Brief interview with Mark Sutton of Bassprov
Posted: May 12th, 2009, 11:31 am
1) What philosophy drives your improv workshops?
My basic philosophy is helping people get out of their own way. To give them tools that work for them and can help them get in the mindset to succeed...since so much of this is mental. I also draw a lot on getting people to see the whole scene and to be in relationship with the scene in it's entirety..and not just the dialogue. I think our (BASSPROV) classes really come from a space of being decisive and proactive with regard to feelings and emotional connection.
2) Describe your favorite Bassprov moment.
Wow...it's hard to pick a moment since I like the show so much. It's also hard to remember all the moments over almost 8 years (we drink during the show). I'd have to say my most recent favorite came in Seattle in 2008. Joe often argues the liberal point of view and I am in the position of arguing the conservative side. It's a great challenge for me as I'm often put in a spot where I have to argue passionately for something I don't really believe. So, in Seattle I decided to turn the tables on Joe. I came out wearing a flannel shirt and after the show started, but before we got too into anything...I commented on how hot it was and took off my shirt. I revealed to the audience and to Joe that I was wearing an Obama '08 T-Shirt. The crowd reaction and the look on Joe's face when he finally figured it out (it took a moment as he wasn't wearing his glasses) was very fun for me.
3) You'll be performing for lots of improvisers who have never seen Bassprov before. What can they expect?
Well..if we do it right they can expect to see a show with a lot of patience. It's a show that makes use of silence and plays on a lot of emotional levels and connections. I think we're at our best when we take the suggestions and personalize them in a way that surprises the audience. The key to these guys and to the show is that just when you think you've got them figured out..they surprise you.
My basic philosophy is helping people get out of their own way. To give them tools that work for them and can help them get in the mindset to succeed...since so much of this is mental. I also draw a lot on getting people to see the whole scene and to be in relationship with the scene in it's entirety..and not just the dialogue. I think our (BASSPROV) classes really come from a space of being decisive and proactive with regard to feelings and emotional connection.
2) Describe your favorite Bassprov moment.
Wow...it's hard to pick a moment since I like the show so much. It's also hard to remember all the moments over almost 8 years (we drink during the show). I'd have to say my most recent favorite came in Seattle in 2008. Joe often argues the liberal point of view and I am in the position of arguing the conservative side. It's a great challenge for me as I'm often put in a spot where I have to argue passionately for something I don't really believe. So, in Seattle I decided to turn the tables on Joe. I came out wearing a flannel shirt and after the show started, but before we got too into anything...I commented on how hot it was and took off my shirt. I revealed to the audience and to Joe that I was wearing an Obama '08 T-Shirt. The crowd reaction and the look on Joe's face when he finally figured it out (it took a moment as he wasn't wearing his glasses) was very fun for me.
3) You'll be performing for lots of improvisers who have never seen Bassprov before. What can they expect?
Well..if we do it right they can expect to see a show with a lot of patience. It's a show that makes use of silence and plays on a lot of emotional levels and connections. I think we're at our best when we take the suggestions and personalize them in a way that surprises the audience. The key to these guys and to the show is that just when you think you've got them figured out..they surprise you.