#26 Improv Pokémon
Issue #26 Improv Pokémon
7th September 2022
Hi everyone. Chris Mead here.
So this is issue #26 of the newsletter. That means I've been putting this out every week for half a year. I've absolutely loved all the replies, advice, recommendations and kind words I've had in response. Thank you so much and please do continue to interact with me. I read everything and try to respond to as much as I can.
I'm now back from Trondheim and processing my feelings. The festival had a main cast structure where those of us teaching would also guest in each other's formats. I loved it so much. Seeing the way other improvisers approach making a show is fascinating to me and very inspiring too. Something in my soul clicked back into place.
It was also a great honour to step onto stage with an improv legend like Charlotte. I was particularly proud of the fact that many audience members thought we'd been performing together for years when in fact we'd never done a scene together before.
The brilliant festival organisers even set up a trading card game - like Improv Pokémon.
Here's my card.
I have 1 HP so I am not a very strong card to have in your hand.
Right. You want recommendations? I've got 'em.
Rule of three
[Book] Born a Crime
I was stunned by Trevor Noah's autobiographical account of growing up as a mixed race kid in Apartheid-era South Africa. With relations between races banned outright, his very existence is deemed a crime. I can't say enough good things about this hilarious, moving and deeply fascinating book.
[Puzzle] Problem solving
I was sent this puzzle by a reader of the newsletter and I found it particularly insightful. It's behind a paywall unfortunately (you'll need to pay the equivalent of 50p to access it) but the process of solving it reveals something very interesting about the way you tackle problems. And I have a hunch that improv training really helps with this particular bias. If anyone does try it, please send me a screenshot of your results and I'll be happy to share mine too. Afterwards, here's a great video about the psychology of the problem.
[Comic] Sex Criminals
Ok, so here's the premise. A couple discovers they can freeze time by having sex and subsequently decide to rob banks to raise money for their local library. I won't say much more except to state that it is weirder, funnier and deeper than even that description could possible convey. One of the best comics ever written.
Spotlight
Anděl Sudik is writing a book about improv. I have no doubt that book will be as brilliant, incisive, deeply human and funny as Anděl herself is. If you'd like to support her writing, she's set up a crowd funder to give her the time and space she needs to actual sit down and get the words out. The perks you can get are amazing too. If you've ever spent time with Anděl or been inspired by her work, please consider donating some cash. The community deserves to hear her contribution to the wider improv discourse.
PS - If you're in Nottingham this week, I'll be performing with Anděl (and David Escobedo & Liam Webber) in A Well Made Play during the Robin Hood Improv Festival (sharing a double bill with the equally legendary Shaun Landry).
Longform thoughts
"Yes and has a consent problem."
My series on The seven habits of highly effective improvisers continues with Accept & Build.
Radio days
Not content with welcoming me home in style and learning to shut a door, Radio also took time to pose for this flattering picture of the two of us.