#50 User-focused
Issue #50 User-focused
22nd February 2023
How's it going?
I'm having a lovely week.
Yesterday, I was working with the brilliant Savvy Theatre, using improv to allow young playwrights to envision and instantly iterate their work. What a thrill to be utilising the improv skill set for something like that. It felt really special and I can't wait to see the finished pieces. I also got to spend time with some improvisers I've admired but never really worked with, which was awesome too.
This all ties in with the current direction of my thoughts on improv (and where I want to put my energy for the next decade). In essence, I want to make theatre that uses improvisation as its engine to create diverse and thematically distinct shows. Big thoughts, and I don't know exactly where they are going, but it feels like the start of something worthwhile.
What's inspiring you at the moment?
Rule of three
[Tech] The Enshittification of TikTok
This is a brilliant article about how new platforms start off being user-focused and end up being entirely focused on the bottom line. The case study is TikTok, but you'll be surprised to see how widely the principles apply.
[Music] Ren
As a 90s kid, I was charmed by Ren's retake of Bittersweet Symphony, where he reflects on today's Britain. That led me to his version of Right Here, Right Now and finally to his original work. Hi Ren is an almost 10-minute-long song about mental health, but it's also clever, angry and structurally innovative.
[TV] Rick & Morty
I loved Rick & Morty when it first came out, but over time I was steadily put off as its fanbase seemed increasingly composed of problematically entitled young men. This article takes a deep dive into the associated problems in the show's writers room, especially Justin Roiland's escalatingly bizarre behaviour.
Spotlight
I'm running a new class on Mondays from the end of March. It's called Mockumentary Now! It will look at the relationship between improv and mockumentaries. We'll be touching on Spinal Tap, The US Office, Parks & Rec, Billy Merritt's Documentary format and the brilliant Documentary Now! TV series.
There's so much to be learned from that body of work on creating character, performing engaging monologues, playing subtext and using voice-over and narration. Films and TV shows from this genre also make me laugh more than anything, so I can't wait to get started. I'm pitching this at a slightly more advanced level of improviser, don't hesitate to contact me if you need clarification. And as always, there are a couple of bursary places and the opportunity to pay in instalments.
Longform thoughts
I love a scene that starts with whittling.
Going through old improv notebooks is fascinating and often confounding. Exhibit A - My out-of-context improv notes.
Radio days
Radio likes to rest his chin on my hand.