Music is often an integral part of Improv. Why is it important? What exactly is music? How do you do it well? What is the Zen approach to Music? We cover all of this and more.
Chicago Improv Associates
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22.Zenprov : Blocked (I Don't Care)Blocked or I Don't Care. In this Episode we cover the dreaded blocks that happen from time to time to every creative person, from a personal perspective. We look at how blocks occur, what brings them on and most importantly how to deal with them.
Chicago Improv Associates
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21.Zenprov : The JuiceWhere do you find the Juice that makes scenes compelling to watch and allows you to create scenes that unfold in an organic way? How can you use these techniques to make your life better off stage? Episode 21 explores the topic of Objectives in life and on stage.
Chicago Improv Associates
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20.Zenprov : Brave New WorkshopOn the weekend of April 26th/27th we conducted our first Zenprov weekend intensive at the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis. The Brave New Workshop or BNW as it is known, is the oldest improv theater in the country (that's right, older than Second City) and it's teaching arm, The Brave New Institute, places a high value on organic improv. At end of the weekend workshop we sat down for an hour with the students and teachers of BNW and the result is this Podcast. Enjoy.
P.S.- If you would lik ... Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
19.Zenprov : ChallengesThere is a range of experience in life which either expands our boundaries or keeps us within our comfort zones. Moving beyond boundaries involves a desire for challenges which is a vital part of the Zenprov experience. How we meet challenges and the consequences of doing so are explored.
Chicago Improv Associates
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18.Zenprov : Equanimity in HellThere are ideal circumstances in which to perform. We rarely get to experience working in ideal situations and sometimes we find ourselves having to perform with everything seemingly arrayed against us. How do we achieve balance and turn a challenging gig into a huge success? The secret is equanimity.
Chicago Improv Associates
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17.Zenprov : Life and DeathIf you want to be totally alive, which is to say be totally present, it means you have to be present with everything. In this Episode we explore the need to come to terms with the reality of death as a metaphor and as a gatekeeper. Death and change which is the defining fact of life are inseparable, therefore, paradoxically, life and death are inseparable. How does this relate to improv? Listen and you'll find out.
Chicagoimprovassociates.com
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16.Zenprov : Environmental ZenA scene takes place somewhere and an actor must interact with this somewhere. Where does the somewhere come from and what is the purpose of all the elements of the where? As usual we take a zen approach to answering these questions.
Chicagoimprovassociates.com
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15.Zenprov : More Living, Auditions & QuestionsIn this Episode we add some more thoughts on making a living as an improviser including some practical suggestions. We then cover the topic of auditioning and how to make them worthwhile even if you don't get the gig. Finally we answer some great questions posed by you, our listeners. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
14.Zenprov : Making A LivingZen is nothing if not practical. After all, it is all about what is. In this episode we address the question of whether or not you can make a living and a life using Improv. The answer is yes...and no. As in all things Zen the answer must include you in the equation. The answer can only be supplied by you, but we help by framing the important questions. As usual we offer some practical tips.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
13.Zenprov : The Rules, ZenifiedEvery Improvisor knows "The Rules" which are Improv Holy Scripture. Marshall and Nancy go through "The Rules" and give a Zen interpretation which transforms the rules to useful tools. Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
12.Zenprov : Narrative and Long FormHow does Zenprov approach long form Narrative style Improv? Topics discussed include essential elements and story arc. The left brain knowledge is important in creating a cohesive narrative but the zen elements of Presence and Truth make the difference in breathing life into your show. Reading and Practicum are discussed as well.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
11.Zenprov: RelationshipsThe character/ego exists and is defined by it's relation to other characters and its' environement. In this episode we explore the workings of the ego in groups. By understanding and studying the roles we play in real life we can transfer that knowledge to the stage and create realistic and compelling scenes. Status, control and power are explored as well.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
10.Zenprov: CharactersHow do you create 3 dimensional characters that live and evolve and have a truth to them that breathes life into them? We explore, in this episode, what a character is and how it relates to your own ego and how that is formed. In addition to the theoretical discussion there are practical exercises for developing spontaneous full characters.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
9.Zenprov: Group MindImprov is a group activity and the functioning of the group as such is essential to high performance standards. How does a group of diverse individuals acheive a state of shared access to the Source of genius and what are some of the pitfalls generally encountered on the way. This podcast is a must for Directors and anyone interested in optimizing the group dynamics of their troupe.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
8. Zenprov: You Can't LieWe are made of Truth. It is our nature. You can fight it but in one way or another the Truth always shows. Ask Bush if you don't believe us. This episode focuses on how to use this to your advantage as an actor.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
7. Zenprov: It"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao", Lao Tsu from the Tao Te Ching. In this Podcast we discuss The Source of Genius source as simply, It. This is the theoretical underpinning for Zenprov.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
6. Zenprov: TrustEpisode 6 focuses on trust as an essential element for brilliant improv and defines trust as a place rather than something that exists between others and self. Theoretical as well as practical applications are discussed.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
5. Zenprov: Effortless Effort (Wu Wei)Wu Wei, or Effortless Effort is the paradox at the heart of Zen and a good understanding of this principle is essential for applying Zenprov in your performance and your daily life as well.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
4.Zenprov: Silence and StillnessEverything arises out of silence and returns there. Silence and stillness are explored along with practical exercises for incorporating these into your improv.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
3. Zenprov: ListeningThe most important skill in Improv, Listening. Defining Deep Listening and how to do it.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
2. Zenprov:The Present MomentWe begin to explore in detail the elements of Zenprov. In this episode we focus on the importance of the present moment as it relates to Improv and life.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |
1. Defining ZenprovIn the inaugural podcast, Marshall and Nancy introduce themselves and discuss the origins and philosophical basis for Zenprov. The "rules" are re-examined and given a zen perspective as well as a preview of what some of the coming episodes will focus on. Oh yeah, it's fun too.Listen | Listen in your iPhone | Download | View full cache |