Touch Baseball

New Substack Post! Is it a Punchline or a Button? Ryan recently wrote about how “trying to be funny” in our improv scenes (and we’re talking specifically about long form improv, here) creates the kind of pressure that distracts us from taking our characters - and their authentic feelings - seriously. Think about your favorite comedic characters from movies and TV […] None of them think they’re funny. They’re not telling jokes (“That’s what she said” excluded). They’re trying to succeed, to be loved, to protect their pride, to get what they want. The comedy comes from how sincerely they pursue those things.

Touch Baseball

We’re starting a Substack! Between working at @improvshopstl, teaching, performing, and traveling, we spend a lot of time talking about improv. This is our attempt to capture some of those thoughts instead of just rambling at each other in the car. We’ll publish once a week (Tuesdays), and we already have a small backlog up if you want to see what it’s about. Most pieces will be free, with a couple deeper-dive essays each month for paid subscribers. If you’ve taken a workshop, seen a show, or found something useful in our work, this is another way to stay connected. And if you’ve ever asked how to support the team with travel and production costs, a paid subscription is one way to do that and deeply appreciated. https://touchbaseballimprov.substack.com/ Thank you for being here.

Nathan Engle

Hello dear friends and fellow improvisers! This Saturday, February 28th at 4pm on Sidestage, is the next Open Window story telling event. Come share with other improvisers and people things that make you you, and get to know others in the community. And sometimes I bring snacks! Here are the optional prompts to think about: 1. An experience being/having an elder. (Sibling, person of importance, or just when you felt old or young) 2. What would you choose to be the most televised event in the world 3. A POC who has made a difference in your life. 4. What non-American holidays have you participated in or enjoyed? Even though there aren’t any Valentine’s Day themes, I love you all and hope to see you there!