David is Curious

I am so happy to have gotten to do this interview. Greg Metacalf's perspective on improv is kind, analytical and spot on.  I love the lessons he casually shares - like "throw it forward" from his coach. I love the insights (improv related or not) that he shares on social media. Whenever Greg comments on an Improv Boost post, I am always excited to see what he offers.    In the future, I want to get a group of past guests together and have a panel. Greg would be top of the list to have back!   Give this a listen. I am so happy with it.   #improv

Margot Escott, LCSW, has been an advocate for play since 1970. She has worked as a psychotherapist for over 35 years and currently works with people with Parkinson's Disease. Her spaces for play have had adults connect to one another and even themselves. I am a huge fan of her podcast (Improv Interviews), where she has interviewed SO MANY people.  It may be the most exhaustive cannon of improv practitioners out there.    Hope you enjoy this interview. To find out more about Margot you can visit her website here: https://improv4wellness.com/improv-interviews-podcast Or follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/MEscottLCSW/      #improv 

Katy Schutte has finished her MA and it is good.  The title of her thesis is: The Welsh Bed and Breakfast Ghost Story: How Ystrad House's Oral Family History Encapsulates a Broader Culture of Haunted Transitional Places. And it is a wonderful exploration of weird, eerie, legend, and ghosts. What she researches is just as neat as how she researched it.  Katy is a wonderful improv teacher and more than the genre of improv - collective storytelling. What stories do we tell when we're not in control? Give this a listen. You will love it.   You can find out more about Katy at: https://www.katyschutte.co.uk/ Or follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/katyschutte/   Thank you so much for your time Katy! #improv 

Stu Hughes (Grass Dens), Ange Langley (Broken Chair) and me (TOGETHER!) do a short improv set in Chester at That Beer Place. After which we have a discussion about improv.   I am so lucky I get to do improv with people of this caliber. Hearing the audio of the set brings back such great moments. Sure, that thing you always hear is true: "you had to be there."  Improv is best when the performers and audience are present. But there is something still valuable about documentation. I wanted to give a shout out to Annabel Entress who was in the audience and provide some great insight as well.  Here are some valuable links.   That Beer Place https://thatbeerplace.co.uk/   Broken Chair Improv https://www.facebook.com/BrokenChairImprovUK/   Grass Dens https://www.instagram.com/grassdensimprov/

I interviewed Stephen (steh-fahn) Lee and I feel like I want to interview him again. Stephen is producing the sort of improv I want to see, and be a part of.  It is a soft touch with a huge impact. Sometimes we fall into this feeling of "I just want to do improv" not realizing that the access to "just improv" is not equal for everyone!  People from some groups do not get the same opportunities to perform or teach. We chata about some of Stephen's memories in his 10 year career in improv. I am so excited about his future in improv and bumping into him at future improv festivals.    You can find out more about Stephen's work at Comediasians: https://www.facebook.com/comediasians Instant Noodling: https://www.instagram.com/instant.noodling  or the Pretend Company in London: https://www.instagram.com/thepretendcompany/    I am so fortunate to have him in my sphere of influence, and as a friend. Give this a listen, and do me a favor like/share his social media.  You will love Stephen!   #improv 

Do you ever see someone in an improv class and think to yourself , "that person is really good?" Or maybe you see a newer improviser and notice that all their moves are going to support the collective story (rather than poach for punchline or out of fear of looking silly)?  From the first class at the Unity Center in Chester, I noticed Tracy was not only willing to be silly but also willing to be adventurous in her improv offers. I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Tracy in TOGETHER! at That Beer Place. When she is part of an ensemble, the ensemble is more cohesive and works together as a group more. Tracy inspires others to trust in the group, because she confidentally and skillfully does. This interview was so fun. I am so glad made space for us to chat.   #improv   

KARLA .... DINGLE   Karla Dingle   DO YOU HEAR ME?!? I was so happy that Karla made time for us to do this interview (time differences can be tough).  I am so impressed with Karla's drive to produce high-quality improv events.  I have been lucky enough to have Karla as a teacher, teammate and friend. Karla is an authentic person. Which is different from being "always positive regardless of the situation." I have held her opinion and advice in high regard. During the last Robin Hood International Improv Festival I loved just finding time to chat with her. I don't like "networking." But I do love meeting people. You can find out more about her on her website, Dingle Drama here: https://www.dingledrama.com/ You can also join her Facebook group "Dingle Drama Resources for Actors & Improvisers", link is here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582373979470   Get your improv on, by finding out more about Karla Dingle!

Ali James is a fantastic mind in the improv world and I am so lucky to have been able to chat with her more. I not only love her style but her approach to improv. I am super interested in the work of Pretend Improv in London and she is the third co-producer in that company.   You can catch Ali in The Play's the Thing, a super talented cast of Shakespearean improv actors. Their accents and cadance is on POINT. They really understand the tone and texture of the Bard. https://www.instagram.com/the.playsthethingimprov    Of course you can catch her work as part of the fantastic Pretend Company. https://www.instagram.com/thepretendcompany/    And you can also catch her as a part of the award winning Showstoppers. https://showstopperthemusical.com/    Also ... something she announces in this episode is her role as director of the Improvathon in London! https://www.instagram.com/theimprovathon   Ali James is all over improv. And is a positive force in the craft.   Enjoy the interview!"

This episode I interview my son.  He tells a couple of stories, sings a song, and calls me a "poop."  This may be more a "vanity project" but I'm curious for my future self. I think that 15 years from now, re-listening to this episode will be super interesting. To hear his voice, and how he tells stories.  I think in 30 years, when I'm gone, he might like to hear how we interacted. Maybe he will glean how I was as a father. I would love to hear how my dad spoke to me when I was young. My dad has dementia. It's getting harder and harder to remember what he was like. I have memories of him, but the former day-to-day experience of him is fading over time even though the physical body still sits there.    

Bala Viswanathan, Yuehan Liu and Stephen Lee grace me (and the audience) with their experience and eloquence. All three are fantastic improvisers on stage and leaders in the community. I asked them about "the unknown" in improv. We always talk about "not knowing" where the improv is going, but what does that mean? How come some people are drawn to the unkown and some people afraid of it? We discuss this and there are several moments of wisdom and insight. Thank you to Lloydie and Liam of the Robin Hood Improv Festival for making this space.   #improv 

With the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally being named, I was curious as to if religion needed to diversify? And if it current institutions need to, how can they? Because isn't religion set in stone? Also, does "religion" need anything, or is religion just an existing thing? I had all these questions swirling in my head. So I went to ask someone I hold in high regard who may have more insight. I went to ask my friend, Canon Dr Anthony Lees-Smith from the Chester Cathedral. I am not a religious person, you may already know that. But I LOVE what he is doing at the Cathedral. You may be like me, prone to suspicion of organized religion. But the events being held at the Cathedral lately make me so happy. The discussions on AI, the recent performance of Jay Hulme (transgender poet), the Jugalbandi (classic Indian music) concert, and the humility by which Dr Lees-Smith interacts with people ... I mean, if I were to be religious THAT is how I would want my church to be. So, not only did I feel comfortable enough to ask, I trusted the discussion to be set in logic/humility and not in missionary language. (With even an awareness of colonisation) So I asked him. And his responses blew my mind!  Stuff I didn't know!

Maybe you have worked with Brian Armstrong at PIE - Portsmouth Improv Experience, or Southampton Improv Community. Maybe you have read Brian Armstrong's book "Disciple of the Broken God." I have had the lovely pleasure of chatting with Brian online via the Improv Boost and his improv projects. He has always had a constructive and insightful opinion. I am so lucky to have his influence (and humor) in my life. I hope you enjoy this episode. To find out more about Brian Armstrong: PIE-Portsmouth Improv Experience: https://www.facebook.com/PortsmouthImprov Southampton Improv Community: https://www.meetup.com/southampton-improv-community  Disciple of the Broken God (book): https://amzn.eu/d/03tYUZv   #improv   

Jason Hader!! (brrrr brr brr BRRRR!!!) I have been wanting to talk to Jason for a while now. I chat with him all the time on social media, but this was the first time having a conversation. At the end of this episode you can hear his new single he has titled "David is Curious." I am so honoured. You can hear more of his music on his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonHader   Enjoy!

I have been wanting to interview Jill Eickman for a long time! I am so happy she made time for this.  It was very interesting to hear about Leela Improv and their holistic approach to improv training. I enjoyed hearing Jill's views on community and I finally was able to compliment her on something I have admired for years now. Give it a listen! If you want to find out more about Leela Improv check out this link: https://leela-sf.com/ #improv

Tess Hills is an amazing performer - both street performance/immersive theatre and puppeteer. I had the sheer honor of working with Tess on Brainland as puppeteers.  She is the kind of person that elevates the whole quality of the project. Tess is fun to be on set with (we kept trying to hide stage clips on each other when the other one wasn't paying attention) and she also brings professional guidance to the project. I learned SO MUCH just by being around her. It was incredible. Tess owns and runs a company called Curious Cargo which has some fun shows for festivals and live events. They have a sketh/show called The Temperance Society described as, "Then never fear, the Victorians are here to help you mend your ways. They're frightfully proper, sombre and stern, with a terribly stiff upper lip." Truly an incredible performer. And one of those incredibly talented people who is also so so so humble. Her backbone is in play and always connecting. I loved doing this interview.  Hope you enjoy it!

If you get the chance to take an improv class with Maria Peters - DO IT.  She is an incredible mind in improv and has worked with legends. Her empathy and creativity in improv is some of the best I have ever seen.  I have always enjoyed seeing Maria Peter improvise. There was one time I was in an improv class with her and the whole class did a group scene. During the scene, I could tell she literally listened to me.  She literally heard me and supported me.  So many others were trying to impress the influential teacher. They were trying to do big bold moves or funny bits. Maria was in the space with me, at that time.  And as a scene partner I felt so much trust. I cannot recommend her enough. If you would like to find out more about this amaxing improv performer, you can find out more at: https://www.mariapeters.co.uk/ You can also follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mariapetersimprov/ 

I have had the privilege of seeing Ros perform several times and host improv shows. She has an authentic and vulnerable connection with the audience. Her simple shrugs, smiles or facial expressions commands the audience - because I feel like "friendship" is somehow inherent in her style. I saw her Twilight Zone themed improv show, "After Dusk" and immediately thought, "I need to interview her."   I am so curious as to her improv philosophy and what drives her to perform. I hope you enjoy this interview.   Here are just a few improv projects she is a part of: Real Positive Poles - SciFi themed improv: https://realpositivepoles.com/ Up the Antics - a fantastic Bristol based improv and skethc show: https://www.facebook.com/UpAntics Bish Bosh Bash - an improvised variety show: https://www.facebook.com/bishboshbashshow/ Murder She Didn't Write - an improvised murder mystery: https://www.murdershedidntwrite.com/    You can catch onstage or in class at the Bristol Improv Theatre: https://improvtheatre.co.uk/          

Luana Proenca said in a comment on Facebook: " We don't tell stories, we enter them." Now, I have been following Luana's journey via social media but that comment really struck me and I wanted to know more. I loved hearing her detail this philosophy in improv. And it really inspired me.  I have always felt that our service in improv is both to cater to the audience but not placate them - as humble guides through our stories. We are trail masters and taking care of the audience as precious cargo. This was such a good discussion and I am excited for the chance to meet Luana in person. You can find out more about her on her website: https://luanaproenca.wixsite.com/luanaproenca  We also discuss her documentary during this interview, and here is a link to it! "It was necessary to listen to other voices" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EviKrWSU2cY&t=25s    #improv 

Dr. Julian Waite has been one of the most influential people in my life.  He was the supervisor for my Master's Thesis. His thoughts on documentation have resonated with me years later. Not only is he extremely intelligent, he is also a REMARKABLE performer. I have seen him perform several times - in fact he was in one of my improv shows. One of my FAVORITE jokes he made during that show was he was giving a scene notes. And he instructed them to hit the high notes of the scene, and the low notes of the scene. After profoundly hitting the importance of the high and low notes ... he then also said they needed to hit the middle notes. Lol, so everything?!?! It was so funny. It was like the perfect vague and pretentious note a bad acting teacher would give you.  Hilarious. I hope you enjoy this interview.  I could talk to him for hours. From the very first question, he takes off. Dr Waite takes the concepts of identity and explodes it out.   So honored to have him in my life.

Monica Cordero-Cruz is such an amazing mind (and heart) in improv. I happened upon one of her thoughts online and it caused me to think so many thoughts - about culture and colonization in improv. I am so so so so thankful for this conversation. I hope you enjoy the interview as well! You can catch Monica on the team SPIT improv in Manila.  Here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/spitmanila/ They have over a MILLION followers on Facebook!

Colin Mee is a strategic and empathetic improviser. I have had the pleasure of hearing his perspective on improv (in bits and pieces). I was so happy to be able to sit down and hear a deeper share on how he attacks improv as a practice. I am so thankful for his time.  You can catch Colin as part of the MissImp community in Nottingham: https://www.missimp.co.uk/ You can also catch his improv team, Enter Player 2, at festivals and in Nottingham.   #improv 

I am so happy to finally present this interview with Roderick Millar. The first time I watched Roderick perform was as part of Somewhat Theatre at the Robin Hood Improv Festival in 2024. That show was ELECTRIC.  It was so good.  Roderick regularly comments on social media posts with such great analysis and communication of his ideas. I have been wanting to chat with Rodericl Millar for such a long time about his views on improv.   

Whit Shiller - FINALLY, I get a chance to interview and get to know Whit Shiller a bit better. Such a fascinating mind in improv. I love his angle on the practice and Whit uses improv to create points of commonality. I met Whit through his improv podcast, Improv Comedy Connection. He has some AMAZING guests on there. Not only that, but he gets them to talk about some interesting stuff!! Check it out here: https://improvcomedyconnection.com/category/improv/ He is also the engine behind Fish Sticks Comedy.  Which practices what they call "other-centered improv." Which means on or off stage what they practice is for someone else first. This closely mirrors my own thought on acting in general.   Had a great chat with Whit. I'm already thinking about having him back on just to learn more! Here is more info on Fish Sticks Comedy: https://fishstickscomedy.com/

Andel Sudik and I have some of the BEST chats abourt improv. The way she views the practice, the community and the business of improv always inspires new thought in me. Her mind is placed in centralizing the positive pursuit of improving at improv - which may be skills, content or community!  She looks at how improv shows/teams fit into an overal fabric of the practice which reached out beyond time and distance.  I hope you enjoy this interview with Andel. I feel fortunate enough to consider her a friend.  You can find out more about Andel at: https://www.yesandel.com/ She is an improv global leader.

Part two of my interview with Tauri Laws-Phillips, Stephanie Rae, and Deana Criess Tolliver.

MOTHERS Part one of a two part interview. Tauri Laws-Phillips (ColdTowne Theater), Stephanie Rae (Black Improv Alliance) & Deana Criess Tolliver (Applied Improv Specialist) gifted me with their insight about being a mom or mothers in the improv practice. I think the portion speaking on how improv communities and institutions can make adjustments that might improv the particpation of mothers in improv.  If you would like to find out more info on Tauri Laws-Phillips: https://coldtownetheater.com/ More on Stephanie Rae: https://blackimprovalliance.com/  More on Deana Criess Tolliver: https://deanacriess.com/    #improv 

Final part of my interview with Holly Bartolo.  So greatful for this opportunity.

Part 2 of my interview with Holly. 

I believe that the only thing more important than all the efforts of improv teachers and institutions, could be in the documentation of the practice.  Recording shows, interviewing teachers, debriefing after shows ... it is an overlooked value in improv. Holly Bartolo runs the Phoenix Remix, a fantastic resource for improv documentation, information and trends.  I highly regard the cannon of her work. You can check out the Phoenix Remix here:  https://thephoenixremix.com  I am so honored to have shared the space with Holly to find out more about her experience and history in improv.

Part 2 of my interview with Timothy Killilea

I finally get to meet Timothy Killilea. I find his comments on the Improv Boost insightful and building. I really admire Timothy a lot.   You can find out more about Timothy by following the pig.  Did I say "pig?"  Yes.  The Providence Improv Guild: www.improvpig.com He also has a podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/youreheartofallasleep Timothy also has a great instagram where he explores everything potato: https://www.instagram.com/potatobasedeconomy     He is such a creative and inspiring human being.

final part of the Jack and Jorin episode. I LOVED recording this. They inspire me so much.

You know it's a good episode when I can't wait to listen to it!  And I was there when it was recorded!

Joring Garguilo and Jack Greenwood (both with initials J.G.) join me and we talk improv. We get so into the discussion (which is what I wanted) that we don't even get into the questions this episode!  We chat about movies, intaking information and I get to know my guests a little better. If you want to find out more about Jorin Garguilo you can check out: https://www.facebook.com/cictheater   To find out more about Jack Greenwood you can look at: https://www.facebook.com/bristollongform   

Liz Allen Improv Interview, Part 2!  If you ever get the chance to take a class with Liz, or just chat with her she is so lovely. A kind spirit and human being. 

Liz Allen is one of my favorite improv teachers of all time. And in my humble opinion, may go down as one of the most influential people in all of improv. I hold her in such high regard.  Liz was iO's Training Center Director for three years and they renamed their Teacher of the Year Award to the "Liz Allen Excellence in Teaching Award." To find out more about Liz: https://www.lizallenimprov.com/ And be sure to catch her one-woman show "Tonight I am my Mother."  It is fantastic.

Part 2 of my inteview with Oliver Senton. 

Oliver Senton performed in "Shall We Shog?" in 2005 under the guidence of Ken Campbell.  The show became whan Campbell called a thing. This lead to Senton's work in the School of Night. This work also lead to two other significant improv things: Showstoppers and the Improvathon.  Currently he is working alongside Lucy Trodd and developing the new Folkestone Improv Theatre. I always love my chats with Oliver. He is brilliant and inspirational.   For more info The School of Night: https://www.theschoolofnight.com Folkestone Improv Theatre: https://lucytrodd.com/folkestone-improv-theatre    #improv

Debriefing after improv sets is one of my favorite things about improv.   Thank you again to Ange and Stu!  I already want to do this again.

I was blessed with the presence of Ange Lanley and Stu Hughes.  Both are improvisers from the North West of England, and some people I love improvising with. I give them space to identify themselves during the course of this episde.  The format is: We introduce ourselves. Do an improv set (not recorded) Chat Do an improv set (not recorded) Chat   Part of my love of improv is just connecting with people. I am naturally curious about people - as individuals and as a collective.  Hope you enjoy it!

The finaly part of my interview of Remy Bertrand of Imprology. I am so impressed with his curiousity.

Remy Bertrand joined me today on this podcast. Remy runs Imprology, an improv company in London. Remy also does these short videos on FB and TikTok where he talks about a virtue in improv. I have always liked his perspective on improv as it differs from most institutions. He focuses on the individual and their intersection with connection, communication and improv. He has fantastic insight on "being full of yourself", flow and more. Enjoyed getting to know him in this event.  This is Part 1 of 2.   You can find out more about Imprology here: https://imprology.com/home

The final part of my episode with Kat Kenny.  This has only made me more curious about her style and teaching. I have been a fan of her pedagogy for long time now, and this interview only further entrenches it. Enjoy!   If you feel like donating to this project and future projects, I have  Ko-Fi page!  https://ko-fi.com/improvboost

I am so happy I got the chance to talk to Kat. Enjoy.

Kat Kenny is one of those people who brighten my day every time I chat with them or see their posts. She is all about building others up and bringing joy to the world. To me, it is obvious.  It is obvious because her actions show it. She is not someone who passes out bubble gum philosophy then create selfish motion. Kat Kenny has regard for others and takes action to make the world a better place. The world needs more people like her. Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatKennyImprov Or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katkennyimprov   

Stu and I went for a walk and had some sandwiches by the River Dee in Chester. Loved chatting improv with him in this casual setting.

Stuart Hughes is on my team "The Spirit of Improv." I love his improv style of discovery and play.  When he finds something that brings him joy he has such an effortless way of playing with it. He and I went for a walk in Chester and I got a chance to talk to him about improv.  Enjoy! You can also catch Stu on the Oickers, a short form improv team.

THIS IS WHEN SHE MAKES HER ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Hellena Jang is inspirational by activity and by personality. She lifts the spirits of others around her. And she makes magic happen on a global scale (and on an individual scale). I am so impressed and amazed by Hellena.  She is the kind of person I would collaborate with WAY MORE if we lived closer to one another. You can find out more about her on her website: www.hellenajang.com   I like to connect with her on Facebook. https://www.hellenajang.com/improv She has a team called ImFROG. And in this interview she announces another improv project that will ROCK. THIS. WORLD.  So excited for her. I am also extremely flattered that she chose this interview to officially announce it. #improv.

This is the final episod of my interview with Jorin - but not my final conversation with him. I feel like I have one of the most "improv perfect" relationships with him. I learn from him, I want to perform with him and yet I don't feel like there is a hierarch between us - there is a mutual cycle of respect. I look forward to having more conversations with him. I encourage anyone who is passionate about improv to take a class from him or hire him as a coach.  I am fantastically inspired by Jorin.