by Jules Munns, Director of Studies ‘I love improv’, said a student, looking me intently in the eyes, ‘It’s so much cheaper than a shrink’. We are leaning on a bar after class (his third). He bottom-lips beer froth off a thick mustache and looks towards the dartboard, considering what…
Stoicism is one of those words that, through careless usage, has come adrift from its origins. Like ‘awesome’, or ‘literally’. With a small ‘s’, it just means enduring hardship without displaying emotions. But with its imperious capital letter, Stoiscism is a rich and immediate philosophy. It doesn’t deny or minimise…
Come to my improv class (we tell you) and be (we promise you) finally, truly free! Step into the void and discover that others will catch you. You may even catch yourself. You were worried about tripping, but instead you soar on liberated wings. Dream with me, little one. Improv…
I don’t read many improv books. I mean, I have read a few, but when I do, I find my mind wandering. Static verbal descriptions of a dynamic artform are not for me – I’d rather be doing it, or at least talking about it. Ideally both, back and forward.
Did I pique your interest with that provocative title? Are you primed to splutter indignantly? Have I sold out and written deliberate clickbait? Am I desperate? Or am I blindly, insensitively universalising my own tastes? (But then, don’t we all?) I expect all of the above are true, but so…
We are pretty sure that Heather got COVID the week before the first lockdown in the UK. It was before tests were available, but she was unable to taste anything, so in retrospect, it seems likely. Being responsible people, and with a lack of clear information, we locked ourselves down.
Last week, I wrote about improv myths and how they get in our way. I gleefully swiped at strawmen too absent to respond. I enjoyed it, and it seemed to strike a chord with some people. (Thanks for the emails – I actually love getting emails.) It’s both easy and…
It was my birthday this week, so I have decided to allow myself a rant. Partly, because as a friend of mine observed, I have no humble opinions, and partly because now that I am in my forties, I am expected to develop a suite of tedious, repetitive opinions. There…
Hello. We are Heather and Jules, and this is Andalso, an improv company just emerging, blinking, into the light. There is a website now and even a Facebook page. Those things in themselves feel huge to us. Vulnerable. …
