The Backline

The Sonar Network

5.0 (1)
EDUCATION
UPDATED WEEKLY

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

4D AGO

Fresh Start

We all make mistakes—but how do we recover when they happen onstage? Is there a magic phrase an improviser can use to win the audience back? This week, Rob and Adam discuss the best strategies for recovering after bombing a scene. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

44 min
2025-12-23

The Backline Holiday Special 2025

This week Rob and Adam reflect on the year and give spread thanks to improv communities across the world: Ann Arbor, Chris the Cameraman, mentorship from Greg Yates, and never giving up on the dream of a Magnet House team. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

36 min
2025-12-11

Bulldozer

In this episode, Rob and Adam dive into the challenges of handling heavy offers, navigating information overload, and figuring out how to deal with unexpected “bulldozers” that can derail an improv scene. They break down practical strategies, share examples, and explore how to keep scenes playful, collaborative, and fun. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

52 min
2025-12-08

Touch the Lamassu!

This week, Rob and Adam tackle a tricky question: does your improv teacher have secrets to share, or are they full of it? With countless improv styles—many of them contradicting each other—it can be tough to know what to believe. Rob and Adam explore how improv ideas get passed down, why some “rules” stick, and how performers can figure out what’s actually useful. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

1h 3m
2025-12-01

From the Classroom to the Stage

This week Rob and Adam discuss the transitioning your skills from the classroom to the stage. Why is it so hard to do what works in an exercise, onstage in front of an audience? Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

57 min
2025-11-21

Spark-less

Rob and Adam talk about navigating your improv career, dealing with self-doubt, and having honest conversations with yourself about what's possible and what is probable. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

51 min
2025-11-14

Intelligence VS. Integrity

This week, Rob and Adam dsicuss the time-honoured tradition of playing to the "Top of their Intelligence" by having a very dumb discussion about characters, point of view, and what amount of "smart" are you required to bring with you onstage. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

46 min
2025-11-04

Offensive

Improv is not historically known for being offensive, but sometimes improvisers cross the line. Why is comedy so frequently associated with offense? Does comedy need to be provocative to be funny? What do you do if you offend your audience? All this and more. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

58 min

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PERFORMING ARTS