Whole World Improv Theatre - The Podcast (Whole World Improv Theatre)

Hello World! It’s the Pilot Episode of the Whole World Improv Podcast, a podcast about what Improv is, what it means to do it, and what really happens at secretive club meetings. This week our hosts Chip and John are joined by the extremely talented Monish Tyagi.

This episode's guest is Tanya Wagner. Chip and John learn about her passion for teaching, the bond she creates between her students, and bouncing back from bad scenes. And then…She takes the reins of the show and we get a preview of the upcoming podcast "Talking with Tanya." Spoiler alert: Chip may not have been on board for that part.

Jenny Andrews and Phil Cater return for Part 2 of our interview. Learn how Whole World was a place for innovative improv shows, how the current incarnation of the theater stacks up to the original, and how shooting videos outdoors can lead to serious legal charges.

This week Chip and John welcome Sarah Baker and Michael Sweeney. Both were there at the beginning and tell us about the good and the bad about a close knit company, how focusing on your partner leads to better scenes, and one of the unknown dangers of improv: Being bitten on the head.

Cyberstalk Sarah on twitter @barahsaker

Check out Michael's band Alright Alright at their website: AlrightAlright.com

What do ancient Etruscans, Aikido, and seeing new things in familiar places all have in common? They're all part of The Improv Mind. In part 2 of our interview with Robert Lowe we talk about the importance of being present, honest, and Chip's childhood performances.

This week and Guest Host Paige Crawford meet with the super talented improv actor and musician Connelly Crowe. Connelly talks about the pressure that apprentices put on themselves, being star-struck, and an addiction that comes complete with a phone app...

Keep up with Connelly on IG @connellycrowe

And listen to her song on Spotify: Cold Year in Georgia

It’s spring and love is in the air. Sparks fly with guests Sandy Springs and Eduardo. Sandy works for a famous weight loss service and loves to play both tennis and younger men. Eduardo is a handsome smooth talking young man and marketing genius. What could go wrong when Chip raises some rather pointed questions. Does he ruin everything? Will love conquer all? Can you actually hear John facepalm several times in this episode? There’s only one way to find out.

Guest starting: Emily Reily Russell and Camilo Duarte

This week Chip and John are joined by the sometimes unpredictable, but always entertaining Jake Christensen. We learn how wearing spandex in high school led him to improv. The differences between short form and longform improv. What's it like to be a musician during a show and what's appropriate to say onstage in this special unfiltered episode.

This week Chip and John are joined by the amazing Amanda Rountree. Amanda talks about getting into Improv teaching, growth as a teacher, and how teachers are always learning. We also delve into improv vs. acting and how much they really have in common.

Find Amanda here, here, here, and here!

Website: amandarountree.com

IG:  @amanda_rountree

FB: @amandarountreeimprov

Twitter: @amandarountree1

John has a lot of episode renumbering to do. While he's busy we go back to the pod's first recording session to bring back two conversations to close out season one. Chip and John's guests are current Whole World Improv Theatre actors Sharon Powell and Connelly Crowe.

And follow Connelly on IG: @connellycrowe

This week we take a departure into the world of stand-up comedy. Chip and John host stand-up legend and founder of the Country’s #1 Comedy Class, Jeff Justice. Join us as we learn about the people who take stand-up classes, the structure and delivery of a joke, and comedy in the era of political correctness.

Find out more about Jeff here:

https://comedyworkshoppe.com/

jeff@jeffjustice.com

https://www.facebook.com/Jeffjusticeatlanta

Welcome to the Podcast! We start with Whole World Improv Theatre's origin story. Founding members Jim Issa and Lance Krall join us to describe the Improv scene in Atlanta in 1996 and the one necessary ingredient for any new theater company that just can't be taught.

Have you found it’s hard to tell what year it is post-COVID? Try figuring things out after 224 years. The father of our country is back! General Washington kisses and tells about his “monument” and has some pointed questions about some guy named Lincoln and money. Then Chip and John uncover the mystery of the Jackson 6. Or at least the fifth cousin of the Jackson 5 that didn’t make the cut (Hint: His name is Bobby, not La Toya).

Guest starting: Dre Camacho & Scoop Dawson

Jenny Andrews and Phil Cater join Chip and John to reveal how closeness and connections lead to great improv comedy. All it takes is an improv guru, squatters rights, and a caterpillar under the influence

Chip and John are joined by frequent guest and sometime co-host Monish Tyagi. Monish talks about makings films in high school and the early days of YouTube. Also, the importance of being part of the show and the community of Whole World Improv Theatre. Plus, his advice for beginners and how to finish movies while simultaneously screening them.

Guest Host Paige Crawford is back with John as we meet Mario Mendez. Mario takes us from the improv scene in Las Vegas to not really being sure of this place called "Atlanta".  How he leveraged his mad post-production skills to upgrade Whole World's tech and streaming improv. Mario also teaches us about the differences between scripted theatre and improv as well as themed improv shows.

Join us for part 2 of our interview with Sarah Baker and Michael Sweeney. This week answers the important questions: How did Michael's just tooling around with a guitar lead to a 26 year tradition of musical improv scenes? And hey: Isn't Sarah that person in that thing (The Campaign, Mascots, The Kominsky Method )?

Cyberstalk Sarah on twitter @barahsaker

Check out Michael's band Alright Alright at their website: AlrightAlright.com

This week Josh Rosenthal talks to Chip and John about his journey at Whole World Theater. Starting as a camper in the Summer Camp program, to classes, apprenticeship, making mainstage, and coming full circle to becoming a Camp Counselor. Along the way Josh opens up about how improv helped with social anxiety and also how the worst thing that could happen on stage can also be the best thing that could happen.

In our season two finale Chip and John are joined by Whole World Improv Theatre's own Bethany Rowe. Bethany is more than our social media maven, she leads and teaches The X Group, an improv program for the neurodiverse. We learn how it started and how it benefits the students, their parents, and those who love dragons.

Chip and John regularly send each other email. But is that truly the best way to communicate? Have you ever mailed a letter? This week we meet Joshipine Smith, the last working member of the pony express and champion of the US Postal Service. With her trusted horse Maybelline she travels the west, waiting for another to take her place. We also have Audrey Rothgarden. A celebrity gossip columnist, a spy? Maybe both? She gives us all the celebrity dirt, information on the art of spycraft, and maybe most importantly: Which President was seen at a cock fight.

Guest starring: Serina Stone and Sharon Powell

It's part two of our interview with Hal Peller. We talk about poignant improv scenes, how to be more than just talking heads on stage, and the work of Applied Improvisation Practitioners. We also learn about one of John's best scenes, Chip reenacting a date that became a nightmare, and the secrets hidden inside a computer in the kitchen.

Learn more here: improvworkshop.com

And watch a video demonstration of some games here: Improv Games with Hal Peller

We're in mourning this week as the theater has suffered the shocking loss of one of our own. Katie Janness was a manager, a musician, a friend, and wonderful person taken too soon. John talks about Katie and presents two of her original songs.

This week Chip and John are joined by main stage actor and Associate Director David Owen. David tells us about meandering through life before finding his calling on the stage. He also talks about balancing the responsibilities of management and giving great advice on what you don't want to do. All that plus weird customers in restaurants, playing with toys from the 90's over Zoom, and how to bounce back from your worst scene ever.

It’s the season four finale and we bring you both ends of a spectrum. On one end is Jessika, a lovely person who might have a problem but we can’t seem to put our finger on it. And speaking of fingers, we learn about a new genre of literature: Geriatric erotica. Beverly Baxter is here to literally spread the word about things you can’t unsee.

Guest starting: Paige Crawford and Tanya Wagner

We're back with Season 3! This season we're meeting our Main Stage cast and we start with the incredibly talented Paige Crawford. We learn about her first acting experience, finding Whole World in high school, plus what she tells her students and how she creates great characters. We also find out the really important things: What's on her warm up playlist and who's her favorite game show host.

Get ready for an action packed episode! It's the season finale, part three of the Tanya takeover, and our 50th episode. And we celebrate by bringing John's reign of hubris to an end! This time Tanya Wagner guest hosts with Chip as they finally turn the tables on him. Chip and Tanya find out how John got into theater, into the Army, and most importantly, being a Father. Plus, how standup led him to Whole World and the sage advice he passes on from a dear friend. And parasites, lots and lots of parasites.

What has John done?! He's unseated Chip as host and moved him into the interview chair! John and guest host Monish Tyagi get Chip to open up about his time as a founding member before becoming Artistic Director. Joining them is Whole World Improv Theatre's Managing Director Emily Reily Russell for a lively conversation about being torn between two types of acting, building a class program, and stalking your future husband.

This week, it's a fantastic conversation with our special guest Karen Ceesay. Chip and John get tips on auditions, what are the essential improv skills, and a powerful new project that may, or may not, be related to Scooby-Doo.

Have you ever considered therapy? How about with a celebrity psychiatrist with a two-week program? This week we sit in on John’s therapy session with Dr. Ganjes and break down one of his closest relationships. We also meet the pride of Cedartown, GA, Winnie-Clyde Russell. Not only is she the founder of the town bus station; she’ll tell us what makes great pets and who (surprisingly) makes the best pizza pies.

Guest starring: Emily Reily Russell and Camilo Duarte

It's part two of our interview with Sketchworks alumni Brian Bremer and Jeffery Umberger. We talk about creating strong characters, day jobs, and how life's journey takes unexpected turns.

Additional music this week from bensound.com

What can the insights of a director give us on acting and improv? Learn more about the Meisner Technique and the building blocks of great acting in part two of our interview with Grant McGowen.

Find out more about Pinch 'N' Ouch Theatre!

pnotheatre.org 

@PnOTheatre

What does the theory of prime numbers have to do with the prime lending rate of the Royal bank of Canada? Turns out it’s pretty hot to this week's guests. The manager of a Montreal bank named Claude Leburn and math professor Grace Albion. Grace has been counting since birth and yet the amount of times a man has touched her equals zero. Claude on the other hand may or may not be bankrolling Putin. Find out more than you ever wanted to know about the history of Canadian banks and if there’s a prime number for love. (Hint: The number is 30,001).

Guest starting: Allison Louie and Rick Ferguson

Our alumni Anna Vocino and Loren Tarquinio join us for a look into how they got to Whole World and give an insightful look into what happens on stage during a show. And the invention of Roadblocking, a fundraising tool not for the faint of heart.

Update: Find out about all Anna does at her website: annavocino.com

This week Chip and John are joined by one of the newest Main Stage members Daniel Clanton. Daniel describes his church skills, his incredibly stressful day job, and his work at the Ft. Gordon dinner theater. We also find out how, a famous soap opera, steak nugget day, and an impersonation from one of the hosts that led him to take classes.

A year ago there was a death in the Whole World Improv family. We mark this grim milestone by replaying a memorial episode in her honor.

John and guest host Monish Tyagi continue their interview with Artistic Director Chip Powell and Managing Director Emily Reily Russell. We find out how they went from performers to directors, the person who taught them everything, and how they've developed the theater as it stands today. Also, an insight into the future of Whole World Improv Theatre and fried eggs. (You'll need a waiver to see them).

It’s a bonus episode featuring last week's guest Michael Sweeney and his band Alright Alright! Take a listen to their track "I Ain't Gonna Take My Pills No More."

Find them at their website alrightalright.com and enjoy!

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Whole World Improv Theatre's classes continues. Associate and Student Programs Director David Owen talks about the theater's award winning summer camp program. Then Emily Reily Russell rejoins us as we all talk about one the most important aspects of improv - and life - No Judgement.

What do secret societies, mac and cheese, and murder all have in common? They’re part of the story of MainStage actor Scoop Dawson’s journey at Whole World. Scoop shares his secrets to being a good scene partner, making up good characters, and being a side-kick.

But seriously…don’t ask about the Mac & Cheese…

Our Whole World Improv Theatre alumni are here to educate John. Annie Humphrey and Michael Snow talk to us about the path through classes to performing. The energy and drive it took for a young group of actors to build a theater. Including an era of scripted shows, special gifts from a special sponsor, and yes - Bitches (Don't worry, it's not what you think).

We continue meeting our incredibly talented MainStage cast with Grant Bojarski. Grant tells us his reaction to his first Whole World Improv show. His principle of smart and supportive scene work, avoiding complacency in improv, and what exactly made him take up guitar. We also learn about tipping the scales and the best strategy for a white elephant gift exchange.

It's the season two premiere with improv great Hal Peller. This season Chip and John are diving into improv education and we're starting with one of the masters. Join us as Hal talks about the Spolin Way and shares three of his ten rules for improv with us.

Find out more about Hal Peller at his website: improvworkshop.com 

This week we welcome David Owen and Emily Reily Russell returns for a deep dive into Whole World Improv Theatre's class program. How did it start, where is it now, and what does the future hold?

Chip and John are joined by a pioneer of improv in Atlanta, Robert Lowe. Robert teaches us his four tenets of improv and how Atlanta's very first improv workshop and live show came to be.

This week one of our favorite guests returns. Emily Reily Russell tells Chip and John about where her first performance of Annie happened, unlearning skills, and the differences between Turkey and Geese. Also, Chip and Emily talk about the history of the Apprentice program and how Whole World Improv Theatre made a culture shift from the wild early days that lasts until today.

This week Chip and John meet Patrick Turner, a lobster fisherman from Nova Scotia. Knower of sea shanties, fiddler in Celtic festivals, and master of gaming the Canadian system. We also have Xiaofeng Zhu who hails from Hong Kong and cares for her 37 grandchildren. Or are the grandchildren unknowingly caring for her?

Anna Vocino and Loren Tarquinio are back for Part 2 of our interview. Not only are they brilliant improvisers but their post Whole World experience has launched them to great heights in their careers. Join us for a hilarious conversation featuring Anna's cookbooks, what award Loren thinks is no big deal, and a special skill for your resume.

Update: Find out about all Anna does at her website: annavocino.com

It's Part 2 of our interview with the great Jeff Justice. Chip and John learn the history of Stand-up classes in Atlanta, how the pandemic affected workshops, and the importance of clean comedy. Then we learn what John's teachers really thought of him as a student.

Find out more about Jeff here:

https://comedyworkshoppe.com/

jeff@jeffjustice.com

https://www.facebook.com/Jeffjusticeatlanta

Plagiarizing movies and shelters for sex workers. What the hell have Chip and John gotten themselves into this week? First we meet Sweet Throat, a third generation pimp. Learn more than you ever wanted to know about the world’s oldest profession and what walked around his childhood home. We also meet Italian filmmaker Martini Scalini. Maker of knock off movies,  server of knock off food, and purveyor of the largest and strangest drink ever.

Guest starting: Dre Camacho & Scoop Dawson

What does choir music, the Oregon Trail, and random dancing have to do with Improv?  It's all part of the journey for this week's guest Jennifer Baron. Jennifer tells Chip and John about her love of creating on stage, teaching kids, and balancing improv with owning her own business. All that plus love for our home city of Atlanta, beanies, and Chip's Christmas lights.

This week Chip and John talk with Lee Cuthbert on her experience as a mainstage actor. We learn how Lee traded in her high school ambition to be a barista for a guitar and rocking out in bands. Also how to make choices on stage, getting out of a small comfort zone, and what on MTV changed her life.

What is the Meisner Technique? How is it related to improv? Grant McGowen of Pinch 'N' Ouch Theatre joins Chip and John to explain it all.

Find out more about Pinch 'N' Ouch Theatre!

pnotheatre.org 

@PnOTheatre

We’re back for another season! This season Chip and John learn all about the different characters that our company members have created. We’ll have in depth interviews with interesting, eccentric, and some would say downright bizarre people. This week we meet Misty Mudflaps-Snyder, a gas station manager from Blue Ridge and Tabatha Grayweather, an off-off-off-off Broadway actress with many one woman shows.

It's part two of our conversation with Amanda Rountree. We learn about some go to educational tools and balancing a student's needs with the needs of the entire class. Plus, we learn about adapting to classes over Zoom and a little breakfast with William Shakespeare.

Find Amanda here, here, here, and here!

Website: amandarountree.com

IG:  @amanda_rountree

FB: @amandarountreeimprov

Twitter: @amandarountree1

It's Part 2 of our interview with founding members Annie Humphrey and Michael Snow. Take notes on what improv has taught them, making funny videos before funny videos were cool, and the heights of fame (and what it took to maintain it for 25 of 39 days).

This week Chip and John talk to Sketchworks alumni Brian Bremer and Jeffery Umberger. We learn about the founding of Sketchworks, how improv training crosses over into other forms of acting, and how much we love Dunwoody Housewives.

Do you Millennials and Gen Zs think you had it tough in school? Chip and John are from Generation X, where teachers enforced discipline - with force. We learn how even the sweetest of teachers like this week’s guest Mrs. Mac kept her kids in line. Fortunately, we brought a lawyer to warn us that old school discipline could lead to prison. Attorney Diane Smith, is back in the courtroom after raising her babies. Diane remembers her most difficult cases, contributions to society, and spirited podcast hosts.

Guest starting: Serina Stone and Sharon Powell

Well, Chip doesn't really hate our guest this week, we just love a running gag. Erin Cheak joins Chip and John to talk about dancing, improv classes on the Alabama border, and her favorite puzzles growing up. Plus, how she honed her sarcasm, her first experience as an MC, and that one time where we had to recast a dead body.

Life has many questions: Was Whole World Improv Theatre going to be in LA? Can just anybody make a TV show? What are mandatory ingredients on bagels? It's Part 2 of our interview with founding members Jim Issa and Lance Krall as they continue to tell us the Theatre's origin story and the current problem with pudding pops.

She's back for another takeover! Tanya Wagner joins John as a guest host to - yet again - turn the tables on Chip! Tanya and John talk to Chip about the role of the Artistic Director. What does the job entail, how has it changed in 20 years, and what does the future hold. We find out what an Artistic Director looks for in actors progressing from students, to apprentices, and then to Main Stage. Plus his number one rule when a show ends. (Hint: All shows end at Wine-Thirty).

This week John is joined by guest host Emily Reily Russell as they meet the mayor of hobotown: Boottooth. A man who rides the rails, has been social distancing for over 30 years, and provides his expert translation services for this week’s other guest Skillet has never lived in a house, so he lives on our theater’s front steps. All that and fertilizer deposits, recession proof careers, and the importance of keeping your pants on.

Guest starting: Chip Powell & Mario Mendez with Guest Host Emily Reily Russell