Niagara's Home for Improv Comedy
April 13 @ 12:03 pm
It’s time! Finally. Celebrate the holidays! Enjoy friends, drinks and live comedy. And rejoice. Spend time with your pals at Improv Niagara!
So, come on out! Have fun. It’s the “Improv Fallout End of Year Bash!”
Don’t miss out.
At Improv Niagara, we offer improv workshops to all sorts of teams, from Fortune 500 companies to local community organizations. We’re often asked.. “OK but… how does it work? What do these workshops LOOK like? Will I be thrown on stage to perform an impromptu stand-up comedy routine?”
Let us ease your worried mind. (Improv helps with that, too!)
An improv workshop consists of a series of exercises or “games” that are designed to focus on specific skills. Originally, in the context of theatre performance.
Over time, a lot of research has gone into demonstrating the tremendous benefits improv games have in the workplace (and in life in general); public speaking, active listening, collaborating, communicating, teamwork and so much more.
The workshops typically begin with icebreakers, getting people comfortable with one another, and with this the principle of acceptance, or “yes and,” – a way of creating an atmosphere of non-judgement in which to learn, to try new things, to take risks, and to fail. (Getting over of the fear of failure is a tremendous benefit practiced in improv training.)
Then we move onto games that are more skill-specific. The games are normally done in one big group, smaller groups, or pairs.
An example would be, if our focus was on active listening. The Game LAST WORD, FIRST WORD. An excellent game to encourage strong listening skills.
In pairs, one person will say any sentence. Their partner will respond with a sentence beginning with the last word of their partner’s previous sentence, ensuring they have listened to the entire sentence to the very end. Benefit: This benefits listening to understand, versus listening to respond. It demonstrates respect and shows that you value your partner’s contribution.
It’s difficult to get a sense of how well these games work by just reading their description, which is why it’s such a hands-on, interactive experience. So here are a few reputable articles on the benefits of improv:
Forbes. Four Reasons to Take an Improv Class: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robasghar/2015/08/12/four-reasons-you-need-to-take-an-improv-class/?sh=739f7fc6764a
NPR: The Rules of Improv Can Make You Funnier. They Can Also Make You More Confident: https://www.npr.org/2022/10/19/1129907651/improv-can-build-confidence-heres-how-to-apply-it-to-your-everyday-life
The Harvard Gazette: For More Than Just Laughs: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/05/improv-skills-can-translate-to-social-and-professional-skills/
If you’re ready to help your team reach higher goals, personally and professionally, give us a shout at info@improvniagara.com and let’s get your team improvising.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fttmk-1353910
Heather Eyman is a fitness coach and improviser among many other things and in this episode, we see the path Heather took to narrow down on what’s important when there isn’t enough time to do everything and when you’re the kind of person who enjoys the abundance of what life has to offer.
We also ask her advice on how to fix Nick’s darn back! Find out what kind of tips she offers Nick, and all of us when it comes to making deposits into your body bank. (That’ll make more sense when you listen!)
Your Creative Tips
Health and Wellness, Fitness, Improv, Time Management
MORE HEATHER EYMAN:
Brie’s Updates:
Nick’s Updates:
Thinking about starting your own podcast? Click HERE to get one free month of hosting.
#StruggleOn
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-4jsj8-1302243
Our first episode in over four months! Why the break? Well you’ll just have to listen to the episode and find out. HA! Masters of the tease.
But really, it’s a doozy of an episode where Brie & Nick dig deep into some real talk about physical and mental health, motivation, relocation and the whole thing gets a little vulnerable.
It’s not all struggle though. There’s life. There’s travel. There’s a mandatory Maron reference!
Take a listen & let us know if it resonates with your journey.
Your Key Creative Tips
Comedy, Writing, Improv, Stand-Up, Performing, Pain Management, Depression and Anxiety, Goals.
Brie’s Update:
Don’t miss the remount of End with a Kiss, this December in Hamilton!
Thinking about starting your own podcast? Click HERE to get one free month of hosting.
#StruggleOn
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5ywbi-121430e
All wordplay aside, this is a delightful and informative episode featuring Genevieve (Evie) Jones, playwright, actor, director and mom of Daphne. Evie’s located in the Niagara Region, and chats with Nick and Brie about starting out her artistic career in Niagara, spreading her wings beyond the peninsula and her parents, and the reason for her epic return.
Evie provides us with some deep insight into how the pandemic has been helpful to herself and many artists in finding focus, and the now existing struggle to maintain that focus as the world opens back up.
Writers will appreciate learning more about the process of writing and producing live plays in Canada and the evolution of the artist in motherhood.
Your Key Creative Tips:
Writing, Playwriting, Parenting, Theatre, Acting, Directing, Performing Arts in Niagara and Halifax.
Nick’s Update:
Brie’s Update:
RESOURCES:
More from Evie Jones
Website: https://genevievejoneswrites.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EvieJones11
Thinking about starting your own podcast? Click HERE to get one free month of hosting.
#StruggleOn
We recently welcomed our newest improv performer Heather Eyman to the cast, and since she’ll be performing with us, we thought it best to do a big of digging (eg, we straight up asked her a bunch of questions) to get to know her a bit better.
Q: Heather, what’s your favourite thing about Niagara?
A: I love being outdoors, so my favourite thing about Niagara is how many awesome places there are to find to go hiking, canoeing and on other outdoor adventures. I’ve lived here pretty much my whole life, and I still discover places I didn’t know existed!
Q: Is there a specific person in your real life that you emulate on stage?
A: I think I take little interesting elements and influence from lots of people in my life.
What drew you to fitness?
(For clarity’s sake, Heather is also a fitness instructor at Fit Collective, so if you were wondering what that had to do with improv, now you’re caught up!)
A: I’ve always loved sports and fitness! I have so much energy to burn off every day that I get grumpy if I don’t move. My passion is helping others find excitement in exercise and movement.
Q: Favourite comedy of all time?
Hot Fuzz & The Blues Brothers
Q: Who were your favourite funny people growing up?
A: Jim Carrey. Every Whose Line cast member. Robin Williams.
Q: Where did your need to do improv come from?
A: Life’s too serious most of the time. We need to have more fun and laugh more. Improv makes people happy, and I like being a part of that.
Q: Are you thinking of branching out to other acting outlets?
A: I wouldn’t say no if other opportunities came my way!
Q: Do you have a default character your body does naturally on stage?
A: My big, inner tough guy likes to appear on stage. That, and the character that moves erratically for no particular reason.
Q: Since before you tried improv and now that you’ve performed with Improv Niagara, have you noticed any difference in how you observe it?
A: On stage, particular moments can feel like an eternity, but from the audience’s perspective it was just a brief second or pause. I’m trying to get more comfortable with silence and pauses.
Q: What was one thing about improv you didn’t know until you trained or performed?
I’ve learned so much! Listen to your scene partners; pay attention to the little details; there’s humour in the most mundane things; explore the scene – it’s not a race!
Q: Who would win in a fight: Pink Panther or Scooby Doo. And why?
I’m embarrassed to admit how much time I actually spent thinking about this question. Based on size and stature, I’m gonna have to give this one to Scoob if he’s able to land a few shots right off the bat and use his size and strength to his advantage. Pink Panther’s pretty lean and probably has better endurance than Scooby (too many Scooby Snacks), so Pink Panther could stand a chance if he can dodge Scooby’s shots and tire him out.
Q: If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 objects would you HAVE to bring with you?
A: Presuming I already have access to shelter, water, and food:
Q: Favourite ice cream flavour?
A: Chocolate peanut butter.
Q: Favourite pizza topping?
A: Pepperoni. Oh man, that’s so boring. I promise, I’m not boring!
Q: Any secret, unusual talents?
A: I can make my eyes move in opposite directions.
Q: Favourite James Bond movie?
I only VERY recently watched my first James Bond movie (Don’t come at me.) I think I’d say the newest one! What the hell was it called lol?
Q: Toilet paper roll: over or under
Is this even a question? Over. Always.
Heather Eyman everybody. Don’t miss your chance to catch Heather performing live with Improv Niagara! Stay tuned for all upcoming shows! (What’s a zune?)
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-dkzh8-10f1a98
Chances are if you’ve performed comedy in Toronto, you’re likely one degree of separation from this episode’s guest; Gary
Rideout Jr., owner of Toronto’s famous Comedy Bar & Director of Business Development at The Second City in Toronto. This episode dives into Gary’s timeline as a budding comedian-turned-business owner and tracks the many successes he’s had along the way, the struggles that come with taking risks and putting yourself out there, as well as some truly great lessons learned along the way.
With the recent tease on social media announcing the opening of a second Comedy Bar location, on the Danforth, we’re thrilled to get to chat with Gary about his journey in Toronto comedy and his excitement for all that’s to come.
This is an episode for comedians and for fans of comedy. You’ll see what it takes to create a space for an entire community of comedy artists; how to foster that community and the heights where it can lead.
KEY CREATIVE TIPS:
Comedy, Writing, Performance, Touring, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Accessibility.
Nick’s Update:
Editing again, and prepping for NaNoWriMo
Brie’s Update:
Niagara Falls Night of Art, Improv Fallout back at Mahtay Café, Writing Accountability Partner
RESOURCES
Thinking about starting your own podcast? Click HERE to get one free month of hosting.
#StruggleOn
By: Dina Senior, Teen Improv Instructor
A new school year is upon us. Though I have been out of school for 16 years, I always feel an excited anticipation for the beginning of September. I love new beginnings, and September has always felt like a fresh start for me. This year is particularly exciting since we will be resuming our in-person classes for youth!
This year beginning on September 7, I will be teaching the Teens classes, which are ages 13-17, and Simon will be teaching the kids ages 8-12. We have a fun-filled semester planned for them which ends is a fun showcase/recital at the end of the semester in December.
Why would a young person want to take an Improv class, you might ask? There are multiple reasons why this is a positive experience for a child or teenager (or even an adult!):
#1 – If your child is already a theatre or film actor, improv will only make them better at their craft. Many auditions in the industry are based in improv, so it is a good skill to have in your cap. In addition, since improv helps you think quickly on your feet, you will know exactly what to do when someone forgets or drops lines in a show (which happens more often in theatre than you’d think!)
#2- Elementary schools and high schools are often big fans of oral presentation. You have to stand in front of a class of your peers and talk about a subject for a certain length of time. Improv can also help with this because we do tons of presenting in front of the class, constantly! Presenting will be a breeze once you have already done it 100+ times. This will iron out any nerves and jitters someone might have before a big presentation for school.
#3 – Improv is a confidence booster for all ages. It forces you a little out of your comfort zone, but in a super fun way that is full of games and adventure!
#4 – Improv helps with creative thinking. Therefore, it can help you be a better creative writer.
#5 – You make new friends! Some of them will be friends for a lifetime!
#6 – We’re going to do it right – It’s been a challenging past several months, and Improv Niagara is dedicated to ensure a safe improv experience. We’re going to be following all of the government’s guidelines with regards to indoor gatherings to make sure everyone can play in a fun and safe environment.
If all of this sounds good to you, please sign your child up for Improv classes before September 7, 2021. Our Artistic Director Brie Watson will also be starting to teach adult classes the same week, so please check out our classes section to sign up and to get more information.
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-b32jz-1075a0c
In this episode, Nick and Brie celebrate the end of the school year with improviser, producer, and Kindergarten teacher Kirk McCullough. Kirk came into the Toronto improv community as one of the most organized show producers on the scene. One half of the improv duo Cadley Brooper, Kirk produces Duo Derby, one of the only live shows to seemingly seamlessly transition to an ideal online improv experience. Having studied at The Second City and now a member of the Assembly, Kirk is bringing positive, supportive and joyful vibes to the community, both online and off.
When it comes to splitting focus between teaching kids and improvising with grown-ups, balance is required, and we learn some of the challenges Kirk has faced along the way when it comes to making sure he’s putting his energy in the right places.
Teacher by day, performer by night. This episode answers the ultimate question: “HOW DOES SHE DO IT?”
Key Creative Tips:
Live / Online Comedy Show Producing, Improv, Teaching, Teaching Online, Finding Balance, Going with the Flow, LGBTQ Pride.
Nick’s Update: No writing. Spending time with Kids.
Brie’s Update: New Second City class on Hosting. Having enough students signed up to hold classes.
RESOURCES:
More from PATRICK & RYAN
Thinking about starting your own podcast? Click HERE to get one free month of hosting.
#StruggleOn
A lot of people are nervous when they think about improv. The idea of being
is the stuff of nightmares for some folks.
So it’s understandable that people might have some hesitations when they’re considering learning improv.
I’m here to guide you through your first day of improv class and to put your mind at ease because guess what? Improv isn’t supposed to be scary. It’s supposed to be FUN!
Improv Niagara just started our classes back up. Online, of course, and after DAY 1 of our Intro to Improv class, one of our students sent a follow-up message saying:
“I had a freaking BLAST! I learned some new tools today and am overly excited to continue through this journey. Thank you for opening your tool box and letting me in!”
-Becky B
I love how Becky put this. New tools. Opening up the tool box. What a great metaphor for what actually happens as of DAY ONE of your first improv class.
Yes, one of those tools will be “Yes And.” You’ve probably heard of it. AND you’ll find out a LOT more about how that concept can help you in improv and also in your workplace, in environments where you need to think more creatively and spontaneously, in situations when dealing with your children or your parents and honestly, literally in ANY social situation.
2. You Will Meet People
They might even become your best friends! Improv is inherently a social art form. You need other people to play. When you’re starting from scratch, you share your experiences as a beginner with other people, with your ensemble. This often has a lasting impact.
3. You will Laugh
So much your face might hurt. Be warned. In improv, we’re re-learning what it is to play. We learn that mistakes are gifts. We learn to celebrate our failures. Throughout it all, it turns out grown adults accepting to behave freely and playfully just happens to be hilarious. What an awesome side-effect!
Keep an eye out here on improvniagara.com – our next round of improv classes are set to begin in April 2021 and we’d love to see you take a leap!