All this month I am catching up with Jake who is in the process of creating a new solo hip hop improv show as well as creating social media channels to promote improv. Today we talk developing new ideas and being Track 96’s biggest fan…..

What have been some of your favourite moments on stage?

Doing my first improv hip hop freestyle scene on stage that buzz afterwards was amazing. It was the same buzz I felt performing improv for the first time. That’s why I am determined  to succeed at my solo show.

What have been some of the worst and why?

Hosting in Character as BOB and american tele-sales host, it was draining to keep up this act for the whole show. Then going into the scene creating bold characters. It was like characterceptions, I was hosting in character, then playing games in another improv character then coming back out as the hosting character. It was a bit too much for my improv head. I am glad I did it and learned from my failure. When I host now it’s just a Hyper Jake Clements.

For new improvisers, what would your key bit of advice be?

Don’t be scared to Fail, Don’t listen to that inner critic, Watch loads of improv comedy you like.

What are three things you want to focus on this season with your own improv?

Freestyling, Creating a whole Rap Song, Rap in bold Characters.

It is a new decade – what would you like to see happen to improv in the next 10 years?

More of it available online how to videos, to see it more in the mainstream, Improvisers selling out theatres not just once a year in Edinburgh.

You are also working on doing a solo improv show how is it going?

Yeah its going really well, I am developing my idea and for the show format. Learning more and more each day about Hip Hop improv. I was applying for Camden fringe this year but Covid-19 decided to cancel the festival. I am still going to do the show this year. More information TBC on locations etc.

What sort of improv can people expect to come out of this show?

Improvised Hip Hop madness from yours truly. Loads of audience participation. If you like hip hop improvised  comedy and me YOU WILL ❤ this show.

You are a huge Eminem fan, how are you using his inspiration on you for your show?

That’s right I am a Stan for Slim Shady, I listen to him on the daily. His bold characters he create in his music has inspired me. His freestyles has inspired me more for the show

What other rap style improv do you enjoy and find inspiriing and why?

TRACK 96 I am a STAN for them!

What have been some of the best suggestions that you have been given in a show and why?

Got a suggestions to improvise a drug dealer scene then we bust a rhyme! It was so much fun!

More from Jake The Improviser next week!