Episode 82: Improv Beyond the Theater

“What all my years in improvisation taught is that - if you’re going to grow as a performer - you have to try some new things. You’ve got to be willing to take a few risks.”
— Jack McBrayer
“With improv, it’s a combination of listening and not trying to be funny”
— Kristen Wiig

Improvisational comedy, often termed "improv," is seen by many as intimidating, impressive and surreal. Actors who can come up with answers and scenarios on the spot are treated as superhuman performers when the reality is quite different. As guest Kay Kelley helps describe in this episode, improv and everyday life are not so different. Both reward good listening, creativity and inventive thinking. As improv performers, we wanted to explore some memories we have of the format and how its philosophy can benefit anyone outside of a theatrical context.

Episode 82: Improv Beyond the Theater
Kip Clark and Kay Kelley
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Episode 81: Remembering David Bowie

“I loved David Bowie. We all did. Lonely people cracked open their closet doors because of him. Rabid fans in feathers drove thousands of miles for him. We stared at him in stadiums, on Broadway, on movie screens.”
— Elizabeth Mitchell, New York Daily News, Jan. 11, 2016
“But there are only two such artists who have immeasurably shaped my perspective as a music fan, critic, and aficionado for whom I can’t recount exactly how and why I found them: Prince and David Bowie.”
— Stereo Williams, The Daily Beast, Jan. 11, 2016

Since his passing over two months ago, we knew we wanted to discuss the public response to Bowie and the legacy he leaves behind. He was an artist, a visionary and so thoroughly involved throughout the experimental time in which he lived. But he also made choices during his life that some might question or condemn. We release this episode today because of necessary research and scheduling with our guest, Peter Wear. It is worth considering, given our delay, when we find it appropriate and worthwhile to mourn. How will we remember Bowie? What impact did he have on music and was he truly as singular as many describe him to be? What were his influences and how did he in turn influence spheres of fashion, music, celebrity and personal expression?

Episode 81: Remembering David Bowie
Kip Clark and Peter Wear
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Episode 80: The Right to Disloyalty

“I have learned to hate all traitors, and there is no disease that I spit on more than treachery.”
— Aeschylus, Ancient Greek Dramatist
“Though those that are betrayed do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor stands in the worst case of woe.”
— William Shakespeare

In a world where causes and sincerity are increasingly valued, we are very quick to label those who come to stand against as "traitors". Despite our language of simple dichotomies, between heroes and traitors, loyalty and betrayal, these ideas are more complex than they might appear. Can the individual offer their loyalty to more than one cause? Does the concept of loyalty allow for natural and inevitable human growth and change? This week we welcome Gabe Brison-Trezise to discuss some of these nuances and to explore their implications in our lives and the decisions we make.

Episode 80: The Right to Disloyalty
Kip Clark and Gabe Brison-Trezise
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Episode 79: "What Does the Academy Value in a Black Performance?"

“Black men have been up for best actor Oscars only 20 times. 13 of those characters were arrested. 15 were violent.”
— Brandon K. Thorp, The New York Times
“Of the 10 black women ever up for best actress Oscars, all played characters in poverty. 9 were homeless or nearly so.”
— Brandon K. Thorp, The New York Times

Given the popularity, influence and relevance of movies in America, the Oscars often present opportunities for cultural and historical consideration. This year, the lack of any black nominees at the Oscars caused massive outcries in response from audiences and actors alike. Social media conversations like #OscarsSoWhite remind us that the discontent is genuine and its roots in issues of race are deep. We chose to explore this issue through a New York Times article discussing black actors and actresses in the history of the Oscars.

Episode 79: "What Does the Academy Value in a Black Performance?"
Kip Clark and Caroline Borders
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Episode 78: Donald Trump, Wisdom and Walls

“And he might say he was joking or he’s changed his mind about any of these things, and private individuals are allowed to change their minds - we all do it. But when he’s sworn in as president on January 20th, 2017 - on that day, his opinions are going to matter.”
— John Oliver of Last Week Tonight
“I hate how he exploits people’s fears instead of appealing to their aspirations, their better angels. I hate how he gives people license to say hateful things. I understand why Trump’s backers are angry, and I don’t subscribe to the theory that most of them are bigots. But they are condoning bigotry.”
— Ron Fournier, The Atlantic

In less than a year, Donald Trump has made a profound impact in the political, media and social spheres of the United States. Some are enthralled by his relentless fervor, confidence and promises to "Make America Great Again". Others, understandably are disgusted by the Islamophobia, racism, sexism and derogatory remarks he has made towards journalists, political rivals and everyone in between. Beyond the public reaction, it is important for each of us to consider not only our responses to the current Republican front-runner but our own values, concerns and perceptions. Is hatred an appropriate response to a man who has shown the terrifying influence of hatred? Do our discussions on social media promote recognition of his name? Undoubtedly, we must confront the political juggernaut he has become and the deep-seated problems he has revealed. Will we do so civilly or will Donald Trump's legacy be the spark of a greater conflagration?

Episode 78: Donald Trump, Wisdom and Walls
Kip Clark and Caroline Borders
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