Yes, Also Yes, Also - Dan Black
Feb 10, 2026
Dan Black, creator of The Ultimate Improv Show and longtime UCB performer, blends improv and stand-up with a wrestler’s knack for crowd-winning. He talks wrestling’s theatricality and marketability. He explains finding the “game,” disciplined choices from tough notes, touring a live improv show, and the hustle behind returning to stage life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Wrestling Is Scripted Theater Where Crowd Approval Wins
- Dan Black sees pro wrestling as macho theater where scripted outcomes still require performers to win the crowd.
- The winner must be marketable and "get over" with fans, so performance skill matters more than the predetermined result.
Getting Over Became My Default Performing Goal
- Dan treats getting "over" with audiences as a primary objective across stand-up and improv but recognizes that's a loaded instinct.
- He admits his earlier improv approach centered on being the standout performer and earning teacher and peer approval.
I Wanted Everyone To Walk Out And Know I Was The Guy
- Dan recounts showing up to class wanting everyone to recognize him as "the guy" and actively seeking teacher validation.
- He describes trying to be the standout in class and the satisfaction of having peers and teachers acknowledge him.