Magnet Theater Blog: News and Ideas about Comedy, Improv Shows & Classes in NYC

In 2006, Josh Fulton, an alumnus of Magnet Megawatt teams Pax Romana and Science!, single-handedly embarked on an ambitious project, into which he poured countless hours of time and energy.  He decided to interview some of the most respected improv minds in the country, in person and over the phone.  He transcribed those interviews and posted them on his blog, Improv Interviews.  His very first interview was with Armando Diaz, co-founder of the Magnet Theater.

Josh also interviewed Ed Herbstman, fellow co-founder of the Magnet Theater.

 

Here is Ed’s interview in three parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Josh is now living in NC, having moved there several years ago to attend graduate school for creative writing.  While he is no longer conducting improv-related interviews, he is considering self-publishing an e-book of the existing interviews.  In the meantime, he has left the website as is, for all to peruse and enjoy.

In its current state, Improv Interviews requires a bit of DIY elbow grease and mouse dexterity to navigate.  Here at the Magnet Theater Online Resource Library and Archives, we decided to make it easier for readers to access this invaluable information.  Below is a full list of the interviews and other interesting nuggets, linked and in chronological order, as they first appeared on the website.

Armando Diaz
Billy Merritt: Part I, Part 2
Brian Stack: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Joe Bill: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Craig Cackowski: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Craig Cackowski’s description of J.T.S. Brown, an improv form developed at iO Chicago
Bob Dassie: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Dan Bakkedahl
Ed Herbstman: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Rob Huebel: Part I, Part 2, Part 3
Matt Walsh: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Tami Sagher: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Todd Stashwick: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Peter Gwinn: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
David Pasquesi: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Miles Stroth: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Thomas Middleditch: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Matt Besser: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Eric Hunicutt: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
David Razowsky: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Ian Roberts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Gary Austin: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Susan Messing: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Charna Halpern: Part 1, Part 2

For old-timey pictures of the interviewees, please check out Josh’s earlier incarnation of Improv Interviews, initially posted as a journal on the Improv Resource Center.  Especially notable are the photos and articles generously scanned and sent by Brian Stack, from his days at iO and Second City.  These photos appear on page 2.

Happy Reading!