Posts Tagged ‘longform improv’
This Week In Great Intro Songs: Salt N Pepa’s “Shoop”
Posted by mouse | Filed under Resources for improvisers, Talkin' Shop - We talk improv, The Mouse
I owe Levin an apology, even though I think I’ve apologized for this earlier. About 2 years ago, when USS was trying to come up with a uniformly-accepted song to play before our shows (aka “Our Song”), we couldn’t find a perfect fit. Levin proposed we all bring a different song every week, and we [...]
Theme Stuff
Posted by mouse | Filed under Talkin' Shop - We talk improv, The Mouse
…and theme and stuff. Our team thinks and talks a lot about the theme of a show. A LOT about it. Tons. Way more than any other team I’ve been a part of, and I’ve been a part of 4 or 5 teams*. But a while back we did a show that really gnawed at [...]
My Toddler the Anomaly Cop
Posted by mouse | Filed under Talkin' Shop - We talk improv, The Mouse
In our rehearsals lately, we’ve been focusing on two big things, both of which are seemingly basic, yet difficult to master. They are: 1.) Follow the first thing, and 2.) Take note of any anomalies. The first one is easy to understand: whatever is first initiated, that’s what you’re scene is about. Don’t start one [...]
“The Perfect Sketch” via The Dandy
Posted by mouse | Filed under Big Ups - Other improv teams that rule, Business, Resources for improvisers, The Dandy, The Perfect Sketch, Videos
Last week, I made a bold statement on what I considered to be “the Perfect Sketch,” not knowing what a firestorm my claim would set off. Here’s how The Dandy responded: The perfect sketch? I’m watching it right now and I can’t stop laughing. It is “The Story Of Everest” from Mr. Show and here [...]
This Week In INCREDIBLE Posters: “Cavalia”
Posted by mouse | Filed under News, Outside Projects, The Mouse
I’m surrounded by posters, and I think I read them all. People put work into them, and I almost feel I need to pay them the respect of at least a glance. But nothing could have prepared me for the majesty that is… “Cavalia.” “Cavalia!” So wonderous. “Cavalia!” So horse sexy. “Cavalia!” So bleach blonde [...]
The Shift
Posted by mouse | Filed under News, Resources for improvisers, Shows, The Mouse
Dedicated readers of this and other improv blogs may already know that USS Rock n’ Roll has changed show nights. For the first time since our inception, we will no longer be playing Tuesdays at 9:00pm as we have been moved to Wednesdays at 9:00pm. This has forced us to trade rehearsal nights, as we [...]
Historic Improvisers: The Trojan Horse
Posted by mouse | Filed under Historic Improvisers, The Mouse
Imagine with me, if you will, a time when the great people in our planet’s history had a chance to show off their skills on an improv stage. How would they perform? What would be their best traits, their weaknesses, their go-to’s? We ask that question and take it on, breaking down their hypothetical abilities [...]
Song Story Mysteries: “Murder Was The Case”
Posted by mouse | Filed under music
In improv, they say you should avoid story because it’s difficult. Difficult to do well, difficult to keep going, and difficult to follow for the audience. The same can often be said for story in music, and that’s enough transition for today. Most of the time, the stories of songs don’t have to make much [...]
Improv Fashion: Converse All Stars
Posted by mouse | Filed under News, The Mouse
USS Rock n’ Roll is a very fashion forward improv team. Or at least we’re aware that such a concept exists. But in all our pushing of fashion boundries (pushing them forward, of course), the fact that at any time more than half our team wears the same brand/style of shoe on stage puts us [...]
Video Learning: Del Close Interview Un-Earthed
Posted by mouse | Filed under News, The Mouse, Videos
I don’t know exactly who found this, but I’m going to give the credit to the good Bob McNichol for putting it on YouTube. The following is a Chicago clip from a 1986 public access show (produced by Brian Stack, no less) on Del Close describing the origins and possibilities of the Harold.
