15 Minutes of Game

Matt and Brian return to the crowd favorite of drafting two fictional improv teams! What will the choose from? What type of coin will they use? Who will go first? Nobody knows and there won't be any spoilers here, folks! This episode does break our 15 minute rule because we were having too much fun. Deal with it. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least drafting a fantasy team in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle) Don't forget to check out improv shows and classes!!! www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com

Matt & Brian return to form (Get it???) and discuss the form the Monoscene. That form that is one scene running in real time, just like our podcast! If the form is just one scene how to edit, cut, or jump around? Well... you don't! But you kind of do. Confused? Well, listen to this episode and learn everything you need to perform a top notch monoscene. (hint: it's a lot of the same stuff we already discussed) Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least the Monoscene in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle) Don't forget to check out improv shows and classes!!! www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com

After a few weeks off Matt & Brian are back to discuss what sounds like a very boring topic... Base Reality! What are the components of a Base Reality in improv? How do you create it in a scene? What happens if it's missing? Does Brian bring up Pixar again? All of these questions will be answered. Also a BONUS TREAT.... Matt & Brian perform TWO PERFECT SCENES (not true). Don't forget to check out improv shows and classes!!! www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Base Reality in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Just when you thought it couldn't get any nerdier Matt & Brian pulled it off. They discuss their very own Improv Superlatives. Kind of like Most Likely to Succeed or Nicest Eyes but even dumber! The two most likely to record an improv podcast to entertain themselves hosts cover their favorite exercises, classes, least favorite stuff... you get it! Start making your own superlatives by getting back to taking classes at... www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Superlatives in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

An episode with a few firsts! We cover a form we have not done a ton of and certainly have not taught. So, Brian calls in an expert from the bullpen (or his living room) to help. Matt and Brian discuss the Spokane (or the Pretty Flower), how it works, why it's so much darn fun, the similarities to other forms, and why it's a great primer form for an audience. Side note: Brian struggled to think of a TV episode type to explain the Spokane and ran out of time. Since he writes this summary he'll include it here. The Spokane is a lot like a Simpsons flashback episode where they talk about something like Maggie's First Word or How Lisa Got Her Saxophone. There... he feels better now. Thanks for listening and get back to taking classes at... www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least the Spokane in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Matt and Brian and shocked to find out they have yet to cover this topic as it's one of their favorite concepts! Justification! The secret sauce of taking someone from a funny moment to a scene with legs. They discuss the primary types of justification, what makes an effective justification, an example of a lame justification, and... Brian uses two different movies for examples! An all-time record. They also talk about Duck Tales. They also mention that you can start taking classes online and in person at: www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Justification in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Have you ever work up wondering how it is to pull a premise for an improv show? Well, this episode is for you! The rest of should listen too Matt dives into the types of info to look for during an opener or story that would lead to scenes in an improv show. Brian talks about his love for the weird details! They are two different humans! However, the nerds do explain what to re-visit from an opener, what's funny to play with is both personal and shared, and some of their memory techniques. Ok... they use the same exact memory techniques. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Pulling Premise in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Do you love improv but are totally picky about who you want to do scenes with? Then do Two Prov! Matt & Brian discuss Two Prov and cover styles, forms, editing, and the benefits and drawbacks of Two Prov. How different is Two Prov than performing with a large group of people? How much can Brian talk during a single episode of the podcast (answer: a lot) This episode covers a lot of content from previous episodes but applied to a show with only 2 performers. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Two Prov in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

We're back! Matt and Brian missed a few weeks because of travel but they don't talk about it at all! There is no time to waste on stupid stuff like Brian sleeping in the woods, or Matt sleeping with just a towel as a blanket! It's time to talk about Matt's favorite form... the Evente! Brian totally slacks off and lets Matt do all of the work in describing the structure of the evente, the different styles you can use, and what makes an effective scene. Brian admits to wanting to be on the Evente team that Matt coached only to realize he barely understands the format. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least the Evente in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Hooooo boy! The nerds take on the form of forms and discuss the Harold. They attempt to explain the format, the steps, beats, game, group games, openers, and truck drivers and paperboys. As Brian puts it, the Harold is much harder to explain than do. So just check out this awesome graphic: https://www.nobodyssweetheart.com/the-harold They also cover how having a structure to follow will make improv easier!  Next week... ANOTHER FORM! And maybe we'll be sponsored! (hint: we won't)

Our favorite nerds dive into a few forms this season and they're starting the friendly and inviting Montage. What do they like about Montage? Why is Brian unable to say what he likes without being negative? Maybe he's tired. They shift over to how they would teach and coach a team who are performing a montage and how to make it the best damn montage in the business. Matt will cover some notes he might give and Brian shares thoughts on how to keep a montage balanced. Matt also spills the beans on his all-time best idea... two giraffe's skydiving. That's a freebie from us, to you.

We ended last season with Matt asking Brian a whole bunch of stuff so we're starting this season with Brian asking Matt stuff! HOW CREATIVE! We cover how Matt would coach, or note, a team vs. a class. How he handles a lack of listening. And, most importantly, his preferred temperature. Brian is shocked he had a detailed answer for that question. We're back for season 3! We'll cover a forms, some random topics, and who knows what else. Thanks for coming back and spending 15 minutes (or so) with us!

For our final week of Season 2 we let Matt ask Brian whatever he wants! It might feel like Brian is being completely selfless but really, it allows him to share only his ideas! How sneaky! Brian is grilled about topics that are hard like versatility & expertise (he is immediately confused), competitiveness in an improv community, sharing opportunity, what Brian looks for when asking people to play with him, and then Matt calls Brian a dick. It happens! We also tee up season 3! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least a Matt's Choice in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle) Thank you for listening to our season!!!

Matt and Brian dig deep into how improv and sketch are different and similar. What a unique idea! Our two nerds share examples of how they've used improv scenes, rehearsals, and concepts to eventually create sketch comedy. They share some of their favorite sketches and explain the game of the sketch in order to show the similarities. Then, they describe previous improv scenes and they eventually generated sketches. This is mostly Matt & Brian talking about past things that made them laugh. However, if you have ever taken an improv course in order get better at sketch this might help! Also... we share the story of Matt trying out for Saturday Night Live. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least a Using Improv for Sketch, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Matt and Brian discuss their favorite and least favorite forms in improv. This is a very, very nerdy topic! Our two heroes dig into why they love particular forms whether they are performing or watching! Matt's answer for his favorite does not surprise Brian but, Brian's answer does surprise Matt a bit. Matt also tries to get Brian to define the form he does when he does 2 prov. They kind of name it! Then they totally trash talk about forms they hate. It's really angry and awkward to listen to. Kind of like when as a kid you're eating dinner at a friend's house and they totally get yelled at by their parents. Ok... not really. They just share their thoughts on forms that don't really do it for them.  Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Favorite and Least Favorite Forms in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle)

What happens if you're in a scene and it's just stuck? Matt & Brian discuss their own, personal improv survival guide and how they jump start a scene. Have you ever been in a scene that won't end? What if it's just kind of mundane and hum drum? What if you are playing a character that is just icky? And Matt makes a big confession at the end of the 15 minutes that pleases Brian too much. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least a Survival Guide in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Well folks, it happened! Matt & Brian had technical difficulties during their first attempt and thus... they had to break their own rule. This is their second attempt at this episode but who cares! It's about second beats so this is just another beat of a previous recording. Sure... let's go with that. Matt & Brian attempt (fail?) to describe what Beats are when it comes to improv, type of beats, their preferred types of beats, and how the Avengers movies are awesome Time Dash Beats. Matt also tips his hand on what we're going to cover in Season 3! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Beats in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

A callback of sorts! We revisit the topic of being the Voice of Reason (formally and sexistly knowing as Straight Man). We explain how to be the voice of reason while keeping the scene moving, how to not be a stick in the mud, and how to keep yourself from being not fun. Is it possible to be a character AND the voice of reason? What kind of influence can a voice of reason have a wacky scene. How can you practice being an effective voice of reason? We also rip off Back to the Future... hard. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Voice of Reason in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Can you COMMIT to 15 minutes or so of time? Then this episode is for you! Matt and Brian make the minor commitment and talk about the improv concept of Commitment. What does this mean in an improv scene or show? How do you make it easier to commit? Is it ok to have a milkshake in class? Do you want to hear Brian do a terrible impression of Jason Statham? Tune in! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Commitment in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Well... you can't win 'em all. Matt & Brian tackle a subject that is apparently impossible to explain in 15 minutes... or even 15 years. It's so high concept that our two geniuses bumble through this for a full episode. Okay... it's not that bad. The duo of dumb take on a topic of whether you should focus on the first unusual thing (game) in a scene or shift gears when something comes along that is more fun. We talk about how this impacts base reality, how this differs from class to a show, gym class, and Pixar for the 40th time. Is there a risk to following the fun? Well... tune in and find out! Brian also tells a story about a jerk at a video store while trying to rent Harry and the Hendersons. We think we did okay on this one. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least First Unusual Things vs. Following the Fun in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

The episode everyone was waiting for! Matt & Brian focus on editing in improv? Sweeps, tags, timing, runs, etc! Our two nerds discuss the mechanics of editing, visual vs. organic edits, the timing of edits, tag outs, etc. Editing is the secret weapon to any strong scene, show, and team. It's like a kneecap... you know you desperately need it when it's missing. These guys cover all of it! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Editing in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Have you ever imagined the power of selecting your own improv team in the style of a fantasy football draft? No? Okay. Matt and Brian decide to do this anyway but instead of selecting performers, actors, or something close to improv players they select Disney characters! Listen to them bumble names (note: When Matt said Groo he meant Krunk and Brian said Pancha. You'll get it). Throughout the insanity they discuss team dynamics, balance of a team, and how a selfish player can totally jack up a show. Also... we're totally getting sued. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least a Fantasy Improv Draft, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Wow. Is it possible for Matt & Brian to get ANY nerdier? This episode solve that mystery with a resounding YES! Our two improv amateur experts discuss forms! That's right... forms! Harolds, monoscenes, eventes, montage, etc.!  How are forms helpful? Do they have favorites? Why do you need a form if you're making this crap up? These guys cover all of it! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Forms in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Matt & Brian decide to dedicate 15 minutes to speak about a topic that is on all humans' minds. What's the difference between making a bold choice in a scene and bulldozing! It's way trickier than they expect it to be. Our two nerds discuss who to earn a bold choice, the timing of a a "big move", we hear Matt's lovely singing voice, and Brian is not overly impressed with plumbers! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Bold Choices vs. Bulldozing in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game (correct, no "15" in the handle)

Things are still a hot mess out there and Matt & Brian take some time to talk about... not improv. Kind of. I mean... they do but, they also don't. Okay - what have these two been up to without the "normal" routine of rehearsals, teaching, coaching, and shows? They'll share their thoughts on fueling up on inspiration, new hobbies, online shows & jams, and the past many months of not having access to a physical theater. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at stuff that isn't directly improv, in 15 minutes! And wear a mask! We talk about but are not sponsored by: World's Greatest Improv School (Will's school!) BIll Cartwright DuoLingo Skill Share Behind the Bastards podcast So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo White American Youth by Christian Picciolini A Cook's Tour - Anthony Bourdain Sea Tea Improv

It's the second episode of season two and Matt and Brian are here to discuss something on the mind of all humans. What's the difference between coaching and teaching when it comes to improv? Our two nerds will discuss how they prepare for teaching and coaching, what makes them different & similar, how they handle giving notes... all in a bite sized morsel of 15 minutes. They also answer the age old question of do they miss teaching (hint: they totally do) Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Teaching vs. Coaching in Improv, in 15 minutes!

Matt and Brian are back after taking roughly 70 years off! Our improv heroes blow some dust off of their brains and discuss a fictional scenario where they are asked to coach a team of people who have never done improv before and... they have a big show tonight! THE PRESSURE! Extra rule: you only get ONE REHEARSAL! Holy crap this is hard to believe. What primary concept would they cover? What would they try to get these newbies to avoid? Are they rusty from such a long time off? Did Brian F Up his buzzer and give you, the audience, an extra 20 seconds of content? There's only one way to find out! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least how they would handle One Rehearsal, in 15 minutes!

Matt & Brian both perform on support heavy teams and are clearly excited to cover this topic. Here them exemplify support as they constantly interrupt and talk over each other! Just kidding. Both love this topic and have a lot to share in regards to support in improv. What's the difference between support and adding too much? How can you support and not steal focus? Why is support so much fun?!? Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Support in Improv, in 15 minutes!

Matt & Brian talk about Listening! It seems like it would be an easy skill to have since most of us listen to stuff every day but it's a challenging and critical skill for improv. They talk about why it's important, what "true" listening is, and ways to stay focused on listening. This episode covers a lot of material in 15 minutes including how listening is the ultimate "yes, and" and how to totally botch the classic exercise - Three Line Scenes. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least listening in improv, in 15 minutes!

Matt & Brian try to cover as many topics as they can in 15 minutes! Is this a good idea? Maybe yes, maybe no. Probably no. But they have a lot of fun covering as many audience suggestions as they can and even throw in a few of their own. Some of the topics include their opinions of the term Straight Man, Improv Super Powers, Budgets, and how they prepare for shows. This is the most valuable show yet... if the number of topics in a single episode is a value. Find out all of Matt & Brian's thoughts on Improv, or as many thoughts as possible on Improv, in 15 minutes!

This episode is an audience suggestion from David Zbory: Fun Vs. Work in improv! Matt & Brian discuss what these two words mean to them in improv; both in performing and rehearsing. Isn't improv supposed to be fun? Well... yeah but you need to try! This episode will focus on how some work and focus can make your improv much easier and thus, much more fun! And... more basketball examples! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Work vs. Fun in improv, in 15 minutes!

A very improv-y term is discussed this week! Matt & Brian discuss sign posting and how it helps define game, get an improv team on the same page, and have some fun with it. Is it bossy? Is it more fun to surprise the audience? Matt explains how sign posting is similar to raising your hand in a class. Brian uses a movie and the DVD audio commentary of the same movie to help explain this concept. It's as sad as it sounds. Find out Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, at least Sign Posting in improv, in 15 minutes.

In this episode Matt & Brian look to the audience for suggestions (so very improvy!) and ask each other to explain a topic. For the first time, neither Matt nor Brian know what the topic will be ahead of time. Such pure, sweet ignorance won't stop them from babbling and explaining their thoughts. Spoiler alert the topics end up being Short Form and Group Games. Thank you to Dan Russell and Tom Mutchler for the suggestions we ended up using! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or least these two random suggestions in improv, in 15 minutes!

Matt & Brian discuss Relationships in improv. They are both tired out of the gate and Brian admits to being a hermit! The two discuss how relationships are much more than a blood relationship or romantic couples! Learn how labeling characters' relationship can provide the scene more legs and give it a boost of fun. Matt also teaches Brian a new word! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Relationships in Improv, in 15 minutes.

You told me to make bold choices, but my joke about space aliens didn't land and it's all your fault, Matt & Brian! That's probably because you didn't earn the weird thing. In this episode Matt & Brian talk all about how to go from being retired to a Home Run Pitcher in Baseball while bringing your partner, and the audience, along for the ride. Is this the worst episode ever? Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least Heightening in Improv, in 15 minutes.

Want to have more fun while playing in an Improv scene? Ever wonder how people figure out how to respond to what your partner says and does? Only ever eat spaghetti in a scene? Confused when someone says playing Game there's no ball or board around? Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least Game in Improv, in 15 minutes.

What happens when you don't know anything about baseball? Or Harry Potter? Or The Wizard of Oz? How are you supposed to do an Improv scene without having seen every episode of the British version of The Office or you missed the championships of New Zealand Harness Racing? Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least the use of Pop Culture and References in Improv, in 15 minutes.

Rules? In Improv? I thought Improv was about breaking the Rules and making it up as you go along?! Good point, me, but you can't break the Rules unless you know them! Touche, also me! In this episode Brian and Matt discuss the 5 Rules of Improv according to Sea Tea Comedy Theater, where they both teach and perform. Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least the 5 Rules of Improv, in 15 minutes.

What is Agreement? What does it mean in terms of Improv Comedy? Why is it important? Do we hate it? Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least Agreement, in 15 minutes.

Brian Hines and Matt Francis are Improvisers and Improv teachers at Sea Tea Comedy Theater in Hartford, CT. Find out all of their opinions on Improv, or at least Improv Podcast Trailers, in 3 minutes.