Back on the Blog!

After a year long hiatus, during which I produced the daily web series ImprovLive 365, I am happy to be back to writing a weekly blog. I'm still processing this past year of intensive immersion in human creativity, but I'm already starting to see the effects.  For instance, in the introductory class for my Improvisation Ensemble a few days ago,  I said things that I have never said before in the 15+ years I've been teaching improv.  I found new words and new ways to frame ideas that delighted me as I said them, and I can't wait to see what comes up next!  I know there are some really fun ideas about creativity and improvisation and humans that are brewing themselves up in the back of my brain - I can almost taste them, I can feel them reaching for the tip of my tongue, I can just barely see the mist parting around them in my mind's eye...

I will share them with you, here, as they come into being, and I welcome you all to talk and comment and share this path of discovery with me!

1 Month Completed!

Wow! The first month of ImprovLive 365 has already passed (well, 34 days to be exact), and it has already been a wild and wonderful ride.  I am learning a lot and enjoying myself immensely, and I hope you are too!  Rather than repost the 21 episodes that have transpired since I last set foot here, I will simply direct you to www.improvlive365.com  -  it's all there, ready and awaiting your viewing pleasure.


I am not surprised, but I am humbled by the graciousness and willingness of all kinds of wonderful people to spend time talking and sharing, and by the  amazing range of insight and creative living that I am surrounded by, every day.  I'm finding that the more I look and ask,  the more I see.  People are constantly astounding and wonderfully creative, and I am blessed to be able to spend my time experiencing, documenting and sharing this spontaneous creativity with you.  My eternal thanks and gratitude go out to everyone who made this first tumultuous month so beautifully rewarding.

ImprovLive 365: Week Two

After a grueling two days switching all our videos to a much more user friendly server, I'm here to give you the scoop on Week Two of ImprovLIve 365.

Episode 8: Playing who You Are
The first of a series of interviews with guitarist Kevin Barry, where he talks about his relationship to music and the importance of honesty.

Episode 9: It’s in There!
ImprovLive 365 visits Ron Ancone, who talks about his experience as Credit Manager, and his journey towards a greater understanding of personal creativity

Episode 10: Just say Yes
A review of Patricia Ryan Madson’s book "Improv Wisdom" and the importance of saying “Yes”.

Episode 11: A New Riff Was Born

ImprovLive 365 presents an impromptu performance by Allan Chase (Alto Saxophone), Bruno Raberg (Bass), and Tom Hall (Baritone Saxophone).

Episode 12: Remembering Prince Shell
Renowned saxophonist and educator Allan Chase reminisces about one of his earliest musical mentors, Prince Shell. The music in the background is an arrangement Allan wrote for Your Neighborhood Saxophone Quartet, based on his transcription of Prince Shell's piano trio version of "I've Got It Bad".

Episode 13: Welcome to ImprovLive 365
Seemed like bad mojo to feature anyone on Friday the 13th, so I made this little welcome video.

Episode 14: Noticing, Experiencing, Responding
The first in a series of interviews with actor, choreographer, director and movement specialist Sarah Hickler, currently on the faculty of Emerson College.

More fun comin' every day! Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see.

Your ImprovLive 365 Host and Director,
Tom Hall