Yes, Also

Will Choi, LA-based improviser and creator of the Asian AF comedy variety show, shares his journey from graphic design to long-form improv. He talks about discovering intimate IO shows, the appeal of monoscenes and ensemble work, building confidence through teams and reps, quitting Harold auditions, and how Asian AF started to fill a cultural gap.

Jeff Hiller, veteran improviser and Emmy-winning actor and author, shares stories from UCB and musical improv. He discusses winning an Emmy, risking big career moves, the power of object work, making bold character choices fast, reframing politeness to participate, and favorite exercises to force emotion and specificity.

Anna Rajo, LA improviser and therapist known for hosting One Big Jam and performing with teams like Lohan and ASSSSCAT. She talks about her improv origins near UCB and the teachers who shaped her. Conversation covers finding personal style, diversity and representation in Harold nights, running diversity programs, hosting jams, and balancing therapy with performing.

Ian Roberts, veteran improviser and UCB co-founder, shares wild Chicago stunts and the birth of experimental shows. He recounts moving to New York, selling sketch work, and training under Del Close. Conversations dive into game-finding, tags, rehearsal methods, and why early creative freedom matters.

Chad Damiani, a clown and improviser known for silent clown and teaching disruption, joins to unpack performance tricks. He explores silent, music-driven bits and how silence sharpens presence. He talks audience triangulation and courting chaos to make viewers collaborators. He also digs into wrestling’s clownish lessons and the ethics of inviting participation.

Anna Garcia, improviser and comedian known for Dropout and UCB work, talks theater roots and gender-bending roles. She explores struggling with game-focused training, reclaiming long-form through Mono Scene Night, and how online shows reshaped the art. Conversations touch on physical comedy, warm-ups that build group mind, vocal health and burnout, and why wholehearted play matters.

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.

A vibrant conversation about dissolving hierarchy and building DIY stages instead of chasing gatekeepers. Deep dives into the rise and risks of a homogenized musical improv curriculum. Passionate talk on emotional commitment, silent soundtrack techniques, and international cross-pollination shaping new improv forms.

Matt Walsh (Veep, co-founder of UCB) talks about his early Chicago days, using improv to write narrative musicals, his approach to character, making concessions for the sake of comedy, pushing vs. following, "responsible" improv, subversive comedy, the origin and history of UCB, perspective-driven games, how they developed the UCB manual, top of intelligence play, the importance of experimentation, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye

Dylan Reiff and Kristen Schier (Kickstand Comedy) talk about their improv origins in Chicago and Philly, using comedy to effect change, the intersection of improv and scripts, sandbox spaces, comedic tension, product vs. process, upgrading "yes and", finding humanity in your scenes, inviting evolution, blending premise and organic improv, personalizing your play, community-centered spaces, advice for newer improvisers, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye