The Backline

The Sonar Network
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Canadian Comedy Award winners Rob Norman and Adam Cawley discuss weekly improv-based topics based on a theme.

  1. 25 juin

    The Back Row

    This week Adam and Rob discuss competition, egalitarianism, and how the politics of the classroom affect improv teams, shows, and theatres. Should improv delineate between amateur and professional? What's the best way to transition students into shows with experienced vets? Also, Backrooms is like Obsession but for babies. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    1 h 7 min

  2. 16 juin

    Longform Loves Openers

    This week on Backline, Rob and Adam break down their favourite longform openers and put them to the test, ranking different approaches based on flexibility, inspiration, ease of execution, and how well they serve the show that follows. From monologues to monologs to organic openings, they discuss the strengths and pitfalls of each approach and why certain openers work better for certain ensembles Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    1 h 8 min

  3. 10 juin

    Bubble Letters

    This week on Backline, Rob and Adam explore how improvisers can create characters with greater depth, vulnerability, and gravitas. Beyond funny voices and quirks, what makes a character feel like a real person? The hosts discuss techniques for building emotional weight, making meaningful choices, and finding humanity in even the most heightened scenes. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    1 h 8 min

  4. 4 juin

    Pulling Premises

    This week on Backline, Rob and Adam tackle one of the most fundamental skills in longform improv: pulling premises from a monologue and turning them into strong scene initiations. What information should you actually be listening for? Which details are useful, and which are likely to send you down a dead end? Rob and Adam break down the difference between jokes and playable premises, discuss common mistakes improvisers make when mining openings, and explore how to identify the ideas most likely to generate dynamic scenes. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    1 h 11 min

  5. 29 mai

    The Competitive Spark

    This week on Backline, Rob and Adam dig into the competitive spark inside improv — when it helps, when it hurts, and how great scene partners turn rivalry into fuel instead of friction. They talk about using your partner’s moves to elevate your own game, navigating ambition in ensemble work, and why the best improvisers push each other without trying to “win” the scene. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    48 min

  6. 22 mai

    The Undisputed Longform Champion of the World

    What's better? Harold or Armando? Spokane or Close Quarters? This week, Rob and Adam help a new team choose their signature longform format through a grueling bracket of 18 possible formats. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    1 h 8 min

  7. 12 mai

    Paying the Tax

    This week Rob and Adam, discuss the painful but necessary process of “Paying the Tax” , while trying to stay present, apply class lessons, and putting in the reps. Despite all of that, the laughs still aren’t coming. If you’ve ever felt stuck between learning and getting laughs, this episode is for you. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    59 min

  8. 5 mai

    Rehearsal Vibes

    This week, Rob and Adam open up the Backline Mailbag and find, wouldn’t you know it, two questions about rehearsal. In this episode they discuss the strange shift that happens when rehearsal turns into performance — why things that feel easy in practice suddenly feel impossible on stage. They talk about whether it’s okay to revisit ideas that worked before, and why a team that looks great in rehearsal might struggle in front of an audience. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

    48 min
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À propos

Canadian Comedy Award winners Rob Norman and Adam Cawley discuss weekly improv-based topics based on a theme.

Informations

  • Créateur
    The Sonar Network
  • Années d’activité
    2014 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    61
  • Classement
    Contenu explicite
  • Site Web de l’émission
    The Backline

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