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15 Minutes of Game

15 Minutes of Game

By Matt Francis & Brian Hines

An Improvised podcast about Improv Comedy, hosted by Brian Hines and Matt Francis. Episodes are 15 minutes long, or shorter, cause if we can't explain something in 15 minutes, we'll never be able to explain it.
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Improv Survival Guide

15 Minutes of GameApr 21, 2021

00:00
18:07
Fantasy Improv Draft II

Fantasy Improv Draft II

Matt and Brian return to the crowd favorite of drafting two fictional improv teams! What will the choose from? What type of coin will they use? Who will go first? Nobody knows and there won't be any spoilers here, folks! This episode does break our 15 minute rule because we were having too much fun. Deal with it. Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least drafting a fantasy team in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle) Don't forget to check out improv shows and classes!!! www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com
Sep 23, 202123:03
Monoscene

Monoscene

Matt & Brian return to form (Get it???) and discuss the form the Monoscene. That form that is one scene running in real time, just like our podcast! If the form is just one scene how to edit, cut, or jump around? Well... you don't! But you kind of do. Confused? Well, listen to this episode and learn everything you need to perform a top notch monoscene. (hint: it's a lot of the same stuff we already discussed) Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least the Monoscene in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle) Don't forget to check out improv shows and classes!!! www.seateaimprov.com www.vermontcomedyclub.com www.wgimprovschool.com
Sep 16, 202118:41
Base Reality
Sep 09, 202117:14
Superlatives
Aug 19, 202118:57
The Spokane
Aug 12, 202118:02
Justification
Aug 05, 202118:36
Pulling Premise
Jul 29, 202118:24
Two Prov
Jul 22, 202118:42
Evente
Jul 15, 202119:08
Episode 3.03 - Harold!
Jun 24, 202119:31
Episode 3.02 - Montage!!!

Episode 3.02 - Montage!!!

Our favorite nerds dive into a few forms this season and they're starting the friendly and inviting Montage.

What do they like about Montage? Why is Brian unable to say what he likes without being negative? Maybe he's tired.

They shift over to how they would teach and coach a team who are performing a montage and how to make it the best damn montage in the business. Matt will cover some notes he might give and Brian shares thoughts on how to keep a montage balanced.

Matt also spills the beans on his all-time best idea... two giraffe's skydiving. That's a freebie from us, to you.

Jun 17, 202117:04
Episode 3.01 - Ask Matt!

Episode 3.01 - Ask Matt!

We ended last season with Matt asking Brian a whole bunch of stuff so we're starting this season with Brian asking Matt stuff! HOW CREATIVE!

We cover how Matt would coach, or note, a team vs. a class. How he handles a lack of listening. And, most importantly, his preferred temperature. Brian is shocked he had a detailed answer for that question.

We're back for season 3! We'll cover a forms, some random topics, and who knows what else. Thanks for coming back and spending 15 minutes (or so) with us!

Jun 10, 202119:23
Matt's Choice!
May 13, 202118:25
Using Improv For Sketch Comedy
May 06, 202118:17
Favorite and Least Favorite Forms

Favorite and Least Favorite Forms

Matt and Brian discuss their favorite and least favorite forms in improv. This is a very, very nerdy topic! Our two heroes dig into why they love particular forms whether they are performing or watching! Matt's answer for his favorite does not surprise Brian but, Brian's answer does surprise Matt a bit. Matt also tries to get Brian to define the form he does when he does 2 prov. They kind of name it! Then they totally trash talk about forms they hate. It's really angry and awkward to listen to. Kind of like when as a kid you're eating dinner at a friend's house and they totally get yelled at by their parents. Ok... not really. They just share their thoughts on forms that don't really do it for them.  Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Favorite and Least Favorite Forms in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle)
Apr 29, 202118:52
Improv Survival Guide
Apr 21, 202118:07
Beats
Apr 15, 202118:12
Voice of Reason
Apr 08, 202117:12
Commitment
Apr 01, 202117:37
First Unusual Things vs. Following the Fun
Mar 25, 202117:31
Editing
Mar 18, 202117:31
Fantasy Improv Draft
Mar 11, 202118:08
Forms!

Forms!

Wow. Is it possible for Matt & Brian to get ANY nerdier? This episode solve that mystery with a resounding YES! Our two improv amateur experts discuss forms! That's right... forms! Harolds, monoscenes, eventes, montage, etc.!  How are forms helpful? Do they have favorites? Why do you need a form if you're making this crap up? These guys cover all of it! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Forms in Improv, in 15 minutes! Our Facebook page is HERE Our Twitter handle is: @minutes_game   (correct, no "15" in the handle)
Mar 04, 202117:01
Bold Choices vs. Bulldozing
Feb 25, 202117:01
Life Outside of Improv
Feb 18, 202117:07
Teaching vs. Coaching

Teaching vs. Coaching

It's the second episode of season two and Matt and Brian are here to discuss something on the mind of all humans. What's the difference between coaching and teaching when it comes to improv? Our two nerds will discuss how they prepare for teaching and coaching, what makes them different & similar, how they handle giving notes... all in a bite sized morsel of 15 minutes. 

They also answer the age old question of do they miss teaching (hint: they totally do)

Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Teaching vs. Coaching in Improv, in 15 minutes!

Feb 11, 202116:53
One Rehearsal To Rule Them All

One Rehearsal To Rule Them All

Matt and Brian are back after taking roughly 70 years off!

Our improv heroes blow some dust off of their brains and discuss a fictional scenario where they are asked to coach a team of people who have never done improv before and... they have a big show tonight! THE PRESSURE! Extra rule: you only get ONE REHEARSAL! Holy crap this is hard to believe. 

What primary concept would they cover? What would they try to get these newbies to avoid? Are they rusty from such a long time off? Did Brian F Up his buzzer and give you, the audience, an extra 20 seconds of content? There's only one way to find out!

Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least how they would handle One Rehearsal, in 15 minutes!

Feb 04, 202117:10
Episode 12: Support

Episode 12: Support

Matt & Brian both perform on support heavy teams and are clearly excited to cover this topic. Here them exemplify support as they constantly interrupt and talk over each other! Just kidding. Both love this topic and have a lot to share in regards to support in improv. What's the difference between support and adding too much? How can you support and not steal focus? Why is support so much fun?!?

Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Support in Improv, in 15 minutes!

Jul 16, 202016:30
Episode 11: Listening

Episode 11: Listening

Matt & Brian talk about Listening! It seems like it would be an easy skill to have since most of us listen to stuff every day but it's a challenging and critical skill for improv. They talk about why it's important, what "true" listening is, and ways to stay focused on listening.  This episode covers a lot of material in 15 minutes including how listening is the ultimate "yes, and" and how to totally botch the classic exercise - Three Line Scenes.

Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least listening in improv, in 15 minutes!

Jul 09, 202016:42
Episode 10: Rapid Fire Topics!!!

Episode 10: Rapid Fire Topics!!!

Matt & Brian try to cover as many topics as they can in 15 minutes! Is this a good idea? Maybe yes, maybe no. 

Probably no.

But they have a lot of fun covering as many audience suggestions as they can and even throw in a few of their own. Some of the topics include their opinions of the term Straight Man, Improv Super Powers, Budgets, and how they prepare for shows. This is the most valuable show yet... if the number of topics in a single episode is a value.

Find out all of Matt & Brian's thoughts on Improv, or as many thoughts as possible on Improv, in 15 minutes!

Jul 02, 202016:38
Episode 9: Work vs. Fun

Episode 9: Work vs. Fun

This episode is an audience suggestion from David Zbory: Fun Vs. Work in improv! Matt & Brian discuss what these two words mean to them in improv; both in performing and rehearsing. Isn't improv supposed to be fun? Well... yeah but you need to try! This episode will focus on how some work and focus can make your improv much easier and thus, much more fun! And... more basketball examples!

Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Work vs. Fun in improv, in 15 minutes!

Jun 25, 202016:54
Episode 8: Sign Posting

Episode 8: Sign Posting

A very improv-y term is discussed this week! Matt & Brian discuss sign posting and how it helps define game, get an improv team on the same page, and have some fun with it. Is it bossy? Is it more fun to surprise the audience? Matt explains how sign posting is similar to raising your hand in a class. Brian uses a movie and the DVD audio commentary of the same movie to help explain this concept. It's as sad as it sounds.

Find out Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, at least Sign Posting in improv, in 15 minutes.



Jun 18, 202016:05
Episode 7: Audience Suggestions!

Episode 7: Audience Suggestions!

In this episode Matt & Brian look to the audience for suggestions (so very improvy!) and ask each other to explain a topic. For the first time, neither Matt nor Brian know what the topic will be ahead of time. Such pure, sweet ignorance won't stop them from babbling and explaining their thoughts. Spoiler alert the topics end up being Short Form and Group Games.

Thank you to Dan Russell and Tom Mutchler for the suggestions we ended up using!


Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or least these two random suggestions in improv, in 15 minutes! 

Jun 11, 202016:33
Episode 6: Relationships

Episode 6: Relationships

Matt & Brian discuss Relationships in improv. They are both tired out of the gate and Brian admits to being a hermit!  The two discuss how relationships are much more than a blood relationship or romantic couples! Learn how labeling characters' relationship  can provide the scene more legs and give it a boost of fun. Matt also teaches Brian a new word! Find out all of Matt & Brian's opinions on improv, or at least Relationships in Improv, in 15 minutes. 

Jun 04, 202015:55
Episode 5: Heightening

Episode 5: Heightening

You told me to make bold choices, but my joke about space aliens didn't land and it's all your fault, Matt & Brian!  That's probably because you didn't earn the weird thing.  In this episode Matt & Brian talk all about how to go from being retired to a Home Run Pitcher in Baseball while bringing your partner, and the audience, along for the ride.  Is this the worst episode ever?  Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least Heightening in Improv, in 15 minutes.

May 28, 202016:32
Episode 4: Game

Episode 4: Game

Want to have more fun while playing in an Improv scene?  Ever wonder how people figure out how to respond to what your partner says and does?  Only ever eat spaghetti in a scene?  Confused when someone says playing Game there's no ball or board around?  Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least Game in Improv, in 15 minutes.

May 21, 202015:53
Episode 3: Pop Culture & References

Episode 3: Pop Culture & References

What happens when you don't know anything about baseball?  Or Harry Potter?  Or The Wizard of Oz?  How are you supposed to do an Improv scene without having seen every episode of the British version of The Office or you missed the championships of New Zealand Harness Racing?  Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least the use of Pop Culture and References in Improv, in 15 minutes.

May 14, 202015:42
Episode 2: The 5 Rules of Improv (According to Sea Tea Comedy Theater)

Episode 2: The 5 Rules of Improv (According to Sea Tea Comedy Theater)

Rules? In Improv? I thought Improv was about breaking the Rules and making it up as you go along?! Good point, me, but you can't break the Rules unless you know them! Touche, also me! In this episode Brian and Matt discuss the 5 Rules of Improv according to Sea Tea Comedy Theater, where they both teach and perform. Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least the 5 Rules of Improv, in 15 minutes.
May 08, 202015:42
Episode 01: Agreement

Episode 01: Agreement

What is Agreement?  What does it mean in terms of Improv Comedy?  Why is it important?  Do we hate it?  Find out all of Brian & Matt's opinions on Improv, or at least Agreement, in 15 minutes.

Apr 30, 202015:55
Episode 00: The Trailer

Episode 00: The Trailer

Brian Hines and Matt Francis are Improvisers and Improv teachers at Sea Tea Comedy Theater in Hartford, CT.  Find out all of their opinions on Improv, or at least Improv Podcast Trailers, in 3 minutes.

Apr 23, 202003:21