Kevin McGeehan

Meet award winning storyteller and improviser Kevin McGeehan. In our interview Kevin shares his improv journey in a touching, funny and very honest way. He speaks about his love for his mother and other family members and has a huge heart!He is a 9-time Moth winner and won the 2019 Grand Moth Championship.Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Meet award winning storyteller and improviser Kevin McGeehan. In our interview Kevin shares his improv journey in a touching, funny and very honest way. He speaks about his love for his mother and other family members and has a huge heart! He is a 9-time Moth winner and won the 2019 Grand Moth Championship. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="http://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Improv Interviews Kevin McGeehan - Master Story Teller

Andrew Ritter

Andrew Ritter taught improv and musical improv at Second City Chicago. We chatted about his introduction to musical improv with our mutual friend the brilliant Michael Descoteaux.  One of his students was the musical improviser and artistic director of Boom Chicago, Stacey Smith  He developed a children’s show called, “The Greatest Story Never Told” In this show he invited the children in audience to come on stage, choose their own character and make up a story on the spot!He currently lives and teaches in Vermont and is the  Creative Director/Writer/Voice Actor for The Gfulness APP, a unique meditation app that combines the concept of meditation and mindfulness with comedy based on the idea that laughter is the best medicine. Check it out at https://www.gfulness.com/Enjoy this podcast!Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Andrew Ritter taught improv and musical improv at Second City Chicago. We chatted about his introduction to musical improv with our mutual friend the brilliant Michael Descoteaux. One of his students was the musical improviser and artistic director of Boom Chicago, Stacey Smith He developed a children’s show called, “The Greatest Story Never Told” In this show he invited the children in audience to come on stage, choose their own character and make up a story on the spot! He currently lives and teaches in Vermont and is the Creative Director/Writer/Voice Actor for The Gfulness APP, a unique meditation app that combines the concept of meditation and mindfulness with comedy based on the idea that laughter is the best medicine. Check it out at <a href="https://www.gfulness.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gfulness.com/</a> Enjoy this podcast! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="http://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Improv Interviews Andrew Ritter - Musical Improv and More

Monika Ozdarska

MONIKA OZDARSKAMonika is a Warsaw-based improviser and a warm and brilliant spirit. We talked about her journey from Middle Eastern Archeology to Graphic Design to Improv.She recalled the tremendous impact that the Barcelona Improv Festival had on her and thrust her into global improv.“WePolak” is the incredible performance show she co-stars in with improviser/actor Jeff Michalski . They have performed this show all over Poland and other cities around the world and their show gets rave reviews.Enjoy this podcast!Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

MONIKA OZDARSKA Monika is a Warsaw-based improviser and a warm and brilliant spirit. We talked about her journey from Middle Eastern Archeology to Graphic Design to Improv. She recalled the tremendous impact that the Barcelona Improv Festival had on her and thrust her into global improv. “WePolak” is the incredible performance show she co-stars in with improviser/actor Jeff Michalski . They have performed this show all over Poland and other cities around the world and their show gets rave reviews. Enjoy this podcast! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="http://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Improv Interviews Monika Ozdarska

Liz Allen

Liz Allen is truly an improv legend. She is a sought after improv coach. In fact, for several years I’ve wanted to study with her but whenever I tried to sign up for an online class - they were full! Learning about her improv journey, philosophy and insight into this art form was truly a gift!Liz is an improviser and teacher who, among other things, coached the improv team in Mike Birbiglia’s film Don’t Think Twice. She recently performed a solo piece, “I am my Mother” a dark comedy about her relationship with her southern mother who struggled with addiction, and how her family coped. We chatted about growing up in an addicted family and how that informed her comedy and love of theatre.We actually played a scene, and I’m so glad we did!I met Liz through Jay Sukow. They started improv classes together over 30 years ago and remain close friends.Liz is a charming, humble and amazing person and eventually I will take a class with her!Enjoy this podcast!Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Liz Allen is truly an improv legend. She is a sought after improv coach. In fact, for several years I’ve wanted to study with her but whenever I tried to sign up for an online class - they were full! Learning about her improv journey, philosophy and insight into this art form was truly a gift! Liz is an improviser and teacher who, among other things, coached the improv team in Mike Birbiglia’s film Don’t Think Twice. She recently performed a solo piece, “I am my Mother” a dark comedy about her relationship with her southern mother who struggled with addiction, and how her family coped. We chatted about growing up in an addicted family and how that informed her comedy and love of theatre. We actually played a scene, and I’m so glad we did! I met Liz through Jay Sukow. They started improv classes together over 30 years ago and remain close friends. Liz is a charming, humble and amazing person and eventually I will take a class with her! Enjoy this podcast! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="http://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Liz Allen - Improv Legend

Ted Waltmire was a librarian, pianist and community musical director until his life completely changed in 2009 when he suffered a stroke  and lost the ability to play the piano with his left hand. After many years of rehab therapies his friend Dale Galiniak who worked for him at the library suggested Improv.  He had an “aha” moment when he realized that despite his continued physical limitations, he could play improv games. He jumped in with both feet and pursued classes at Second City Chicago and landed in a writing class. When his teacher learned his story he suggested that Ted write his life story, which became a musical directed by Jay Sukow and musical direction by Stephanie McCullough. Stephanie said about Ted, “He is such an impressive person. His musical abilities are outstanding." His story is inspiring to anyone, but especially people who have had similar life changes. We laughed and cried and I know you will love Ted as much as I do.Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Ted Waltmire was a librarian, pianist and community musical director until his life completely changed in 2009 when he suffered a stroke and lost the ability to play the piano with his left hand. After many years of rehab therapies his friend Dale Galiniak who worked for him at the library suggested Improv. He had an “aha” moment when he realized that despite his continued physical limitations, he could play improv games. He jumped in with both feet and pursued classes at Second City Chicago and landed in a writing class. When his teacher learned his story he suggested that Ted write his life story, which became a musical directed by Jay Sukow and musical direction by Stephanie McCullough. Stephanie said about Ted, “He is such an impressive person. His musical abilities are outstanding." His story is inspiring to anyone, but especially people who have had similar life changes. We laughed and cried and I know you will love Ted as much as I do. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="http://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Improv Interviews Ted Waltmire

Frank Caeti

I had the good fortune to take an improv class with the wonderful Frank Cieta and what a great experience that was. Frank Cieta is a recognizable face to those who loved Madtv and his Captain Kangaroo sketches on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. He is a fantastic and always fun improviser. Frank shares his improv and comedy journey and we had a lot of laughs!Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

I had the good fortune to take an improv class with the wonderful Frank Cieta and what a great experience that was. Frank Cieta is a recognizable face to those who loved Madtv and his Captain Kangaroo sketches on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. He is a fantastic and always fun improviser. Frank shares his improv and comedy journey and we had a lot of laughs! Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="http://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Frank Caeti Improviser, Actor, Writer, Teacher

Shaun Landry

Shaun Landry is a veteran actor and improviser who owns The Ledge Theatre in LA. She is an accomplished writer and teacher who is beloved by her students. Join us as we explore her life journey and the challenges she dealt with as a woman of color in improv and the performing arts.Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. margotescott.com/podcast/

Shaun Landry is a veteran actor and improviser who owns The Ledge Theatre in LA. She is an accomplished writer and teacher who is beloved by her students. Join us as we explore her life journey and the challenges she dealt with as a woman of color in improv and the performing arts. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="http://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Improv Interviews Shaun Landry - Actor, Writer, Teacher, Director at The Ledge Theatre

Bill Chott

Welcome to Part 2 of our chat with the wonderful Bill Chott. We had so much to talk about and continue learning about Bill and his story. In Part 2, Bill shares his struggles with obesity and how he has overcome it today.Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. https://margotescott.com/podcast/

Welcome to Part 2 of our chat with the wonderful Bill Chott. We had so much to talk about and continue learning about Bill and his story. In Part 2, Bill shares his struggles with obesity and how he has overcome it today. Visit my website where I speak to today's leading innovators of improv. My guests are improvisers and therapists from all over the world who share their stories and offer insight into the unique ways they use improv. <a href="https://margotescott.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://margotescott.com/podcast/</a>

Improv Interviews Bill Chott Part 2 - Actor/Improviser/Writer/Director

Bill Chott is a fabulous human being who is a writer, improviser and actor. And a very hardworking one! He is an alumnae of ComedySportz,  IO and Second City. He toured with the Second City troupe in the '90's. He played with many well-known improvisers and his talent with musical improv is second to none! In our chat we explore this career which includes films and Television like The Ringer, The Wizards of Waverley Place, Young Sheldon, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and This is  Us. His writing credits include The Dana Carvey Show, SNL and recently "Too Funny to Fail" The Life and Death of The Dana Carvey Show". He shares his audition story with SNL that didn't get him in the cast but landed him on The Dana Carvey Show. Bill is a generous, kind soul and has a big, big heart. I know you'll love him as much as I do.

Improv Interviews Bill Chott Part 1 - Improviser/Actor/Writer/Director/Producer

Katy Schutte

Meet the fabulous Katy Schutte.Katy is a well respected improviser, comedian, director,teacher and author and we had an in-depth dialogue about her career. We spoke about her philosophy on improv and life and our mutual challenges with anxiety. Her book, The Improviser’s Way: A Longform Workbook" has been an essential read for improvisers around the world.

Meet the fabulous Katy Schutte. Katy is a well respected improviser, comedian, director,teacher and author and we had an in-depth dialogue about her career. We spoke about her philosophy on improv and life and our mutual challenges with anxiety. Her book, The Improviser’s Way: A Longform Workbook" has been an essential read for improvisers around the world.

Katy Schutte - Improviser, Writer, Maker, Performer

I'm a psychotherapist/improviser and host Improv Interviews with some of the most interesting people in the world - improvisers. We discuss what improv comedy is and how they use it for helping others.

Improv Interviews

Lacy Alana

Join me and meet Lacy Alana and learn about her innovative Yes and Brain work. The Yes And Brain framework is the creation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, circus artist, and improviser Lacy Alana.  As Lacy spent time in the clinical, educational, corporate, and expressive arts worlds over the last decade, she recognized that she was having great success blending facets from each discipline into the others.When colleagues asked her to teach them tools to mimic her work, she developed the Yes And Brain framework to serve as a foundational framework for work in each setting.  Over the years, The Yes And Brain Model is refined, with specialized sub-models and training pathways for many different populations.Lacy has a varied professional history, including working in the corporate world (with a business/advertising degree), running specialized circus and improv theatre programs for neurodivergent and at-risk youth, training educators/helping professionals/medical professionals, and working as a therapist. Lacy provides one-of-a-kind training that fuses Interpersonal Neurobiology, therapeutic frameworks, business communication, and pedagogy from improvisational theatre and the circus arts.Yes And Brain provides training worldwide. Lacy is based in Montreal, and the team home base includes Toronto, Montreal, Austin, Indiana, and Ottawa.

Join me and meet Lacy Alana and learn about her innovative Yes and Brain work. The Yes And Brain framework is the creation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, circus artist, and improviser Lacy Alana. As Lacy spent time in the clinical, educational, corporate, and expressive arts worlds over the last decade, she recognized that she was having great success blending facets from each discipline into the others. When colleagues asked her to teach them tools to mimic her work, she developed the Yes And Brain framework to serve as a foundational framework for work in each setting. Over the years, The Yes And Brain Model is refined, with specialized sub-models and training pathways for many different populations. Lacy has a varied professional history, including working in the corporate world (with a business/advertising degree), running specialized circus and improv theatre programs for neurodivergent and at-risk youth, training educators/helping professionals/medical professionals, and working as a therapist. Lacy provides one-of-a-kind training that fuses Interpersonal Neurobiology, therapeutic frameworks, business communication, and pedagogy from improvisational theatre and the circus arts. Yes And Brain provides training worldwide. Lacy is based in Montreal, and the team home base includes Toronto, Montreal, Austin, Indiana, and Ottawa.

Lacy Alana - Yes, And Brain

Jeff Michalski

Jeff Michalski is an actor, director, improvisor, teacher, mentor and so much more. He worked in comedy clubs across the country with the Original Comedy Ranger and was a member of the Groundling in Los Angeles before settling with the Chicago Second City in 1980.During his years with the Second City, Jeff studied with Paul Sills and his historic Story Theatre. While traveling the country with Second City’s National Touring Company he continued training with Second City founder Paul Sills, and artistic directors Del Close, Fred Kaz and Bernie Sahlins.In 1984 Michalski and his wife, Jane Morris, founded theSecond City ETC. His directorial debut , “Cows on Ice” made the ETC an instant hit and was followed by the even larger success of “Mirrors at the Border”. His achievements brought him to the Second City Toronto where he was nominated for a Dora Award for his direction of “Who’s Tory Now?” Michalski continued as director and Artistic Director of the ETC until 1988 when his success in Chicago led him to be chosen as director of the premiere production of the Second City in Santa Monica, also a critical success.While still in Chicago with the ETC, Michalski also helped found the Second City Training Center, a comprehensive training program from which the next generation of Second City players are chosen. He also founded the Second City Training Program in Santa Monica.Mr. Michalski and Ms. Morris founded the Upfront Comedy Showcase in 1990, and The Comedy Underground in Santa Monica in 1998. He is currently teaching people from all walks of life to improvise at the fanaticSalon in Culver City.As a producer, director and performer, he has worked with Dan Castellaneta, Chris Farley, Amy Sedaris, Mike Meyer, Steven Colbert, Ryan Stiles, and many more. Jeff can be seen in the upcoming film The Laundromat with Meryl Streep.

Jeff Michalski is an actor, director, improvisor, teacher, mentor and so much more. He worked in comedy clubs across the country with the Original Comedy Ranger and was a member of the Groundling in Los Angeles before settling with the Chicago Second City in 1980. During his years with the Second City, Jeff studied with Paul Sills and his historic Story Theatre. While traveling the country with Second City’s National Touring Company he continued training with Second City founder Paul Sills, and artistic directors Del Close, Fred Kaz and Bernie Sahlins. In 1984 Michalski and his wife, Jane Morris, founded theSecond City ETC. His directorial debut , “Cows on Ice” made the ETC an instant hit and was followed by the even larger success of “Mirrors at the Border”. His achievements brought him to the Second City Toronto where he was nominated for a Dora Award for his direction of “Who’s Tory Now?” Michalski continued as director and Artistic Director of the ETC until 1988 when his success in Chicago led him to be chosen as director of the premiere production of the Second City in Santa Monica, also a critical success. While still in Chicago with the ETC, Michalski also helped found the Second City Training Center, a comprehensive training program from which the next generation of Second City players are chosen. He also founded the Second City Training Program in Santa Monica. Mr. Michalski and Ms. Morris founded the Upfront Comedy Showcase in 1990, and The Comedy Underground in Santa Monica in 1998. He is currently teaching people from all walks of life to improvise at the fanaticSalon in Culver City. As a producer, director and performer, he has worked with Dan Castellaneta, Chris Farley, Amy Sedaris, Mike Meyer, Steven Colbert, Ryan Stiles, and many more. Jeff can be seen in the upcoming film The Laundromat with Meryl Streep.

Jimmy Carrane

Improv master teacher Jimmy Carrane shares his history in improv and working with some of the great teachers in this art form. His students come from around the globe as his teaching style allows students to become authentic, in improv and life.

IMPROV INTERVIEWS: JIMMY CARRANE

Michael J Gellman now resides in Ontario Canada and is Artistic Director of The Process Theatre. He teaches at Loyalist College as well as Master Workshops for Second City International and Artistic New Directions NYC.  He is an alumnus of the Second City mainstage and was a resident director for Second City in Canada and the USA for 25 years. He was Artistic Director of the Second City Toronto where his shows were nominated for 7 Dora Mavor Moore Awards including twice for Outstanding Direction, nominated for Best Director for Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award, and won a Chalmers Award for Best Director. He is a senior faculty and founding member of the Second City Training Center where he was a Program Head and also Director of the NY training Center.Michael was an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College Chicago teaching Acting For Directors in the Film Directing department and designed and taught Improvisation and Acting III for the Comedy Studies department. In addition to Second City and Columbia College he has taught and designed classes and workshops in directing, acting and improvisation since 1976 at such notable institutions as: Actors Centre London, The Audition Centre, Victory Gardens Training Centre, Act One Conservatory and Loyola Law School as well as master workshops for hundreds of Universities, festivals, theatre companies and improv groups around the world. He is credited with originating “Long Form” Improvisation and his book “Process: An Improvisers Journey” (Northwestern University Press) co-authored with Mary Scruggs is a summary of his workshops on improvisational training.

Michael J Gellman now resides in Ontario Canada and is Artistic Director of The Process Theatre. He teaches at Loyalist College as well as Master Workshops for Second City International and Artistic New Directions NYC. He is an alumnus of the Second City mainstage and was a resident director for Second City in Canada and the USA for 25 years. He was Artistic Director of the Second City Toronto where his shows were nominated for 7 Dora Mavor Moore Awards including twice for Outstanding Direction, nominated for Best Director for Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award, and won a Chalmers Award for Best Director. He is a senior faculty and founding member of the Second City Training Center where he was a Program Head and also Director of the NY training Center. Michael was an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College Chicago teaching Acting For Directors in the Film Directing department and designed and taught Improvisation and Acting III for the Comedy Studies department. In addition to Second City and Columbia College he has taught and designed classes and workshops in directing, acting and improvisation since 1976 at such notable institutions as: Actors Centre London, The Audition Centre, Victory Gardens Training Centre, Act One Conservatory and Loyola Law School as well as master workshops for hundreds of Universities, festivals, theatre companies and improv groups around the world. He is credited with originating “Long Form” Improvisation and his book “Process: An Improvisers Journey” (Northwestern University Press) co-authored with Mary Scruggs is a summary of his workshops on improvisational training.

Michael J. Gellman

Lisa Bany

Today we speak with Lisa Bany and Angela Nino, trained Improv directors, performers and creative professionals who teach and facilitate the use of applied Improvisation in the improvement of mental health. Their organization is called Improv Therapy Group and I am proud to have recently been added to their advisory board. Lisa and Angela are not therapists, but they work with licensed therapists and group treatment facilities to bring Improv into the mental health environment.Lisa Bany is Improv Therapy Group’s, Chief Improv Officer. She is also an instructor, director, and coach at The Second City. She has authored numerous books, including On Stage: Theatre Games and Activities for Kids; Show Time: Music, Dance and Drama Activities for Kids; Funny Bones; and Family Fun Nights. She started teaching at The Second City in the early nineties has directed and taught throughout the Chicagoland area. A graduate of Columbia College, Lisa is a member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor.Angela Nino is a Certified Forensic Interviewer and the Chief Executive Officer for Empathic Workplace.  She teaches seminars on workplace interviews, investigations, and difficult conversations. Angela is a graduate of The Second City improv training program.Learn more athttps://empatheticworkplace.com/ https://improvtherapygroup.com/

Today we speak with Lisa Bany and Angela Nino, trained Improv directors, performers and creative professionals who teach and facilitate the use of applied Improvisation in the improvement of mental health. Their organization is called Improv Therapy Group and I am proud to have recently been added to their advisory board. Lisa and Angela are not therapists, but they work with licensed therapists and group treatment facilities to bring Improv into the mental health environment. Lisa Bany is Improv Therapy Group’s, Chief Improv Officer. She is also an instructor, director, and coach at The Second City. She has authored numerous books, including On Stage: Theatre Games and Activities for Kids; Show Time: Music, Dance and Drama Activities for Kids; Funny Bones; and Family Fun Nights. She started teaching at The Second City in the early nineties has directed and taught throughout the Chicagoland area. A graduate of Columbia College, Lisa is a member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. Angela Nino is a Certified Forensic Interviewer and the Chief Executive Officer for Empathic Workplace. She teaches seminars on workplace interviews, investigations, and difficult conversations. Angela is a graduate of The Second City improv training program. Learn more at <a href="https://empatheticworkplace.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://empatheticworkplace.com/</a> <a href="https://improvtherapygroup.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://improvtherapygroup.com/</a>

Lisa Bany and Angela Nino Improv Therapy Group

Lisa Kays

Lisa Kays, LCSW studied improvisational theater prior to becoming a master's level social worker. She has been using improv as group therapy and to train therapists in this exciting art form.

Lisa Kays, LCSW. Improv Therapy

Craig Cackowski

The husband and wife team, Carla and Craig Cackowski are the creators of the two-person improv show “Orange Tuxedo” in Los Angeles, California. The perform “Close Quarters”, with a focus on creating grounded relationships formed by eccentric characters. If you like comedy, you may have seen Craig wear various mustaches and costume pieces on Comedy Central’s Drunk History. If you like drunken history, you may have seen Carla drink various beers on Instagram.

Carla & Craig Cackowski

Lenny Ravich

Lenny Ravich is an actor, author and leading expert in the field of humor and joy.

Nathan Keats

Meet the wonderful Nathan Keats who has a Master's Degree in Autism from the Tizard Centre. He is currently involved in a research project on using improvisation to support individuals with Autism. Nathan began teaching improvisation in the UK in 2006 and quickly expanding his teaching to the United States. In 2007, he found a love for applied improvisation for autistic people and his enthusiasm continues to this day in his practice, teaching and his research. Nathan’s classes have been taught in festivals, schools, colleges, community centers and theatres to students from seven years old to students who are now retired. As a qualified teacher in the UK, Nathan brings a spontaneous and rationalizable approach to his teaching and now offers consulting services on using applied improvisation with individuals on the autism spectrum.Nathan's motto: Be kind, be honest and be improvising.#findthefunnytogetherLearn more about Nathan and his work:www.NathanImprov.cominfo@nathanimprov.com

Meet the wonderful Nathan Keats who has a Master's Degree in Autism from the Tizard Centre. He is currently involved in a research project on using improvisation to support individuals with Autism. Nathan began teaching improvisation in the UK in 2006 and quickly expanding his teaching to the United States. In 2007, he found a love for applied improvisation for autistic people and his enthusiasm continues to this day in his practice, teaching and his research. Nathan’s classes have been taught in festivals, schools, colleges, community centers and theatres to students from seven years old to students who are now retired. As a qualified teacher in the UK, Nathan brings a spontaneous and rationalizable approach to his teaching and now offers consulting services on using applied improvisation with individuals on the autism spectrum. Nathan's motto: Be kind, be honest and be improvising. #findthefunnytogether Learn more about Nathan and his work: <a href="http://www.NathanImprov.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.NathanImprov.com</a> info@nathanimprov.com

Dan Bacalzo

Dr. Dan Bacalzo - FGCU Drama Department by Margot Escott

Dr. Dan Bacalzo - FGCU Drama Department

Robert Lowe

Robert Lowe is lovingly referred to as The Godfather of Improv in Atlanta. During his thirty-nine-year engagement in Improvisation Robert has been a player, an Improv dancer, a teacher, a director, a producer, and a pioneer in the uses of Improvisation for purposes other than performance. He has taught Improvisation, and stand-up comedy, public speaking, and presentation, and community, and personal advocacy in a variety of venues.He has also been a management consultant, a public speaker, an adjunct professor at Georgia State University, a corporate vice president and a U. S. Navy officer.

Robert Lowe is lovingly referred to as The Godfather of Improv in Atlanta. During his thirty-nine-year engagement in Improvisation Robert has been a player, an Improv dancer, a teacher, a director, a producer, and a pioneer in the uses of Improvisation for purposes other than performance. He has taught Improvisation, and stand-up comedy, public speaking, and presentation, and community, and personal advocacy in a variety of venues. He has also been a management consultant, a public speaker, an adjunct professor at Georgia State University, a corporate vice president and a U. S. Navy officer.

Robert Lowe - Improv Interviews

Join me and meet my friend Deana Criess, as we talk about the magic of musical improv and her work using improvisation games and techniques with her students at the Perkins School for the Blind. Deana is a professional improviser, master instructor, director, writer, and performer with a specialization in applied improvisation. Deana’s work has been featured on PBS, NPR, KBS (the Korean Broadcasting System), The Boston Globe, CNN, and Slate.com. Her original musical comedy, Lube had a sold-out premiere run in Boston

Join me and meet my friend Deana Criess, as we talk about the magic of musical improv and her work using improvisation games and techniques with her students at the Perkins School for the Blind. Deana is a professional improviser, master instructor, director, writer, and performer with a specialization in applied improvisation. Deana’s work has been featured on PBS, NPR, KBS (the Korean Broadcasting System), The Boston Globe, CNN, and <a href="http://Slate.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Slate.com</a>. Her original musical comedy, Lube had a sold-out premiere run in Boston

Deana Criess

Izzy Gesell

Join me and meet Izzy Gesell, an organizational alchemist who helps individuals and organizations transform their thinking from commonplace to extraordinary. He is skilled at delivering meaningful material in a way that makes participants enjoy their time with him.Izzy is also the author of Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater, a co-author of Humor Me: America’s Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, and a contributor of a chapter on Improvisation as a facilitation tool in the IAF Group Facilitators Handbook. His latest project is a deck of cards with improv games on them. Learn more at izzyg.org.

Join me and meet Izzy Gesell, an organizational alchemist who helps individuals and organizations transform their thinking from commonplace to extraordinary. He is skilled at delivering meaningful material in a way that makes participants enjoy their time with him. Izzy is also the author of Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater, a co-author of Humor Me: America’s Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, and a contributor of a chapter on Improvisation as a facilitation tool in the IAF Group Facilitators Handbook. His latest project is a deck of cards with improv games on them. Learn more at <a href="http://izzyg.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">izzyg.org</a>.

Kristin Krueger

Join me and meet Dr. Kristin Krueger who is an internationally known Research Scientist at Rush University Medical Center and a Chicago based neuropsychologist who wrote the first evidence-based research paper on the effectiveness of Improv for Anxiety. The results of the study conducted by Krueger along with two Illinois Tech research collaborators were published in the paper “Thera-Prov: A Pilot Study of Improv Used to Treat Anxiety and Depression” in the Journal of Mental Health (July 2017).Kristin took her first class in improvisational theater at the famed The Second City Theater and Training Center in Chicago in 2006 for fun, but she soon realized that improvisational theatre techniques could prove useful in her practice. She is currently working on a second study that seeks to categorize improv exercises based on cognitive activities. Her method involves inviting clinical neuropsychologists or trainees and having them participate in games, such as “Wind and Rewind,” which sharpens memory.Kristin is also a member of The Therapy Players, an ensemble of mental health professionals from the Chicago area who are also trained improvisers.

Join me and meet Dr. Kristin Krueger who is an internationally known Research Scientist at Rush University Medical Center and a Chicago based neuropsychologist who wrote the first evidence-based research paper on the effectiveness of Improv for Anxiety. The results of the study conducted by Krueger along with two Illinois Tech research collaborators were published in the paper “Thera-Prov: A Pilot Study of Improv Used to Treat Anxiety and Depression” in the Journal of Mental Health (July 2017). Kristin took her first class in improvisational theater at the famed The Second City Theater and Training Center in Chicago in 2006 for fun, but she soon realized that improvisational theatre techniques could prove useful in her practice. She is currently working on a second study that seeks to categorize improv exercises based on cognitive activities. Her method involves inviting clinical neuropsychologists or trainees and having them participate in games, such as “Wind and Rewind,” which sharpens memory. Kristin is also a member of The Therapy Players, an ensemble of mental health professionals from the Chicago area who are also trained improvisers.

Kristin Krueger Ph.D. Improtherapy

Jay Sukow

Join me today to meet Jay Sukow, who has been performing scripted and improvised work professionally for over 20 years. Jay has trained with improv legends that include Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Jon Favreau, David Razowsky, Keith Johnstone, Dick Schaal, Del Close and Mick Napier. Jay is a faculty member of The Second City and has performed regularly as part of their “Those Who Can’t” Faculty Jam. He taught and coached teams at iO Chicago, where he was also head of its artistic committee, ComedySportz Chicago, Club Med International, Illinois State University, the New Orleans Improv Festival, the Phoenix Long Form Improv Festival, the C-U Improv Festival, and The Chicago Improv Festival, among others.Jay teaches improv to people from every walk of life, from beginning students to executives at Fortune 100 companies. He was an ensemble member of ComedySportz Chicago and several teams at iO Chicago and has performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Del Close Marathon, the C/U Improv Festival and the New Orleans Improv Festival.Jay has been a guest performer at Boom Chicago, the Second City, the Second City ETC, the Second City Northwest and Messing with a Friend. Jay has written, produced and been a cast member of the narrative features “American Legacy” and directed “Trubadeuax: A Restaurant Movie,” both of which feature improvised dialogue within a scripted storyline.

Join me today to meet Jay Sukow, who has been performing scripted and improvised work professionally for over 20 years. Jay has trained with improv legends that include Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Jon Favreau, David Razowsky, Keith Johnstone, Dick Schaal, Del Close and Mick Napier. Jay is a faculty member of The Second City and has performed regularly as part of their “Those Who Can’t” Faculty Jam. He taught and coached teams at iO Chicago, where he was also head of its artistic committee, ComedySportz Chicago, Club Med International, Illinois State University, the New Orleans Improv Festival, the Phoenix Long Form Improv Festival, the C-U Improv Festival, and The Chicago Improv Festival, among others. Jay teaches improv to people from every walk of life, from beginning students to executives at Fortune 100 companies. He was an ensemble member of ComedySportz Chicago and several teams at iO Chicago and has performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Del Close Marathon, the C/U Improv Festival and the New Orleans Improv Festival. Jay has been a guest performer at Boom Chicago, the Second City, the Second City ETC, the Second City Northwest and Messing with a Friend. Jay has written, produced and been a cast member of the narrative features “American Legacy” and directed “Trubadeuax: A Restaurant Movie,” both of which feature improvised dialogue within a scripted storyline.

Jay Sukow -  Improv Interview

Robert Cochrane

Join me and meet Robert Cochrane, an award-winning filmmaker, with numerous narrative and documentary features to his credit. His touching relationship with his father who has Parkinson’s was the inspiration for Robert’s Parkinson’s-themed documentary series, Boys of Summer. He is a Ph.D. student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) studying the effect of improvisation on Parkinson’s Disease and Co-Owner of ComedySportz Las Vegas, which is part of an internationally-acclaimed improvisation league. You can check out some of his work as host and creator of the web series, Faces of Parkinson’s. Robert is part of the passionate team of Parkinson’s Place, whose goal is to refresh minds by connecting, empowering, and inspiring the Southern Nevada Parkinson’s community.

Kay Ross – Imagining PossibilitiesKay Ross was born in Scotland, grew up in Australia, and has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. She has been acting since she was a teenager, did stand-up comedy for a while, has been performing with short-form improv team People’s Liberation Improv in Hong Kong for 11 years, is a member of the Applied Improvisation Network, and leads Applied Improvisation workshops in Hong Kong and around Asia for companies, universities and community organizations. Weaving together her interest and experience in improv, Applied Improvisation, personal development and healing (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), Kay has created a card deck called “The Playground of Possibilities”. It has 52 questions for people to ask themselves, all starting with “What would be possible for me if I…?”, so they let go of their old, limiting thoughts, beliefs and stories about themselves and the world, choose more useful ones, take inspired action, and improvise more resourceful, joyful ways of being. She leads public workshops using the card deck, some mindfulness exercises and some improv games, and has done a TEDx talk about how life is both an improvisation game and a playground of possibilities.She’s also an editor/copywriter and a corporate trainer about marketing. The common thread in all of that is storytelling – the stories we tell ourselves and each other, about ourselves and the world. Discover more about Kay at www.kayross.com Visit The Playground of Possibilities at https://playgroundofpossibilities.com And see Kay’s TEDx talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4yibOcDfQc   Kay also loves finding, curating and sharing useful information, so she has compiled a 4-part series of blog posts titled “All About Improv, Applied Improv, Creativity, Play, Innovation…” – each one includes a link to a different list of resources (articles, videos, podcasts and books) by many people. Here’s Part 4 – it includes links to Parts 1-3.http://www.kayross.com/blog/2017/04/26/all-about-improv-applied-improv-creativity-play-innovation-part-4/

Kay Ross – Imagining Possibilities Kay Ross was born in Scotland, grew up in Australia, and has lived in Hong Kong for 25 years. She has been acting since she was a teenager, did stand-up comedy for a while, has been performing with short-form improv team People’s Liberation Improv in Hong Kong for 11 years, is a member of the Applied Improvisation Network, and leads Applied Improvisation workshops in Hong Kong and around Asia for companies, universities and community organizations. Weaving together her interest and experience in improv, Applied Improvisation, personal development and healing (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual), Kay has created a card deck called “The Playground of Possibilities”. It has 52 questions for people to ask themselves, all starting with “What would be possible for me if I…?”, so they let go of their old, limiting thoughts, beliefs and stories about themselves and the world, choose more useful ones, take inspired action, and improvise more resourceful, joyful ways of being. She leads public workshops using the card deck, some mindfulness exercises and some improv games, and has done a TEDx talk about how life is both an improvisation game and a playground of possibilities. She’s also an editor/copywriter and a corporate trainer about marketing. The common thread in all of that is storytelling – the stories we tell ourselves and each other, about ourselves and the world. Discover more about Kay at <a href="http://www.kayross.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.kayross.com</a> Visit The Playground of Possibilities at <a href="https://playgroundofpossibilities.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://playgroundofpossibilities.com</a> And see Kay’s TEDx talk at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4yibOcDfQc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4yibOcDfQc</a> Kay also loves finding, curating and sharing useful information, so she has compiled a 4-part series of blog posts titled “All About Improv, Applied Improv, Creativity, Play, Innovation…” – each one includes a link to a different list of resources (articles, videos, podcasts and books) by many people. Here’s Part 4 – it includes links to Parts 1-3. <a href="http://www.kayross.com/blog/2017/04/26/all-about-improv-applied-improv-creativity-play-innovation-part-4/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.kayross.com/blog/2017/04/26/all-about-improv-applied-improv-creativity-play-innovation-part-4/</a>

Kay Ross Imagining Possibilities through Improvisation

Margot Escott

Ed Asner

Over the course of his seventy plus year career, Ed Asner has simultaneously established himself as one of the most legendary actors alive while championing social and charitable causes. Ed was born in Kansas City, Missouri, attended the University of Chicago, and served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, appearing in plays put on for the troops as they toured around Europe. After the war, Asner joined the Playwrights Theatre Company in Chicago, but left for New York City before members of that company regrouped as the Compass Players in the mid-1950s, a company that included Mike Nichols, Elaine May and Del Close and eventually developed into The Second City. Asner came back to guest star frequently on Second City’s stage, but also developed his acting career by appearing in plays and later unforgettable characters in influential television shows that include The Untouchables, playing Lou Grant in both the long running Mary Tyler Moore show and Lou Grant, as slave-ship captain Thomas Davies in Roots, Santa Clause in Elf, Carl Fredrickson in the animated film Up and most recently he can be seen in Netflix new series Dead to Me. Among Asner’s numerous awards and nominations were five Golden Globe Awards, Seven Emmys and a SAG Life Achievement Award. His legacy of service includes two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild, and The Ed Asner Family Center whose mission is to promote self-confidence in differently abled individuals and bring balance and wellness to those individuals and their families.

Ed Asner - Improv Interviews with Margot Escott

Carol Bleackley Sills, director of Sills/Spolin Theater Works has been an influential force behind improvisational theatre since 1960. Carol studied with Viola Spolin, acting as her editor since 1983. In collaboration with her husband Paul Sills, they went on to create innovative theatres that included The Compass, Playwrights Theatre, Second City, The Game Theater, Story Theater, The Body Politic, Century Hall, The Learning Theater and Sills &amp; Co. Carol presents workshops annually at the Wisconsin Theater Game Center and directed The Tao of Chuang Chou at New Actors Workshop in New York. She is also a painter and educator. You can learn more about Carol Sills at: https://www.paulsills.com/sillsspolin-theater-works/

Carol Bleackley Sills, director of Sills/Spolin Theater Works has been an influential force behind improvisational theatre since 1960. Carol studied with Viola Spolin, acting as her editor since 1983. In collaboration with her husband Paul Sills, they went on to create innovative theatres that included The Compass, Playwrights Theatre, Second City, The Game Theater, Story Theater, The Body Politic, Century Hall, The Learning Theater and Sills &amp; Co. Carol presents workshops annually at the Wisconsin Theater Game Center and directed The Tao of Chuang Chou at New Actors Workshop in New York. She is also a painter and educator. You can learn more about Carol Sills at: <a href="https://www.paulsills.com/sillsspolin-theater-works/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paulsills.com/sillsspolin-theater-works/</a>

Carol Sills Improv Interviews

Sean Mulvihill

Sean A. Mulvihill is currently directing the documentary feature film, “Act Social” featuring Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it, Anyway?). The film follows Sean and his team on a mission to bring improvisation-based peacemaking skills to world leaders and communities in need.Sean resides in New York City and is the Artistic Director of the Exuberants Improv Comedy Team which performs in Times Square New York City at the Broadway Comedy Club every Sunday at 6pm.  The troupe also tours the greater NYC area.Sean is well known around the globe for creating and starring in the 2007 docu/drama feature film, Living Luminaries: On the Serious Business of Happiness. The film stars Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now), Marianne Williamson, don Miguel Ruiz (The Four Agreements), and Michael Bernard Beckwith.He is also recognized as the voice of the main character, Prometheus, in the Sony Playstation Virtual Reality game, “Loading Human.”  The game is written and directed by Italian actor/director Flavio Parenti, star of Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love.”  Sean also appeared in an upcoming episode of RAI Italy’s “Questo Nostro Amore” with Neri Marcore’.You can learn more about Sean and how to support his film and work at seanamulvihill.com.

Sean A. Mulvihill is currently directing the documentary feature film, “Act Social” featuring Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it, Anyway?). The film follows Sean and his team on a mission to bring improvisation-based peacemaking skills to world leaders and communities in need. Sean resides in New York City and is the Artistic Director of the Exuberants Improv Comedy Team which performs in Times Square New York City at the Broadway Comedy Club every Sunday at 6pm. The troupe also tours the greater NYC area. Sean is well known around the globe for creating and starring in the 2007 docu/drama feature film, Living Luminaries: On the Serious Business of Happiness. The film stars Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now), Marianne Williamson, don Miguel Ruiz (The Four Agreements), and Michael Bernard Beckwith. He is also recognized as the voice of the main character, Prometheus, in the Sony Playstation Virtual Reality game, “Loading Human.” The game is written and directed by Italian actor/director Flavio Parenti, star of Woody Allen’s “To Rome with Love.” Sean also appeared in an upcoming episode of RAI Italy’s “Questo Nostro Amore” with Neri Marcore’. You can learn more about Sean and how to support his film and work at <a href="http://seanamulvihill.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">seanamulvihill.com</a>.

Sean Mulvihill - Act Social Movie- Improvisation for Conflict Resolution

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