Improv - Short bites. Episode #7. Gabe Capone

Name: Improv - Short bites. Episode #7. Gabe Capone
Uploaded: 2020-02-23T15:25:53+00:00
Duration: 1 min 9 s
Channel: Virginie Glaenzer
Description: In this short reflective monologue, the speaker recounts a recurring phrase—"I got your back"—that was exchanged among improv and sketch comedy teammates…

23 Feb 2020 · 1 min

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1:09

In this short reflective monologue, the speaker recounts a recurring phrase—"I got your back"—that was exchanged among improv and sketch comedy teammates before stepping on stage. The speaker contrasts the collaborative, supportive environment of improv with the solitary nature of stand‑up comedy, emphasizing how the assurance of mutual support enables performers to take risks, be authentic, and feel comforted. Over a decade of experience across multiple improv groups, the speaker highlights how this mantra created a rewarding and safe space both on stage and in broader team settings.

Chapters

I remember a particular phrase that like on improv teams and Kate, when you and I were working together and then also in sketch and backstage, everybody would always say to each other, I got your back. They would say that before we ran up on stage. And I remember that phrase and I would say it to somebody and just feeling incredibly comforted with the fact that like, I'm going to go out there and like improv is not a lonely endeavor. Stand-up is more that way where you're sort of up there on your own and you're preparing. But improv, you're in this group together. And knowing that you can take risks and chances and do things and that the people that are up there with you, whether it's on stage or it's in an office or a company, whatever it might be, knowing that people got your back is an incredible relief to be able to just go out there and try things and do things and be yourself. I've always sort of remembered that phrase. And for maybe 10 years of like doing improv and sketch, that was with every group that I was on, people, someone would say that. And we would say to each other, and I just found that to be so rewarding and comforting.