Q: What are the main changes you鈥檝e seen in the styles used by improv comedians? In the audience?
A: In terms of style, I have noticed there is more emphasis on character development, emotional commitment and transformation. There is also a great diversity among the styles and philosophies within the art form and VTSL. Some improvisers are more verbal than others. Some are more physical than others. They come from different backgrounds as well 鈥� stand-up, sketch, theatre, film and TV. Some are passionate and excel at short-form improv and others are committed to long-form improv. As for the audience, when I first got involved with 麻豆传媒映画TheatreSports, the crowd seemed a lot younger 鈥� like doing shows at a college or university. Now our audiences are very diverse and the age of the people who attend our shows has really opened up. Whether it鈥檚 age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc. The more diverse the audience mix, the more diverse the work onstage is. 聽
What hasn鈥檛 changed is that every night audiences can expect a new show as all our shows are unscripted and we always rely on creative and fun suggestions from the audience to help move along the onstage action.
Q: How has technology and digital media helped with the shows?
A: Certainly for our sound improvisers the advancement of technology has enabled them to contribute more to shows. In the early days, all sound effects and music was all on cassette. There is only so much you can put on cassettes and then there is the matter of cuing them up to the right place at the right time. Nowadays they use hard drive replay systems and computers, so to get a certain sound or song, they just need to type in the title and the effect is cued in seconds. The sound and lighting improviser adds another unexpected 鈥� and unscripted 鈥� element to each scene. They have the ability to make or break a scene or show.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment(s) since joining VTSL?
A: A big moment that stands out for me was when we were presented with a cheque for $489,000 from Canadian Heritage at the opening gala of the Improv Centre in 2010. The funding allowed us to have a performance space of our very own. It鈥檚 an incredible theatre for improv and we are extremely grateful.
Q: Any really embarrassing moments you鈥檇 like to share? 聽
A: I have many. Do you have a few hours? 聽
Q: Do you have a family? If so, what do your kids think about what you do?
A: I have a 10-year-old boy who thinks I have the best job in the world. At the opening night of Throwback TheatreSports, he whispered to me, 鈥淒ad, you have the best actors ever!鈥� 聽
Q: What is your favourite thing about improv and VTSL?
A: My favourite thing about my job is creating opportunities for people that have the same passion as I do. There are many aspects of improv that can enrich people鈥檚 perspective on life. Being in the moment, taking risks, tapping into
your creative self and building on the ideas of others are just a few things we learn from improv.
