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The Backline

The Sonar Network
Improv
Second City
Comedy
Improv Festivals
Improv Comedy
Toronto
Audience Engagement
Improv Rules
Performances
Character Development
Improv Auditions
Improvisational Techniques
Team Dynamics
Short Form Improv
Frasier
Burp Castle
Comedy Weddings
Building Relationships Through Performance
Physicality In Acting
Performance Anxiety

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes207Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationArts

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Artwork for The Backline

Latest Episodes

This week Rob and Adam chat about framing scenes prior, during, or after the action. Do scenes always need to start in the middle? What’s the best way to execute a tag-in? If you mention an event, does it always have to happen onstage?

Brought to yo... more

This week Rob and Adam, discuss platforms and tilts for improv scenes, how sketch influences scenes, and how to create action without blindsiding their scene partner.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

The improv world is full of technique.  What techniques help individual improvisers? What techniques benefit the theatre you play at? Are there techniques you should embrace? Or some that you should avoid?

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

his week Rob and Adam discuss tethering: the act of linking your emotional state to what your partner is doing.  Also, some great questions about tethering from our friend Martin in Estonia.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Susan Messing
Co-creator, founder of The Annoyance, and a teacher, player at IO
Episode: Find the End

Hosts

Adam Cawley
Co-host of The Backline; Alumnus of the Second City Mainstage.
Rob Norman
Co-host of The Backline; Author of The Cool Improv Book and Improvising Now, a Practical Guide to Modern Improv.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 189 ratings
  • Best show ever for Improv Enthusiasts!

    This show is absolutely wonderful. It is so rare to find a show that focuses on the improv craft, and especially a show that teaches the craft with a combination of fun and tangible practical knowledge.

    The hosts have a lovely rapport. Their friendship and their love for improv makes this show a true joy. They are so funny, sincere, warm, smart, and full of practical improv wisdom.

    Listening to this show brightens my day, and gives me confidence through my improv journey. I hope you get to l... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    neba.
    United Statesa year ago
  • Please come back!

    I love this show and I’m working through the back catalogue…..hoping it will return one day!

    (update) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING BACK! I’m kind of an easy crier (which works for and against me in improv since I also cry when I laugh) but….I think a tear came to my eye when the new episode dropped last week

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    elizags
    United States2 years ago
  • Please come back!

    I love this show and I’m working through the back catalogue…..hoping it will return one day!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    elizags
    United States2 years ago
  • a great insight into improv and the comedy world

    I'm am really enjoying listening back through the back catalogue of this newly discovered podcast. a huge amount of insight into the world of improv from these two seasoned performers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    frank pellow
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Great improv teachers

    Really great podcast and fantastic insights into the art of improvisation. It’s like having your own personal improv class!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A@L74
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critiques mention a desire for more diverse perspectives within the discussions, reflecting broader social concerns.
Listeners appreciate the hosts' chemistry and humor, making complex topics enjoyable to learn.
Many find the podcast to effectively blend informative content with entertainment, serving both newbies and seasoned practitioners.
This show is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in improv.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Platforms, Tilts, and Improvising Action
Q: What are platforms and tilts, and how do they work?
Platforms serve as the foundational context for improv scenes, while tilts introduce a comedic shift or twist. The aim is to create clarity first before introducing comedy.
Questions Only – September 2025
Q: What strategies do you have for heightening specifics while keeping scenes grounded?
Focus on one unusual element in a scene and maintain normalcy in other aspects to avoid confusion.
Questions Only – September 2025
Q: Any thoughts about incorporating game into my improv?
Encourage the use of audience reactions and to treat the audience as a normal character to enhance comedic tension.
There’s Nothing More Boring Than Creativity
Q: How important is it to get your words right on stage?
Rob explains that having perfect English matters little in improv, and that the rhythm of one's native language can add humor.
There’s Nothing More Boring Than Creativity
Q: Where do you get your ideas from, Rob?
Rob humorously responds that his ideas come from his brain, indicating a playful approach to the question.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Backline

What is The Backline about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the art of improvisation, hosts passionately explore various aspects of improv through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes. The conversations are rich with techniques, strategies, and insights geared towards both novice and experienced improvisers, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in honing their craft. Beyond technical skills, the duo emphasizes emotional connection, community building, and the unique challenges faced by performers in improvisational settings. Listeners can expect a combination of humor, practical advice, and a supportive atmosphere that fosters creativity and growth in the field of performance art.

Where can I find podcast stats for The Backline?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Backline. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Backline and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does The Backline get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Backline?

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How many subscribers and views does The Backline have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Backline has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Backline?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Backline:

1. The Backline
2. Yes, Also
3. Handsome
4. Good Hang with Amy Poehler
5. People I (Mostly) Admire

How many episodes of The Backline are there?

The Backline launched 11 years ago and published 207 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Backline?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Backline?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Backline from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on The Backline?

Recent guests on The Backline include:

1. Susan Messing

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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