Shanghai Comedy Corner

This is part 12 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 12 deals with Del Close's legacy through his famous students (Bill Murray, Tina Fey, etc.), and his relationship with Keith Johnstone. Follow us on WeChat: SHCCPodcast

This is part 11 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 11 deals with the idea of "following the fear" (misinterpreted by a student as "follow the fun"). Great answer from improv giants! Follow us on WeChat: SHCCPodcast

This is part 10 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 10 deals with Del Close's philosophy for improv as applied to modern improv, and two of his major thoughts: "Cheers, not laughs" and the "theatre of the heart".

This is part 9 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 9 deals with memorable notes the panel members received from Del, his philosophy on developing scenes, and a very famous instance of his "trust exercise".

This is part 8 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 8 deals with a poster that a student spotted at the iO, and the influence of drugs on Del Close after he cleaned up his act.

This is part 7 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 7 deals with Del's personality and social interactions, his demons, and his use of drugs and alcohol.

This is part 6 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 6 deals with Del Close's teaching style.

This is part 5 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 5 deals with Del's style of giving notes and feedback...

This is part 4 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 4 deals with the Harold and its evolution.

This is part 3 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 3 deals with Del's "witchcraft", how Charna met Del, the Invocation, the first rule of improv and Westminster Kitchen Rules, and how the Harold came about.

This is part 2 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 2 deals with the panel members' most memorable experiences with Del, Del's place, his cats, his psychic powers, and his generosity. Follow us on WeChat: SHCCPodcast

This is part 1 (out of 12) of a panel discussion about Del Close, hosted by Charna Halpern at the iO Theatre in Chicago on August 9th, 2016. Charna Halpern, David Pasquesi, Cesar Jaime, Noah Gregoropoulos, and Kim Johnson answer questions from the audience. Part 1 deals with Del's famous opening monologues, his love of books, and Lenny Bruce. Follow us on WECHAT: SHCCPodcast

Nnamdi Ngwe teaches and performs improv everywhere, and especially in Chicago. He is part of recognized improv teams such as 3Peat and DelTones. Check out his webseries "Julius" on YouYube! Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Mick Napier co-founded the Annoyance Theatre and is a successful director, performer and producer in Chicago. He sat down for a Q&A session with the visiting cast of Zmack Shanghai. Questions asked: 1 Why did you choose to have your own theatre? 2 What’s your improv training? 3 What improvisers’ habits do you find annoying? 4 What to do in a scene? 5 Where does “Skinprov” come from? 6 What challenges do you face while running your theatre? 7 What advice would you give to people who want to do improv for a living? 8 Do you ever get tired of improv? 9 Is there anything that you have difficulty enjoying in improv? 10 How would you introduce a long-form performance at the beginning of a show? 11 How do you get out of your head (in a seemingly lame scene)? 12 What’s your philosophy as a teacher? 13 How would you define improv as a legitimate art form? 14 What about improv festivals? 15 What’s next for Mick Napier?

Megan Johns is the liveliest, most adorable and energetic teacher at the Annoyance that SCC was lucky to chat to! Undaunted, Megan positively powers through life with art and performances all around. Wechat: SHCCPodcast

Susan Messing is one of the most prolific, successful, and let’s say it, badass improvisers in Chicago – her own style of fearless acting has ensured her a place at the top and we are delighted to ask her a couple of questions in spite of her demanding schedule.

Farrell Walsh is not only a respected teacher and performer at iO, but also the artistic director of CIC Theatre, a non-profit venue for improv, sketches, and theatricals.

Kevin (Gerrity) and Zach (Barnz) have established themselves as the most sought-after underground theatre event in Chicago, where respect for the artist trumps everything else. SCC talks to idealists who have made an actual success out of their dreams.

SCC was in Chicago for 10 days and brings you back lots of mini interviews with the greatest theatre minds of Chicago! Today, listen to the Founder of the NeoFuturist school, Greg Allen.

Like a story? Then listen in to Paul Collins's incredible - but true - stories of writing in Lancaster, working in a kibbutz, pimping in KTVs, selling veneer, strange stripteases, and a stolen laptop! Paul is a British actor and comedian in Shanghai since 2006. Also find out in the announcements how to win 4 tickets to "Psycho Beach Party" opening today! Wechat: SHCCPodcast