In this 18th episode of the Gettin’ Close podcast I chat with one of my improv mentors, Mark Sutton. The Annoyance theater has played a big part in shaping my views about performing improv and Mark specifically has done a great deal to shape my views about teaching it. In addition to the normal background things like how he got interested in comedy, what set him on the improv path, how he met up improv dignitaries like Joe Bill and Mick Napier to form the Annoyance Theater, we also talk a lot about improv theory and the teaching of improv. We break down the improv Philosophy of the Annoyance in various ways. He talks about what he likes about improv. How he’d like teams to be more “theatrical” and much more. This isn’t an episode. This is a class. Much like the Rich Talarico episode, you’ll want to listen to this again. It’s pret-ty good. Sound is a lower quality than it normally is for some reason. Not sure what the deal is there, but it’s fine. Like the link on my page, rate/review/subscribe in iTunes. Thanks for listening!

As always the podcast is sponsored by Audible.com! Please go over to audibletrial.com/gettinclosepodcast and sign up for a free, no risk 30 day trial of the audible service. You’ll get a free audiobook download and I’ll get some money to keep this thing going. It’s very much appreciated. If you don’t like the service, just cancel before the 30 days are up. Simple as that.

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER

RECENT POSTS

TAS S02E01 and Lower Decks S05E01 & S05E02

In this episode of The Prime Subjective, the gang (Mike Henley, Chris Newcomer, Karie Coleman-Hinners) discuss a classic episode of Star Trek: The Animated Series (“The Pirates of Orion”, S2E1) and then discuss the two first episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks (“Dos Cerritos” S5E1 and “Shades of Green” S5E2). Expect discussions of Orions, Or-ee-yuns (different!), parallel realities, duplicate characters, and plenty of fun!

The Prime Subjective: TNG S04E03 “Brothers”

It’s an all-retro episode of The Prime Subjective! We take a break from our Prodigys and our Lower Decks to discuss Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “Brothers,” in which Data, Lore and Doctor Noonien Soong have a little family reunion. Mike Henley, Chris Newcomer and Karie Coleman-Hinners are joined by special guest Andy Beckerman (host of the Beginnings podcast and the Couples Therapy podcast). Install your emotion chip and enjoy!

Prodigy S02E015-20

There are six episodes left of Star Trek: Prodigy’s second season, and tonight we’re gonna binge! The pace is so unrelenting, the twists so twisty, the events so eventful, that the Prime Subjective crew decided we had no choice but to discuss this back part of season two altogether! Join us for Star Trek: Prodigy S2E15 and S2E16 – “Ascension Parts I & II”, S2E17 – “Brink”, S2E18 – “Touch of Grey”, and S2E19 and S2E20 – “Ouroboros.” Chris Newcomer, Karie Coleman-Hinners and Mike Henley brave the timey-wimyness of Prodigy’s second season and live to tell the tale! Enjoy!

Prodigy S02E13 & S02E14

Alternate realities galore! In this exciting episode of The Prime Subjective, Chris Newcomer, Mike Henley and Karie Coleman-Hinners discuss two brand new episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy, S2E13 – “A Tribble Called Quest” and S2E14 – “Cracked Mirror.” Then, we venture over to Star Trek: Voyager to discuss that time Commander Chakotay also had to deal with a ship split into multiple bizarre alternate realities, S7E10, “Shattered.” Enjoy!

Khazad-damn!: ROP S02E08

In this episode of the Beacons are Lit we’re discussing The Rings of Power S02E08. This is the season finale, which means after this episode, much like the Balrog of the Misty Mountains, the Rings of Power disappears for a long period only to come back when Amazon digs too deep. The Dwarves show up to save whoever is left at Eregion, Celebrimbor tells Sauron he’s going to the bad place, King Durin goes toe to head to horn with the Balrog, Adar gets a glow up shortly before getting Jon Snowed, Elendil has r-u-n-n-o-f-t as Numenor turns on the faithful, Isildur leaves his babe behind to go back home, Kemmen continues to grow his hater base, Cirdan is nowhere to be seen, and lots more for better or worse. We’re on another break, but will return soon with our awards episodes for The Two Towers and Return of the King. Lots more planned… but not scheduled.

User Illusion 3: ROP S02E07

In this episode of the Beacons are Lit we’re talking about The Rings of Power Season 2 episode 7. We’re deep into the siege of Eregion now. Celebrimbor is living his best imaginary life, Sauron is blaming everything on Celebrimbor, Elrond putting the moves on Galadriel, Gil Galad puts on his Sunday best for battle, Adar’s kids are starting to turn on him, the Dwarves got their own problems going on, and Harfoots & the Stranger are nowhere to be seen.