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The Backline

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

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Artwork for The Backline

Latest Episodes

The truth is out! After a tumultuous three weeks apart, Rob and Adam return to the podcast to air thier grievances, resolve differences, and answer your questions about improv.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

This week Rob sits down with one of the organizers of the Robin Hood Improv Festival in Nottingham, Lloydie, to discuss competition, inclusion, and finding community in the face of rejection.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

This week Rob and Adam debate the merits of Game of the Scene, pulling premise, and how to create meaningful patterns that bolster your longform show.

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

This week Rob and Adam discuss connection, rapport, relationships onstage and offstage. Also, is it possible to have a meaningful connection with a stranger onstage?

Brought to you By: The Sonar Network

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Number of Listeners
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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

Rob Norman
Co-host, author of The Cool Improv Book, and a performing artist well-versed in improv.
Adam Cawley
Co-host and alumnus of the Second City Mainstage, with extensive experience in improv performance and education.

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 States10 months 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.

Listeners praise the knowledgeable and engaging hosts for providing useful insights into the craft of improvisation.
Many highlight the emotional relatability and supportive atmosphere created by the hosts.
Some critiques focus on the hosts' singular perspective, suggesting a need for greater diversity in discussions.
The podcast is appreciated for its combination of humor and practical teaching, making it enjoyable for both new and seasoned improvisers.

Top Education Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Narrative Longfrom
Q: What is narrative improv, and how does it differ from other forms?
Narrative improv focuses on creating a single cohesive story with a protagonist, differing from other forms which may involve more modular or game-based structures.
Questions Only & The Mysteries of Season Nine
Q: What are your thoughts on casting an improv show?
When casting an improv show, I focus on finding people who are good at improv but also different in styles to avoid redundancy.
Body Movin’
Q: How can we approach physicalization and avoid our scenes looking visually uninteresting?
It's about being more physical in scenes. If you increase your energy and presence physically, it can keep the audience engaged more effectively than solely relying on dialogue.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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?

Numerous episodes cover the intricate world of improvisation, highlighting themes such as the importance of emotional connection in performance, the impact of community, lessons learned from personal experiences, and the ongoing evolution of improv. Hosts explore various techniques, from scene initiation to character development, while sharing humorous anecdotes and practical advice for both novices and seasoned improvisers. Unique aspects include a strong focus on teaching methods and insights into the dynamics of improv culture, creating a resource rich in personal growth and community connection.

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. Yes, Also
2. Off Book: The Improvised Musical
3. improv4humans with Matt Besser
4. ManDogPod
5. Like Minds

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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