The Improv Chronicle Podcast Yeah, But That's Not Improv, Is It?
Nov 21, 2023
Will Naameh, improvised hip-hop performer MC Hammersmith; Hannah Platts, improvised musical and Tiny Stories performer; Jim Fishwick, theatre producer and improv festival co-director. They debate improv as a medium versus distinct genres. They discuss how teaching can lock styles, audience expectations shaping shows, gatekeeping around formats, and practical fixes like teaching tools rather than rules.
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Medium Versus Genre Distinction
- Improv is a medium distinct from genres like short-form comedy; conflating them limits creativity.
- Jim Fishwick compares musical theatre and comics to show the same medium can host many genres, freeing artists from stylistic limits.
Conquering One Style Feels Like 'Improv Done'
- Hannah Platts describes people claiming one skill equals all improv, like 'I'm great at puns so this is improv.'
- She uses her acting background to show improv's flexibility: anyone can play any role regardless of appearance.
Audience Preconceptions Can Be Changed
- Hannah recounts audiences saying "I hate improv but I liked that" after seeing different formats like improvised musicals.
- She stresses shows vary hugely—same company different nights can attract non-improv fans by mixing genres.
