This month we are travelling all the way (well metaphorically) to Amsterdam to learn all about the improv scene there! All months we will be chatting to easyeaughs that offer comedy shows, improv and stand up classes and improv workshops, in English. Throughout out the month we are talking to each member of the team to find out more about them.

Player Profile: Nicole

How long have you been improvising?

24 years.

How did you get into improv?

I was living in Chicago, working as a waitress and trying to make it as an actress. My boyfriend was taking improv classes at Improv Olympic with Del Close and said I should try it. So I did.

What is your favourite style of improv and why?

I like genre based improvisation the best, doing shows that are narrative and improvise a new story within a recognised genre. I love creating the characters, storylines and dialogues of each genre.

Who are your top 5 favourite improvisers and why?

Stephen Kearin for his great object work, Peter More for his amazing ability to support any player, Kiki Hohnen for her ability to always find the funny in the scene, Trent Pancy for his ability to make you feel comfortable on stage, Ulla Oksanen for her surprise and huge level of fun onstage.

What is your favourite warm-up game?

8 count shakedown. You count 8 with both arms and legs and then go down to 4, then 2, then 1 and big karate chop at the end. Ridiculously easy and always energising. 

Favourite short-form game?

Blind Lines- when you get lines of dialogue from the audience on pieces of paper. Pick the papers up and use them as lines in the scene. It’s amazing how the lines can sometimes make perfect sense.

What are the three top tips anyone has ever taught you in improv?

-the other actor has lines too. (don’t overtalk in your scene)

-just do something in the begin of a scene

-never let go of your own creations

What are some of your favourite new acts you have come across this year and why? 

Umm, covid? Not too many new acts that I have come across this year. 🙂 We did see Barcelona Improv Group in February and their show was funny and their actors were very talented. They took big risks and worked as a team very well.

How would you describe your personal sort of improv?

I am bold and fearless on stage, I will do anything, even if I am likely to fail.

Describe each easylaughs member in one word: 

Ash- smart

Trista- sassy

Steven- witty

Jenny- sensitive

Ben- dashing

Marith- cheeky

Huib- chilled