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June 16, 2025 • 20 mins

Tired of being told to "just react like you would in real life" to ground an improv scene? This episode of Your Improv Brain explores advanced techniques for playing the voice of reason or grounded characters in a scene or sustaining them long-term.

Discover how shifting from simply "acting normal" to dynamically balancing the scene can make you a more adaptable, supportive, and funnier improviser, especially if "normal" feels challenging.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here or find the website article here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:


NEW CONTENT - PODCAST PERFORMANCE LAB

Find Jen deHaan's latest content in the new show Podcast Performance Lab. It contains acting exercises and other information about creating shows, improvising for video and audio content, and more.

Find it here, or subscribe to "Podcast Performance Lab" wherever you get podcasts.

Downloadable content

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

More resources

  1. Get downloads about improv & comedy: Find them here.
  2. Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.

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About

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.

This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable...

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