Improv Comedy Institute

09/13/2020

A message from Vancouver Theatresports - the theatre will be going into “hibernation” for the foreseeable future, which mean classes will not be happening for sometime. When we do reopen we will let you know. Thank you for your support.

06/02/2020

NEW PODCAST ALERT:

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: Billy Merritt

Jeff connects with UCB bigwig–Billy Merritt, co-author of the recent improv book "Pirate Robot Ninja" (with Will Hines). Billy chats about the early days of Upright Citizens Brigade, having been trained by all four of the founders. As a primer, Billy gives us explanations of the book's concepts as well as the core UCB methodology. Other topics include Rupert Holmes, ventriloquism and Rhode Island Clam Chowder.

Buy Pirate Robot Ninja - the book
https://www.amazon.ca/Pirate-Robot-Ninja-Improv-Fable/dp/1099142245

Find his classes on Facebook Billy Merritt Improv Workshops

Follow Billy on Twitter ()

Watch UCB Comedy Online
https://www.youtube.com/ucbcomedy

Search for this episode on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/billy-merritt/id1499397909?i=1000476454807

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tZS7vjRRu3SjUw6sinY5m?si=LTyCNngKSI2S9fdmKEyZnA

To Download:
https://improvcomedyinstitute.libsyn.com/billy-merritt

Take care, Everyone.

05/25/2020

WhooHooo….it's another new Podcast episode.

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: Stacey Hallal

Jeff connects with Curious Comedy Theaterfounder and everyone's favourite improviser - the brilliant and hilarious Stacey Hallal. Stacey's shares her story of how she made her way through different jobs, leading up to the formation of the theatre in 2008. Grab yourself a coffee and listen up - this is one very inspiring episode.

Search for this episode on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stacey-hallal/id1499397909?i=1000475752313

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4x0c3npgYoEAP5rFQa1DrJ?si=ZMK8ObL9SNCqWAyQxsg7Lw

To Download:
https://improvcomedyinstitute.libsyn.com/stacey-hallal

Take care, Everyone.

05/19/2020

New Podcast Alert!

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: Mark Sutton

Jeff has a conversation with improv heavyweight Mark Sutton. Mark is a Chicago-based performer, instructor and director; perhaps most notable for his co-founding of the Annoyance Theatre. In addition to this, Mark is the Learning Designer and Lead Facilitator of Second City Chicago and had spent several years as the Artistic Director for the Chicago Improv Festival.

In this very educational episode they discuss the origins of the Annoyance Theatre (including its namesake), Bassprov (his partnership with Joe Bill) and many aspects of comedy and the Chicago scene and how they shaped Mark as a performer.

Search for this episode on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-sutton/id1499397909?i=1000475029528

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6h53IWzIPb032L0drTuPhq?si=3puvoAoKRXKmwfhzhxgPUA

To Download:
https://improvcomedyinstitute.libsyn.com/mark-sutton

Take care, Everyone. Thank you for listening.

05/11/2020

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: Denise Jones

Jeff chats with Vancouver based improviser, actor, writer, director and teacher, Denise Jones.

Denise is a powerhouse performer and can be seen regularly performing at Vancouver TheatreSports™, touring with the Comic St*****rs or playing in her own show "The Love of Your Life: An Improvised True Romance". Denise was also the Artistic Director of Vancouver TheatreSports™ for five years. You will enjoy getting to know this talented and hilarious performer.

Search for this episode on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denise-jones/id1499397909?i=1000474280645

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/614bDK4dsEkND25XZXEp9U?si=4LCAs7kuRRSqzIYpVYfUTg

To Download:
https://improvcomedyinstitute.libsyn.com/denise-jones

Take care, Everyone.

05/09/2020

What are you doing tonight around 9:30pm? If you don't have plans, I would love to make a suggestion. We are doing our very first VTS ONLINE show called Kitchen Party. Hosted by Brian Anderson and featuring Ken Lawson, Lauren McGibbon, Graeme Duffy, Allen Morrison and Margret Nyfors.

To view the show, follow the link here: https://bit.ly/2WlhPy5

The show is free Come and get your laugh on. We would love to see you.

We're baaaaacccckkk! At least virtually! Join us from the comfort of your own home TONIGHT at 9:30 pm on Youtube for our Saturday Night Live Stream: Vancouver TheatreSports' Kitchen Party! Hosted by Brian Anderson, featuring Ken Lawson, Lauren McGibbon, Graeme Duffy, Margie Pants, and Allen Morrison 😁 Follow the link for laughs here: https://bit.ly/2WlhPy5

We're working hard to bring you more laughs during this difficult time - but we could use a little bit of help! We are a
registered charitable organization (Registration ), so if you can, please consider donating here: https://bit.ly/2WKXili

Every little bit counts and we are SO thankful for all the support, can't wait to virtually see you all tonight!

05/04/2020

HAPPY 10TH EPISODE IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST!!!

Well, happy birthday to us. And it seems very fitting that we are celebrating this milestone with the release of an episode featuring one of the kindest, funniest and most awesome people on the planet - Michael Teigen.

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: Michael Teigen

In this episode, Jeff converses with one of the coolest people we know–Michael Teigen. Michael is a very experienced actor and improviser from Vancouver, BC. His journey is fascinating as it includes high school drama, New York acting training and kidney donation.

Search for this episode on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michael-teigen/id1499397909?i=1000473564523

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qi1M6bu7ba3X42PxDzII0?si=-Q9TvR8lTxSkgVOWv7FifQ

To Download:
http://improvcomedyinstitute.libsyn.com/michael-teigen

Take care, Everyone.

04/28/2020

New Episode Alert!!!

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: Daniel Chai

In this episode, Jeff chats with improviser, actor, writer, format creator, producer and Vancouver TheatreSports™ alumnus, Daniel Chai. Daniel shares his improv journey and includes some wonderful tips for those folks who are keen on starting or producing their own shows.

You can find Daniel at one of the many improv shows in Vancouver presented by The Fictionals Comedy Co. or listen for him on the podcast that he co-hosts with Jeff Porter called The Fear of Science

Search for the episode on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/improv-comedy-institute-podcast/id1499397909 =185a1850-cce1-4dc8-b518-b777a538bc01

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bZnfaiSqHHuPAu1pVK8JZ?si=Z4jMsB7oQ76w_69Y9hLpIA

To Download:
http://improvcomedyinstitute.libsyn.com/daniel-chai

Take care, Everyone.

04/21/2020

It's Monday which means....a NEW PODCAST EPISODE!

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: BRIAN ANDERSON

In this episode, Jeff converses with brilliant improviser, actor, director, show creator, magician and science guy—Brian Anderson.

Brian is one of the smartest and kindest improvisers that we know. Brian talks about his journey from being a university computer science wiz kid to the bright lights of main stage at Vancouver TheatreSports™. He shares a lot of wisdom and encouragement along the way.

Search for this and other episodes on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST.

Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brian-anderson/id1499397909?i=1000472094876

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Xfn4VUjk2ALCjoxCE5LHw?si=henInsEBT4irwD_Sx1HvOA

To Download:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/improvcomedyinstitute/08-BrianAnderson200318.mp3

Take care, Everyone.

04/11/2020

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST: DENALDA WILLIAMS

In this episode, Jeff Cooper catches up with improv legend, brilliant actor and all around wonderful human, Denalda “Denny” Williams. If you have ever seen Denalda perform, you know she is a powerhouse of talent on stage. Denalda talks about her time in the early days of Vancouver TheatreSports™ amongst other fascinating stories.

(Note: Episodes were pre-recorded. At this point in time, new episodes are being done remotely).

Search for the episode on your favourite podcast provider under IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Be sure to like, subscribe and review. Or click one of the links below.

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/denalda-williams/id1499397909?i=1000471126581

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AC9hBGQyiLzduqoVkIGJI?si=_2icL8BmQ2OyQabFp4NJJw

To Download:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/improvcomedyinstitute/07-DennyWilliams200310.mp3

Take care, Everyone.

‎Show Improv Comedy Institute Podcast, Ep Denalda Williams - Apr 10, 2020

04/05/2020

IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST:

In this episode, Jeff Cooper interviews the amazing Pearce Visser. Hear Pearce's improv journey and how he consistently is able to deliver THE WOW on stage.

We have quite a few episodes on file now. Check them all out. Simply search for IMPROV COMEDY INSTITUTE PODCAST. Feel free to give them a listen and to like and to subscribe. (Note: Episodes were pre-recorded. At this point in time, new episodes are being done remotely).

On Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pearce-visser/id1499397909?i=1000469811245

On Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Ib3ke7vxP8Ht7FO7TA3yY?si=9DeGNFSTTYGgNT9Xh_vvaw

To Download:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/improvcomedyinstitute/06-PearceVisser200204.mp3

Take care, Everyone.

03/16/2020

FREE ONLINE FB LIVE CLASS: Tips for Creating Great Characters with Lauren McGibbon.

Sure. In person classes are not happening this week but that doesn't mean you still can't work on your improv skills! On Wednesday March 18, 2020 at 6pm PDT, join our FREE FACEBOOK LIVE event happening in our ICI HUB. The super talented Lauren McGibbon will be hosting our first ICI online class called Tips for Creating Great Characters. During the class, she will share some of her personal favourite character creation secrets to help you build fun, strong, memorable characters in your scenes. She will also answer any of your questions as well.

This is the first of our online classes, meet ups and content plans for our ICI HUB community. Thank you for dropping by. Please share the word. Our goal is to help spread the love and joy of this art form even in such stressful times.

If you have any suggestions on classes you'd like to see, just message Margret at [email protected] or Rachelle at [email protected]

NOTE: You must join our school's community group the ICI HUB in order to view the event.

Take good care. Margret