Next At Bat

In which: Jill Bernard (Drum Machine, SCRAM, ComedySportz-Twin Cities, co-founder of HUGE Theater, amongst other accomplishments) discusses her passion for educating improvisors as well as improv instructors, gender roles and equality in improv, and what defines "Minnesota-style" improvisation. Also, Jill slaps herself in the face many, many times.

In which: Sidney Oxborough, MJ Marsh, Katie Vanelli and Alex Collyard from Poivre (their other dozen or so members couldn't make it, unfortunately) discuss how to work in a genre that isn't commonly used in improvisation, how tech and music play into the overall effect of their show, and how Joe Bill taught them that sometimes killing is a reasonable solution to bad improv. Also, it's a weird day to be a Leo.

In which: Bradley Machov, Max Maliga, Dustin Brown and Matt Prindle discuss the origins and evolution of their group, the role that each of them is comfortable with within the group, and how dealing with "grenades" effectively is the foundation of their group. Also, many doors are opened and closed, metaphorically and actually.

In which: Gubby Kubik, Liv Augusta, Emily Erickson, Erik Nielson and Ben Fakenami (Matt Johnson and Katie Adducci couldn't make it) discuss the positive and supportive nature of their team, their respect and love for their mothers, and how gender roles aren't really a big deal for their team. Also, Emily gets a reprieve from Corner Genie hell after getting to the tip, which is better than being in the bowl - you might have to listen to get that one.

In which: Meghan Wolff, Nate Morse, Justina Cegelski, Peter Butler, Katie Vanelli and Joe Halvarson from The Evente (a.k.a. Wedding Party) stop by the apartment (unfortunately without fellow members Seniz Lennes, Dave Christians, Ellen Jaquette and coach Nels Lennes) to discuss the challenges and rewards of working within a strict form such as theirs, finding the fun on stage and how well their group has gelled together since its inception. Also, Katie, Nate and Matt all meet Ashton Kutcher ... almost.

In which: John Haynes discusses what makes an improv duo successful, the benefits of catering a teaching curriculum to individual students, and why silence shouldn't be feared. Also, John signs bananas, Matt runs up the stairs of our hearts, and Philip makes the ultimate sacrifice.

In which: Kevin Albertson, Max Leibowitz, Josh Awend, and Next At Bat's own Matt McCloud discuss the importance of honoring the audience's suggestion, how the Minneapolis pro bono improv community is great, but could use more critique, and reach out to the water cooler that started it all. Also, Josh sends a WWII love letter you won't want to open.

In which: Drew Kersten and Eric Heiberg discuss universal notes, name-dropping, being yourself on stage and how misinterpretations can lead to new discoveries. Also, we discover how the Lincoln assassination was caused by English speaking bunnies.

In Which: Dave Kappelhoff, Lauren Anderson and Mike Fotis of The Brave New Workshop join us for a bat-only episode to help celebrate our new favorite holiday. Also, Mike swallows his inhaler.

In which: Bryan Pierce, Will Roberts and Christian Unser (Maria Bartholdi, Nate Morse, Molly Lermon and James Moore couldn't make it) discuss not making fun of audience volunteers, the benefits of a short form background, and how knowledge of the topic is not required. Also, Will geeks out about roller coasters, the Mystery Doctor solves doctor mysteries, and Matt pimps everyone to do terrible celebrity impressions.

In which: We head to HUGE Theater for our first "on location" recording with Hannah Wydeven and Butch Roy, where they give us a candid look into the strange origin of their duo, what they are each trying to improve, and how giving up control pushes each of them as improvisors (and makes them have more fun). Also, Butch throws and gets hit with iceballs.

In which: Becky Wilkinson Hauser, Jennifer Dorsman and Beth K. Gibbs discuss how the first step in improv is showing up, the second step is accepting the wacky, and how growing up together in improv creates trust and uniqueness. Also, Becky becomes a conduit for God, Jen gets revenge through ventriloquism, and Beth, to be really honest right now, tries heroin.

In which: Mary Mangan, Liz Losee and Janelle Blasdell explain how improv can lead to friendship, friendship can lead to better improv and how difficult it is to take positive feedback (even from friends). Also, Janelle takes Sisyphus to the psychologist, and Mary and Liz find out why Russian people are so agreeable.

In which: Mike DallaValle, Andy Katzung and Peter Butler describe the origins of their group, tell us why they don't practice their form in rehearsals and take us through the evolution of trusting each other. Also, Andy becomes the angriest girl scout.

An extra eleven-plus minute scene from the Bat session with members of The Score. This one was just too good and too weird to leave it on the cutting room floor.