Sprezzatura #1 - Welcome to the new news.
Sprezzatura #1
I had a tough time picking a name for the newsletter until I remembered one of my favourite concepts to apply to improv. You can find a bunch of definitions for Sprezzatura online but the one I think applies here is: "The art of performing a difficult task so gracefully that it looks effortless."
Improv is so tough and frustrating but when it comes together it really does feel like the magical fusion of grace and ease. That's sprezzatura.
Two of my favourite improvisers have great newsletters, Chris Mead (London) and Will Hines (LA). They make it look easy even though I know it's not. I aspire to eventually hit their great heights.
What am I into this week?
TV SHOW: The Bear (FX / Hulu / Disney+ in Canada)
The Bear is about a chef who returns home to take over his brother's diner in Chicago. That's where it starts.
The second season recently was released on Disney+ here and I just finished it. I loved the first season because it had an incredible cast, impeccable writing, and superb direction. Add in some inspired musical choices, it easily landed into my list of best shows from the last ten years. The second season does not take a step back, if anything it improves on an already winning formula. It's a recipe that combines a love of food, drama, and comedy reminiscent of The Trip.
Warning: it's anxiety-inducing in the best way possible.
IG ACCOUNT: 365poster.blog
I'm no graphic designer. I make my own graphics as needed but I'm a dabbler at best. I do love learning about it when I can and this IG account shares some of the strangest, most unique, and inspiring poster designs from the 20th century.
It's like having a friend with excellent taste saying, "Check out this poster!" And then you do and you're always glad you did.
SONG: Whiskey Goes Good - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Clinking glasses, jangly guitars, and Jett's sublime road-weary voice. The song ambles through the saloon knocking over drinks. It's celebratory and depressed in equal measures, a toast to the pain we hide, a party for giving up.
"So the next time you're lonesome and you need some help
Just go grab that bottle from off the top shelf"
Improv Tip
The easiest way to do a good scene is to be changed. It's too easy to plant your feet and never give an inch. That only works for so long. Let yourself be altered by what's happening.
Events
Four things to share this week:
My in-person workshop "Please Shut Up" (Aug 23) has one spot left. It's an exploration of silence in improv.
Camp Zipzap Toronto (Sep 8-10) also has one spot left. Use code FRIEND30 to save 30$! A weekend in the woods with workshops, shows, and sun by the lake.
Online workshop "The Documentary Format" (Aug 20 & 27) with the incredible, indelible Fiona Howat (UK) ALSO has one spot left (what's going on??)
New in-person workshop "Get Into Trouble, Fall In Love" (Sep 23) by the aforementioned Chris Mead (UK) just went up. He's visiting Montreal before we head to Toronto for Camp. And we're lucky enough to have him teach a class on connecting deeply with your scene partner. Plenty of space remains at publication.
Interesting Wikipedia page of the week
L8r sk8rs,
Vinny