#34 Alive & humming
Issue #34 Alive & humming
2nd November 2022
Hello, improvisers and long-suffering family members!
Chris Mead here.
If you're reading this then at some point you signed up to receive Improv Fables - my newsletter about improv, life and one plucky pup called Radio.
My hope is that I can share some of the things that bring me joy each week, provoke conversations and keep the lines of communication alive & humming between us. Please do reply to this email if you feel like having a chat. I'm always so glad to hear from you all.
Here's what I've been enjoying this week.
Rule of three
[Improv] TJ & Dave
TJ & Dave are incredible improvisers and in 2016 Clark Street Films captured eight of their hour long shows on film. They've made those sets available on Vimeo for around £20. It's a steep price to pay for internet content but each show is a masterclass in patient, deeply-connected improv. If you're interested in performing a more elevated theatrical form then these videos are a must-watch. If you like what you see, you can also check out their book: Improvisation at the Speed of Life.
[Japan] Mundane Halloween
All Hallows' Eve is behind us now but check out the Japanese tradition of Mundane Halloween whereby people dress up as very ordinary things. My favourite is "guy whose lanyard string is super long for some reason".
[Insta] Objects arranged nicely
Adam Hillman arranges smaller objects into bigger collages. It is extremely pleasing. A worthy addition to your Insta-feed.
Spotlight
I'm teaching some excellent classes over the next few months and not all of them are completely sold out yet. Subjects range from Beginners to Narrative to my current obsession - finding Truth in Comedy. You can get links to everything I'm teaching on my website.
Longform thoughts
"So …
I had a bad show.
More than that, I made bad choices and I didn't listen to my scene partner."
Read I messed up in full.
Radio Days
This week Radio was the first dog ever to escape with Blackbeard's Treasure. He even helped us out by finding a puzzle piece we had overlooked.