Chicago Improv Associates http://cia.libsyn.com Improv as a craft and an art form with emphasis on Zenprov, a mindful and skillful method for advancing Improv. en Marshall Stern, Nancy Howland Walker Chicago Improv Associates Liberated Syndication - libsyn.com podcasts@libsyn.com (Liberated Syndication) Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:20:00 GMT 180 The Art Of Improv and Zenprov Marshall Stern and Nancy Howland Walker host a series of podcasts about the art of Improv in general and Zenprov in particular. Improv, improv, zen, theater, actor, acting, spontanaeity, training, impulse, mindful Chicago Improv Associates info@chicagoimprovassociates.com Marshall Stern and Nancy Howland Walker http://libsyn.com/podcasts/cia/images/logomini.jpg Chicago Improv Associates http://cia.libsyn.com No 23.Zenprov : Music in Improv http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=355168# 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.

 

Chicago Improv Associates

]]> podcasts Wed, 2 Jul 2008 20:20:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=355168# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:46 music,improv,zen,actor,acting,melody,emotion Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov, Music In Improv Clean 22.Zenprov : Blocked (I Don't Care) http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=350881# 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.

 

 

Chicago Improv Associates

]]> podcasts Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:40:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=350881# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:32:46 Zen,Improv,Blocks,Creative,Buddha,meditation,stage,actor Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov, Blocked Clean 21.Zenprov : The Juice http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=337325# 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.

 

Chicago Improv Associates

]]> podcasts Thu, 8 May 2008 21:41:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=337325# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:32 juice,energy,improv,acting,zen,buddhism,buddha,chicago, Chicago Improv Associates 21: Zenprov- The Juice Clean 20.Zenprov : Brave New Workshop http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=333705# 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

Chicago Improv Associates

]]> podcasts Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:03:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=333705# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 01:05:32 Minneapolis, improv, zen, workshop, acting, teaching, zenprov Chicago Improv Associates 20: From The Brave New Workshop Clean 19.Zenprov : Challenges http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=320883# 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.

 

Chicago Improv Associates

]]> podcasts Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:15:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=320883# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:27:57 ego,acting,zen,improv,boundaries,conflict, Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov, Challenges Clean 18.Zenprov : Equanimity in Hell http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=317252# 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.

Chicago Improv Associates

 

]]> podcasts Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:10:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=317252# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:28:56 improv, acting, zen, Yes And, equanimity, Bhudda, gigs Chicago Improv Associates 18 Zenprov:Equanimity In Hell Clean 17.Zenprov : Life and Death http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=307090# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:16:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=307090# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:42 life, death,zen,buddhism,buddha,acting,actor,change,joy Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov, Life and Death Clean 16.Zenprov : Environmental Zen http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=301122# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:21:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=301122# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:46 Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov, Environmental Zen Clean 15.Zenprov : More Living, Auditions & Questions http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=296835# 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.

chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:14:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=296835# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:29:41 zen, improv, zenprov, acting, auditions, experience, working, choices Chicago Improv Associates More Living, Audition Viewpoint and Questions Clean 14.Zenprov : Making A Living http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=293756# 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.

 

chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Sat, 5 Jan 2008 22:38:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=293756# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:30:57 practical, zen, improv,acting, work, living, agency, security, impermanence Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov, Making a Living Clean 13.Zenprov : The Rules, Zenified http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=283329# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Sat, 1 Dec 2007 06:17:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=283329# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:30:54 improv, acting, zen, rules, questions. Yes And, Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov, The Rules-Zenified Clean 12.Zenprov : Narrative and Long Form http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=263790# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Sun, 7 Oct 2007 02:58:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=263790# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:10 Long Form, Story Arc, Characters, Polti, Campbell, Archtypes, Zen, Acting, Theater Chicago Improv Associates Narrative Long Form and Zenprov. Clean 11.Zenprov: Relationships http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=258705# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:30:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=258705# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:30:15 zen, improv, acting, relationships, power, control, ego, character, buddha Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov,relationships Clean 10.Zenprov: Characters http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=253551# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Fri, 7 Sep 2007 21:17:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=253551# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:45 characters, acting, improv, zen. buddha, truth, organic, seed Chicago Improv Associates Episode 10: Zenprov 3 D characters Clean 9.Zenprov: Group Mind http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=237828# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com

]]> podcasts Mon, 23 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=237828# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:32:22 zen. zenprov, improv, Chicago Improv Associates, Marshall Stern, Nancy Howland Walker, Group, dynamics, spirit, theater, comedy Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov,Group Mind Clean 8. Zenprov: You Can't Lie http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=234408# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:40:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=234408# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:30:54 Truth, Zen, Buddha, Improv, Actor, Acting, Show, Improvisation, Communication, Ego Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov 8, You Can't Lie Clean 7. Zenprov: It http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=231537# "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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Mon, 2 Jul 2007 21:48:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=231537# 00:30:35 Zen, Improv, Buddha, Buddhist, God, Acting, Actors, Truth, Tao, Chicago Improv Associates Episode 7: It Clean 6. Zenprov: Trust http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=225232# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:31:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=225232# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:35 trust,improv,actor,acting,comedy,exercises,improvisation,zen Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov 6 Clean 5. Zenprov: Effortless Effort (Wu Wei) http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=215072# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Tue, 15 May 2007 17:47:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=215072# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com Zen, buddhism,Buddha,improv,comedy,acting,theater,tao Chicago Improv Associates Effortless Effort Clean 4.Zenprov: Silence and Stillness http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=204419# Everything arises out of silence and returns there. Silence and stillness are explored along with practical exercises for incorporating these into your improv.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:29:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=204419# Chicago Improv Associates No 3. Zenprov: Listening http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=200831# The most important skill in Improv, Listening. Defining Deep Listening and how to do it.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Fri, 6 Apr 2007 21:14:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=200831# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:31:16 Improv, Zen, Spontaneous, Theater, Actor, Meditation Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov Clean 2. Zenprov:The Present Moment http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=198360# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:47:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=198360# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com Improv,improvisation,acting,actor,training,comedy,show,Chicago,Zen Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov Clean 1. Defining Zenprov http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=195246# 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.

 

Chicagoimprovassociates.com


]]> podcasts Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:01:00 GMT http://www.cia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=195246# info@chicagoimprovassociates.com 00:30:39 improv, Chicago, improvisation, comedy,zen, zenprov, acting, actor, training, corporate, show, Chicago Improv Associates Zenprov Clean