Inspired by a post by Lauren Morris on diversity and a comment by Ann Crippen, pointing out the need to deal with diversity issues in Improv. With our special guest Dale Smith, longtime Zenprov listener and Director of Marketing for SAK Comedy Lab in Orlando, we explore a zen approach at understanding the issue of diversity, inclusiveness and what it says about the health of our art form as well as thigh health of our individual projects. http://www.Chicagoimprovassociates.com...
Aug 12, 2017•31 min
With the election of Donald Trump creating a wave of strong reactions around the world politics is currently a very important and relevant subject to include in your shows. It is also a minefield that can leave people offended and angry and leave any troupe ultimately very lonely on show nights. This episode deals with using the Buddha's tests for Right Speech to ensure you are coming from a pure and loving place so that you can effectively communicate with your audience. It can also be used in ...
Jan 17, 2017•34 min
Our first post heart transplant episode talks about our experiences in the hospital and beyond with the greatest lesson we both learned from this experience. This is all about Surrender. We have talked about letting go and trusting in the past. This is light years beyond that. Surrender is an order of magnitude beyond anything we have talked about before. Enjoy! www.chicagoimprovassociates.com
Jun 05, 2016•32 min
In September we received a request from a listener to do a short Podcast on the subject of Buddai which everyone thinks is the Buddha. You've seen the little smiling fat guy in Chinese restaurants? That's Buddai. In this short Podcast we will tell you all about Buddai and why he is so often confused with the Buddha. Chicago Improv Associates
Jan 09, 2016•33 min
On our 60th Episode we go to the fundamental ground of everything as we discuss the role of Love in our performance and our preparation as well as our daily lives. Chicago Improv Associates
Sep 22, 2015•36 min
Back from a ten day intensive Vipassana retreat Nancy and Marshall share their experiences and insights in this somewhat extended Episode. Chicago Improv Associates
Aug 03, 2015•40 min
In a few days Nancy and Marshall will be attending a ten day intensive silent meditation retreat known as Vipassana. Issues related to meditation and letting go are discussed in preperation for the retreat. This is the first part of a two parter, the second half of which will be recorded and uploaded after the ten day Vipassana. Chicago Improv Associates
Jul 20, 2015•33 min
Understanding the Nature of the True Self as opposed to remaining stuck in your ego is the key to solving any number of issues in your performance and your life. In this Episode Nancy and Marshall explore the ins and outs of accessing the Source of Genius by becoming who you really are. www.chicagoimprovassociates.com
Mar 11, 2015•29 min
Some of the most important concepts in Buddhism are Impermanence and Dependent Co-Arising which will be discussed in this episode in the context of the constantly changing reality of the world and how to ride the wave of change rather than getting lost in it. www.chicagoimprovassociates.com
Nov 23, 2014•32 min
The core of Zen Buddhist thought is the Four Noble Truths and the Noble eightfold path which get very specific about the characteristics you need to develop in yourself for a succesful life. They also happen to apply ver well to improv as well as you will find out when you listen to this episode. Chicago Improv Associates
May 07, 2014•31 min
In this episode we discuss short term (right before the show) and long term (for rehearsals and in daily life) things you can do to prepare and improve your performance and of course, most importantly your life. We have a lot of practical exercises in this one. Chicago Improv Associates
Feb 12, 2014•36 min
In a scene we want and audience to see only the character but the actor must be present as well if in a diminished backstage way. This balance which must be struck between the improviser, the character and the ultimate Actor is the topic of this Episode. Chicago Improv Associates
Jan 11, 2014•28 min
In that past we have discussed short form improv and long form improv. Today we are discussing the longest form of improv there is, an Improvised Life!
Jul 15, 2013•32 min
As Improvisers we are taught early on that we must say yes. In this episode we explore the full implications of this word and the attitude you must cultivate to fully engage with the spirit of yes. Does this mean the word and the idea are deeper than we normally think of? YES! Chicago Improv Associates
Mar 24, 2013•32 min
Last Podcast we revealed our Unified Field Theory of Zenprov which cebters around using emotion as a doorway to the Source. Since then we have taught workshops in the UK and have learned some lessons about emotions we are sharing in this podcast. This marks the beginning of an exploration into the world of Emotion looked at in a new light that will transform your performance and your life. Chicago Improv Associates...
Jul 09, 2012•32 min
After publishing E=MC2, Einstein spent the rest of his life in an unfulfilled search for a Unified Field Theory which could explain all tyhe physics of the universe in one elegant formula. He failed but we have succeeded. In this episode we share the discovery we made about a year ago that we have been tyesting and working out ever since. Now at last we are ready to share it. How's that for a sales pitch? Seriously though this episode centers on the one essential beginning middle and end seed of...
Mar 01, 2012•32 min
Studies find that people are more creative when they are performing a task for others. Can this be because their ego is not engaged? We explore this and other issues in an exploration of the role of the ego in the creative process. Chicago Improv Associates
Aug 06, 2011•31 min
After a long layoff we are back and on this episode we discuss the idea of space as in creating your space in all its dimensions and how to make sure your intention is communicated by how you create your space. Chicago Improv Associates
Aug 05, 2011•32 min
A scene is composed of many moving parts including, characters, relationships, objectives and environment. We have discovered a tool that you can use to simultaneously and effortlessly create three dimensions in all of these areas so that everything you bring to the stage passes the test of authenticity.
Feb 01, 2011•31 min
Yes, it's a corny, New Agey, bad play on words, but actually being Nowerful is amazing. In this Episode we explore the ramifications of being and not being in the present moment and how that relates to your life and performance. We also go into a deeper way of looking at Yes And. Chicago Improv Associates
Dec 09, 2010•32 min
It is said that a fish does not know water because it is surrounded by it and in taking it for granted does not notice it. In the same way, habitual behavior on our part keeps us from seeing the sea of miracles in which we swim. I this episode we attempt to make the invisible visible. Chicago Improv Associates
Nov 04, 2010•32 min
Failure and the fear it engenders can stop us from reaching our full potential and living a joyful life. In this episode we discuss how to embrace failure as a positive thing and how just a little bit of space can make all the difference. Chicago Improv Associates
Sep 11, 2010•34 min
There are three doorways that lead to freedom from the blocks that keep you from being fully present. In this episode we discuss the importance of being fully present, what those three doorways are and how to enter them to free yourself. As always this is then related to Improv.
Jul 30, 2010•31 min
What is the difference between knowing something and believing something? It seems like almost the same thing but the difference is all important. In this podcast we discuss the importance of knowing what you know, and not knowing what you don't know. Believing is not the same as knowing and knowing is everything. Chicago Improv Associates
Jul 12, 2010•33 min
Why is Attention so powerful ? In this episode we discuss Attention, what it is and how to use it. As usual we cover attention in your stagecraft as well as in your life. Chicago Improv Associates
Jun 13, 2010•32 min
Sparked by ideas presented in our Yesand.Com article. we take a deeper look at the role of Art and Craft in Improv. We define Art and Craft and explain why both are necessary to creating works of genius. Chicago Improv Associates
May 24, 2010•32 min
We are back after a long hiatus due to health issues with an episode about the difference between direct experiential living and the mode of thought that keeps us living in an ongoing narration of our lives. Of course we also deal with how this relates to your performance of Improv as well as your life. The parable of the finger and the moon are used to illustrate this point. Chicago Improv Associates...
Mar 24, 2010•31 min
With Marshall having had a small heart attack and facing a risky third bypass operation, we take this situation and opportunity to talk about Zen in action and how it works in practice. Even with all of that it is still connected to the art of Improv. http://www.ChicagoImprovAssociates.com
Dec 24, 2009•29 min
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. Chicago Improv Associates
Oct 07, 2009•32 min
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.
Jul 06, 2009•32 min
