#124 Surround yourself with good people
Put in the work. Put in the wok. Put in the folk.
Issue #124 Surround yourself with good people
24th July 2024
Hello, everyone.
I’m a whole year older than I was last week.
Thanks for all your kind messages, both for my birthday and for the launch of The Pretend Company. I’ve had over 70 enquiries already about the new course - I’m so happy that it seems to have struck a chord with so many of you.
Exciting times ahead (and more information below).
Rule of three
[Wisdom] The Bear
I’ve been rewatching Season 2 of The Bear. It really is one of the all time great TV shows. And this speech from Will Poulter’s character, Luca, is extraordinary. He’s talking about cooking but it could be about any skill you’re passionate about. Like improv. Here’s my improv translation of the speech:
Being a great improviser is less about skill and more about being open to your scene partner and yourself.
Truly great improv doesn’t come from complicated formats, it comes from being inspired. So surround yourself with good people.
You can’t become an exceptional improviser by only doing improv, get out into the world, experience new things.
Put in the work.
[Cooking] Netherton Foundry
These days, if I’m buying something to use regularly, I try to get a version that will last. It actually works out cheaper on a cost per use basis and I genuinely get a little thrill every time I use something that’s been expertly crafted (for more on this see Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness). Anyway, Netherton Foundry make beautiful spun iron woks that are a pleasure to use.
[Music] Headstrong
Enjoying this lovely summery alt-folk album by Heisk. I’ve been listening to them on repeat whilst putting together the newsletter today. It was recommended to me by a student. Thanks, Lawrence. Thawrence.
Spotlight
I made a big announcement about starting my own improv company last week. You can read the announcement in full here. But the headlines were:
Small class sizes
Entry by application only
A focus on ensemble, theatrical improv and relationship-based scene work
My intention to create more stage time for this kind of performance
One thing I didn’t mention was the deadline to apply for the initial 8 week run - I’d love to make some decisions next week so I’m setting Sunday 28th July as the date to get your info to me.
Please fill in this form if you’re interested.
Please also fill in the form if you’re keen but unable to do the September dates - my intention is to offer more iterations of the class - weekday evenings, week-long intensives and more Saturdays too.
I’ll mention all this in the newsletter but people who sign up via the form will get the info earlier.
Longform thoughts
Emotional connection is narratively much more productive than any intellectual discussion of plot points.
I have a particularly talented group of students tackling storytelling and improv at the moment. Read the Notes on narrative I made whilst watching them be brilliant recently.
Radio contact
Eyes like limpid pools.
I just watched that episode of "The Bear" for the first time last night! Wise words. Will Poulter just needs to film something in Norway to complete the Scandinavia trifecta—and also, I was NOT prepared for his sudden heel turn to "handsome."