Wed, 7 October 2009  Playing it safe will keep you from making any big goof ups but it will also keep you from brilliance. Learning to hear and trust the Source of Genuis is discussed with some practical tips at the end for how to accomplish this consistently. Comments[0] |
Mon, 6 July 2009 For many of us our relationships and our lives are built around varying degrees of fending off attacks and setting up defences. What we fail to realize is that all attack is defence and all defence is impossible. In this episode we explore the idea of defenslessness as the strongest position both in life and as an actor.
Direct download: Episode_35_Attack_and_Defenselessness.mp3Category: podcasts -- posted at: 3:59 PM Comments[2] |
Wed, 27 May 2009 Upon returning from our Cross Atlantic adventure we discuss the lessons of a month spent teaching and travelling. Special focus upon the idea of applying Zen lessons to everyday life in a way that enhances your life as well as your art. Everything is a gift, it's all in the way you use your mind.
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Wed, 15 April 2009 What does being awake look like? What keeps us from waking up? How do we know if and when we are awake? This episode builds on, and is a continuation of the last one, on Symbols. Waking up and living in a fully conscious state is not as hard nor as far away as you may think.
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Mon, 16 March 2009 We live in a universe of symbols, some of which we are conscious of and some of which we are not. In this Episode we discuss symbols as tools that can be used to build deep meanings in our scenework, lend textures to our characters and of course, add depth to our lives as well.
Direct download: Episode_32_Symbols-_The_Language_Of_The_Dream.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 6:40 PM Comments[0] |
Fri, 6 March 2009 The Zen approach to Teaching and Directing have in common, the goal of guiding actors to the Source of Genius. In this Episode, Marshall and Nancy discuss Zen Teaching methods and philosophies and talk in depth about the realities and potential pitfalls to be avoided whether you are teaching, directing or performing or all three at once.
Direct download: Episode_31_The_Zen_Of_Teaching_and_Directing.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 7:39 PM Comments[0] |
Fri, 20 February 2009 The wheel as represented by the Yin Yang symbol is in constant dynamic motion. When we recognize this, we understand impermanence and learn to flow with the ever changing nature of the present moment. In this episode we discuss how to use this knowledge to find the source of genius. Practical methods are shared for syncing up with the great turning of the Dharma Wheel.
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Mon, 5 January 2009 Realtionships in Improv Troupes. Are they good, bad or something else? What are the ideal relationships to have within the Improv milleau? What is a relationship in the Zen sense of reality? Do mixed marriages work? Lots of questions, surprising answers.
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Thu, 27 November 2008 A deeper exploration of the issue of trust and how it relates to your paradigm. How changing your perspective can free you to trust all the time and free you and your work.
Direct download: Episode_28_Trust_Confidence_and_Control.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 8:29 PM Comments[0] |
Sat, 18 October 2008 What is a moment and how powerful is it? In this episode we explore this topic and introduce methods for finding and living in the present moment.
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Wed, 10 September 2008 This episode examines Short Form improv. We discuss the oft overlooked positive side of Short Form, taking a look at the unique skill sets and important elements of this commercially viable and often undervalued form of Improv.
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Mon, 25 August 2008 A square is a rectangle but a rectangle is not necessarily a square. An improvisor is an actor but an actor is not neccesarily an improvisor. This episode centers on why Improvisors should do legit theater and Actors should do Improv.
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Wed, 16 July 2008 Marshall's dear friend Michael Aronoff who is a Buddhist meditation teacher and yoga instructor talks with Marshall and Nancy about what is zen and how it relates to improv. This is the Zen side of Zenprov.
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Wed, 2 July 2008 Music is often an integral part of Improv. Why is it important? What exactly is music? How do you do it well? What is the Zen approach to Music? We cover all of this and more.
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Wed, 18 June 2008 Blocked or I Don't Care. In this Episode we cover the dreaded blocks that happen from time to time to every creative person, from a personal perspective. We look at how blocks occur, what brings them on and most importantly how to deal with them.
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Thu, 8 May 2008 Where do you find the Juice that makes scenes compelling to watch and allows you to create scenes that unfold in an organic way? How can you use these techniques to make your life better off stage? Episode 21 explores the topic of Objectives in life and on stage.
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Mon, 28 April 2008 On the weekend of April 26th/27th we conducted our first Zenprov weekend intensive at the Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis. The Brave New Workshop or BNW as it is known, is the oldest improv theater in the country (that's right, older than Second City) and it's teaching arm, The Brave New Institute, places a high value on organic improv. At end of the weekend workshop we sat down for an hour with the students and teachers of BNW and the result is this Podcast. Enjoy. P.S.- If you would like to arrange for us to come and do a workshop in your town please contact us at info@ChicagoImprovAssociates.com Direct download: Episode_20_From_The_Brave_New_Workshop.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 2:03 PM Comments[0] |
Mon, 24 March 2008 There is a range of experience in life which either expands our boundaries or keeps us within our comfort zones. Moving beyond boundaries involves a desire for challenges which is a vital part of the Zenprov experience. How we meet challenges and the consequences of doing so are explored.
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Thu, 13 March 2008 There are ideal circumstances in which to perform. We rarely get to experience working in ideal situations and sometimes we find ourselves having to perform with everything seemingly arrayed against us. How do we achieve balance and turn a challenging gig into a huge success? The secret is equanimity.
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Wed, 13 February 2008 If you want to be totally alive, which is to say be totally present, it means you have to be present with everything. In this Episode we explore the need to come to terms with the reality of death as a metaphor and as a gatekeeper. Death and change which is the defining fact of life are inseparable, therefore, paradoxically, life and death are inseparable. How does this relate to improv? Listen and you'll find out.
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Mon, 28 January 2008 A scene takes place somewhere and an actor must interact with this somewhere. Where does the somewhere come from and what is the purpose of all the elements of the where? As usual we take a zen approach to answering these questions.
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Tue, 15 January 2008 In this Episode we add some more thoughts on making a living as an improviser including some practical suggestions. We then cover the topic of auditioning and how to make them worthwhile even if you don't get the gig. Finally we answer some great questions posed by you, our listeners. Direct download: Episode_15_More_Living_Auditions__Questions.mp3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 4:14 AM Comments[1] |
Sat, 5 January 2008 Zen is nothing if not practical. After all, it is all about what is. In this episode we address the question of whether or not you can make a living and a life using Improv. The answer is yes...and no. As in all things Zen the answer must include you in the equation. The answer can only be supplied by you, but we help by framing the important questions. As usual we offer some practical tips.
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Sat, 1 December 2007 Every Improvisor knows "The Rules" which are Improv Holy Scripture. Marshall and Nancy go through "The Rules" and give a Zen interpretation which transforms the rules to useful tools.
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Sat, 6 October 2007 How does Zenprov approach long form Narrative style Improv? Topics discussed include essential elements and story arc. The left brain knowledge is important in creating a cohesive narrative but the zen elements of Presence and Truth make the difference in breathing life into your show. Reading and Practicum are discussed as well.
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Sun, 23 September 2007 The character/ego exists and is defined by it's relation to other characters and its' environement. In this episode we explore the workings of the ego in groups. By understanding and studying the roles we play in real life we can transfer that knowledge to the stage and create realistic and compelling scenes. Status, control and power are explored as well.
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Fri, 7 September 2007 How do you create 3 dimensional characters that live and evolve and have a truth to them that breathes life into them? We explore, in this episode, what a character is and how it relates to your own ego and how that is formed. In addition to the theoretical discussion there are practical exercises for developing spontaneous full characters.
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Sun, 22 July 2007 Improv is a group activity and the functioning of the group as such is essential to high performance standards. How does a group of diverse individuals acheive a state of shared access to the Source of genius and what are some of the pitfalls generally encountered on the way. This podcast is a must for Directors and anyone interested in optimizing the group dynamics of their troupe.
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Wed, 11 July 2007 We are made of Truth. It is our nature. You can fight it but in one way or another the Truth always shows. Ask Bush if you don't believe us. This episode focuses on how to use this to your advantage as an actor.
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Mon, 2 July 2007 "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao", Lao Tsu from the Tao Te Ching. In this Podcast we discuss The Source of Genius source as simply, It. This is the theoretical underpinning for Zenprov.
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Wed, 13 June 2007 Episode 6 focuses on trust as an essential element for brilliant improv and defines trust as a place rather than something that exists between others and self. Theoretical as well as practical applications are discussed.
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Tue, 15 May 2007 Wu Wei, or Effortless Effort is the paradox at the heart of Zen and a good understanding of this principle is essential for applying Zenprov in your performance and your daily life as well.
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Mon, 16 April 2007 Everything arises out of silence and returns there. Silence and stillness are explored along with practical exercises for incorporating these into your improv.
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Fri, 6 April 2007 The most important skill in Improv, Listening. Defining Deep Listening and how to do it.
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Fri, 30 March 2007 We begin to explore in detail the elements of Zenprov. In this episode we focus on the importance of the present moment as it relates to Improv and life.
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Thu, 22 March 2007 In the inaugural podcast, Marshall and Nancy introduce themselves and discuss the origins and philosophical basis for Zenprov. The "rules" are re-examined and given a zen perspective as well as a preview of what some of the coming episodes will focus on. Oh yeah, it's fun too.
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Chicago Improv Associates Improv as a craft and an art form with emphasis on Zenprov, a mindful and skillful method for advancing Improv.
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