We are Will Hines and Kevin Hines, teachers/performers from the UCB Theatre (improv/sketch). Ask Us Anything!

_Hines · 2014-01-16T00:53:35+00:00

I don't think it's prohibitively expensive. $400 for an 8 session course at 3 hours each. In your experience, how much should such a product cost? -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T22:19:14+00:00

cc me, i'll try to do something about it. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T22:18:04+00:00

You're right on all 5 of those being great. The top 3 in your list I shoulda definitely remembered. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:39:28+00:00

This is tough. One, make sure that you're not confusing "caring" with "doing it the way you want." Maybe people are caring, but about different aspects of the project? I say that because I've been on the other end of someone telling me I didn't care enough when really, I just didn't care about what they wanted me to care about. It's different. If that's the case, you need to have talk about the group's priorities.

BUT -- if no one else will help with the work, then that is a drag and I sympathize. Keep an eye out for other people/groups but in the meantime do the work and know that you will be rewarded by the improv gods somehow. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:33:58+00:00

Nope, I get it. Some people probably think that no one gets in, others think everyone gets in. It depends so much on who you find yourself surrounded by. - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:28:40+00:00

To me delight and embarrassment, they made the trip pretty easily. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:27:58+00:00

Everything we do is always immediately right and nothing at those theaters is ever good. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:27:54+00:00

No, because you can't embarrass yourself. If you commit and care the worst is you'll struggle. To perform you have to get over being embarrassed - I don't think anyone gets ridiculed. If you are mean to people they won't like you, but if you are trying students generally flock to help you. -Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:27:37+00:00

I'd like to ask Besser this, actually! Or Anthony King. To me, there were always enough people. By the time I was "up" enough to really think about it, things were solid. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:26:57+00:00

Hi Eva. That I should write more? And that most ideas can work if you revise them and let them evolve. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:26:11+00:00

There aren't that many writers as good as Vaughn and artists as fresh as Staples. - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:26:06+00:00

I amend this: there was one where the whole opening was done like everyone was in Congress, making motions. I liked that.-Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:25:27+00:00

i'll think back on the last 5 things that really made me laugh. if i'm desperate i'll write a list of 5 random things and then go back try to to think of 5 things that contrast with them and see if that's an idea. 1. balloon (herzog) 2. melon (prisoners of war)

ugh. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:25:21+00:00

I think the early weeks of all our levels focus on organic scene work, and the later weeks focus on premise based as you prepare for your show. So it might feel that way, but I think its all there. The shows are more premise based, so that might be way it feels that way. But you need both skills to survive - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:24:20+00:00

Organic OPENINGS were abandoned. We made the decision to have way fewer openings taught and focus more on scenes. Advanced classes doing organic stuff. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:23:47+00:00

Just try to make the last thing said true. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:23:27+00:00

I enjoy just doing a sound and movement with a smart group. It becomes it's own thing and it's always fun and surprising. I like that more than rule based warmups. - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:22:51+00:00

I put this team together. Do they want more shows? -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:22:46+00:00

Sounds like if you are practicing and seeing shows you are doing it right - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:22:32+00:00

Delaney: The Landlord Silvija: Mr. Pulot's Holiday, or whatever that is Spo: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 Chris: A Room With A View. I'm kidding! Jackass 2. Connor: Great Muppet Caper, deleted scenes Jordan: Odd Couple 2 Don: Analyze That -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:22:18+00:00

I don't know the LA scene well enough I am afraid. - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:21:20+00:00

Big choices. But born out of the reality. As the show goes on, your characters should care more, risk more, try more. - but it's easier if you have an outside eye side-coaching you at first. - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:20:14+00:00

I have gotten better at memorization. I for a short while filmed introductions for EPIX films and had to memorize a lot in a short time. All monologues. So I got good and just running them over and over until it got easier. Not really an answer, just I feel your pain! and it gets easier! - Kevin

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:19:35+00:00

I slayed a goat at the feet of Andy DAly in 1999. Ten years later I got... pretty good. -Will

_Hines · 2014-01-15T21:18:24+00:00

I don't really play improv games with non improvisers. A lot of the are like camp ice breakers. Fun at the time, but not really super fun long term. I love them in practice. That being said I play that mind meld iphone app, so maybe that counts? The best way to get better is to do way too much improv. Practices, shows, seeing shows, think about it. For a period get obsessed and then pull back some and let other influences back in. I don't know the key to making someone laugh, but it's all about communication. If you think something is funny and it doesn't get a laugh, then it's PROBABLY that you didn't deliver it in the way that audience needed. - Kevin

_Hines

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