#20 Say Day
Issue #20 Say Day
27th July 2022
So...
I'm 42 now.
I wasn't last week and now I am.
It certainly sounds old from a mathematical perspective. I won't lie.
In practice though, I'm here to report ... much the same.
In terms of improv - looks like I'll be travelling to Chester, Bristol, Trondheim, Nottingham, Winnipeg and Dublin before the year is out. I'm thankful every day for this opportunity to work and play with improvisers from all over the place. I don't think I'll ever take it for granted.
Here are some other happy-making recommendations.
Rule of three
[Comic] Paper Girls
Ahead of the incoming Amazon Prime adaptation, I've been re-reading this amazing 1980s-themed comic about time travel, friendship and the destructive capabilities of Apple products. Brian K Vaughn is perhaps my favourite comic book writer of all time and Cliff Chiang's artwork is epic, strange and glorious.
Do you want to know more? Paper Girls #1 | Panel Syndicate | Exploding Giraffes
[TV] Work in Progress
Written & performed by a core group of creatives from the Chicago improv community - Work in Progress tells a love story that I've never seen attempted on TV before. But it's also about so much more than that - depression, friendship, creating comedy and representation to name a few. It's not always easy to watch (although it's often hilarious) but having seen the whole thing now I can honestly say it feels like a gift. I'm so glad this story is in the world.
[Jeans] Hiut Denim
Hiut Denim has an amazing story to tell. The jeans they make are extraordinary but they are just the tip of the iceberg. Their newsletter is wildly eclectic and beautifully put together (I actually went on a course with them before starting Improv Fables). I have every one of their Yearbooks. And The DO Lectures made me rethink my life. Welcome to Cardigan.
Spotlight
This Friday 29th July is a special one for many improvisers. It's Say Day - a thoughtful day of celebration created when we lost Jason Chin - a beloved teacher and performer in the Chicago community. Championed by TJ Jagodowski, the idea is simple - we don't often take the time to say how much we mean to each other. And we should.
So every 29th July, improvisers around the world do just that - let the people we love and respect know how much they have impacted our lives.
For this newsletter version, I've focussed on improvisers with classes, books or blogs, from which I think my readership might benefit.
Do consider taking a moment on Friday to send some messages of your own.
Katy Schutte Katy essentially took me under her wing when I was just starting out and has spent the ensuing 15 years making me look good. No one is more loyal, focussed and compassionate, whilst still having such innate skill and star power.
Monica Gaga I have always admired Monica for her electric hosting charisma and megawatt warmth on stage. Having recently had the honour of performing a duo show with her, I can also tell you that I have never felt so instantly supported and inspired by a stage partner.
Liam Webber Liam is always having fun on stage. He's the first person I think of when I teach the importance of delight in improv. Crucially, his fun never comes at the expense of other people - it is inclusive, it sweeps you along with it, it makes you a better improviser.
Anděl Sudik Another improv legend that I've only got to know personally quite recently. Anděl combines vast experience with real wisdom and skill. As a performer she makes choices that seem to come out of nowhere but are always utterly perfect.
David Escobedo David is rightfully lauded for his work as a one-man cheering squad for seemingly every other improviser in the world. But make no mistake, he is an utter powerhouse performer and teacher - perceptive, skilled, playful and hilarious.
Stephen Davidson I've learned so much from Stephen. He has become a watch word for inclusivity and a champion of diversity and progressive practice within our wider community. I co-taught a course with him recently and was floored by his brilliant coaching notes too.
Shaun Landry I have taken many online classes with Shaun. I can't get enough. She is the real deal in every sense - her teaching is effortless - you can literally feel yourself getting better. She is also incredibly selfless and kind - making connections throughout her networks to everyone's mutual benefit.
Karla Dingle The gold standard in running an improv company. Karla is generous with her time, enthusiastic about other people and a pitch perfect facilitator. Watching her improvise is a masterclass in support, clear choices and joyful harmony.
Longform thoughts
"Feel something. Anything. Anger. Joy. Sadness. Fear. Come into a scene with a tiny emotional motor buzzing in your chest."
My series on The seven habits of highly effective improvisers continues with Feel something & be changed
Radio days
Radio: A Real Time Study