Shanghai Comedy Corner

This is part 12 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 12 deals with Del Close's legacy through his famous students (Bill Murray, Tina Fey, etc.), and his relationship with Keith Johnstone. Follow us on WeChat: SHCCPodcast

This is part 11 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 11 deals with the idea of "following the fear" (misinterpreted by a student as "follow the fun"). Great answer from improv giants! Follow us on WeChat: SHCCPodcast

This is part 10 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 10 deals with Del Close's philosophy for improv as applied to modern improv, and two of his major thoughts: "Cheers, not laughs" and the "theatre of the heart".

This is part 9 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 9 deals with memorable notes the panel members received from Del, his philosophy on developing scenes, and a very famous instance of his "trust exercise".

This is part 8 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 8 deals with a poster that a student spotted at the iO, and the influence of drugs on Del Close after he cleaned up his act.

This is part 7 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 7 deals with Del's personality and social interactions, his demons, and his use of drugs and alcohol.

This is part 6 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 6 deals with Del Close's teaching style.

This is part 5 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 5 deals with Del's style of giving notes and feedback...

This is part 4 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 4 deals with the Harold and its evolution.

This is part 3 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 3 deals with Del's "witchcraft", how Charna met Del, the Invocation, the first rule of improv and Westminster Kitchen Rules, and how the Harold came about.

This is part 2 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 2 deals with the panel members' most memorable experiences with Del, Del's place, his cats, his psychic powers, and his generosity. Follow us on WeChat: SHCCPodcast

This is part 1 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 1 deals with Del's famous opening monologues, his love of books, and Lenny Bruce. Follow us on WECHAT: SHCCPodcast

Nnamdi Ngwe teaches and performs improv everywhere, and especially in Chicago. He is part of recognized improv teams such as 3Peat and DelTones. Check out his webseries "Julius" on YouYube! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Mick Napier co-founded the Annoyance Theatre and is a successful director, performer and producer in Chicago. He sat down for a Q&A session with the visiting cast of Zmack Shanghai. Questions asked: 1 Why did you choose to have your own theatre? 2 What’s your improv training? 3 What improvisers’ habits do you find annoying? 4 What to do in a scene? 5 Where does “Skinprov” come from? 6 What challenges do you face while running your theatre? 7 What advice would you give to people who want to do improv for a living? 8 Do you ever get tired of improv? 9 Is there anything that you have difficulty enjoying in improv? 10 How would you introduce a long-form performance at the beginning of a show? 11 How do you get out of your head (in a seemingly lame scene)? 12 What’s your philosophy as a teacher? 13 How would you define improv as a legitimate art form? 14 What about improv festivals? 15 What’s next for Mick Napier?

Megan Johns is the liveliest, most adorable and energetic teacher at the Annoyance that SCC was lucky to chat to! Undaunted, Megan positively powers through life with art and performances all around. Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Susan Messing is one of the most prolific, successful, and let’s say it, badass improvisers in Chicago – her own style of fearless acting has ensured her a place at the top and we are delighted to ask her a couple of questions in spite of her demanding schedule.

Farrell Walsh is not only a respected teacher and performer at iO, but also the artistic director of CIC Theatre, a non-profit venue for improv, sketches, and theatricals.

Kevin (Gerrity) and Zach (Barnz) have established themselves as the most sought-after underground theatre event in Chicago, where respect for the artist trumps everything else. SCC talks to idealists who have made an actual success out of their dreams.

SCC was in Chicago for 10 days and brings you back lots of mini interviews with the greatest theatre minds of Chicago! Today, listen to the Founder of the NeoFuturist school, Greg Allen.

Like a story? Then listen in to Paul Collins's incredible - but true - stories of writing in Lancaster, working in a kibbutz, pimping in KTVs, selling veneer, strange stripteases, and a stolen laptop! Paul is a British actor and comedian in Shanghai since 2006. Also find out in the announcements how to win 4 tickets to "Psycho Beach Party" opening today! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Mark Edwards (UK) has been gracing the stages of Shanghai since 2007 and has performed in ground-breaking shows. We talk about his latest act in critically-acclaimed Heroes (produced by Twisted Carousel), how he met Rod Stewart and Michael Caine, never got into tap dancing, and his dream theatre project. Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Pete Grella (US) is based in Hong Kong and does stand up and improv theatre. Last month he was in Shanghai and I was lucky to have him as a guest. We talk comedy of course, but also improvise a scene at the end of the podcast. The "hug and a ticket" offer still stands for future shows with Pete! Follow us on Wechat at SHCCPodcast

Elva Yao is the Managing Director of Zmack and performs improv and stand-up comedy in English and Chinese. In this podcast, she shares stories of how much she has changed since her teenage years and how much comedy has brought to her life. Don't miss this one!

Alejandro is a stand-up comedian from Chile and talks Shanghai Expo, floods, cats, poetry, and scooters! Alejandro是一位来自智利的单口相声喜剧演员，他谈及的话题五花八门：上海世博会、洪水、猫、诗和电动摩托车！ Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Alden McDonald is an actress in the strange world of Chinese TV series, movies, and commercials. She has spearheaded support groups for foreign artists and parents of kids who model. She reveals weird and funny stories from the bewildering industry of China’s foreign entertainment talents. Alden McDonald身为演员，游走在中国的电视剧、电影与广告圈。她为在中国的外国艺人以及儿童模特的家长们成立了一些支持团体。她将和大家讲述关于在中国的外籍演员的奇闻异事。 WECHAT: SHCCPodcast

Audrey Murray is a writer, improviser, stand-up comedian, and an intrepid solo traveller. She talks magic numbers, being abducted in Turkmenistan, and writing a book! Also, find out how to win a free comedy show ticket from me! Audrey Murray是一位作家、即兴表演艺术家、单口喜剧演员，以及无畏的旅游家。她将谈及她的神奇数字，在土库曼斯坦被绑架的经历，以及她的著书历程！听众朋友们还可以了解到如何从我这里赢得一张免费的喜剧表演门票 Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Evan Eames is the right kind of crazy. Juggling with dodgy stripper gigs, stand-up comedy, and outrageous Shanghai shenanigans, Evan navigates his zany life with positive energy! From Idaho to China, from shy to wild, Evan shows his dedication to humour and his drive to be a better comedian. Follow our Wechat: SHCCPodcast Evan Eames疯而不癫。表演单口喜剧，有着在上海疯狂体验和不靠谱的脱衣舞工作的他，生活离奇古怪，正能量满满。Evan来自美国的爱达荷州，通过讲述自己来中国的这段经历，以及自己如何从胆小害羞变得神经狂野，他向我们展现了他对幽默与喜剧的孜孜不倦的精神 微信：SHCCPodcast

What’s the link between a small village in north-east France, a successful fashion brand in China, an acting part in a James Ivory movie, and a singer of old French songs? Helene Meunier of course! Listen to her tale of following her dreams all the way to Shanghai! Check out Ohmygodmichelle on FB! 一个法国东北部的小村落，一个成功的中国时尚品牌，一部由James Ivory导演的电影里的一个角色，一位唱法国老歌的歌手......这些东西之间有着什么必然的联系呢?当然是Helene Meunier啦!来听听她是如何为了追梦而不远万里来到上海的吧! WECHAT: SHCCPodcast

Mauricio Estrella is a stand up comedian from Ecuador and shares his crazy China stories, how he met his wife, strange bar encounters, and his Chinese lookalike! Follow our Wechat: SHCCPodcast www.shanghai.comedycorner.com

Kurt Dunsing (USA), a brand new stand-up comedian in Shanghai, talks Jiangsu stabbings, dashing through road traffic on a long board, dressing up as a Princess with big boots, and many other crazy adventures on this new episode of Shanghai Comedy Corner. Follow our Wechat at SHCCPodcast and our website www.shanghaicomedycorner.com

Erin "FM" McGinley hails from Athens, Georgia (USA) and has been performing her original brand of stand-up for 2 years now, mostly at the Shanghai Comedy Club. Listen to her hilarious stories, from managing a famous pizza store to raising a child and handling 2 majors while working full-time in Shanghai and doing comedy! To win tickets to various shows, follow us on Wechat at SHCCPodcast

Arran Hawkins directs the famous family fairy tale again with new songs, new cast, and more magic! Don't miss the show at Anken Green Rooftop on Dec3(8pm) Dec4(8pm) Dec5(3pm/8pm) Dec6(3pm) - Dec10(8pm) Dec11(8pm) Dec12(3pm/8pm) Dec13(3pm) WIN 2 TICKETS - listen to the simple question at the end of the podcast and send your answer & details to SHCCPodcast on Wechat for a chance to win 2 tickets to one of the Thursday shows (Dec. 3rd or 10th)

This week, I am honoured and thrilled to have been able to interview Charna Halpern, the improv legend from Chicago. She flew all the way from the US to attend the Shanghai Improv Festival and deliver her world-famous Harold workshop over the weekend. Listen to her interview as she shares her love for the spontaneous art of improv and talks Amy Poehler, Chris Farley and how improv can change your life. Wechat: SHCCPodcast

WIN 2 tickets to the opening night of The Devil's Fables at the Pearl Theatre on Oct.29th (9pm). Listen to Kaylie, Corinne and Paul and answer the very easy question by sending us a message to our official Wechat account SHCCPodcast (indicate name & phone number).

Two Broke Girls star Jonathan Kite (@jbkite) sits down with Shanghai Comedy Corner's guest host M.M. Plumm to chat about his first impressions of Shanghai, discuss what the literal millions of China-based TBG fanatics can expect from his upcoming show at The Pearl, and answer questions from the Chinese Internet c/o Shanghai comedian Leia Luo's army of Douban followers. Wechat: SHCCPodcast

British stand-up and Beijing's 1st-3rd best improv comedian Paul Creasy sits down with The Shanghai Tickler's M.M. Plumm to talk about the differences between stand-up and improv, the highs and lows of making people laugh, and how the UK is just Westeros for the most part. WECHAT: SHCCPodcast

William has only been in China for a few months but he's done comedy all his life! Follow his adventures in the Middle Kingdom with strange encounters with babies, sharks, and people running around! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

American stand-up comedian Evan "Danger" Rodriguez ventures into what Chinese stand-up is all about - and we talk Game of Thrones lookalikes, Dashan, kicking ass against a Shaolin Temple trainee, and being called a "dickhead" at Shanghai Comedy Club's first infamous "open bar open mic" night!

Larger-than-life Broadway producer based in Shanghai, TOBY SIMKIN boasts multiple citizenships, 146 shows (120 of which for Broadway / the West End), meetings with the Queen, Lauren Bacall, Julie Andrews, Elton John, & many other greats. We talk moving the Shanghai Concert Hall aside, the death of the Xiangyang Road fake market, his first show in Australia at age 16, "Three Grams of a Dream," 2-day-old salads, Victor Borge, bangers & mash, and many other amazing stories in this fabulous episode of SCC. Relax, forget the drilling in the background, and enjoy Toby's fascinating stories of childhood, coming-of-age and being a baby again in China! >> Follow us on Wechat at SHCCPodcast

Stand-up comedian (and his legendary pun-friendly last name) John Shea shares stories of questionable translations, far-away Shanghai districts, health mishaps and forgetting your neighbor's name! Check out the latest SCC podcast! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Sassy Ann James from Texas tells us all about Shanghai's stages and how she went from a simple job opportunity to leading the most successful English-speaking show producing company in Shanghai in just over 3 years! You'll also hear about crying bank tellers, subway nightmares and avocado mishaps. Follow us on Wechat at SHCCPodcast!

NBC star, voice artist, standup comedian, TV show host, Youtube star, crazy American BEN GLEIB visits Shanghai tells stories about Obama, Nicholas Cage, George Carlin, ping pong and more! Get down! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

American stand-up comedian Drew Fralick (who works as a Mental Health Counsellor in Chinese in Shanghai's State Hospital) shares stories & secrets about fires, Detroit, meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more on this new episode of SCC podcast. Don't miss it! WECHAT: SHCCPodcast

Singapore-based Dutch comedian Kristel Zweers shares her stories about Asia, stolen bikes, counting light posts, and many more quirky things in the 40th edition of Shanghai Comedy Corner! Don't miss this one! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

American-Mexican stand-up comedian and multi-talented Barney Rivera tells all about his globe-trotting, his many jobs, his puzzles, his superhero powers, his comedy, his Shanghai, and how he brings everyone together! Special announcement at the end. Don't miss it! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Exclusive interview of American stand-up comedian and founder of "Yangon Stand-Up" in Myanmar/Burma William Childress reveals his journey into the booming world of the English-speaking stand-up scene across Asia. From his first shot of comedy on Dagu road in 2011 in Shanghai to being an active member of the development of stand-up in Asia, William has stories of food, Mongolia, Bangkok parties, and more! Don't miss and follow our Wechat: SHCCPodcast

American born Chinese Eric Sun reveals how he went from being an awkward kid in SF Bay Area to a regular stand-up comedian at Shanghai Comedy Club and Zapata's, with tales of nasty eggs, real estate tycoons, and a strange superpower. Don't miss it! Follow us on Wechat (微信) at SHCCPodcast.

WOW! Exclusive interview with LA-based Canadian writer & comedian Adam Richmond during his first China gig at Masse's Shanghai Comedy Club. You don't want to miss this one! Follow our wechat at SHCCPodcast

Shanghai star JP Lopez joins us on SCC to review his 7.5 years in China as he is about to start a new chapter of his crazy life back in the US. We talk musicals, old Chinese men in their undies, weird auditions and dressing as a woman. Don't miss this very special episode of Shanghai Comedy Corner. *Follow us on our official Wechat account: SHCCPodcast*

SCC#34 travels to Hong Kong first, for the 5th annual HK improv festival, then returns to Shanghai to talk to crazy US stand-up comedian The Greg Wilson visiting China for the first time! He gives advice on stand-up and tells of his rise to fame. Follow us on wechat at SHCCPodcast

*Episode sponsored by Bad Boy Bangers* Christopher Brantley and John Everett from the People's Republic of Comedy improv troupe in Shanghai join me for a very funny and silly podcast where we talk DUANG and eating cereals in the shower. Win a pack of sausages by sending the answer to the simple question at the end of the programme to shanghaicomedycorner@gmail.com WECHAT: SHCCPodcast