11 – Auditioning

11 – Auditioning

Author: Curtis Retherford September 11, 2017 Duration: 28:22
Most theaters hold auditions to add people to their house teams. Every year around 600 people audition for UCBNY house teams. Molly […]

Ever wonder how the best improvisers build entire worlds out of thin air? Improv, Beat by Beat pulls back the curtain on that very process. Host Curtis Retherford sits down with seasoned performers from the legendary UCB Theatre in New York City, but instead of just trading backstage stories, they break down the craft of long-form improv into its essential components. Each conversation focuses on a single, crucial concept-whether it’s finding the game of a scene, building a grounded character, or navigating a group mind-and examines it with a practical, detailed lens. You’ll hear these artists dissect their own choices and thought processes, offering a rare glimpse into the mechanics of spontaneous creation. This isn't about quick jokes or one-liners; it's about the foundational tools that make unscripted comedy compelling and real. The discussions are insightful, often funny, and always geared toward understanding the 'why' behind the 'yes, and.' Tune in to this podcast for a masterclass in comedic intuition, straight from the practitioners who live it on stage. Whether you're an aspiring performer, a writer, or simply curious about the art of making things up, you'll find something to think about in every episode.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 27

Improv, Beat by Beat
Podcast Episodes
27 – Goodbye, UCB NY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:05
UCB has recently shut down its last permanent theater and training center. I asked people to share what UCB NY meant to […]
26 – Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:18
I asked many of the people I interviewed the same question: what advice would you give an improvisor in their first year […]
25 – The Movie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:13
This episode focuses on a fun, but often difficult form, the Movie. One of the original forms developed by Del Close, the […]
24 – The Spokane aka the Pretty Flower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:32
This episode focuses on the form of many names, the Spokane / Pretty Flower / Delicate Little Flower / Gadget / Family […]
23 – Coaching, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:07
How should a coach structure a practice session? What are some exercises to use? How is coaching a house team different from […]
22 – Coaching, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:51
What makes a great coach? How do you become a great coach? How do you give helpful notes? None of those questions […]
21 – Best Notes, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:24
Once again, each improvisor recounts the notes that shaped their understanding of improv or their understanding of themselves as improvisors. Featuring John […]
20 – Why Do You Do Improv? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:32
I asked a bunch of improvisors a simple question: “Why do you do improv?” Featuring answers from Nicole Drespel, Kevin Hines, Devin Ritchie, Achilles Stamatelaky, David […]
19 – Cliches and Gaps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:05
19 different improvisors discuss the cliches they are tired of seeing and the gaps between the improvised worlds we create and the […]
18 – Jams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:41
An improv jam is basically an open mic for improv: anyone who goes can throw their name in a bucket to do […]