Improv Interviews

Our producer/engineer Bright Su introduced me to an incredible human being, Matt Folliott. We had such a fun and lively conversation and when you listen you'll know why his last name foretold his career in acting! He grew up in Canada and had is own agent at ten years old! Matt is a Comedian/Actor/Writer from Toronto, Canada, and a former cast member of The Second City National Touring Company and Canadian Comedy Award Winning Sketch Group The Sketchersons. Matt was nominated for Best Male Improviser two years in a row in Toronto's beloved NOW magazine. He was also nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Improv Troupe with his group K$M (pronounced K and M) and has had the pleasure of performing and teaching improv across the globe in festivals like NOW Improv Festival (Beijing), Manila Improv Festival, Vietnam Improv Festival, Singapore Improv Festival, Hong Kong Improv Festival, Improvaganza (Edmonton, CND), Vancouver Improv Festival, Mprov (Montreal, CND), Ottawa Improv Festival, The Winnipeg Improv Festival and The Seattle International Festival of Improv. You can hear him or see him on your TV or laptop screens in shows like Bakugan (Netflix), PJ Masks (Disney +), Clifford the Big Red Dog (Prime Video), Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe (Treehouse), Charlie's Colorforms City (Netflix), Workin' Moms (Netflix), Baroness Von Sketch Show (Netflix) and Odd Squad (PBS Kids). Check out his website at https://www.mattfolliott.com

I met Rebekah through Marc Warzecha at the Sketch School and knew I wanted to know more about this intriguing person! Rebekah Walendzak Slepski has been an adjunct faculty member at The Second City since 2008. She has developed comedy writing courses for SCTC, Lesly Kahn & Co, and The Sketch School. Co-creator and executive producer of Chicago's long-running LGBTQIA+ soap opera, The Ville, Rebekah is a former associate member of The Actors' Gang with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from San Jose State University. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and a founding member of the Association of International Comedy Educators (AICE-CWA Local 9505). In Part 1 we talk about her early life, interest in theater and her path that led her to Second City Chicago. Be sure to check out her website at: https://rebekahwalendzakslepski.com This summer she Rebeka perform for Shakespeare on the Bluff: https://cfa.lmu.edu/programs/theatrearts/shakespeareonthebluff/ If you'd like to study sketch writing with her she teaches at the Rodney Dangerfield Institute @LACC. https://lacitycollege.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=13113&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0

We continue our fascinating talk with Rebeka Walendsak Slepski and her journey in sketch writing and life. She spoke about her recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma and subsequent bone marrow transplant. Despite going through treatment and surgeries she persevered and went to Second City LA. She was on the faculty teaching writing and sketch. Rebekah has been an adjunct faculty member at The Second City since 2008. She has developed comedy writing courses for SCTC, Lesly Kahn & Co, and The Sketch School. Co-creator and executive producer of Chicago's long-running LGBTQIA+ soap opera, The Ville, Rebekah is a former associate member of The Actors' Gang with a B.A. in Theatre Arts from San Jose State University. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and a founding member of the Association of International Comedy Educators (AICE-CWA Local 9505). Be sure to check out her website at: https://rebekahwalendzakslepski.com This summer she Rebeka perform for Shakespeare on the Bluff: https://cfa.lmu.edu/programs/theatrearts/shakespeareonthebluff/ If you'd like to study sketch writing with her she teaches at the Rodney Dangerfield Institute @LACC. https://lacitycollege.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=13113&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0

Meet my amazing friend, Diana Brown. I've taken several Improvised Shakespeareworkshops with Diana and she is a real gem! We had so much to talk about that this is Part ! Diana is an improv artist, teaching artist, actor, producer, director and voiceover talent. She was voted Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival. Diana was named as one of The Improv Boosts 2025 Sudden Impact Teachers. She leads the improv program at Berkeley Repertory Theatre's School of Theatre. Diana is an instructor, producer and a member of the leadership team with Leela Improv Theatre in San Francisco. She presents the improvised Shakespeare program at All Out Comedy Theatre, is a guest teacher with BATS (Bay Area Theatre Sports) and teaches with Greater Than The Sum. Diana enjoys helping improv artists find and amplify their unique gifts! She genuinely believes everyone is infinitely fascinating and endeavors to instill that belief in her students. She believes the truth is the most compelling thing we can offer up on the stage and encourages her students to bring their truth to their characters whether they're naturalistic or fantastical. She's presented Improv workshops, intensives and “workshop to show” experiences at SAVI Fest, Northwest Improv Fest, Improv Fest Ireland, Belfast Improv Fest, Queen City and Comedy Experience, Uptown Improv Festival, Vancouver Improv Festival, Tucson Comedy Arts Festival, Ocean State Improv Festival, Gather Spring Improv Retreat, Cornerstone Improv, O-Town Improv festival, Countdown Improv Festival, Camp Improv Utopia West, Experience, IMPRIDE, Unscrewed Theatre, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, Denver Improv Festival, Unscrewed Theater in Tucson, AZ, All Out Comedy Theater in Oakland, CA, Sealevel, San Francisco, CA, Phoenix Theater, San Francisco, CA. Diana plays in the Shakespeare inspired, Gamesome Frolic. She's half of the duo Bingewatch, plays in the Tennessee Williams inspired duo Fleeting Reminiscence, the trios POPTOP, Slumber Party, the duos Horrible People, DJ, Secret Lives of Villains, Salt and Pepper, Davenport & Brown, and the Twilight Zone inspired ensemble But of Mind. Diana appeared as a guest artist with BATS Improv in San Francisco and is a member of the acting pool with the San Francisco sketch comedy company Killing My Lobster. She has appeared at Impro Amsterdam, the Liverpool Improv Festival in Mark Smith's Taxi Tales, the Vancouver Improv Festival, Uptown Improv Festival, Improv Fest Ireland, Gather Spring Improv Retreat, Rise Comedy Fest, SF Sketchfest, The Queen City Comedy Experience, San Francisco Improv Fest, Improvaganza Hawaii Festival of Improv, San Diego Improv Fest, O-Town Improv Fest, New York Improv Festival. Vintage Improv Fest, 2nd Best Comedy Fest, New Orleans Improv Fest, Twin Cities Improv Fest, Alaska State Improv Fest, Tucson Comedy Arts Fest and others. Diana also performs in scripted theater productions including Playground Solo Fest 2025 and at theaters and theatre festivals around the country. You can reach Diana at: Check out Bingewatch Improv my duo with Dan Wilson: https://www.contemporarytheatercompany.com/ocean-state-improv-festival Or her website at: https://www.dianalynnbrown.com

Meet my really cool friend and great improviser, Murph McHugh. We met at a class with Billy Merritt, one of the founders of Upright Citizen's Brigade and I was struck by how effortlessly he played! He hails from DC and is quite a Renaissance man. I don't use the word "brilliant" often but it absolutely describes Murphy. To find out more about Murphy and take a class with him here are his contacts. His comedy group is Brick Penguin (brickpenguin.com) , he teaches at Dojo Comedy (dojocomedy.com) and The Radical Agreement Project (https://www.radicalagreement.com/) and his personal site is Murphymchugh.com

Nathan Keates is a lecturer, improvisation teacher and performer. Like many of us, Nathan became addicted to improv studying in diverse forms and even clowning. He found that his interests drew him to teaching improv. Nathan Keats has delved into researching improv, one major project being with autistic people. He is an expert on autistic people, and we discussed the terms that have been use for autistic people that does not honor their individuality. We spoke several years ago, and I was delighted to connect with him again. He is a Lecturer in Health and Social Care at the University of Sunderland in London. Nathan is involved in research in Applied Social Sciences, Critical Autism Studies, Social and Positive Psychology, Organizational Culture and Improvisation. He has many research articles on neurodiversity including his recent "Inclusive Improv Pedagogy" https://keatesresearchblog.wordpress.com/2025/04/25/inclusive-improv-pedagogy/ “The Experience of Participating in Improv Comedy for Autistic Adults” https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/27546330251323154 And his 2017 book is especially worthwhile! "University Improv Comedy Society Manual" https://www.amazon.co.uk/University-Improv-Comedy-Society-Manual/dp/1549662694 You can contact Nathan at: Nathan.keates@sunderland.ac.uk

Nick Johne is a beloved Canadian actor and improviser. We first met in 2017 at the Chicago "Yes, and Mental Health & Improv Conference" and did a podcast in 2018. After getting a degree in Microbiology he began his improv journey in Toronto and joined the Toronto Second City Troupe in 1991. He moved to Chicago to Second City Chicago where he taught and also in the Theater Department of DePaul University. He developed the Improv Anxiety classes at Second City. He has a daughter who is neurodiverse and that inspired him to develop a teach Improv for ASD. He is a "stay at home" and "chauffeur" for his daughter, Emma, a gifted vocalist. He and Second City faculty Lisa Bany, will return to the Orlando Center for Autism this year to teach Improv for Students on the Autism Spectrum.

What a wonderful time I had getting to know Adrian Monte. He is an Actor, improviser, and educator with experience in voice over, commercial production, and on-stage. Founder of DareDevil Improv- a Wilmington, NC based improvisation and performance training center focusing on comedy, community, and corporate training. His mission is to build a better world through collaboration, creativity, and humor. He is a compassionate educator and a very funny man. Check out his theater at DareDevil Improv

This week we're delighted to interview Aree Witoelar the Norway based improviser. He is the founder and artistic director of Impro Neuf International, Oslo, Norway's first English speaking improv comedy theater, with over 1,000 members from over 50 countries. A few days after our interview Aree appeared on the cover of STATUS magazine and you can get a copy here https://payhip.com/status Aree has been improvising since 2005, studying from many teachers throughout his improv career. Aree and Friends is his popular duos improv scenes, and as of this date (April 2025) there are 178 episodes with 62 countries. These scenes can be accessed at his Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/areewitoelarimprov/ I had the pleasure of doing a duo scene with him and it was so lovely. He describes himself as aloud advocate for race diversity in theatre, and has created minority representation teams Rice Eaters and Monosodium Glutamates, mixed language shows, and produced Impro Neuf's world-bending Cloud Atlas. Aree spoke about his childhood in Indonesia and his decision to pursue advanced studies in Norway. He has a Ph.D. degree in physics. He is a prolific writer on improv and began his blog in 2017. Check out his writing here. Blog https://areewitoelar.medium.com/ He is the Artistic Director of the 2025 Oslo Impro Festival featuring artists from around the world. You'll want to attend this amazing festival! https://www.osloimprofestival.com Here are some ways you can get in touch with Aree. Official Website https://areewitoelar.com/ Oslo Impro Festival https://www.osloimprofestival.com/ Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/aree2d2/

Cale Evans Cale Evans is an actor, improviser, host, coach, trainer and producer. What a delight getting to know Cale! He shares his improv journey and how he became an “accidental actor”. Growing up in North Carolina he's a genuine “tar heel” but no tar grows under his feet! He began his improv training at Charlotte Comedy Theater where he is now a coach. He is the Founder of Queen City Comedy and Now are the Foxes Improv Comedy. Cale also performs with Improv Charlotte and Background Noise Musical Improv. He is the Ensemble Coach for Close Distance and Smells Like Ghosts. When not on stage, Cale can be heard on the wildly popular podcast - The Podcast from Hell and Bat Boys Comedy Podcast. Cale co-produces the Queen City Comedy Experience Cale is also a coach for Charlotte Comedy Theater. Cale is a dynamic, positive force in our improv world! To learn more about Cale check out his podcast “The Podcast from Hell” and Queen City Comedy. https://linktr.ee/thepodcastfromhell https://linktr.ee/queencitycomedy https://www.queencitycomedy.com/

Katie Caussin is the new director of the 40 year old iO theater in Chicago. She is an actress, improviser, director and actor who has a 30 year career in improv. We talked about what she loves about improv and why she is passionate about it. One of her favorite experiences was being in Comedy Sportz and touring with them. She believes that Comedy Sportz gave her the best training to be an improviser. One of her experiences was on tour when members of her team shaved their heads! She thought about going bald herself but eventually kept her lovely locks. She shared the history of iO and the incredible improvisers who came out of their school. Katie is a warm and generous person and I felt like I'd known her for years. I know you'll love her as much as I do!

I am so happy to call Yuehan Liu a friend and improv playmate! We met during the pandemic and I instantly was impressed with her brilliance in improv and our mutual admiration for Viola Spolin. Yuehan is a designer by day and improv nerd by evening. She has been living in Stockholm for several years. She is the founder of English improv community - Fika Improv Group in Stockholm, where she's committed to connecting improvisers and sharing our passion for improv in a welcoming space. Graduated from Second City, she has also been training with teachers from different schools around the world like Jay Sukow, Liz Allen, Susan Messing and Billy Merritt. Yuehan is half of the Scandinavian Asian duo "Herring & Chopsticks", teaches and performs at several international improv festivals as well as locally. By creating a fun and connecting atmosphere, she's committed to spreading the joy and freedom of improvisation in her performances and teaching. You can get in touch with Yuehan at: Facebook: www.facebook.com/yuehan.liu.5 www.facebook.com/FikaImprovGroup/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/_ru_ok/ www.instagram.com/fika_improv

Meet my very funny friend Andrew Cornelius. We met taking classes with. Marc Warzecha at the Sketch School. His sketch writing is dynamic and he has helped me as a writer. Andrew is a Los Angeles based comic whose comedic roots came from a decade of improv comedy experience in Chicago and New York before he focused exclusively on stand-up comedy eight years ago. He was the host of Intrigue.TV's “Just Eat It!,” a restaurant review show that is available on YouTube. Andrew also played “Preston” in the indie comedy feature, “Captain Hagen's Bed & Breakfast” streaming on Amazon. He made two appearances on Comedy Central's “Inside Amy Schumer.” Sometimes children recognize him as “Coach Scalp” from Nick Jr.'s “Platy & Jackie's Mixed Up Challenges.” Through Cool Beans Comedy, Andrew is coach / instructor at the Ice House Comedy Club for beginner and intermediate stand-up comedy classes. Andrew is a whiskey aficionado and has logged over 200 different tastings in his journal. However, he probably forgot to log another hundred or so over his lifetime. You can see some of Andrew's work on the following links. infamouscornelius.com youtube.com/@corneliushaha youtube.com/@corneliusdrinksandthinks x.com/@infamousacorn

What a wonderful opportunity to chat with the incredible musical improv genius, Mike Descoteaux. I've been lucky enough to call him a friend over a decade! He is a beloved teacher throughout the world. We even got to do a musical improv number! Mike Descoteaux is a music director, teacher, composer, improviser and airline pilot, apparently. He was creator and head of the Music Program at The Second City Training Center, music director of the Second City ETC stage in Chicago, and full-time artistic director/executive director of several New England nonprofit arts and comedy organizations. His work has been seen on NBC, A&E, WGN, WGBH and stages around the globe. He has “composed” and “conducted” over 1,000 completely improvised musicals with BLANK! the musical (Off-Broadway), Baby Wants Candy, Musical! the musical, and many others. In addition to teaching/performing at institutions like the Second City, iO, Comedy Sportz, the Annoyance, the Magnet, UCB, Northwestern University, and Columbia College, Mike has led workshops in improvisation, sketch, music direction, and music improv at festivals and theaters all over the world.

Welcome back to the Billy Merritt podcast, Part 2! Billy shares his journey in LA and his return to FL. So grateful to have the opportunity to interview this improv great!

Billy Merritt is an improviser, director, actor and all round great guy! Co-author of one of the best books on improv "Pirate Ninja Robot: An Improv Fable" with Will Hines. I've had the great fortune to be studying with him lately on his BIT comedy podcasts and it is a real trip! He is a founding member of The Swarm, and UCB. As a teacher Billy has developed many improvised longform shows. Such as, The Documentary, Improvised One Acts, The Ninja, Murder Murder, Robot Theatre, and the Holiday Spectacular. Launched in 2024 he curates the BIT Comedy Network with monthly podcast shows "Podcast Town" and "rabbitHOLE" found on Apple Music. Billy is a compassionate and beautiful improv teacher and I know you'll have funny hearing his story!

What a wonderful experience getting to know Vinny Francois! He is a delightful person and we had such fun on this podcast. Vinny has over 25 years experience as a professional improviser in both English and French. He's a founding director of Improv College, Camp Zipzap (an improv camp for adults), was the Executive Producer of Mprov: The Montreal Improv Festival and co-founder of the Montreal Improv Theatre. Vinny has performed in Just For Laughs and improv festivals around the world and he currently writes for The Beaverton. Be sure to check out his beautiful work at the links below. Links: https://improvcollege.ca/ http://www.campzipzap.com/ https://www.can-i-get-a.com/

David Raitt is an improviser, author and sketch comedian from Toronto. David shares his unique improv story starting in high school and having a troupe that was together for years! He has been performing and teaching improv for over 25 years. After acquiring degrees in Cognitive Science and then Law, he started taking improv classes at The Second City, Toronto, in 1996. In 2000, he joined their Canadian National Touring Company. He performed with the Mainstage ensemble and was also on the Training Centre Education faculty for 17 years. He offers speciality workshops in object work, environment and physicality. His book, Improv Illusionist, https://improvillusionist.com/improv-illusionist-book/ is a terrific guide to movement and physical work in improv. We had a fantastic chat and I know that you'll enjoy learning more about David. Be sure to sign up for his newsletter at https://improvillusionist.com/subscribe/ with a focus on the improv skills of environment, object work, and physicality in character and performance. I heartily recommend all of his work!

Listen to Part 2 of our interview with the fabulous BJ Lange. He has devoted his life to service of others. When a cancer diagnosis forced BJ, a former Air Force Reserve medic, onto the Temporary Disability Retired List in 2016, comedy and improv helped pull him through. Now he's using those same skills to help veterans overcome their disabilities. During the interview BJ spoke about: The Armed Services Arts Partnership for servicemembers and veterans to get involved at www.asapasap.org The Ledge Theatre, Hollywood https://ledgetheatre.org/bj-lange BJ @ The Second City https://oldwp.secondcity.com/people/hollywood/bj-lange/ The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1045695952707987 The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/make-em-laugh-helping-vets-through-improv/

BJ Lange is a very funny man who has survived many health and life issues but continues to find the bright side of life! When a cancer diagnosis forced BJ, a former Air Force Reserve medic, onto the Temporary Disability Retired List in 2016, comedy and improv helped pull him through. Now he's using those same skills to help veterans overcome their disabilities. During the interview BJ spoke about: The Armed Services Arts Partnership for servicemembers and veterans to get involved at www.asapasap.org The Ledge Theatre, Hollywood https://ledgetheatre.org/bj-lange BJ @ The Second City https://oldwp.secondcity.com/people/hollywood/bj-lange/ The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1045695952707987 The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/make-em-laugh-helping-vets-through-improv/

Listen to the amazing Larry Gifford, found of the PD Avengers - a patient-led organization, united in the purpose of ending Parkinson's disease. We raise awareness, engagement and hope. This site has an enormous collection of resources and hope for folks with PD. Larry has had an extraordinary life in sports radio broadcast in the US and Canada. When he was diagnosed his life stopped, but only momentarily. He started learning Improv at the TightRope theatre in Canada. He recently had DBS, Deep Brain Stimulation, which has helped him regain many of the abilities he lost with PD. He is truly an inspiration and a real hero!

What a great experience getting to chat with Chris Mead in the UK. He is an experienced improviser, teacher, director and author. He was part of the renowned MayDays for many years author of a fabulous weekly newsletter, Improv Fables. His newsletter is chock full of great info for improvisers and other really interesting things, like music, film and media reviews. His faithful dog, Radio, is also featured every week. In August he's be teaching a Mockumentary Class which I highly endorse. You can get In touch with Chris at: https://chrismead.notion.site/Improv-Fables-794d77df30dc47d585b7db519c7d48b0 https://buttondown.email/mrchrismead/

Meet the very funny and prolific writer, Matt Fotis. Matt is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Albright College, where he teaches improvisation, comedy studies, and writing for performance. He is the author of Satire & The State: Sketch Comedy and the Presidency (Routledge 2020), Long Form Improvisation and American Comedy: The Harold (Palgrave Macmillan 2014), and co-author of The Comedy Improv Handbook (Routledge 2016). His latest book, Fifty Key Improv Performers will be released September 2024. He has published or presented on various topics, including improvisational theatre, new play development, political theatre, solo-performance, comedy studies, folklore studies, popular culture and more. His work has appeared in Theatre Journal, Theatre Topics, Theatre/Practice, The Journal of American Drama & Theatre, Academic Minute, The Encyclopedia of Humor Studies, The Encyclopedia of American Studies, McSweeney's, and MLB.com, among others. He is an award-winning playwright and the co-founder and co-executive director of The First Thursday Comedy Series in Reading, PA. Be sure to check out his very funny videos at: PSA corona virus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7SV20XJBpU Late (Date) night with Matt Fotis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FoUYYjzJ9U Matt Fotis Teaches Online https://www.youtube.com/@mattteachesonline7350 Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Meet the amazing Troels Andersen Kjar. Troels was born, raised, and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. His love of storytelling was kindled as a teenager when he was introduced to Dungeons and Dragons, which he has been playing ever since. 7 years ago he discovered improv by chance, and, like many others, fell in love with the artform. As a performer his main focus is narrative longform. Mental health disorders effect one out of three people today globally.With honest and vulnerability Troels shares his personal journey with mental illness, specifically Bi-polar disorder. He self-admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Denmark where he received the bi-polar, and other, diagnosis. A voluntary admission to a psych unit is an unusual thing and I salute his courage. However, he was quick to point out that all too often when people think of a psychiatrist in-patient unit, stereotypical images of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" or "Snake Pit" come to mind. I hope you learn something today that might help you or someone you love.

Gillian Bellinger is a beloved improviser, teacher and actor. She founded the now thriving Misfit Improv and Acting School in Asheville, N.C. which just celebrated its one year anniversary. I had met Gillian during the pandemic with our mutual friend, Jay Sukow. We reconnected recently at the Sketch School with Marc Warzecha in Sketch 101 and I knew I wanted to know more about this very funny lady. We talk about growing up in Texas and how the improv bug got her. Gillian's resume is amazing. She has performed as an improviser and taught at Second City Chicago, Second City Hollywood, Westside Comedy Theater in Mission IMPROVable, Comedy Sportz. She is a SAG voiceover actor and has appeared in numerous commercials, TV and film. When asked why she named her new theater “Mifit” she told us. “A bit of a misfit lies in each of us. That unique part of our spirit that delights in play. We strive at Misfit to create that same kind of place, a place to belong, to connect, to create and be a misfit.” Gillian is a generous and brilliant person and I for one am looking forward to visiting her in Asheville! https://www.misfitavl.com

Jane Morris is the queen of improv comedy! Her story is as unique as she is!. Co-founder at Second City ETC, she has done more to advance the art of Improv than anyone else in the universe - and that's not hyperbole! She has performed and taught all over the world and currently teaches at The Fanatic Salon Theater in Culver City, California. The Fanatic has hosted many comic legends such as Conan O'Brien and Wayne Brady. Jane is a writer, director and a beloved member of the Improv community. Jane has so many movie and TV credits as an actor I can't possibly list them all. Her first film was "Nothing in Common" with Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason. And in 2019 she was in "The Laundromat" with Meryl Streep and her husband, Jeff Michalski, who made a guest appearance on this show. She had a recurring role on "The Drew Carey Show". I was so fortunate to meet Jane in person this year and she is a warm and generous person. I know you'll enjoy getting to know here in this podcast. Websites and social links http://heavenhelpus.etsy.com/ http://ohmababy.etsy.com/ http://asksistermarymartha.blogspot.com/ https://twitter.com/janefmorris?lang=en Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Dr. Jeanne Leep – Improv Nerd Meet the brilliant author and professor, Dr. Jeanne Leep. Jeanne played improv in Grand Rapids, Michigan and went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Theatre. I had the good fortune to play with Jeanne recently and was awed by her spontaneity and joy. She went to high school with our mutual friend Jay Sukow and then went on to the University Of Michigan and Wayne State College. Her best-selling book, “Theatrical Improvisation: Short Form, Long Form, and Sketch-Based Improv” is a classic book on the history of improv and sketch comedy that gives a clear definition on this often ambiguous topic. The forward was written by Jeanne's friend, Keegan Michael Key. Her research is extensive and this is certainly a book to add to your Improv Library. Brimming with original interviews from leaders in the field such as Ron West, Charna Halpern, John Sweeny and Margaret Edwartowski, Theatrical Improvisation presents straightforward improvisational theory, history, and trends. She is a Professor of Theatre Arts at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin and her students are really fortunate to have her wisdom and humor. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

The Marvelous Michelle J. Gilliam Michelle Gilliam is a beautiful person-inside and out! We have been friends for several years and I was delighted to have her as a guest. Michelle grew up in Milwaukee in a loving and supportive family. During one family gathering, at age 4, she got her first big laugh and knew what her path would be! She saw a Comedy Sportz show when she was 14 and was hooked! She was inspired to learn this art form and she did! She met Dick Chudnow, founder of Comedy Sportz Milwaukee, the first CS theatre in this country, he let her volunteer until she was old enough to work there! She did tasks like writing 300 name tags, with the benefit of watching lots of shows. A great way to learn and eventually teach! She was so inspired by Comedy Sportz, she created an improv team in high school, held auditions and created a team she loved to play with. We talked about her experience being a black woman in the improv world and how that affected her growth as a person and coach. Today her improv career takes her all over the country and the world. Michelle is now based in Los Angeles, CA and works as an improviser, actor, host, voice actor, and the Owner and Artistic Director of Improv MKE, an improv comedy school and theater based online, currently serving the world. She also teaches at The World's Greatest Improv School, with Will Hines, and guest teaches at various theaters online and in person around the country and world. Michelle headlined the Festivus Festival in Richmond, the 2022 Edinburgh Scotland Improv Festival and taught two-weekend intensives in Chester and Nottingham in the UK in March of 2022. Enjoy getting to know the marvelous Miss Michelle! You can connect with Michelle at: https://www.improvmke.com linkedin.com/in/michelle-gilliam-b9ab87193 twitter @missyglilqt

Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA KEEPING IT HUMAN Kathy Klotz-Guest is an incredibly funny lady and we had so much fun on this podcast! Her energy is boundless and her passion for the people she serves is lovely. She is a comedian, storyteller, improviser, speaker and author. Listen as Kathy shares her comedy journey with a stopover in the tech industries. Kathy brings out the laughter in those she's touched. She positively is keeping it human! I know you'll love her as much as I do! Check out her book “Stop Boring Me!” How to Create Kick-Ass Marketing Content, Products and Ideas Through the Power of Improv.” https://www.keepingithuman.com/books-from-kathy-klotz-guest/ Contact Info linkedin.com/in/kathyklotzguest Websites keepingithuman.com/ (Humor in business speaker) keepingithuman.com/blog-kathy-klotz-guest/ (Kathy Klotz-Guest blog) keepingithuman.com/kathy-klotz-guest-keynote-speaker/(Inspiration / Transformation) Phone 408.578.8040 (Work) Email kathy@keepingithuman.com Twitter kathyklotzguest Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Sarah McGillion an amazing improviser with a Master in Artificial Intelligence! She runs a company in Denmark called Inconspicuous where she teaches Applied Improv to businesses, produces and performs in improv shows, and offer classes for improvisers.She is an award-winning actress and improvisers and passionate about showcasing spontaneous comedy in a variety of venues across Copenhagen. Her hysterical audio series, with partner Adrian Mackinder is definitely worth at listen at https://soundcloud.com/user-540220357 You can connect with Sarah at: https://inconspicuous.eu https://www.facebook.com/inconspicuouscomedy https://www.instagram.com/inconspicuouscomedy/ Her professional Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/sarahmcgillionCPH Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Meet the hysterically funny Aaron Krebs. I can't remember laughing this much in a podcast since-well never! Among his many accomplishments he and his college buddies created the enormously successful improv show, Mission Improvable which continues to wow college audience. On April 1st, 2009 Mission IMPROVable bought Mi's Westside Comedy Theater. They embraced the stand-up and improv community, started a training center. Some oil the many great comedians who've performed at Westside include: Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, Dana Carvey, Judd Apatow, Zach Galifianakis, Tig Notaro, Demetri Marin, , Bobcat Goldthwait, Lorraine Newman. So where is Aaron Krebs going next? Who knows? But wherever he is, laughter and great fellowship will be there! #Westsidetheatre #inkwelltavern Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

I had the good fortune to meet Tashika Campbell a few years ago when she was covering a class for Jay Sukow. I loved her energy, compassion and brilliance then and I still do today. In 2023 I studied with she and Steve Pilloff and it was fabulous. Tashika began improvising in 2027 in Baltimore, Maryland and was originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. We chatted about her first plays she wrote in elementary school that her younger sister would perform. She continued her love of theatre but didn't really see that could be a “career”. When she was introduced to improv, she knew she'd found her home. Tashika is a founding member of the award-winning independent troupe Cake Walk and where that term came from. Tashika has headlined festivals across the US and coordinated the first Improv festival dedicated to Black Improvisers in the DMV. She is a much sought-after. Coach, teacher and workshop facilitator. You can see her work in this 2021 YouTube video from Highwire Improv and the Black Improv Alliance showcasing Baltimore area Black improv and sketch comedy. https://youtu.be/M481elrUioM?si=lvKDll7edGF_NMbI I know you'll love learning more about Tashika! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

What a delight to meet the fantastic Rob Norman in Toronto, Canada. Rob is a beloved improviser/instructor/writer/ podcaster. Rob is author of IMPROVISING NOW: A Practical Guide to Modern Improv which is currently being translated into Spanish, Chinese, and Latvian. He is a Second City alumni and has directed both the National Touring Company and Second at Sea. HIs improv journey is fascinating! He started teaching improv before he took any classes! While in high school he asked his mother to go to the library and get a book on improv and she came back with “Truth in Comedy” by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim Johnson. And he started with long form! In addition to hosting and producing the weekly improv podcast, THE BACKLINE, Rob is a Canadian Comedy Award for Best Improv Troupe, and Canadian Screen Award for his performance on CityTV' Sunnyside. Rob also produced the critically acclaimed, improvised horror series LIMITED CAPACITY for CBC Radio,Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

After taking a workshop with Jill Eickmann I was so delighted to chat with her. Jill's teaching is incredibly supportive and validating! Jill Eickmann, MA, LMFT, is San Francisco's Leela Improvisational Theater's Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Director of Corporate Training. Training.Informed by her diverse training and experience, Jill designed Leela's holistic 5 level improv curriculum. She oversees all elements of Leela's Corporate Training program including client communication, curriculum design, casting, hiring, and training teaching artists, and facilitation. Jill is a licensed psychotherapist, drama therapist, play therapist, and self-revelatory theatre director who continues to teach and present on the psychological implications and therapeutic benefits of improvisation. With training and experience facilitating groups for individuals struggling with social anxiety & shyness, teaching foster parenting classes, and designing corporate training programs, she is passionate about utilizing improvised role play as “Rehearsal for Life.” Clients include: Adobe, The Clorox Company, IBM, Facebook/Meta, Google, Levi Strauss & Co., LinkedIn, McKinsey & Company, Coinbase, Walmart, and YouTube (among others.) She has produced events and held board positions for The San Francisco Improv Festival, and is the Executive Producer for Femprovisor Fest, SF's Feminist Improv Festival. Jill received her BFA in Theatre/ Acting from University of Florida and MA in Counseling Psychology, Drama Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. She studied in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco with some of the best from Upright Citizens Brigade Theater (UCB), The Second City, iO Chicago (Formerly Improv Olympic), Annoyance Productions, SF Clown School, and Magnet Theater. In addition to performing in duos and small ensemble projects with Leela's past and present faculty members, she has performed across the country with notable improvisors including Chad Damiani, Dan Fogler, Law Tarello, Jay Sukow, Tracy Burns, Brian James O'Connell, and Sunita Deshpande. (among others.) As a therapeutic performance artist, she regularly performs with playback theatre actor/director, Roni Alperin in their playback theatre duo, and in an improvised therapy format, “In Session” for the treatment of your favorite fictional character. In their duo, “Intimacy,” Jill collaborates with somatic practitioner, Chelsea McAlexander exploring the intersection between improv and consent. “The Friendship Show” a solo self-revelatory theatre performance, is Jill's mission to heal adult loneliness through theatrical improvisation. Always looking to push the boundaries of the art of improvisation, Jill has conceived and directed original formats and theories in long-form improv performance, from a darkly psychological “Improvised Black Mirror” format, to incorporating contact improv and improvised dance in “Story Dance”, as well as on-line formats like, “The Before Times” which was performed at Seattle's (On-line) Festival of Improvised Theatre with inner monologist, Joe Bill. Most notably, Jill customized a private improv class for cast members of The Lion King – Broadway Tour. Her artistic mission is to inspire people of all walks of life to invest in an improv practice that is connected, mindful, joyful, transformative, and courageously surrenders to TRUTH. To learn more about Jill, check out these links. Websites: http://www.leela-sf.com http://www.leela-nc.com http://www.jilleickmann.com Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

What a gift to chat with Alrinthea Carter, writer, improviser, photographer and so much more. A truly renaissance artist. She had recently moved from Greenville, S.C. to LA for a writing position at the beginning of the WGA strike when we spoke. But that didn't diminish her sense of humor and joyful life. Alrinthea grew up in Europe with wonderfully supportive parents. She began writing plays and sketches with her Barbies and hasn't stopped. She is an Emmy nominated writer for her work on the HBO hit series, "A Black Lady Sketch Show" and plays with fantastic improvisers in LA. To learn more about Alrinthea, check out her website at https://www.alrintheacarter.com/about-alrinthea and be sure to listen to herTedTalk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98RK5OfWt9Q Check out her photographic tribute to Abandoned Space in Souther Philter at https://www.southernphilter.com Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Meet the incredible Marc Warzecha who founded the online Sketch School https://www.thesketchschool.com/ I met Mark this spring when I took Comedy Sketch Writing 101. It was so fantastic that I too all 3 levels and loved it. Marc is a compassionate and highly competent teacher and his classes are always informative and fun! With two decades at THE SECOND CITY Comedy Theatre, Marc Warzecha is an award-winning HEAD WRITER and ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, overseeing dozens of original sketch comedy revues across North America including multiple productions at The Kennedy Center (Washington DC), The Second City - Mainstage and ETC (Chicago), and The Kirk Douglas Theatre (Los Angeles) featuring sketch stars like Keegan-Michael Key (Comedy Central's Key & Peele), Jason Sudeikis (Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso), Tim Robinson (Netflix's I Think You Should Leave), Kay Cannon (writer, Pitch Perfect) and writer/performers currently featured on HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show, NBC's SNL, FOX's The Simpsons, and more. Marc started his improv journey at Second City Detroit with other mega stars like Moyer and Michal Keegan Marc has been a guest on CNN's “Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer” and NPR's “All Things Considered.” Currently living in Los Angeles, he is a proud native Detroiter and Armenian. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Meet award winning storyteller and improviser Kevin McGeehan. In our interview Kevin shares his improv journey in a touching, funny and very honest way. He speaks about his love for his mother and other family members and has a huge heart! He is a 9-time Moth winner and won the 2019 Grand Moth Championship. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Andrew Ritter taught improv and musical improv at Second City Chicago. We chatted about his introduction to musical improv with our mutual friend the brilliant Michael Descoteaux. One of his students was the musical improviser and artistic director of Boom Chicago, Stacey Smith He developed a children's show called, “The Greatest Story Never Told” In this show he invited the children in audience to come on stage, choose their own character and make up a story on the spot! He currently lives and teaches in Vermont and is the Creative Director/Writer/Voice Actor for The Gfulness APP, a unique meditation app that combines the concept of meditation and mindfulness with comedy based on the idea that laughter is the best medicine. Check it out at https://www.gfulness.com/ Enjoy this podcast! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

MONIKA OZDARSKA Monika is a Warsaw-based improviser and a warm and brilliant spirit. We talked about her journey from Middle Eastern Archeology to Graphic Design to Improv. She recalled the tremendous impact that the Barcelona Improv Festival had on her and thrust her into global improv. “WePolak” is the incredible performance show she co-stars in with improviser/actor Jeff Michalski . They have performed this show all over Poland and other cities around the world and their show gets rave reviews. Enjoy this podcast! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Liz Allen is truly an improv legend. She is a sought after improv coach. In fact, for several years I've wanted to study with her but whenever I tried to sign up for an online class - they were full! Learning about her improv journey, philosophy and insight into this art form was truly a gift! Liz is an improviser and teacher who, among other things, coached the improv team in Mike Birbiglia's film Don't Think Twice. She recently performed a solo piece, “I am my Mother” a dark comedy about her relationship with her southern mother who struggled with addiction, and how her family coped. We chatted about growing up in an addicted family and how that informed her comedy and love of theatre. We actually played a scene, and I'm so glad we did! I met Liz through Jay Sukow. They started improv classes together over 30 years ago and remain close friends. Liz is a charming, humble and amazing person and eventually I will take a class with her! Enjoy this podcast! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Ted Waltmire was a librarian, pianist and community musical director until his life completely changed in 2009 when he suffered a stroke and lost the ability to play the piano with his left hand. After many years of rehab therapies his friend Dale Galiniak who worked for him at the library suggested Improv. He had an “aha” moment when he realized that despite his continued physical limitations, he could play improv games. He jumped in with both feet and pursued classes at Second City Chicago and landed in a writing class. When his teacher learned his story he suggested that Ted write his life story, which became a musical directed by Jay Sukow and musical direction by Stephanie McCullough. Stephanie said about Ted, “He is such an impressive person. His musical abilities are outstanding." His story is inspiring to anyone, but especially people who have had similar life changes. We laughed and cried and I know you will love Ted as much as I do. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

I had the good fortune to take an improv class with the wonderful Frank Cieta and what a great experience that was. Frank Cieta is a recognizable face to those who loved Madtv and his Captain Kangaroo sketches on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. He is a fantastic and always fun improviser. Frank shares his improv and comedy journey and we had a lot of laughs! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Shaun Landry is a veteran actor and improviser who owns The Ledge Theatre in LA. She is an accomplished writer and teacher who is beloved by her students. Join us as we explore her life journey and the challenges she dealt with as a woman of color in improv and the performing arts. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Welcome to Part 2 of our chat with the wonderful Bill Chott. We had so much to talk about and continue learning about Bill and his story. In Part 2, Bill shares his struggles with obesity and how he has overcome it today. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. https://margotescott.com/podcast/

Bill Chott is a fabulous human being who is a writer, improviser and actor. And a very hardworking one! He is an alumnae of ComedySportz, IO and Second City. He toured with the Second City troupe in the '90's. He played with many well-known improvisers and his talent with musical improv is second to none! In our chat we explore this career which includes films and Television like The Ringer, The Wizards of Waverley Place, Young Sheldon, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and This is Us. His writing credits include The Dana Carvey Show, SNL and recently "Too Funny to Fail" The Life and Death of The Dana Carvey Show". He shares his audition story with SNL that didn't get him in the cast but landed him on The Dana Carvey Show. Bill is a generous, kind soul and has a big, big heart. I know you'll love him as much as I do.

Meet the fabulous Katy Schutte. Katy is a well respected improviser, comedian, director,teacher and author and we had an in-depth dialogue about her career. We spoke about her philosophy on improv and life and our mutual challenges with anxiety. Her book, The Improviser's Way: A Longform Workbook" has been an essential read for improvisers around the world.

Welcome back, an encore with Bright Su. He is an improv coach based in San Jose, Ca, USA, and the author of Ji Xing Xi Ju (May 2020), the first complete improv book originally written in Chinese. He is the current Editor-in-Chief of Applied Improvisation Magazine. In this episode, we talk about Improvisation and Spirituality. He says: “Improvisation is Zen and Dao in Western Context, is the journey of the self through the others to the self.” It's a deep dive in two perspectives, and more. You'll definitely enjoy this interview. Visit www.BrightImprov.com Follow WeChat Official Account "BrightImprov" Connect in Facebook www.facebook.com/bright.su.90/, or Email brightsu@yahoo.com Visit Bright's bilingual quotable quotes: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/E6ItkFJrL58KI81bHw9N5w Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. https://margotescott.com/podcast/

David Razowky is a beloved improv performer, coach, director and author. His new book, A Subversive's Guide to Improvisation, has received rave reviews from improvisers around the world. I first met David in 2017 and was delighted to catch up with him to talk about his writing process and life in theatre. He is such a delightful and fun person. I know you'll enjoy this as much as I did!

Meet the Fabulous Erin Diehl, co-founder of Improveit! She helps clients eliminate barriers to collaboration, communication, and leadership. Improved help teams build sustainable relationships that move business forward, through humor and improvisational comedy. She shares her acting & improv journey and how she became an entrepreneur using her incredible skills. We had so much fun and I know you'll love her as much as Ido! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Bright Su – Let's do VIP and 4D. Meet my dear friend, Bright Su. He is an extraordinary person and I am so glad to have him as a good fiend. Bright Su is an improv coach based in San Jose, Ca, USA, and the author of Ji Xing Xi Ju (May 2020), the first complete improv book originally written in Chinese. He is the current Editor-in-Chief of Applied Improvisation Magazine. In this episode, we talk about the unique improv game's factor VIP (Vocal, Interpersonal, Physical), and very practical Facilitation Technique 4D (Describe, Demo, Do, Debrief), and more. You'll really love this interview. Visit www.BrightImprov.com Follow WeChat Official Account "BrightImprov" Connect in Facebook www.facebook.com/bright.su.90/, or Email brightsu@yahoo.com Visit https://www.appliedimprovisationnetwork.org/applied-improvisation-magazine Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Listen to this fascinating chat with Jim Robinson and Joy Glasser. Jim teaches improvisation and mental health at Mental Health Resources in Minneapolis. As a Fulbright Specialist in Pakistan, Jim brought his course “Improvisation and Mental Health'' to universities and psychology training centers in Islamabad and Lahore. He has taught these courses in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Panama as well. With Joy, Jim has created improvisation workshops that help caregivers navigate the challenges of taking care of dementia patients. Joy Glasser received her B.F.A. in Film Production from New York University and her Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language, from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She is currently a Certified Executive Leadership and Team Building Coach and Consultant who has successfully worked for decades with corporate clients and individuals in a wide range of creative and medical industries. Joy shares her experience of being the care partner of a spouse with Dementia. With Joy's diverse and rich background and life experiences, she has creatively cultivated the perfect use of her talents—helping others navigate caregiving a patient with dementia. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. https://margotescott.com/podcast/