Episode 6. Holding the Room (with Tina Marie Serra)

In this episode, Heather is joined by performer and facilitator Tina Marie Serra to explore what it means to “hold the room” in improv. They discuss presence, leadership, and how to create a supportive, focused environment—on stage and off. A thoughtful conversation about confidence, care, and the energy we bring…

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On Originality and cheesecake

I don’t travel to improv festivals very much anymore, mostly cos of having two very energetic kids. That and setting up a new company with some pretty ambitious goals. I never did as much as Heather, but whenever I did, regular as clockwork, I would have a crisis…

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Episode 5. Slowing Down

In this episode, Heather and Jules talk about the value of slowing down in improv. They explore how taking your time can lead to richer scenes, stronger relationships, and more meaningful choices. From battling the fear of silence to trusting your instincts, this is a thoughtful look at why less…

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Episode 4. Silliness (with Men with Coconuts)

In this joyful episode, Heather is joined by the brilliant Men With Coconuts to talk all things silliness in improv. They dive into how embracing play, absurdity, and joy can lead to surprisingly rich scenes and deeper audience connection. Expect laughs, insights, and a celebration of not…

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Episode 3. Rehearsing Improv

Heather and Jules tackle a surprisingly tricky topic: rehearsing improv. They discuss why practice matters, how to keep it playful, and what kinds of exercises or approaches help improvisers grow without losing spontaneity. Whether you’re part of a team or flying solo, this episode offers useful tips for making your…

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Episode 2. Status (with Adam Meggido)

In this episode, Heather chats with Adam Meggido (Co-Creator of Showstopper! The Musical) about the concept of status in improv. They break down how status shapes relationships on stage, affects scene dynamics, and can be a powerful tool for storytelling and comedy. A practical guide to recognising…

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Episode 1. The Pleasures and Perils of Genre

In the first episode of AndAlso: A Podcast, Heather and Jules dive into the world of improv genres, exploring the joys and challenges that come with playing in different styles. From heightened reality to absurd comedy, they discuss how genre shapes scenes, influences choices, and opens up…

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When to ignore your instincts

Hands up if you have heard something like this in an improv class: ‘Say the first thing that comes into your head.’ ‘Go with your gut.’ ‘You know the answer.’ ‘Just see what happens.’ (The last one is even the subtitle of our level one syllabus.) How many hands are…

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What’s in a game?

Game is a word that gets used a lot in improvisation. A lot. And being a wordy kind of guy, I am always cautious of words that get overused.; they get rough around the edges, lose their function. I like my words precise. Let’s start by defining the four most…

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Too much of a good thing

A couple of weeks ago, perhaps unsurprisingly, I was teaching a Harold class. New-ish to it, the class had just worked their way through the form. It had been fun, but difficult. Memories were stretched, brains overloaded. And as we finished, haltingly, unsure if the question was allowed, a…

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How to Speak to Humans – Part 1

After our announcement last week, I got quite a few emails. Some were requests, some ideas, some questions. And quite a few were asking me how I approach the slug problem. …

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Slugs, change and what to expect in the next year

After our announcement last week, I got quite a few emails. Some were requests, some ideas, some questions. And quite a few were asking me how I approach the slug problem. …

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