#31 Shoot the sandwiches
Issue #31 Shoot the sandwiches
12th October 2022
Hello everyone!
It's been an exciting week for me. I've been working on a new VR project with FANDCO and York University, as well as coaching wonderful improv teams like Murder of Crows and The Jess's's's. Always a privilege to work with talented improvisers, especially when they have a vision for their show that I feel I can support.
If you're on an improv team and you're excited about launching a new show concept or equally if you've lost direction and need help getting back on track, please do get in touch on coach@chrismead.co - getting nerdy about improv and theatre theory is my happy place.
Off to Winnipeg next week (with my BFF Katy) for an amazing festival there and have even managed to arrange a few days in Toronto on the way. My improv cup runneth over.
And now for something completely different...
Rule of three
[TV] The Bear
This was recommended by Vinny François in his superb Improv College newsletter. It's about a classically-trained chef who takes over his family's sandwich shop in Chicago. I love everything about it - the characters, the dialogue, the sense of place - but I especially love the way they talk about food and the beautiful way they shoot the sandwiches themselves. Yum!
[Film] Medicine for Melancholy
Already loved Barry Jenkins' other films Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk but was unaware of his debut feature before Tara featured it in Improv Cinema Club. It's slow and focussed and has something to say. Mumblecore at its finest. I was particularly struck by the performance of Wyatt Cenac and was interested to find he had an improv background.
[Batman] Adam West
Adam West was a joker.
Spotlight
I had the pleasure of studying with NYC improv instructors Patrick Williams & Rachel Bouton this week and had an amazing time. Not only were they excellent teachers but the group was filled with wonderful talent from the wider Hoopla community. It felt so good to stretch our improv muscles as a collective. Even more excitingly, I'm performing with Patrick and Rachel this Saturday at the Hoopla Comedy Club in London Bridge. Come along for my very first "Triologue" show.
Longform thoughts
"Don't use too many folders, it's a trap!
Read more in Aim for inbox zero, part of my Organisation for creatives series.
Radio days
Commissioned this work of art for Laura's birthday.