Building Bridges Improv Podcast (Bridge Improv Theater)
Explore every episode of Building Bridges Improv Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Aug 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 51 (Zach Atherton) | 00:45:20 | |
Zach joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to talk about his long journey through improv, his ideal performance style, and how he's creating a streaming platform for improvised specials! Zach Atherton is a 20-year improv comedy veteran who started his performing career with the ComedySportz High School League in Los Angeles. His professional improv comedy journey began with ComedySportz Utah which led to him to create the world’s first musical improv theater in 2014 called ImprovBroadway. He is currently partnered with Colin Mochrie from Whose Line is it Anyway? and Dry Bar Comedy to create the world’s first platform for improv comedy called Dry Bar Unscripted. | |||
| 21 Jul 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 25 (Meghan Ramos) | 00:53:26 | |
Meghan joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss her dream of opening a theatre one day, wearing different hats in improv, and her cat Red chips in every now and then. Meghan (est. 1997) has been doing improv for over 10 years and is the proud co founder and director of Ordered Chaos (est. 2020). She has been running around various theatres trying to get her hands on everything that is the performing arts including stage managing, directing and teaching improv, and can play the mean trombone (don’t ask her too though) She’s currently playing in the virtual world of The Torch Theatre with Around The House and Franklin Institute, is on the main stage cast of The Bridge Improv Theatre, and Hot Girl Summer. | |||
| 17 Mar 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 7 (Michael Ziman) | 01:19:25 | |
Michael joins Jen and David on a bridge to compare improv to every sport they can think of. Michael talks about a fire in a penthouse in New York. Also, David doesn't play golf. Michael is a cast member at The Bridge. He also performs monthly at Second Beat Improv Theater with his teams Emeny and RPM. Book Michael to write your website or help with your marketing needs at michaelziman.com
| |||
| 03 Mar 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 5 (Jacob Cano) | 01:11:53 | |
Jacob Cano joins Jen and David on a bridge to discuss his podcast ideas, his journey through Improvmania and The Torch Theatre. We also debate how much time to devote discussing Beanie Weenies. Jacob Cano has been performing improv and stand up comedy since 2017 all over the valley. He began taking classes at Improvmania in Chandler, AZ and went on to perform on the mainstage cast after 6 months. In 2019 he helped create Deborah, a close quarters house team at The Torch in Phoenix. He performs regularly at the Bridge Theater, The Torch Theater, or Improvmania. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @TheJacobCano, TikTok at @TheJacobC and on Twitch at twitch.tv/PinataPants.
| |||
| 24 Mar 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 8 (Jacque Arend) | 01:42:50 | |
Jacque joins David and Jen on a bridge to talk about improv metaphors, the process, and what's it like wearing so many hats in improv. Jacque Arend starting improvising in 2005 via the iO Chicago Summer Intensive. She then joined the Phoenix Improv Festival team in 2006 and co-founded the Torch Theatre in 2007. Today almost 16 years later she is a coach and administrator at Arizona Actors Academy, a staff member of Camp Improv Utopia, a regular performer at Second Beat Improv Theater and independently working doing this and that, included but not limited to applied improvisation, acting, web design and general living.
| |||
| 16 Jun 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 20 (Marisol Chavez) | 01:12:58 | |
Marisol joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to talk about the ghosts who do improv, how she got started in improv and was instantly hooked, and she even does her famous Tom Hanks impression. Marisol Chavez took her first improv class in 2013 (in spite of what she might have said in this podcast) and immediately fell in love with the art form. She is constantly amazed that improv has allowed her to travel all over the world to perform (and is always looking for the next festival to apply to). She is obsessed with the Harold, and she loves finding connections between improv and everyday life. "You can't look cool and get better at the same time"-Andel Sudik | |||
| 25 Aug 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 30 (Nick Armstrong) | 00:52:58 | |
Nick joins David and Jennifer on a bridge to discuss chicken suits, his favorite sandwich, and how he's involved in so much improv. Nick is an Actor, Improvisor, Director and Writer. On TV Nick has been on the Emmy-Award winning shows The Office and Grey’s Anatomy. He has also made appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, New Girl, Stan Against Evil, Young Sheldon, Brooklyn Nine Nine and Parks and Recreation. Nick has trained at world famous Groundlings and iO West. He is an alum of The Sunday Company at the Groundlings and has also performed at the M.I.’s Westside Comedy Theater with LA’s Critically Acclaimed Harold team King Ten. Nick is the co-owner of RISE Comedy in Denver, Colorado and he has also taught improv at iO West, The Groundlings, M.I.’s Westside Comedy Theater where he served as Artistic Director and has done workshops all over the world. He is the Founder and Camp Director of Camp Improv Utopia a a 501(c) (3) Non Profit improv retreat for grown ups. He is also one of the founding members of the The Improv Network. | |||
| 22 Sep 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 34 (Zahra Noorbakhsh) | 00:51:55 | |
Zahra joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss the state of comedy, her improv background, and how we can work towards a better overall comedy community. Zahra Noorbakhsh is a writer, director, and comedian. Her podcast #GoodMuslimBadMuslim was deemed a “must listen” by O, The Oprah Magazine and was invited to the Obama Whitehouse to record an episode. Her solo show, “All Atheists Are Muslim” was directed by W. Kamau Bell and dubbed a highlight of the International New York City Fringe Theater Festival by the New Yorker Magazine. She’s writes for the NY Times and NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and is a contributor to the groundbreaking anthology, Love Inshallah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women. Her viral essay, “Coming Out as Bisexual When You’re Muslim and Married,” reached 80-million people worldwide. Find out more at ZahraComedy.com. | |||
| 08 Sep 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 32 (Jose Gonzalez) | 01:23:45 | |
Jose joins Jennifer on a bridge to discuss his early improv career at ASU, his involvement with the Torch Theatre, and what his future holds. Jose Gonzalez [he/him] is a Phoenix native who teaches and performs improv comedy at The Torch Theatre, a nonprofit theatre that he helped co-found in 2007. For nearly two decades, Jose has taught all across North America and parts of Europe. He’s performed in numerous festivals and events around the world with various groups and ensembles (Galapagos, VerizonQwest, Mariachi Kittens, Umlautilde, and more). A long-time producer of the Phoenix Improv Festival since its inception, Jose is also the founder and executive producer of Ghostfest, an annual improv marathon. Jose think his mom and her sisters are very funny and he performs monthly as a cast member of the Victrola improvised sketch podcast. [Ghostfest 2021 submissions are open through Wednesday, September 29th at ghostfest.net] | |||
| 18 Aug 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 29 (Josh Nicols) | 01:05:29 | |
Josh joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss Rise Comedy, doing improv in Cali and Denver, and what makes his improv brain tick. Josh is serving as the Artistic Director of Rise Comedy in Denver. Josh served as the Training Center Director for M.i.'s Westside Comedy Theater. He is a founder and former Artistic Director of Spectacles Improv Engine in Fullerton Ca. He is the founder and former director of The Orange County Improv Festival and founder and former director of the The Improv Cup. He has been performing improv for 25 plus years and coaching/teaching for a decade. Josh seeks out opportunities to learn from improv's greatest luminaries. He has studied under instructors from iO West & Chicago, The Annoyance Theater, Groundlings, Second City, UCB & The Pack Theater. Josh is the creator of Spectacles Improv Engine's unique focus based curriculum. He teaches with a concentration on organic, in-the-moment improvisation which can help build confidence on stage and off. He directed the improvised play The Awkward Party which was recognized as the 2017 Best Play in the OC by OC Weekly Magazine. He has proudly taught as a Master Teacher at Camp Improv Utopia, Improv Fest Ireland, Off The Cuff in Cedar City, Westside Comedy Theater, The Torch in Phoenix, Finest City Improv in San Diego, Adlib Theater in Orlando, For The City of Rancho Cucamonga, UC Irvine, The Jewish Federation and Family Services, Crittenton, Agile Project Management and The Coup De Comedy Festival. | |||
| 31 Mar 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 9 (Noah Goldenberg) | 01:25:14 | |
Noah joins David and Jen on a bridge to discus his life long experience doing improv, the great war of short form vs. long form, and what are some of the strangest scenes he's done. David's cat also makes a brief cameo appearance.
| |||
| 15 Sep 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 33 (Jason Davids Scott) | 00:54:59 | |
Jason joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss storytelling in improv, the parallels between acting and improv, and how they got started in the world of improv. Dr. Jason Davids Scott (they/them) is an associate professor and currently associate director at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School at Arizona State University, Dr. Scott earned an MA and PhD from UCSB, focusing on the relationship between performance, improvisation, and media. A one-time stage manager and producer for veterans of the troupe ED, Dr. Scott learned longform technique from director Jim Dennen, and later studied at workshops with Paul Sills, Sparky Johnson, Max Schaefer, Gary Schwartz, and the late Richard Schaal, specializing in the games and play technique of Viola Spolin. UCSB saw the birth of Dr. Scott's first troupe, Whole Cloth, later known in San Francisco as Revolving Madness. Dr. Scott has started and advised student improvisation clubs at Arizona State University and Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, and also created marketing materials for the Fort Worth-based company Four Day Weekend.
| |||
| 03 Feb 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 1 (Jen Giralo) | 00:58:26 | |
Jen joins David on a Bridge to talk about her biggest improv influence, her journey, and so much more. Jennifer has been performing improv for over 10 years and recently started performing stand up. She has performed in the Laugh Riot Improv Festival, Denver Improv Festival, Red Rocks Improv Festival, Westside Comedy Festival, and Cactus Flower Improv Festival. Jennifer is proud to be in the improv duo Wedding Party with Aleks Hollis. Wedding Party has recently performed in the VS: Online Improv Cagematch (Philly Improv Theater), Free Fringe (The Hideout Theatre), GHOSTFEST (Torch Theatre), and 7 (Virtual) Minutes Under the Mistletoe! (Space 55). Aleks and Jennifer host a podcast on Spotify called Bish, Don’t: The Podcast. Jennifer is proud to co-host Building Bridges Improv Podcast with David Raftery and Listen to Our Improv Podcast with Caitlyn Rogers. Bish, Don't Podcast on Spotify Listen to Our Improv Podcast on Spotify
| |||
| 17 Feb 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 3 (Britanee Hudson) | 01:00:43 | |
Britanee Hudson joins Jen and David on a bridge to discuss her improv past, present and future. She discusses Names from a Hat, Hudson Bae, and how she has evolved in her improv life.
| |||
| 02 Jun 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 18 (Jeff Rogers) | 01:25:43 | |
Jeff joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss Chicago Improv in the 90's, restarting the Players Workshop, and how he almost tackled Stephen Colbert. Jeff Rogers is Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best-Selling Author, award-winning Television Host, Professional MC and sought after public speaker with 25+ years of experience engaging audiences. Jeff can be seen on dozens of national television commercials for Crestor, BP, McDonald’s, Miller Lite, Hanes,& Ford, as well as roles on Empire, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Proven Innocent. He is the host of the cable TV’s Jeff’s Homemade Game Show. He is also the host of three different award-winning web series. Growing up as one of eleven kids from an Irish-catholic family in Chicago, Jeff grew up with a built-in audience and went on to become one of youngest performers to be hired at the renowned Second City Theater(John Belushi was the youngest). Jeff performed with Steve Carell from The Office, Stephen Colbert from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock star Tina Fey and Parks and Rec star Amy Poehler, and too many more to mention. Jeff is the owner of The Players Workshop, the oldest improvisation school in the country, home to alumni like Bill Murray, Bonnie Hunt, Harold Ramis, and Matt Walsh. Jeff continues the tradition of teaching improvisation to anyone interested in learning the art for stage or for life. | |||
| 09 Jun 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 19 (Will Hines) | 01:30:36 | |
Will joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss UCB, World's Greatest Improv School, and he also answers questions from improvisors from around the valley. Will is a comedic actor with tons of improv experience. He’s appeared on Brooklyn 99, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Broad City, Inside Amy Schumer, Conan O'Brien and many others. He was trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (originally in New York City, then Los Angeles) where he’s worked with every funny person in America over the last 20 years. www.instagram.com/williebhines/ www.instagram.com/WGImprovSchool/ Podcasts on Apple and Spotify- I Will Write Your Book Screw It We’re Just Gonna Talk About Comics! Wayne & Rodney Remember to check out Will Hines book! How to Be The Greatest Improvisor on Earth | |||
| 28 Apr 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 13 (Mandy Case) | 01:14:45 | |
Mandy joins David and Jen on a bridge to discuss corporate gigs in Maui, auditioning for power rangers, and making your scene partner the hero. Mandy has been performing and teaching improv for 15 yrs. She studied at the world renowned iO Theatre and has a B.A. from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University. She has travelled nationwide performing improv comedy and doing corporate training for companies big and small. Mandy was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. She is a proficient swing dancer, musical performer and has written several pilots. Her love language is laughter and her work focuses on human connection. She believes in the worth of the individual and the power of a united team. | |||
| 07 Apr 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 10 (Tony Cani) | 01:19:37 | |
Tony joins Jen and David on a bridge to discuss improv branding, how Tony won a raffle to be on the show, and what it means to hold a clipboard. David also mispronounces Tony's last name three times. Tony Cani started improvising in 2017 and has taken classes at the Torch Theatre, UCB, and Denver's Rise Comedy. Today, he is the second tallest member of the long-form trio Pet Cemetery, a Phoenix-based improv troupe that currently holds the record for most consecutive Torch Theatre Cagematch wins after going on a 17 show run in 2018. As the world shut down last year, he appeared weekly in The Booth with Chuck and Bill, an online show that attempted to fill the voids left by the canceled MLB season and shuttered improv theatres all at once. When not doing improv, Tony is either saving democracy or trolling bad guys on Twitter, often both at the same time.
| |||
| 14 Dec 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 52 (Ian Zandi) | 00:48:44 | |
Ian joins Jennifer and David on a Bridge to discuss LA Improv and Standup, how he got started, and how his imdb page displays his degree status. Ian Zandi is an LA-based comedian jack-of-all-trades. With origins based in improv/sketch training, Ian uses those skills in his current pursuits as a standup comic. Ian’s work has been featured at various comedy theaters such as Second City and Pack Theater, satire sites including The Onion, and numerous festivals. | |||
| 27 Jul 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 49 (Stacey Hanlon) | 00:49:57 | |
Stacey joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to talk about her first improv experience in NYC, the source of her creativity, and how improv has greatly affected her life. Stacey Reed Hanlon is originally from Akron, Ohio. She began her improvisational career in New York City in 1999, where she studied with The Upright Citizens Brigade, Armando Diaz and Gary Austin. In NYC she co-founded improv troupe Late Night Ritalin, wrote for and appeared in Saturday Night Rewritten, and was a performer in Manhattan Comedy Collective’s Character Dog Run. She has performed in improv festivals in New York, Austin, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Albuquerque & Phoenix. Stacey can currently be seen performing with improv troupes Light Rail Pirates and JaxN Reed. Stacey is a founding member of The Torch Theatre and the co-founder of Conducted Stories Improv, a Phoenix-based organization that uses improvisational theatre to foster communication and social skills with neurodivergent populations, including youth on the Autism spectrum and people with Dementia and their caregivers. Stacey is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and studied abroad with the Institute for American Universities in Avignon, France. | |||
| 10 Aug 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 50 (Jeffrey Thompson) | 00:53:07 | |
Jeffrey joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to talk about his journey, hecklers and video games in relation to improv. Jeffrey Thompson, MA, MBA, EA, is a writer, actor, magician, psychology professor, and tax professional from Los Angeles and currently serves as one of the four artistic directors of Impro Theatre. He has a roster of over 300 tax and accounting clients in the entertainment industry including actors, dancers, writers, and cinematographers. Jeffrey also teaches improv at the Westside Comedy Theater, teaches psychology at Citrus College, and has given tax talks for CalArts and the California Lawyers for the Arts. He also acts as a board member for The Ruby LA (a non-profit theatre in LA) and The Improv Network (an international non-profit organization), and produces short films with his production company, Great Hair Productions. | |||
| 10 Feb 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 2 (Jess Klemm) | 00:52:51 | |
Jen and David welcome local improvisor Jessica Klemm on a bridge. We discuss what she has discovered so far in her journey through improv and how it has impacted her life. Go Bulldogs!
| |||
| 23 Jun 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 21 (Jay Sukow) | 00:55:36 | |
Jay joins Jennifer and David on a Bridge to talk about being positive in comedy, playing to the top of your intelligence, and why he loves clean comedy.
Jay Sukow is the founder of Today Improv and has extensive experience helping businesses drive behavior change through improvisational philosophies and exercises. His students include everyone from beginners to the most experienced performers. His online series “10 Minutes with…” where he improvises a 10 minute scene with someone from across the globe, has over 100,000 views. He has two kids who live in LA and loves Beastie Boys. | |||
| 11 Aug 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 28 (Nancy Yeamans) | 00:57:25 | |
Nancy joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss her improv/stand up background, Louis Anthony Russo, and why she prefers doing cleaner comedy. “Dr. Nancy” Yeamans is a fun combination of Psychologist, comic and cartoon book author. Dr. Nancy believes that “when you’re laughing, you’re living.“ She provides humor playshops, events and consulting to help bring humor to your life. Check her out at fundoctornancy.com
| |||
| 29 Sep 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 35 (Justin Lukasewicz) | 01:00:37 | |
Justin joins David and Jennifer on a Bridge to discuss The Tucson Improv Movement, his improv journey, and what is important to him on stage. Justin has loved comedy since seeing Ghostbusters for the first time in the late 80s. In college Justin produced Misericordia University’s first live comedy show CougarLive. After moving to North Carolina he began an in-depth study of improv comedy. While there, Justin became an instructor, performed on several house teams, and coached the high school team. After moving to Tucson in 2012 he founded the Tucson Improv Movement, which has grown to 60+ performing company members and 500+ comedy school graduates. Justin has performed all over the country at numerous festivals including Impride, The Del Close Marathon, and Phoenix Improv Festival. Over that time he honed a fast paced, game based approach to performing. His biggest asset to improv is bringing energy and enthusiasm to any scene being performed and class being taught. Justin loves to delve into the academic logistics of why and how a scene works, with the positive energy of a roller coaster ride. Justin currently works for Greater Tucson Leadership managing their programs and leadership curriculum development. | |||
| 17 Nov 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 40 (Taylor Moschetti) | 00:54:41 | |
Taylor joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss how improv is now Dungeons and Dragons, Laughing Pig Theatre, as well as her work with the Bridge Initiative. @borntoeatcupcakes | |||
| 28 Jul 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 26 (Krissy Lenz) | 00:57:51 | |
Krissy joins David and Jennifer on a bridge to discuss the success of Circuit City, NCT, and her storied improv past. Krissy Lenz is the Director & Most Enthusiastic Person at the Neighborhood Comedy Theatre, Downtown Mesa’s home for hilarious, spontaneous and interactive improv comedy! Krissy began performing improv for audiences in 1996 and has more than 24 years of performance experience in addition to more than 14 years of Directing and teaching improv to participants ages 7-77. In addition to her duties as Director and performer at NCT Krissy is the High School Improv League Administrator and Head Coach as well as an innovative event planner and producer. Looking for Krissy in a strictly audio format? Check out the Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast, Gank that Drank: A Supernatural Drinking Game Podcast and WHOA: A Most Excellent Keanu Reeves Podcast. Krissy can also been seen occasionally on 3TV’s Your Life Arizona as the Guru of Geekery. Find Krissy & the Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in the interwebs: The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre: www.nctphoenix.com The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre Instagram: @nctphx Neighborhood Comedy Theatre Twitter: @nctphoenix Krissy on Instagram & Twitter: @klenz37 & @krissylenz Most Excellent 80s Movies Pod on Instagram: @mostexcellentpod
| |||
| 25 May 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 47 (Ally Tanzillo) | 00:49:11 | |
Ally joins Jen and David on a bridge to discuss their improv journey, improv in Tucson, and who exactly Uncle Roger is. Ally Tanzillo ( She/They) is the Creative Director of Etcetera, the Late Night Series of Live Theatre Workshop in Tucson. She is an actor, director, and improvisor, formerly of the improv duo Ex-Boyfriend, who performed in festivals across the country.
| |||
| 16 Feb 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 44 (Carla Cackowski) | 00:50:30 | |
Carla joins Jen and David on a bridge to discuss how she got started doing improv, her duo with her husband Craig, and how much the pandemic has affected improv in general. www.instagram.com/carlacackowski/
| |||
| 07 Jul 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 23 (Greg Proops) | 00:33:12 | |
Greg joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss his long and continuing run on Whose Line is it Anyways, doing improv in San Francisco in the 70's, and why he's the luckiest improvisor in the world. | |||
| 10 Mar 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 6 (Caitlyn Rogers) | 01:16:09 | |
Caitlyn joins us on a bridge to talk about stomach issues, her masters thesis on improv, and her journey through improv land. Caitlyn has been doing improv since 2014. She performed in Hale & Hearty, Franklin Institute, and Beeswax at The Torch Theatre. She once did a show at HUGE Theater with Jill Bernard, and brings it up whenever she can. She loves tag-out runs and a perfectly timed justification. Caitlyn hosts Listen to Our Improv Podcast with Jennifer Giralo.
| |||
| 12 May 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 15 (Nathaniel Montgomery) | 01:11:18 | |
Nathaniel joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss accidently doing improv his entire life, how to pronounce Prescott, and how it feels to do lots and lots of zoom prov. Nathaniel has been improvising and acting for over 20 years. He is a lighthearted improv teacher and coach living in Sedona, AZ. He went to an amazing liberal arts school, Prescott College, where he studied Theatre, Shakespeare, Improv Comedy and Personal Development. He then studied improv and acting at the Houde School of Acting in Cleveland, Ohio. Over the years, Nathaniel has supplemented that foundation studying with master teachers such as Michael Gellman, Amanda Rountree, Ken Adams, Kaci Beeler, Rich Baker, Jay Sukow, Rachel Mason, Susan Messing, and David Razowsky. Nathaniel’s mission is to spread lightheartedness, humor, joy, and optimism through performances, classes, and one-on-one personal coaching. Everything Nathaniel does is intentionally all about play! | |||
| 30 Jun 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 22 (Vanessa Anton) | 01:00:15 | |
Vanessa joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss improv camps, starting in San Diego, and how she's traveled around teaching improv. Vanessa lives in San Diego, CA where she is the Director of Inclusion & Vulnerability for Cornerstone Improv and an Artist in Residence for Del Norte High School. She's taught for University of CA, San Diego Extension, Finest City Improv, The Torch in Phoenix, Improv Fest Ireland, Orange County Improv Fest, Camp Improv Utopia, Stranger Than Fiction in New Hampshire, MissImp in Nottingham, Liverpool Comedy Improv, Everybody Get In Here Improv Fest, University Centre Shrewsbury and Mischief Managed in Chester. She's trained at UCB, The Annoyance and Pack Theater and at a bunch of improv camps, festivals and wherever possible. | |||
| 14 Jul 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 48 (Michelle Gilliam) | 00:43:56 | |
Michelle joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to talk about her improv start, mono scenes, and her move to LA. Michelle Gilliam, is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and recently relocated to Los Angeles, CA. Michelle has over 20 years of expertise and experience in improv, and is the Owner and Artistic Director of Improv MKE.
| |||
| 24 Nov 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 41 (TVunscripted) | 00:43:14 | |
Gabe and Ryder join Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss the move from Denver to LA, what's important for their duo, and how insanely strong Gabe is. = = = Links: = = = = = = TVunscripted Bio: = = = Based out of Los Angeles, TVunscripted is an improv and sketch comedy duo with a love of fast-paced, highly-physical comedy. Ryder and Gabe are originally from Denver, and their creativity and chemistry have sold out shows across Colorado and beyond. A few of their original shows include TV-scripted a Sketch Show, Dungeons & Dragons Unscripted, Star Wars Unscripted, and Lethal Weapon Live. TVunscripted brings a diverse spin to their comedic outlook with representation of Asian American, Hispanic, and LGBTQ groups. As seen on: Improfest International Comedy Festival (Gothenburg, Sweden) Trill Comedy Festival (Headlining Act - Houston, TX) Westside Comedy Festival (Santa Monica, CA) Denver Improv Festival (Denver, CO) North Carolina Comedy Festival (Greensboro) As well as at Impro Theater (LA), 3E's Comedy Club, The Colorado Springs Independent, ENT Center for the Arts, and KCME Radio. = = = Ryder Bio: = = = Ryder Tam is a tall palm tree from Honolulu, Hawaii. As an aerospace engineer, he launched three satellites and loves to bring a science spin to his comedy. Ryder has taught for Rise Comedy (Denver) and Bird City Improv (Baltimore), including his original curriculum for Improvised Dungeons & Dragons and Improv for Scientists. Ryder brings an Asian-American perspective to his standup, and loves exploring science in comedy. Ryder is an Upright Citizens Brigade alumn, and also trained at iO Chicago, The Groundlings, and Second City. A self-professed nerd, Ryder would love to show you just how much fun you can have with your imagination. = = = Gabe Bio: = = = Gabriel Michael Valdez is a Colorado native actor, improviser, and writer. An instructor for Rise Comedy, he is an Upright Citizens Brigade alumnus and has trained with The Groundlings and Bird City Improv (Baltimore). He is a playwright with work featured at the Denver Fringe Festival, and has over 50,000 views on his sketch comedy work. Gabe has performed internationally at the Auckland Improv Marathon (New Zealand), as well as at Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Westside Comedy and more. A professionally trained environmental analyst and geologist, Gabe would love to talk with you about protecting the environment and his rock collection. | |||
| 30 Dec 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 43 (Paul Vaillancourt) | 00:52:19 | |
Paul joins Jen and David on a bridge to talk about his tenure in improv, moving west, and his absolute pure joy and love for the craft. Paul Vaillancourt is the co-founder of the iO West and the Revolution Theater and has been teaching and performing improv for close to 30 years. | |||
| 21 Apr 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 12 (Meredith Howell) | 01:18:29 | |
Meredith joins David and Jen on a bridge to discuss vacations in Hawaii, how improv is spiritual, and why bears don't get a fair shake in improv. Meredith Howell is a Phoenix native who has found deeper connection to reality through improv. She’s currently finding ways to grow food in the valley and volunteers with Project Roots at Spaces of Opportunity.
| |||
| 04 Nov 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 39 (Charlie James) | 00:45:42 | |
Charlie joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss improv during the pandemic, where they got their start, and why large improv teams are not their favorite. Charlie James is a comedian from Los Angeles. They're known for their TikTok sketches (@nonbinarycowboy) and comedy tweets for Chicago's Field Museum. charliejamescomedy.com | |||
| 24 Feb 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 4 (Mike Mazzella) | 01:04:13 | |
Mike Mazzella joins Jen and David on a Bridge to talk about his improv life. We discuss how he's used it to lawyer, his improv college days and just how far he's come since attending an improv camp as a child in Buffalo, New York.
| |||
| 05 May 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 46 (Shaun Landry) | 00:56:08 | |
Shaun joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to talk about her journey through improv, performing with her husband, and what starting a new theatre was like. Shaun Landry is the Founder of Los Angeles’ new theatre The Ledge Theatre. She also co-created the first African American Improv Ensemble in the country OBN, and co-created The San Francisco Improv Festival. She performs with her husband Hans Summers as Landry & Summers since 1986, teaches at The Pack Theatre and has done a large amount of acting and improv things. She also is finding it hard to write in the third person the older she gets. | |||
| 01 Apr 2022 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 45 (Lavender Lashay) | 00:44:39 | |
Lavender joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss her mom tricking her into an improv audition, what she likes about long form improv, and the rich history of the Flaming Hot Cheetos brand. Lavender has been doing improv for about 7 years. She started when she was 13 in middle school. Since then she has done many shows, featuring various different styles of improv. She currently does improv at Improvmania and occasionally teaches kids and teens. | |||
| 26 Oct 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 38 (David Raftery) | 00:45:38 | |
David joins Jen on a bridge to discuss his start in improv, doing improv at an art show, and now what it means to own and operate a theater. David found his love for improv, like many, in high school. Pursuing it after graduating he ran a few troupes, most notably Names From a Hat in Tempe. He grew and learned performing at Torch Theatre, JesterZ, Mesa Arts Center, just a to name a few. After years of dreaming of having his own theater to run, it came true, albeit during the pandemic. The Bridge Improv Theater has now been running for the majority of 2021, and truly has been everything and more for David. His dream of building a strong and welcoming community for all, is just getting started.
| |||
| 15 Dec 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 42 (Dave Specht) | 00:44:12 | |
Dave joins David and Jennifer on a Bridge to discuss ImprovMANIA's new location, wrestling, and what he loves teaching about improv. David & Colleen Specht own and operate ImprovMANIA Comedy Club in Historic Downtown Chandler, Arizona. Colleen is a Chandler native and David moved to Chandler from Chicago. They met while performing improv and opened their boutique theatre in 2014. ImprovMANIA provides shows, classes, corporate entertainment and teambuilding workshops. | |||
| 15 Oct 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 37 (Brandi Bigley) | 00:49:12 | |
Brandi joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss their first ever experience doing improv, their new adventure in stand up comedy, and what doing better comedy means to them. Brandi (they/them/she/her) started doing musicals when they were 14 and became addicted to theatre. Improv has helped them become a kinder and more well rounded performer. They've always wanted to do stand up and now they’re doing that too. They recently co-founded Do Better Comedy to produce anti-racist, anti-misogynist, LGBTQIA+ friendly, respectful comedy with a vision to create safe spaces for all genders to try stand-up. Follow them on social media! | |||
| 14 Jul 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 24 (Pat Finn) | 01:23:31 | |
Pat joins David and Jennifer on a bridge to discuss going on Family Feud, moving to Chicago with his best friend Chris Farley, and why improv is important to him. Pat Finn moved to Chicago with his friend, Chris Farley, to pursue comedy at a young age. After taking classes and Second City and iO Chicago, Pat found himself doing numerous TV shows and movie roles over the years, including guest spots on Seinfield and Friends. He became a founding member of one of the most well known improv teams Beer Shark Mice in 1998, a team that he performs with to this day. From doing Toyota commercials to appearing on Family Feud with his improv team, Pat finds joy in life with everything he does, and enjoys what improv has brought him to this day. | |||
| 05 May 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 14 (Travis Johnson) | 01:02:34 | |
Travis joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss Bane's voice, what usefulness is improv during an apocalypse, and The Bridge Improv Theater's brand new location. | |||
| 04 Aug 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 27 (Joey Shope) | 01:03:29 | |
Joey joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss his improv influences, show polish, and talk about his upcoming weekend with us. Joey Shope is an improviser with over 14 years experience performing and 6 years experience coaching and teaching. Joey has taken and taught classes all over Orange County and Los Angeles, and is currently a teacher and performer at the Improv Collective in Costa Mesa, CA. Joey focuses on emotional driven, relationship focused improv in his teaching and performing. | |||
| 19 May 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 16 (Stormchaser Improv) | 01:20:52 | |
Anatasha, Andrew and Travis join David and Jen on a bridge to discuss improv influences, what it's like starting a podcast, and how they have learned from each other in life and improv. www.instagram.com/stormchaserimprov/ www.instagram.com/inchthickfilm/
| |||
| 06 Oct 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 36(Anthony Thornton) | 00:53:42 | |
Anthony joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss the sounds of animals dying, his improv start, and his beautiful singing voice. Anthony Thornton is a stand-up comedian, turned improvisor, turned stand up comedian (who does improv). He started his comedy journey at 18 and found some minor success on the stand-up stage. Wanting to improve, he turned to The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre in Mesa, AZ and spent 8 years performing, producing, and teaching on the NCT stage. Now, after a 3-year break, he is back in the world of comedy; splitting all of his free time between stand up and improv (though admittedly, mostly stand-up). IG: @ATComedy5 www.atcomedy.com
| |||
| 14 Apr 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 11 (Solomon Cruz) | 01:17:40 | |
Solo joins Jen and David on a bridge to decide when was the first time he lied/improvised. How music and improv are very similar, and how improv has changed his life for the better. Born in Richmond VA, Solomon "So-Low" Cruz discovered improv at a young age and continued to grow and utilize his skill in everyday scenarios. A natural on stage Solomon looks to fuse his love for improv with his love for music in hopes to create a unique experience the audience and his fellow improvers can enjoy. | |||
| 26 May 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 17 (Vikaas Kumar) | 01:13:09 | |
Vikaas joins Jen and David on a bridge to discuss Names From a Hat, the joy of stand up and improv, and how improv has impacted getting his masters.
| |||
| 01 Sep 2021 | Building Bridges Improv Podcast-Episode 31 (Brian James O'Connell) | 01:12:18 | |
Brian joins Jennifer and David on a bridge to discuss the art of improv, Pack Theater in L.A., and what BOC has been up to during the pandemic. Brian James O’Connell is a working actor, writer, director, filmmaker and teacher in Los Angeles. After selling his feature film debut as a writer/director, KILLER VIEW (the only film shot on disposable video), he followed it up by directing the 35mm Southern indie comedy ANGRY WHITE MAN starring Matt Berry, Scoot McNairy, Steve Agee and Mary Birdsong. BOC (as his friends call him) is part of the improv powerhouse & comedy collective Dr. God, who delivered their first feature film project BLOODSUCKING BASTARDS in 2015, starring Fran Kranz, Pedro Pascal, Joey Kern, Joel Murray, and Emma Fitzpatrick, which O’Connell directed as well as co-writing the script with Dr. God. The film was the Opening Night Premiere at Slamdance in 2015 and is available now on Amazon Prime after it’s 15 city theatrical run along with a two year run on Showtime. Dr. God's new animated series HELL DEN is currently available on SYFY Channel where they serve as the Creator, Executive Producers, Producers, Directors and Writers. Season 2 premiered in Fall of 2020 as part of TZGZ. With multiple projects in development, BOC is currently pitching his pilot THE ANARCHIST COOKBOOK (based on the IP of the same name) under Executive Producer Emmet McDermott (60 Second Docs). Please give him more stuff to do. It brings him joy. http://itsboc.com/ - Writer/Director/Dreamweaver http://drgodcomedy.com - Member of premiere comedy group https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ http://www.improvutopia.com/ - Board Member http://www.packtheater.com/ - Co-Founder | |||