Join me and meet the incredibly likable Howard Jerome who is a walking encyclopedia of Improvisation history. Howard calls himself an actor, voice guy, and a seminar and workshop leader as well as an MC, work he has been doing for decades with great gusto. Howard’s amazing understanding and dedication to improvisation have led to 111 film and acting credits. He has worked with some of the world’s most creative and innovative minds, including Dr. Jean Houston, a principal founder of the Human Potential Movement, and the great spiritual leader Ram Dass. Howard worked with David Shepherd in the early 70s on projects including Community Makers, Responsive Scene Radio Show, Improv Olympics to name a few.
Howard and David did groundbreaking work with at-risk populations including prisoners and teenagers. In Canada, Howard and late Willie Wyllie created the Canadian Improv Games (CIG), which is essentially the teenage version of the Improv Olympics. CIG began in Ottawa with seven high schools and is now a nation-wide program involving 300 high schools and over 3,000 students and celebrating its 42nd anniversary. The last format Howard worked on with David was “The Big Adios” about embracing death Howard is a well-known and respected actor in Canada, and many of his projects played a significant role in Canadian culture. Four years ago he played the grandfather in the play Duddy Kravitz, The Musical and was Uncle Irv in the film Barney’s Version with Paul Giamatti and Minnie Driver.
Howard and David did groundbreaking work with at-risk populations including prisoners and teenagers. In Canada, Howard and late Willie Wyllie created the Canadian Improv Games (CIG), which is essentially the teenage version of the Improv Olympics. CIG began in Ottawa with seven high schools and is now a nation-wide program involving 300 high schools and over 3,000 students and celebrating its 42nd anniversary. The last format Howard worked on with David was The Big Adios about embracing death. Howard is a well-known and respected actor in Canada, and many of his projects played a significant role in Canadian culture. Four years ago he played the grandfather in the play Duddy Kravitz, The Musical and was Uncle Irv in the film Barney’s Version with Paul Giamatti and Minnie Driver.
Michael Golding joins us today as our special guest. Click here to listen to Michael’s Improv Interviews podcast and to learn more about this amazing improviser. Michael is a writer, director, and improv teacher who studied with the “father of Improv” David Shepherd and pioneered many innovative improv programs. Michael participated in the evolution of the Improv Olympics & Canadian Improv Games and is the Artistic Director of the Comic Strip Improv Group in N.Y. & created the Insight Theatre Company for Planned Parenthood, Ottawa. In addition to being a performer and coach, Michael is an accomplished writer and his book Listen Harder is a wonderful collection of essays on his journey in improv and working with at-risk youth in various settings.
You might want to listen to my fascinating discussions with the amazing Carol Sills and Ed Asner.