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The Backline

The Sonar Network
Improv
Second City
Improvisation
Comedy
Improv Comedy
Toronto
Improv Community
Audience Engagement
Improvisational Techniques
Team Dynamics
Performance Anxiety
Improv Festivals
UCB
Hockey
Barprov
Sketch Comedy
Game Of the Scene
Sports
Los Angeles
Emotional Engagement

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes207Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsEducation

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Artwork for The Backline

Latest Episodes

This week Rob and Adam, discuss the painful but necessary process of “Paying the Tax” , while trying to stay present, apply class lessons, and putting in the reps. Despite all of that, the laughs still aren’t coming. If you’ve ever felt stuck between... more

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

This week, Rob and Adam turn their attention to the concept “Day of All Days.” It’s a phrase that suggests high stakes and life-changing moments, yet so many of the most memorable scenes revolve around the smallest, most ordinary situations. Why do m... more

This week, Rob and Adam explore how to navigate scenes with a partner who brings a limited emotional range. Together they break down the difference between performing emotion and truly embodying it, and offer practical ways to create better scenes us... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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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 known for in-depth teaching and analysis of improv mechanics; frequent educator and performer with a focus on craft over gimmicks.
Rob Norman
Co-host bringing performance experience and analytical teaching style; often guides conversations with practical improv applications.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 194 ratings
  • First review in a while

    AC and Rob, you two are a dynamic duo. The Batman and The Robin of improv podcasting, The Cheech and Cong of improv philosophy, and The Luke and Darth Vader of improv lore (you can take all of these nicknames as you will). I have been reading Will Hines Substack and I found one key philosophy interesting Know, Care, Say to make every scene interesting. I noticed within my own scenes when I’m truly invested I can be vulnerable, open and find the funny in the scene quicker. I was wondering if y’al... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jersey Boy Living
    United States6 months ago
  • Yes

    Basically a free coaching session whenever I want. (I try to listen to an episode in the hours before a show to get in the right headspace, set goals, find inspiration.)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Erin with a K
    Canada6 months ago
  • 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 States3 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 States3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Specifically praised for deep, actionable craft insights without fluff.
A dynamic duo with practical improv wisdom and warm rapport.
Feels like a free coaching session for improv growth.
A must-listen for serious improvisers and teachers alike.
Back catalogue is invaluable for learning and inspiration.

Top Education Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Awareness VS. Agency
Q: Eric from Austin asks what agency really means in improv and how it can be incorporated.
Rob and Adam explain that agency is about characters having genuine desires and the power to pursue them, but also the self-awareness to recognize and adapt when needed; they stress that obstacles and ongoing character psychology create richer, more durable scenes.
Shame, Scene Hogs, and Everything Else
Q: How can I improve my improv writing and on-the-fly thinking?
Practice exercises like free writing, word associations, and creating lists of ten to develop quicker, funnier responses in scenes.
Shame, Scene Hogs, and Everything Else
Q: What should you do if you encounter scene hogs in improv?
You can either check in with your partner after scenes to see how they feel or approach the teacher later for guidance on managing stage time.
Shame, Scene Hogs, and Everything Else
Q: What is shame and how does it impact one's improv?
Shame is an invisible passenger that travels with performers, and it impacts their ability to express emotions and move in ways that might be deemed shameful.
Is this the End of the Second City e.t.c?
Q: Have you done an episode on memory or the anxiety surrounding having a shitty memory?
The anxiety often comes from being under panic rather than actual memory issues. Getting comfortable doing improv should help alleviate this anxiety.

Audience Metrics

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

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Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Backline

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

A conversation-driven show by two seasoned improvisers that centers on craft, teaching methods, and the practical mechanics of performance. Episodes frequently cover core improv topics like scene work, character choices, audience engagement, and the balance between structure and spontaneity, often illustrated with personal teaching anecdotes, festival experiences, and current industry trends. Listeners can expect actionable tips for improving scenes, guidance on teaching and learning improv, and thoughtful debates about honesty, risk, and emotional investment on stage. The format tends to blend technical breakdowns with warm, personality-driven banter, making it approachable for both newer improvisers and veterans seeking deeper technique. more

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How many listeners does The Backline get?

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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. This American Life
2. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
3. The Ezra Klein Show
4. The Daily Show: Ears Edition
5. Off Book: The Improvised Musical

How many episodes of The Backline are there?

The Backline launched 12 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?

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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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