there should be in gurus in improv, how he brings joy into his performing and why he improvises in his socks. Take a listen!
Sand is an amazing three-man independent improv group, consisting of Mike Brunlieb, Thomas Kelly and Scott Nelson. They are easily one of the best group performing improv in the city of Chicago today. Jimmy talks to them about their wild and unstructured rehearsal process, their unique long form, developing characters and what make the chemistry work in their group. If you are on an improv group or team, you've got to listen!
In this episode, Jimmy interviews Kevin Reome, a well-known teacher at Second City, about coming up at iO with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, his experience of dropping out of improv to sell insurance and then coming back to the scene, and why he loves teaching beginning improvisers. Take a listen!
Antoine McKay is a former member of the Second City Mainstage, a teacher, actor, and is appearing in the new show Empire on Fox. In this episode, Antoine talks about coming up through Second City Detroit, his faith, and not making acting a priority. Don't miss this one!
In this episode, Jimmy brings in a whole bunch of the Improv Nerd team to discuss their favorite moments from 2014. Listen as some of the behind-the-scenes folks talk about exciting times, embarrassing encounters, and what they really think about your host Jimmy Carrane.
Rachael Mason is the Head of Advanced Improvisation at Second City, a phenomenal improviser, and a beloved improv teacher in Chicago. In this episode, Rachael talks about the responsibility women have in creating comedy's future, her new role at Second City, and she and Jimmy perform a scene in the dark like an old timey radio play. Don't miss it!
In this episode, Jimmy talks Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, creators of the new show, "Broad City," on Comedy Central, about starting out at UCB in New York, setting goals, investing their own money into their careers, and turning their web series into a hit show. Take a listen!
Best known for creating the HBO sketch series Mr. Show ,playing criminal lawyer Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad, and writing the famous ''Matt Foley'' sketch on SNL, Bob Odenkirk is a comedy legend. He took some time out from his busy tour schedule to chat with Jimmy about his many new projects, including his new book, "A Load of Hooey" and his new show Better Call Saul. They also talked about his reputation as a comedy mentor, working at Second City, and growing up with an angry, alcoholic father. Anyone who considers themselves a comedy nerd won't want to miss this episode.
Jack Newell is a writer/producer/actor/director. He is the head of the brand new TV, Film and Digital Department at The Second City Training Center in Chicago. He's a comedy director who uses improvisation in his videos and his two feature length films: Close Quarters and Open Tables. He talks about directing using improvisation, how he gets his projects produced and how improv has taught him to roll with the punches on a film set. This episode is a must for any improviser who want to do their own film,TV and digital shorts.
Stephanie McCullough, musical improv virtuoso, has been the piano player for Music Improv since 1997, on the Second City faculty (music director, teacher, and composer) since 2002, and is the founder of MCL (Musical Comedy Live) in Chicago. Stephanie talked about her mother's depression, her interactions with Wayne Brady, and helped Jimmy overcome his fear/judgement of musical improv. If you don't wanna miss Jimmy's singing voice, don't miss this episode!
Michael Delaney has been a member of the UCB since 1998, where he teaches improv and sketch writing. He’s been part of legendary teams like “The Swarm” and “Stepfathers.” We talked to him about why he thinks so many talented people have come out of the UCB, what the game of the scene means to him and how he has accepted living in pain. Take a listen!
Chris Redd is a comedy triple threat: a hilarious stand-up, a great improviser, and a former member of Second City's e.t.c. cast. In this episode, he talks with Jimmy about the difference between preforming on the Southside and the Northside of Chicago, how comedy taught him to dig deep into himself, and how he changed from almost running with a gang to getting involved in comedy.
Tim Paul is an actor, writer, and director living in Chicago. He's created numerous shows along with The Annoyance Theatre including “Bear Force One,” “An Aerosmith Christmas,” “Fisting: A Period Piece” and more recently his solo shows. He sat down to chat with Jimmy about using life experience in his writing and performing and why he'd never let his parents see one of his shows.
Cameron Esposito is a rising star stand-up comic who started out in Chicago and is now the host of the podcast Put Your Hands Together on Feral Audio (home of Improv Nerd!), and the author of the A.V. Club column “Who In the World Is Carmeron Esposito?” In this episode, she takes a break from her busy touring schedule promoting her second comedy album, “Same Sex Symbol,” to chat with Jimmy about engaging with hecklers, the influence of a religious upbringing, comedy's role in her coming out story, and how five years of professional improv impacted her stand-up. Enjoy!
In this episode, which was recorded at the Improv Festival Oklahoma, Jimmy sits down with Tim Marks who runs Kansas Improv Comedy and heads up the Kansas City Improv Festival. Tim talks about some of the personality issues you have to deal with running an improv theater, losing improvisers to bigger markets, and playing politically incorrect characters. If you are improvising in a smaller market or you are running an improv theater, you are going to love this episode.
Jay Sukow, a fixture in the Chicago improv scene, has been improvising since 1992. He’s a wonderful teacher, director and faculty member at Second City, a co-founder of the production company Group Mind Films and has been a guest performer at Boom Chicago, the Second City, and “Messing with a Friend.” He spoke with Jimmy about their early days together in Chicago improv, how he got through the depression of his late 20s, his favorite parts of teaching, and why short-form shouldn't get the short end of the stick.
Mark Beltzman is a legendary improv teacher, actor and improviser. He was a founding member of iO in Chicago and of the legendary Harold team, Barons Barracudas. He performed and directed at The Second City in Chicago. Jimmy sat down with him to talk to him about the first time he meet Del Close, how the Harold has evolved and how his spirituality influences his improvisation.
Todd Stashwick is an improviser and actor who started out at Second City and now frequently appears in TV and films. (Please, imdb him.) Jimmy sat down Todd with at the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival to talk to him about how he works so much in TV, his physical approach to improv and how getting mugged in Chicago changed his life.
Tom Booker is the owner and artistic director at The Institution Theater in Austin. Jimmy sits down with his old pal and talks to him about the vibrant Austin improv scene, his desire to be famous, and why he likes to name drop. In this very candid and very funny episode you will hear a side of Tom Booker you never heard before. Enjoy.
During the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in Austin, TX, Paul Brittain, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live, sat down with Jimmy and talked about how he got started in comedy; his uncle, Bob Newhart; and how he develops characters like "Sex Ed Vincent." You'll love this episode, especially the improv!
During the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in Austin, TX, the delightful Lauren Lapkus of Orange Is The New Black and Comedy Bang Bang fame sat down with Jimmy to talk about her already impressive career as a young improvisor. Lauren talked about starting improv at a very young age, the differences between training at iO and at UCB,and more
Jimmy celebrates his 100th episode! For the big occasion, Jimmy interviews Brian McCann, the Emmy-winning writer for Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He is now creating his own show, The Brian McCann Leasure Hour. The former roommates talk about Brian's path from cartooning to improv to stand-up to sketch, his relationship with Conan O'Brien and getting back into improv. It's an episode filled with lots of laughs, great stories, and thoughtful advice for improvisers.
During a trip to our nation's capitol, Jimmy sat down with Travis Ploeger, former longtime member of New York's renowned Chicago City Limits and current founder of iMusical in Washington, D.C. Travis talked about his approach to musical improv and Jimmy faced his fear of and small bias against musical improv. It's an episode you don't want to miss!
Here's one from the vault! Live from Chicago's Sketch Fest at Stage 773, Jimmy interviews the members of Sad On Vacation. The guys talk about their writing process, the importance of a group's natural chemistry, and the influence of distance and fame on their creativity. Enjoy!
In this episode, Jimmy interviews Punam Patel, a current member of Second City's e.t.c. cast. A native of Florida and an Indian-American, Punam talks about the rising influence of South Asian comedians, her experience understudying for Aidy Bryant, and how she deals with her own imperfections. Take a listen!
Paul Grondy has been improvising for over 20 years and has been a beloved teacher and a member of the iO Road Show, Frank Booth, and Carl and the Passions. On the eve of iO’s relocation from of its historic Clark Street location, Jimmy and Paul reminisced about iO in the '90s, confronted each other on perceptions of their relationship, revealed some regrets and wisdom about their careers. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
George Wendt is best known as Norm Peterson from the hit sitcom "Cheers" and for his stint as a Super Fan on SNL. In this episode, Jimmy talks to George about being fired from The Second City's Mainstage and then earning it back, his relationships with improv legends like Del Close and his apprehension about improvising. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Mike Kosinski has written and performed in three revues at Second City and is currently in the cast of "Depraved New World" on The Main Stage. He and Jimmy sat down and talked about his unique path to Main Stage, auditioning for SNL twice, and what makes comedy the perfect platform to explore what makes us uncomfortable.
Alex Honnet and Caitlin Stephan are two of the founders of The Upstairs Gallery, on of Chicago's hottest indie improv venues. In this episode, Jimmy talks to them about what it takes to start your own improv theater, how to make it popular, and how not making a team at io turned into a good thing. Enjoy!
Beth Stelling is a stand-up who has appeared on Conan, @midnight and Chelsey Lately. In this episode, recorded at the Chicago Women's Funny Festival, she talks with Jimmy about how she started doing open mikes, how taking improv classes at The Annoyance Theater helped her stand-up, and her thoughts on women in comedy. Enjoy!
Jeff Hoover is the executive producer of the WGN TV Morning News in Chicago, a show known for its hilarious bits and constant joking around. In this episode, Jimmy talks to Jeff about his improv training at Second City, his love of impressions, and his years working in morning radio. Jeff also takes the plunge into improvising again after not having done it in 20 years. Take a listen!
Jimmy sits down with Nnamdi Ngwe live from Stage 773. Nnamdi has performed all over Chicago at the Annoyance, and the iO Theatre.
Candy Lawrence is a rising star in the Chicago comedy scene, having opened for such comedians as Maria Bamford, Todd Barry, Judah Friedlander, and Kurt Braunohler and twice performing at the TBS Just For Laughs festival. In this episode, Candy discusses how she turns pain into comedy, her sketch group with Lauren Lapkus and where she finds her quirky stage energy. Please enjoy!
Kevin Mullaney is a well loved improviser and improv teacher in Chicago who previously served as the Artistic Director of the UCB in New York and ran its training center. Kevin discusses playing the game of the scene, the excitement of being with the UCB at the very beginning and taking the first class that Matt Besser ever taught. This episode is like an improv class unto itself. Don't miss it!
This is the episode of Improv Nerd you've been demanding! Improv legend Susan Messing turns the tables and interviews Jimmy Carrane. Susan pulls no punches and asks Jimmy about his aggressive interview style, the roadblocks to his own happiness, and what the deal is with his Facebook page. Listen in as Susan gets inside the complicated mind of Jimmy Carrane like only she can. Thanks for listening!
The Reckoning are one iO Chicago's most legendary Harold teams. In this episode, Charlie McCrackin, Beau Golwitzer, Jake Schneider and Eddie Pina join Jimmy and discuss the secrets of their success and evolution as artists. Then Jimmy joins them for a bit of Reckoning style improv. Don't miss it!
David Koechner returns for a special episode of Improv Nerd recorded live at Columbia College in Chicago. Dave opens up about his approaches to scene work, including his methods for never going into a scene empty handed. He also talks about working on Anchor Man 2 and developing his stand-up act. Please enjoy!
Maribeth Monroe plays Alice on ComedyCentral's Workaholics, is a veteran of The Second City, and will appear in the upcoming HBO series Brink. Maribeth discusses her time at Second City, getting hired on Workaholics, and how she has worked to become a confident, grounded performer. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do!
Barry Hite is one of the creators of the popular "I'm A Fan" webseries of NFL fan videos on The Second City Network, performed with the legendary Bullet Lounge at iO Chicago, and is a revered improv teacher. In this episode, he sits down with Jimmy to discuss how he has learned to keep his career fun, learning from Tiina Fey, and why Jimmy should stop using Facebook. Please enjoy!
Actor and comedian Jeff Garlin returns to Improv Nerd for a really fun interview and improv set. Jeff tells Jimmy about how he turns setbacks into comedy, his relationship with Julia Roberts, and how he manages to stay grounded despite his success. We hope you enjoy this show!
Denver Colorado has a thriving improv scene with multiple theaters providing training and performance opportunities for aspiring improvisers. Jimmy sat down with some of the leaders of that community, Justin Franzen of Comedy Voodoo Playhouse, Kerstin Caldwell of YES! Lab, and Eric Farone of Bovine Metropolis Theater. Listen in as they discuss how the Denver scene came to be and the different perspectives a performer can gain from their respective theaters. Then they join forces to improvise together, demonstrating how we all speak the common language of improv. Please enjoy!
Whirled News Tonight is a smart and topical improv show that is a mainstay of iO Chicago, gracing the main stage on Saturday nights for the past 11 years. In this episode, cast members Brook Breit, Padraic Connelly, and Megan O'Neill join Jimmy for a look at how they've been able to keep it hip and fresh for so long. We hope you enjoy this show!
Rebecca Sohn is among the great improvisers and improv teachers in Chicago, having performed legendary shows at both iO and The Annoyance Theater. Ted Tremper is best known for his two award winning web series Shrink and Break-ups. Rebecca and Ted were part of a dramatic improv show called Almost Atlanta that enjoyed successful runs across Chicago, including at The Annoyance Theater and The Steppenwolf Garage. Rebecca and Ted sat down with Jimmy at The Second City to talk about their process in creating Almost Atlanta and their storied careers.
Brian Posen is a beloved figure in the world of Chicago comedy. He is a wildly popular improv teacher for The Secondy City, is the founder and artistic director of the musical sketch troupe The Cupid Players, and is the artistic director of Stage 773 - one of Chicago's hottest new comedy venues. Brian is also the founder of the wildly successful Chicago Sketch Fest, where he sat down with Jimmy to talk about his fears, his triumphs and how improvisation changes lives. We hope you'll love this episode.
Dan Bakkedahl is one of the stars of FX's Legit and HBO's Veep, spent two years as correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and is a veteran of The Second City Chicago. Dan joins Jimmy for a frank discussion of his own securities and how they have effected his career, overcoming those securities, and what it takes to be a great improviser. Improv nerds, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Baby Wants Candy is the legendary musical improv troupe that began in Chicago and has toured the world, featuring notable alumni Seth Meyers, Aidy Bryant, and Jack McBrayer, just to name a few. In this episode, cast members Tim Sniffen and Erica Elam, and band member Kevin Florian, help Jimmy overcome his fear of musical improv. It was a ton of fun and we hope you enjoy listening!
Jamie Campbell was named the best stand-up comic in Chicago by the Chicago Reader in 2013. He's also a gifted improviser who performs regularly at ComedySportz. In this powerful episode, Jamie shares the story of his traumatic childhood and explains how he's been able to mine his experiences for comedy. Listen to Jamie tell his compelling story in this episode of Improv Nerd.
Tawny Newsome is a veteran of The Second City mainstage in Chicago. In 2013, Rolling Stone magazine named her one of ten performers that should be hired by SNL. She's an accomplished actress. She's a talented musician. She's the guest on this week's episode of Improv Nerd!
Rick Bayless is a world renowned chef, winner of the popular competitive cooking show Top Chef, and host of his own show on PBS, Mexico: One Plate At A Time. Rick joins Jimmy in this episode to discuss his love of improvisation, how he first caught the improv bug, and how he uses improv in the kitchen. And this episode features the only opportunity in which Bayless fans will experience him working in (an improvised) kitchen at McDonald's. Thanks for listening!
Jill Bernard is a nationally recognized improv performer and teacher and is one of the founders of HUGE Improv Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jimmy paid a visit to Minneapolis and sat down with Jill and discussed how she brings joy to the classroom and her performances. Listen in if you'd like to add a little more of that necessary joy to your work.
Michael Palascak is a stand-up comedian who has made multiple television appearances including performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Comedy Central's The Half Hour. Michael is also a Chicago trained improviser who still performs in the city. Michael took a break from his busy schedule to sit down with Jimmy to discuss touring with Jimmy Fallon, his stand-up persona and becoming a better actor. Don't miss this episode.
Lyndsay Hailey is a multi-talented actress and comedian who recently located from Chicago to Los Angeles. In Chicago, she performed with The Deltones and Chaos Theory at the legendary iO Chicago where she was also a beloved improv teacher. She also worked for The Second City and performs her own show, The Lyndsay Hailey Variety Hour. In this episode she sits down with Jimmy for a moving discussion about her personal evolution as a performer.
In this year-end episode, Jimmy, Producer Ben Capraro, and Head of Interns Lauren Carrane sit down to discuss their favorite moments of the show in 2013. Listen in as we review moments with Rossy Bryant, Matt Besser, Andy St. Clair, Chris Witaske, John Hartman, Frank Caeti, Edgar Blackmon, Brian Holden and Brett Lyons. We also debut a new segment - Lauren Carrane, Starfucker! Please enjoy and Happy New Year!
Mike Descoteaux is the Chicago-trained Artistic Director of Improv Boston and is a guru of musical improv. In this episode, he and Jimmy discuss the process of improvising on piano and creating an improvised musical. Then they create with one with the amazing cast of Improv Boston. This show is a clinic in musical improv that you won't want to miss.
Brett Lyons is a hometown favorite in Chicago where he performs with the legendary iO team, Deep Schwa. He also tours for The Second City. He sits down with Jimmy to discuss improvising as a full time job and how he learned that his father was in prison. Thanks for listening!
Tom Purcell is the executive producer of The Colbert Report and hebegan his career as a Chicago improviser. Tom sits down with Jimmy and discusses how he developed his love for comedy at a young age, his collaboration with Stephen Colbert, and his tips for aspiring writers who are submitting to shows. Jimmy also shares his experience working with Stephen. If you aspire to write for TV, listen in!
The Second City's Chris Witaske joins Jimmy for a frank discussion about auditioning for SNL, having drinks with Lorne Michaels, and working for the The Second City. In this episode, Jimmy also wishes farewell to a friend and improv legend, the great Jay Leggett. Thanks for listening!
John Hartman was just cast as a member of the ensemble for The Second City Chicago's upcoming 102nd Revue (Jimmy predicted this would happen at the end of this episode!). John has also performed in Chicago in shows including Baby Wants Candy and The Improvised Shakespeare Company. John opens up to Jimmy about overcoming loneliness and keeping a positive perspective as a performer. Listen in for a preview before John hits the main stage at Second City in January.
Kevin Dorff was a writer for Conan O'Brien for many seasons, has appeared on shows including 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation, and is a veteran of the main stage at The Second City in Chicago. Kevin joins Jimmy for a discussion of his career, his thoughts about improvisation and of course some improv. Thanks for listening.
Horatio Sanz is an SNL alum, an alum of The Second City, and one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade. Horatio joins Jimmy at Columbia College in Chicago and discusses what drives his comedy, his time on SNL and his time making a name for himself as a young comedian in Chicago.
Rich Talarico is a writer for Comedy Central's Key & Peele and has also written for Saturday Night Live, Mad Tv, and The Tonight Show. He is also a gifted improviser and improv teacher. Rich sat down with Jimmy and talked about his career as a performer and writer, his time studying at Second City and at iO with Del Close, and the first improv teacher he ever had - Stephen Colbert. Don't miss this episode!
Bill Arnett is pillar of Chicago improv; he's a beloved teacher and performer with legendary groups People of Earth, 3033 and the Armando. Bill sat down with Jimmy and discussed his approach to scenework, sketch writing, and his very popular improv blog. Listen in!
Adal Rifai is a cast member of Revolver and Whirled news tonight at iO Chicago where he's also a beloved improv teacher. Adal sits down with Jimmy and discusses being a part of the Harold Committee, dealing with bad shows, and his thoughts about good scene work. Thanks for listening.
Katy Colloton from the popular web series Teachers is an LA based actress and improviser (and recent Chicago ex-pat). Katy sat down with Jimmy before her move and they talked about Teachers and her comedy group The Katydids. Don't miss this episode.
The Second City's Improv Allstars is a short form improv show a running in the UP Theater at The Second City Chicago. Rachael Mason and Ryan Archibald - two of Chicago's finest improvisers - are both part of the cast. They sat down with Jimmy and helped him overcome his fear and judgment about short form improv. You can hear his transformation take place on stage. Thanks for listening!
Susan Messing is an icon of improv comedy and was the guest on the very first episode of Improv Nerd. In this classic episode, we hear the tale of Susan's audition for SNL and about her unconventional path to the main-stage at The Second City. This episode was lost when we made the move to feralaudio.com but is resurrected here for the second anniversary of the show. Enjoy!
Neil Flynn, Pat Finn, Paul Vaillancourt, Pete Hulne, and Mike Coleman are members of legendary improv group BeerSharkMice (member David Koechner was away shooting Anchorman 2). They sat down with Jimmy at iO West to discuss the BeerkSharkMice form, improvising in Chicago and LA, and working with Chris Farley. Then Jimmy sits in with BeerSharkMice for a really fun improv set.
Timmy Mayse is an actor and renowned Chicago improviser. He sat down with Jimmy and discussed his own path to becoming a recognized improviser, benefitting from failure, and doing commercial work. Don't miss this great episode.
Greg Hess joins Jimmy in this episode of Improv Nerd and talks about his recent audition for Saturday Night Live, a pilot he just shot for Comedy Central called Schlub Life, and of course his legendary improv group Cook County Social Club.
Team StarKid has taken the internet by storm with its staged parodies of Harry Potter and our guest Brian Holden is a founding member of the group. In this episode, Brian sits down with Jimmy to discuss Team StarKid's process, how he got involved in improv, and what it's like to instantly have a massive fan base.
Frank Caeti is an alum of Mad TV and The Second City ETC and is known for his acclaimed sketch work with Matt Craig as FrankenMatt. Frank chats with Jimmy about his near brush with SNL, working on Mad TV and why he continues to love to improvise. Of course, there's some great improv too. Thanks for listening!
Rolling Stone magazine named him one of 10 performers who might end up on SNL this coming season. He performed with Sir Patrick Stewart with both The Second City and The Improvised Shakespeare Company. In this episode of Improv Nerd, he sits down with Jimmy and describes his experiences auditioning for SNL, improvising with Patrick Stewart, and joining the main stage at Second City Chicago. Ladies and gentlemen, Ross Bryant.
Craig Cackowski is an actor, Second City veteran and teacher of improvisation in LA. Craig and Jimmy have an in depth conversation about the both the artform and business of improv. Craig is a master of improvisation who has worked with just about every other master of improvisation. And of course, they discuss it all. What a fun way to celebrate Improv Nerd's 50th episode. Ladies and gentlemen, Craig Cackowski.
Michael McCarthy is a veteran comedy writer, having written for SNL, The Drew Carey Show, According to Jim, Sesame Street, and more and teaches writing at iO Chicago. Michael joins Jimmy for some improv and discussion and shines some light on writing for television. If writing for television is your goal, you won't want to miss this episode.
David Razowsky is a film and television actor, host of the wonderful ADD Comedy podcast, and veteran of The Second City's mainstage in Chicago. David sits down with Jimmy to discuss his time as a Chicago improviser, his take on improv as an improv instructor, and of course his work with fellow Second City cast members Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert.
Beth Melewski is a beloved Chicago improviser. She sat down with Jimmy to discuss her time on The Second City's E.T.C. stage, starring on Cash Cab, and how she's learned to trust her instincts. It's a great interview followed by some great improv.
The Onion's Andy Miara sits down with Jimmy to discuss his time interning at SNL, touring for Second City with future SNL featured player Tim Robinson, and creating sketches for The Onion News Network. Then Jimmy picks a sketch written by audience members to be workshopped by Andy. Don't miss this great episode.
Andy St. Clair, a longtime favorite of the Chicago improv community, sits down with Jimmy and talks about coming up at iO Chicago, his time on The Second City's main stage and his television and commercial work.
Edgar Blackmon, star of The Second City Chicago's main stage, joins Jimmy for a lively discussion of race and comedy, overcoming personal tragedies, and why an actor can shit on someone's face as long as it's funny. Then Edgar joins Jimmy for some very therapeutic improv.
Lucas Neff, one of the stars of FOX's Raising Hope, sits down with Jimmy to discuss his rambunctious youth, becoming an actor by mistake, and discovering his passion for improvisation. Enjoy!
Holly Laurent, veteran of the main stage at The Second City Chicago, sits down with Jimmy and discusses her religious upbringing, coming into her own as an improviser and her time at The Second City. Don't miss this great episode.
John Lutz, former actor on 30 Rock and SNL writer, joins Jimmy for a personal conversation about his upbringing, getting started in improv, and why Donald Trump was the worst SNL host.
John Lutz, former actor on 30 Rock and SNL writer, joins Jimmy for a personal conversation about his upbringing, getting started in improv, and why Donald Trump was the worst SNL host.
Dan Harmon, creator of NBC's Community and host of the podcast Harmontown, sits down with Jimmy in this radically honest interview to discuss his start at ComedySportz in Milwaukee, the frustrations of the creative process of producing a network sitcom, and how he personally deals with self sabotage.
Andy Richter, longtime sidekick to Conan O'Brien, joins Jimmy at iO West for a completely candid interview and a wonderful improv set. Don't miss Andy explain how he came to be hired by Late Night, his evolution as an actor, and the true identity of Paul Swanson. Enjoy
Matt Besser, a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade, hosts Jimmy at the UCB Theater LA. Matt bears all for Jimmy, discussing his time in Chicago, the founding of UCB, the recent controversy over paying performers, and even a relationship that was previously unknown to the audience. Matt could not have been a better guest. Improv lovers should NOT miss this episode.
Before moving to Los Angeles in 2012, Amanda Blake Davis was a favorite of the Chicago improv scene. She starred in revues at The Second City Chicago, earning a JEFF Award for that work, and could regularly be seen at iO and The Annoyance Theater. Amanda joined Jimmy for a candid interview and a wonderful improvised scene.
Steve Waltien from The Second City mainstage joins Jimmy for a frank conversation about overcoming anxiety, how the death of his father informed his work, and the shelf life of a good shirt. Then, Steve and Jimmy find themselves in a bunker with ominous consequences.
Tim Baltz sits down with Jimmy and describes the evolution of his sense of humor, growing up in a multicultural home, and learning to be comfortable with self confidence. Then Tim and Jimmy perform a wonderful set of scenes that demonstrate why Tim is one of Chicago's most beloved improvisers. Listen in!
Tim Baltz sits down with Jimmy and describes the evolution of his sense of humor, growing up in a multicultural home, and learning to be comfortable with self confidence. Then Tim and Jimmy perform a wonderful set of scenes that demonstrate why Tim is one of Chicago's most beloved improvisers. Listen in!
Peter Gwinn wrote for The Colbert Report for over 6 years, earning an on-air farewell when he left. Peter is also one of the co-writers of The Secondy City's Twist Your Dickens holiday revue in Los Angeles. Listen in as Peter and Jimmy talk about Peter's life in comedy and then perform a great improv set.
Jeff Garlin sits down with Jimmy 90 minutes before doing a solo show at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater. Jeff talks about his method to approaching improvised standup comedy and the process that creates Curb Your Enthusiasm. Listen in!
Katie Rich, one of the stars of The Second City Chicago's 99th and 100th Revues, joins Jimmy for a candid interview and a fantastic improv set. We've had a string of great shows during our Fall 2012 run at Stage 773, this one was especially fun.
John Hildreth, the influential performer and instructor at The Second City in Chicago, joins Jimmy for a great discussion on improv and then John and Jimmy give a clinic on the art of slow comedy. John is one of our favorite improvisers in Chicago, listen and see why.
Charna Halpern drops by for one of our favorite episodes of Improv Nerd yet. Charna talks about her partnership with Del Close, the many talented performers that have performed at her theater over the years, and her long, storied career in improv. Then, Brendan Jennings and Brad Morris stop by to improvise with Jimmy while Charna takes notes. Don't miss this great episode!
Keegan-Michael Key, co-star of Comedy Central's Key & Peele, sat down with Jimmy at the 2012 Detroit Improv Festival in August and discussed his days growing up in Detroit, his transformation from classical theater to improv, and how his fellow theater majors gave him grief for being in a college fraternity. Do not miss this candid interview and fantastic improv set with Keegan-Michael Key.
Norm Holly, legendary Second City director and teacher, sits down with Jimmy to discuss his tendency to cause trouble, his success as a director, and what Andy Dick was like before he got famous. There's even a special guest. Listen in.
Earlier this year, Jimmy had the chance to sit down and talk with Megan Gray, Rick Andrews and Louis Kornfeld - three improvisers from the Magnet Theater Co. in New York who were in town for the Chicago Improv Festival. They discussed the similarities and differences between Chicago and New York improv and then put those methods to the test in a great set of scenes.
Joe Bill and Mark Sutton, original Annoyance Theater members and the guys behind Bassprov, stop by to discuss the early days of the annoyance theater, how to stay relevant in improv, and how Mark became to known as Howard.
Scott Adsit was in town for Just For Laughs and sat down with Jimmy to talk about his college days studying acting in Chicago, his time at The Second City, and his many television projects, including 30 Rock, Mr. Show and Frankenhole.
Brendan Jennings is beloved in Chicago for his work on the Second City ETC stage and with Cook County Social Club. In 2012 he was invited to perform on the new faces in comedy at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival. In this episode, Brendan sits down with Jimmy to discuss why he still gets nervous around teenagers and how being a father has changed the way he approaches his career.
Brian Stack has written for Conan O'Brien for 15 years, creating such memorable characters for the show as Artie Kendall, The Interruptor, and Andy Richter's little sister Stacy. Brian joins Jimmy for this live episode of Improv Nerd where they discuss his life in late night television, Brian's days as a Second City performer, and why it's so easy to be a nice guy in show business.
Kevin McDonald of the legendary sketch group Kids In The Hall joins Jimmy for a candid conversation about his friendships with Mike Meyers and Dave Foley and the evolution of Kids In The Hall.
David Koechner of Anchorman and NBC's The Office sits down to talk with Jimmy about his time studying with Del Close, his tenure at SNL, the making of Anchorman and more.
SNL featured player Tim Robinson and veteran Chicago improviser Dina Facklis sit down with Jimmy to talk about how Dina gave up traditional theater for improv and why Tim grew up being known as a sass mouth.
Ike Barinholtz and his brother Jon Barinholtz sit down with Jimmy to discuss Ike's run on both Mad TV and HBO's Eastbond And Down, the importance of staying positive about your career, and the benefits of having a funny, supportive family.
Rachel Dratch drops by to talk with Jimmy about her new book, her days on SNL, and the joy she's found in her life as a mother.
Greg Proops sits down with Jimmy to discuss his life as an improviser and comedian, the impact of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and the intersection of improv and show business.
Matt Walsh, co-founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade, stops by the Improv Nerd studio to discuss his new film High Road and his role in HBO's new series Veep with Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, stars of the new Comedy Central hit Key & Peele, stop by for a special episode of Improv Nerd With Jimmy Carrane. In this candid interview, Key and Peele address some of their critics, discuss their philosophy for developing sketches, and talk about the benefits and hazards of being biracial comedians in post-Obama America. Listen in as Jimmy explores these issues and more with America's hottest comedy duo.
Jimmy sits talks and improvises with Joey Bland and Ross Bryant from the Improvised Shakespeare Company. Joey shares his secret to being a two time Jeopardy champion while Ross shows off his funky fresh flow.
In this episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy talks and improvises with Middle Age Comeback, two gentlemen otherwise known as Jimmy Carlson and Craig Uhlir. Listen in as we discover how Jim and Craig first met as improv students, why Craig is done sketch work, and why an aspiring performer should stay forever young.
This episode of Improv Nerd features Dummy, the two person improv team composed of off-stage couple Jason Shotts and Colleen Doyle. In this episode, we hear about how the two met, why fight about improv more than anything else, and what really happened to Del's ashes.
Listen in as Improv Nerd is overtaken by The Playboys - the dynamic improv group consisting of Susan Messing, Rachael Mason and Kate Duffy. During this episode, we learn about how they came together as a group, their thoughts on going blue and the kinds of things that have always made Kate Duffy laugh since junior high. The stage literally gets drenched in this high energy installment of Improv Nerd.
Jimmy sits down for a candid conversation with legendary improviser and director Mick Napier. Mick discusses his formation of the Annoyance Theater, his work with Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert, and how he came to deconstruct the rules of improvisation.
There are very few improvisers on the planet that are as respected and admired as TJ Jagodowski. In this episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy talks with TJ about some the personal tragedy and heartache he has endured, the chemistry that makes TJ & Dave so successful, and how he is able to assess the unique logic that forms the basis of every improv scene.
In this episode of Improv Nerd, Jimmy sits down with David Pasquesi - one of Chicago's most celebrated improvisers. David discusses his days with Del Close, his partnership with TJ Jagodowski, and what keeps him motivated as an improviser.
Michael Patrick Thornton, one of the stars of ABC's Private Practice, improvises with Jimmy and tells us about his evolution as an actor and opening an independent theater on Chicago's north side.
In this episode, Jimmy interviews and then improvises with one of Chicago's great improvisers, Jet Eveleth. Jet Eveleth is a member of the The Reckoning and she can also be seen in The Armando Diaz Experience at the iO Theater. Jet has been an instructor at Columbia’s Comedy Studies Program, a faculty member of The Second City Conservatory, and the iO Theater and was a co-artistic director of the Chicago Improv Festival.
In this episode, Jimmy interviews and improvises with Bill Cochran, Greg Hess, Mark Raterman, and Tim Robinson of Chicago's own Cook County Social Club. We get the scoop about their work for Comedy Central and how Tim channels all that nervous energy.
In this episode, Jimmy interviews and improvises with former SNL star Tim Meadows. We learn about how Tim got back into improv following his run on SNL and why Tim hates seeing adults play children on stage.
In the latest installment of Improv Nerd with Jimmy Carrane, we learn about Tara DeFrancisco's auditions for SNL, personal forces that shape her approach toward improv, and why it makes her nervous to see her students at a show. Then Tara and Jimmy treat us to an hilarious array of improvised scenes.
In this Episode, Jimmy interviews The Second City's legendary improv teacher, director, and performer Michael Gellman. We learn about Michael's experience teaching a famous Hollywood actress and his advice to Chris Farley. And as the cold winds begin their advance on Chicago, Jimmy and Michael improvise a scene in the great north woods.