Your Improv Brain

SURPRISE! I'm back. Hi! :) Starting a scene with two people standing there asking "who are you?" or explaining a bunch of backstory is one of the quickest ways to lose your audience. In this episode, I talk about why exposition bogs down the top of your scene and how starting in the middle of the action gives your scene immediate momentum.This is the first in a short four episode series about the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality. I reference Truth in Comedy (linked in the show notes below) and walk through two exercises: a partner drill where one player starts a physical action and the other identifies and justifies it, and a solo version arbitrarily called Narrate This where you practice describing and justifying your own actions in real time.Resources and downloads: https://improvupdate.comTruth in comedy: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/truth-in-comedy-the-manual-for-improvisation/9781566080033.htmlYouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/WFyTR-IJc-sArticle for this episode: This episode is part of a four episode series available on YouTube and audio podcast. You can find an article for this episode, and links to the full series on both platforms, here.Newsletter:https://improvupdate.com/newsletterChapters00:00 Why backstory kills your scenes00:59 Truth in Comedy and why exposition doesn't work02:29 Start in the middle of the action03:59 Partner exercise: identify and justify05:26 Adding challenge by making actions illegal06:27 Solo exercise: Narrate This07:33 Wrap upDownloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

In this episode, I explain how to commit to your authentic self in your improv practice. You will learn to reframe perceived weaknesses into compelling strengths on stage. Your messy and imperfect parts are exactly what your scenes need.I discuss how neurodivergent performers can use their unique traits. The episode also covers how to collaborate effectively with scene partners who have different brain wiring. I share a personal story from my past as a dance fitness teacher. A very clumsy moment taught me how to connect with an audience through imperfection. We apply that lesson directly to your scene work.You will see how specific traits, like a literal take or a deadpan delivery, can be an asset in your performance. I also address traits that can be challenging in a scene, like monologuing. I provide practical methods to manage these traits, such as using a character to guide your choices.Ultimately, this episode helps you build self-awareness. This allows you to understand your own gifts and collaborate more effectively with your team.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Alt title: Get to Skin Suit Town: 3 Exercises to Improve Your ActingIn this episode, I'm diving into one of the best acting exercises you can give yourself: practicing scene work with little dialogue, or even none at all. I’ve found that learning to use physicality, emotional reactions, and environment is what changes a performance from "just saying words real good" to truly embodying a believable character. Or like... as I like to say because it is now improv canon, "get to skin suit town".I’ll explain why taking dialogue away forces you to slow down, live in the scene, and build a story layer by layer. Part of that oh-so-classic "show, don't tell" advice. Then, the exercises. You can add three new exercises to your workout to build this skill. I'll also tell you how to adjust them to practice on your own.And if you do a lot of audio-only improv or have difficulty with nonverbal cues: I’ll specifically explain why this work is still useful, and how you can adapt it to your own unique brain and performance style.As an aside! If you have trim silence features on in your podcast app, I'm gonna guess it'll trim a few intentional pauses in this one ;)Resources Mentioned:Downloadable PDF Exercise Guides: improvupdate.com/downloadsThe Improv Update Discord Community: improvupdate.com/discordFree Improv Worksheet & Newsletter: improvupdate.com/newsletterImprovised Comedy Podcast, Grack Public Access: stereoforest.com/grackDownloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

We know that failure is the engine of learning, but how do you actually practice it in a safe and productive way? In this episode, I provide a full workout plan with SIX specific exercises designed to put you in challenging situations. Learn practical drills for your practice groups or classes that train you to handle wild scenes, distracting environments, and even challenging scene partners. This is your guide to getting your reps in, building a tolerance for chaos, and developing the confidence that you can handle anything on stage.And you can get these exercises as a handy written PDF. Link for that right below this sentence. Hi!References in this episode: Previous episode mentioned about failure: https://improvupdate.com/7-scene-hacks-to-help-when-you-make-a-mistake/ (video, podcast, etc links on this page)Download PDF mentioned available here: https://improvupdate.com/downloads Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/h2_J4tLqCN0Improvising Solo with a Mannequin: https://jens-discount-improv-emporium.bizPeople mentioned: Berg, Jake Regal, Sebastian Conelli Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

What if the key to becoming a great improviser is the number of failures you accumulate? That moment when you feel like you have failed in a scene, or a scene is falling flat, can feel awful. But it is also one of the most valuable data points for your growth.In this episode, I help you reframe failure as a solvable technical problem. You will learn a toolkit of seven specific, actionable techniques to use that moment you feel a scene is failing. These techniques also help turn these moments into opportunities to help you accelerate your learning. And it's all based on the science of deliberate practice and error correction.Mentioned in this episode: Episode about Mind Going Blank (episode #28): Video PodcastPeople mentioned in this episode: Naval Ravikant Malcolm GladwellAnders EricssonAnd hey, it's episode 30! Nice round number.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

That feeling of your mind going completely blank on stage is a top fear for any performer. But what if it's not a personal failure? This week, I explain how this is often a biological response to being overwhelmed, not a lack of ideas. In this episode, you'll learn a simple, three-step system to effectively reboot your brain when it crashes. This practical technique works with your body's natural responses to get you out of your head and painlessly back into the scene, turning a moment of panic into a moment of connection.You'll also learn the final, most important safety net all improvisers have.Read and share the web article for this episode, which includes the YouTube video and this podcast. Find it here.In this episode, I refer to an earlier episode called "A Source of Great Improv Ideas (bonus: Get Out of Your Head)". This was episode 26.Find the YouTube here.Read the article and find the podcast here.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

If you struggle to come up with specific or original ideas in your improv scenes, there's something you can do between scenes to help with that struggle.This episode of Your Improv Brain reframes the problem of trying to get ideas into a scene. Discover why the key to better creative output isn't forced thinking, but quality input and curiosity to get it there. So you can use your noggin RAM.Learn a practical, no-cost method to fuel your creativity using curiosity, making your ideas and characters richer and more automatic.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Tired of being told to "just react like you would in real life" to ground an improv scene? This episode of Your Improv Brain explores advanced techniques for playing the voice of reason or grounded characters in a scene or sustaining them long-term.Discover how shifting from simply "acting normal" to dynamically balancing the scene can make you a more adaptable, supportive, and funnier improviser, especially if "normal" feels challenging.You can also watch this episode on YouTube here or find the website article here.Resources mentioned in this episode:For more information on peas in a pod scenes, you can find more information and an episode (episode #6) to listen to on this page at Improv Update. For more content on the voice of reason, see this page on Improv Update for more episodes and a downloadable PDF document.Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://improvupdate.com/notesGet a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsReview the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.Apple Podcasts | PodchaserIt helps out! Thanks!Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2jAboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. Mentioned in this episode:Student and Teacher/Coach Guides about NOTES in ImprovFind more information, Table of Contents and links to get the guides at https://improvupdate.com/notesThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp