Episodes

  • Narrative Longfrom

    Narrative Longfrom
    Jun 27 2025
    This week Rob and Adam discuss story-structure, the limitations of modular improv, and how to create simple narratiaves for your improv show. Thanks to Garrett for his contribution to the Backline Mailbag. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    49 mins
  • Too Big

    Too Big
    Jun 18 2025
    This week Rob and Adam discuss nuanced characters, creating active audience members, and avoiding going "too big" in a scene. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    47 mins
  • Body Movin’

    Body Movin’
    Jun 16 2025
    This week Rob and Adam discuss finding the fun in physicality, object work for your improv essay and the antidote for Talking Heads Syndrome. Also covered: playing negative, not judging yourself, and Adam admits he was wrong about stacks/sacks. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    55 mins
  • Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

    Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
    Jun 1 2025
    This week Rob and Adam discuss what to do when your improv team breaks up, and how to move forward with the artform you love. Also, a birthday week, reconnecting after a long break, and the Backline Stacks VS. Sacks 2025 debate. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    48 mins
  • Barprov

    Barprov
    May 21 2025
    While there are many different forms of improvisation, there are none more derided than Barprov. This week Rob and Adam discuss crowds, controlling the room, and why improv performed outside of a theatre is classified as it's own format. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    44 mins
  • Questions Only & The Mysteries of Season Nine

    Questions Only & The Mysteries of Season Nine
    May 14 2025
    This week Rob and Adam pull a handful of questions from the Backline Mailbag to discuss casting an improv show, creating community, building energy throughout a show, teaching a new workshop, and support scenes. Also, a mystery. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    53 mins
  • Starting It Off Right

    Starting It Off Right
    May 7 2025
    It's the launch of Season 9! Rob and Adam discuss how to start off a monoscene, things to avoid in your initiation, and finding a nonverbal, secret contract between you and your scene partner. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    52 mins
  • Three Ghosts of Improv

    Three Ghosts of Improv
    Dec 24 2024
    It's the season finale of The Backline. This episode Adam and Rob reflect, vivisect, and/or project the past, present, and future of improv. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    34 mins