1) How do you keep your cool when even the other comedians are virtually dying of laughter?
2) What are your thoughts on US vs Canadian vs British audiences?
3) Have you kissed Ryan lately?
I) I don't find the others funny. 2) They are pretty similar. The only difference is the suggestions. North America tends to be more pop culture oriented. 3)No, would you?
Hi Colin! First off, I'd like to say that I'm a huge fan of yours, and I'm sure most people here are.
However, let me just skip right over to the questions that I have. I'm not sure if you're going to be able to answer them, I'm sure you'll be flooded with questions.
a) How did you first get into comedy/improv? I always like to imagine that it's some amazing feat that someone accomplished; they were "just the funniest kid around and rew attention from all the famous people". I have a feeling that's not the case, though.
b) Did you enjoy being on the cast of Whose Line? It seems like you always had a fun time.
c) Did you ever get tired of the bald jokes? Were there any bald jokes that "just went too far"?
d) Who was your favorite "guest" character to work with? You don't have to answer this one.
e) Did you always have nightmares when you kissed Drew? What was it like kissing him? I can only imagine it's amaz-...Terrible, terrible. I can only imagine how horrifying that must have been.
Last question, laaaast question!
In one of the episodes of Whose Line, you were doing "Songs of the motorcycle"...Actually, here's a clip of it.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjETPB_q_h0)
f) My question is...What were you actually thinking when you said that you were watching animal porn?
I got into improv by seeing a demonstration and fell in love with it. Just kept doin it till it was a career. b) Loved Whose Line. Lots of laughs, no work c) the bald jokes were something for the less funny guys to hang on. So good for them d) All the guests were fun but Richard Simmons was really gung ho e) Drew has lovely soft lips f)Can't remember. I was heavily drugged
What is/was your friendship like with Ryan Stiles?
We have a great friendship in that we never keep in contact but when we see each other it's like we saw each other yesterday.
Are you aware that there are tons of blogs dedicated to the on and off screen supposed love affair you and Ryan share? The years of speculation! Add gasoline to the burning hot rumors!
Read a book.
When is Trust Us With Your Life gonna air? Favourite TV shows lately?
Don't know when the show will air, I'll keep you posted. Favourite shows: Modern Family, Louis, Breaking Bad, Mad Men
Just want you to know that WLiiA? got me through some ridiculously bad times in middle school and high school. I have seen all the UK, US, and All-Stars episodes. Saw You/Brad @ Foxwoods? and the All-Stars at Mohegan Sun. Saw Greg Proops in NYC. This show helped shape who I am today and I am a better person having watched and appreciated it. It made me more confident and not afraid to be different. Thank You. Thank you so much. (Feel free to visit Maine again too!)
What do you miss most about the UK WLiiA? What was the biggest difference/challenge between the UK/US versions of the show? Thank you!!!! :)
I miss the fun we had together. It was a no pressure fun experience. I love London where we filmed. The transition to the States was fairly painless. The censorship was hard because we never knew where the line was. They let some things pass, then censored quite mild stuff.
Howdy, I'm a big fan. I used to watch Whose Line with my sister all the time. My question is, what is the funniest/most strange thing that has happened behind the scenes of Whose Line?
Have a good one, mate!
Can't remember anything strange. All the funny happened in front of the camera.
Just here to say I love you and thank you for shaping my sense of humor as I grew up!
Thanks, you are most intelligent.
Funniest off-camera/censored moment on Who's Line?
200 lb snatch
What is your opinion regarding piracy?
Too many eye-patches
First off: Thank you for being you. You are my favorite comedian (and favorite Canadian.)
I want to know what motivated and inspired you to pursue comedy and improv?
When I got my first laugh in a school play, it really did become like a drug. I craved laughs. I lucked out.
What was your most memorable moment from Whose Line?
I'll take any answer except Ryan breaking the neon light and scenes with Richard Simmons.
Breaking up any of the guys was fun because they are pretty jaded and have seen it all so it was a special moment when i could do it.
How much of your live act gets edited out of the actual TV show?
Also, exactly how uncomfortable were you in the Richard Simmons episode?
Not much was edited out. We would do about 20 games during a taping and they would cut that into 4 shows. Unless the scene really sucked it was kept in. And not uncomfortable at all.
Huge fan, love your work on both versions of Whose Line! Here are a few questions:
Any really memorable moments during tapings that you all realized was never going to be able to make it to air (due to vulgarity, epic failure, or anything of the like)?
Towards the end of the US run of Whose Line, the show started doing things like involving more special guests and getting audience members to do more things (like the Sound Effects game). Was it fun trying to work with this unexpected factor, or did you guys find it more of a hindrance?
Do you ever perform any long-form improv? Any thoughts of it vs. the kind of things you did on Whose Line?
Everthing pretty much made it. We were never overly vulgar because we wanted to get stuff on air. Working with the guests were fun and kept us on our toes but I felt it took away from the other improvisers. I have done long form and enjoy it but the games are the audience favourites
HUGE fan Colin! Please forgive the multiple questions:
What were your favorite and least favorite games to play on Whose Line? (Besides the Howdown and Irish Drinking Song)
Were there any times where a suggestion was given to you that you just could not do because of physical limitations or something that beyond your talents?
What are some of your favorite bald jokes? You seemed to take them in good stride.
No offense to Ryan, because his Sound Effects were really good, but were there ever any attempts to get Michael Winslow on the show to do a game of Sound Effects?
How much stuff was shot with Robin Williams that didn't make it on air because of one reason or another?
And not a question, but I do want to say "Give me liberty, or a bran muffin!" is still to this day one of the funniest things I've ever heard. My girlfriend and I at random times just say that to each other whenever there's a lull in our conversation and every time we just crack up.
Except for Hoedown I enjoyed all the games. Greatest hits was always fun cause Ryan and I got to riff then watch the guys do amazing songs. Don't remember any of the bald jokes. No I don't think we left a lot out. He actually had to leave early because he was shooting a movie at the time.
Interesting, because it was always alluded that Ryan was the one who hated Hoedown. Did everyone hate Hoedown?
No one loved it.
I host an improv club at thornhill secondary school in Vaughan Ontario, what would you say is the most overlooked mistake newbie's make? Also, what is your favourite improv game? PS what is a dinguisher?
Not listening and trying to push your idea is the most common mistake. Greatest hits is my fav. A dinguisher is what you say when some asshole gives you extinguisher to rhyme with.
What are some of the lines you've come up with of which you are proudest? Any that still make you laugh to think of them?
The beauty and the curse of improv is that it goes away once you do it, so I can't think of a specific line. Sorry.(How Canadian of me)
Big fan, no question. Keep up the hilarity.
Thank you.
Did Wayne Brady ever have to choke any bitches behind the scenes?
Three but don't tell anyone
Did Wayne Brady really come up with the lyrics for those songs off the top of his head? You were my favorite on the show by the way.
Yes. Wayne , Chip,Brad and Jeff are amazing at it. They never get enough credit because people think they've cheated somehow. But they are simply the best
I read somewhere on the internets that the category of the song would be predetermined (gospel, swing, etc.), with the random part being the guests/song titles you had to come up with. Is there any truth to that part?
Laura and whoever was singing that show would go throught10-12 styles so that the singers had a feel of the structure. Everything else was made up.
Whats your favourite pizza topping?
Jalepenos
Where do you buy your collared shirts?
The collared shirt store
Where did Ryan get his blue shoes?
The blue shoe fairy
Colin! No questions but I can't stress how much that show got me through! Just knowing I could turn on my tv and atleast have a half an hour of pure comedy. Really cheered me up when times were low. Thanks!
Your welcome
Thank You for being extraordinarily witty.
It's a gift.
Colin Mochrie! I would just like to say that I love Who's Line and you are a major reason I love improv comedy. When you were a wee little Mochrie, (With a full head of hair) what was it that you wanted to do with your life?
Wanted to be a marine biologist. I think it worked out for everyone
What was harder for you to do : sing rap on the stage or try not to joke about size of Ryan nose?
Rap. Sometimes I forgot there was a person behind the nose.
If you had to pick one, what would be your favorite moment on Whose Line?
Have you ever seen your image used in this weird video for a Japanese song called "Yatta"?
The Richard Simmons stays with me for obvious reason. I translate well for the Japanese
Is "Whose Line" as fun to film as it is to watch?
How long does it take to film an episode?
Is improv your favorite form of work? How do you like scripted TV/film?
It was the best thing ever. It took 4 hours to film which would turn into 3-4 episodes. I love improv because we are the masters of our fate
Did you find the general sense of humour different in the US versus Uk versions? I thought Brad did quite physical humour, the uk show had a lot of quite dry jokes and word play.
Another question: what do you think of Drew's "where everything's made up and the points don't matter" line? one thing I missed from the uk show was that clive never felt he had to explain that joke. Drew kind of killed it for me.
The British were incredibly verbal whereas the Americans would get more physical and silly. The points don't matter thing came up because you wouldn't believe how many people asked how the system worked and why no one won a fridge.
Who do you think will win the Stanley cup this year?
Boston could repeat, but NY and Vancouver have strong chances.
Were there any "Whose Line" games that you really hated?
Hoedown
How long have you been doing improv? Suggestions on practice to get to level:Mochrie?
You're freaking hilarious. Used to watch who's line with my mom and be gasping for air laughing. Irish drinking song is amazing.
32 years. Just keep doing it. It's how you learn your strengths and weaknesses.
I am a HUGE fan. I don't necessarily have a question; I just wanted to put it out there. I miss "Whose Line." Maybe you and the others can get together and do one last episode? For old time's sake?
Talk to ABC
How often did the game "Helping Hands" need more than one take? Always my favorite bit on Who's Line.
We never did retakes. Sometimes we did 2 or 3 hoedowns because the producer is a sick bastard.
What is, hands down, your favorite moment in your whole career?
What kind of music are you into?
I once saw a video of your wife showing off your home, and whenever you tried to speak she interrupted. That was a joke right? (I know stupid question XD)
The whole Whose Line experience was a joy. The people the laughs the craft table. I'm into the Rat Pack. My wife is a lovely woman who does let me talk on occasion.
How did you and Ryan meet?
Through a mutual friend. I was doing improv and Ryan was doing stand-up, wanting to do improv. We hit it off right away.
1) which of the guest stars was your favorite to work with? 2) any chance of reunion shows in the future? 3) just like to say i had a great time watching you growing up, and then rediscovering the show in university and watching it with my houemates
Sid Caesar was an inspiration for me so it was great to be able to work with him ABC only knows.
I've loved every minute that I've ever seen of Whose Line?. That being said, I feel like an improv show like that must have some real duds that just cannot be saved. How much of the taping is edited out for the show?
Maybe one a taping, which is an amazing percentage. I may be lying.
Hi Colin!
a) First I just wanted to ask if you and Brad would consider taking your tour to Australia. I live in Melbourne and I know for a fact it would do very well here!
b) Also, are there any people you would like to work more with in the future, or other improvers (besides Brad) you'd like to tour with?
c) I heard you were writing a book, and I wondering how you are doing with that, and how you approach working with improv in a written format?
We are working on getting to Australia. Keep posted on our Facebook page and when we know we will certainly announce it. Any of the other guys are fun to tour with. Brad gives back rubs. The book is going well, considering I hate writing. It's like doing an improv scene with the bonus of going back and editing.
Are you sensitive about your receding hairline?
Too late now.
Hey Colin, I only have one question...Do you remember what was happening here? Because I have no idea.
Drugs
Hey Colin! Huge fan of your work since I was little...I used to hide under the couch and watch Whose Line when my parents did (they thought I was asleep). I guess my only question is if you keep in touch with anyone from Whose Line anymore, and in what capacity. Also, I've been to the Vancouver improv theatre where you use to perform (the name escapes me). Any chance you'll do anything in Washington D.C. soon? Thanks for the AMA!
I keep in touch with all the guys regularly through email, Twitter etc, except for Ryan who is apparently Amish. No screens for him. We hope to get to Washington soon.
Was anybody ever stoned on Whose Line?
If they were they didn't share.
Are you involved in any TV shows? I really miss seeing your face on television <3
We shot 8 shows in London for ABC (Trust us with Your Life) so hopefully...
What genre of literature you prefer most? Any favorite authors?
Big Stephen King fan. Read a lot of biographies.
Thank you so much for doing this!
How was the "winner" of each Whose Line episode chosen?
Through a complicated system run by monkeys
as a Canadian, what do you think of Canadian stereotypes?
side note, gotta say you have made me laugh more times than i can count, thank you!
Any stereotype is generally unfair. We are polite though.
Thanks for the AMA sire. Why was the "Hoedown" such a regular number if basically none of you liked the game? Did the production had their way in it (forced you guys to keep doing it), was it a viewer-favourite? It was one of the few games that I didn't really find funny. And sorry for the double question, but how come you guys didn't do more "Sound Effects", especially with people from the audience, since everytime you did everyone burst in laughter?
Production forced us for their own perverted reasons. the last couple of years it was always audience members.
When you find yourself alone, in the dark...what do you fear?
cold door knobs
Would you choose to do another season of Whose Line if it was up to you?
Were you always so naturally talented at improv?
Absolutely. I guess so.
I just wanted to say that when it's the middle of the night and I'm in that part of YouTube, I generally end up watching Whose Line clips for hours. It's like quicksand. If quicksand were lovely and made me laugh until I cried.
Speaking of, how do you feel about so many highlights from the show being online? Do you like that more people can see it and laugh or would you rather get residuals from reruns and DVDs?
We don't get residuals so it's nice that the show still lives on somewhere. We are this century's Gilligan's Island
How do you view scripted comedy versus improv? As an improv-er, do you get to look down upon the script-ers or are you looked down upon? Clearly, I hope there's a huge rivalry here.
All comedy is great if it's funny. Doesn't matter how you get there.
What is your favorite improv moment that you had throughout your career?
Arctic Tern
Do you ever watch yourself on TV?
Try not to.
What got you to team up with Brad for a comedy tour?
Do you still talk to the Whose Line Cast?
Are their lips still as kissable as they were on the show?
Will you come to my house and play scenes from a hat for 3 hours with my family?
Brad needed the work and it was his suggestion. yes Wouldn't know No
Which host did you enjoy working with more: Clive Anderson or Drew Carey?
They were both great. Drew is incredibly generous, which is great in millionaires, and it was because of him alone that we got to air in the US. Clive is incredibly bright, sarcastic and a treasure to be with.
Colin- I just want to take the opportunity I have here to thank you.
Watching you and Ryan on Whose Line made me want to try out improv comedy in high school, since my local drama troupe offered it. Doing that was the best thing that happened in my life. It opened me up, got me out of my shell, had me interacting with people in new and interesting ways, helped me think on my toes, and overall turned me into the person I am today. But if it hadn't been for you and Ryan on Whose Line, I never would have tried it.
So thank you, for being funny, for showing me what improv really is, for being the person you are, that helped shape me as a person today.
I don't really have a question, I mostly just wanted to gush.
Gush away. It's good for my ego.
what's wrong with the hoe down?
What's right with it?
What was going through your mind during the episode of "Whose Line" where the audience suggestion of Cosby and Hitler was shot down by the executives?
I thought it showed a lack of trust in us that we wouldn't be offensive. Network executives...what can you do.
Love your work, Colin! Did you like it when they would air scenes where you guys break character or crack up?
I do, I think the audience enjoys when we stray a little.
To you, is improv something you're born with or something that a person must learn?
Also, thanks, I'm a huge fan. There really is no other show that can literally make me laugh out loud like WLIIA.
You have to learn the rules, but the humour I think you are born with. You can learn to be funnier, you can't learn to be funny.
Have you ever 'ramparted' anyone?
On advice from my lawyer, I can't answer that.
Hey Colin!
My dad has always been a huge fan of the show, and he was the one who got me into both the show, and amateur improvisation. I've always wanted to know, has there ever been a scene you've done where looking back on it, you've thought "hell yeah, that was genius, the way i came up with that" (basically, your favourite scene you've ever improvised. And also, your favourite scenes that others have improvised)
I can't remember any of them except for a few. I enjoyed the cat scene because we were in a little trouble off the top and then it went crazy.
Are there any plans for you to return to television improv?
I have plans, don't know about the networks.
Your show doesn't air on my country but I'm a huge fan of you sir! Thanks for amusing us all the time. My question is, we know that you did lots of bizarre things on "Whose Line?". But what was the one that you go like "Oh boy, that ain't right, what the hell was I thinking"?
You are a great man...
I can't think of one off-hand
How did you land a spot on Whose Line? What was the audition process like (if there was one)?
Thank you so much for doing this. I grew up on WLIIA, and it's impacted my life in a huge way. Thank you.
I auditioned when I was at Second City. Because our cast auditioned no one got it because we were all being supportive so no one stood out. My next audition (they were 3 hours long) I didn't know anyone so I thought...screw you. That's how you get ahead kids.
If you had to make a guess, what percentage of the "Skits" on Whos line don't actually make it on the show?
.3489 %
So, Habs or Canucks?
Canucks
Have you ever seen the YouTube clip "the French erotic film"?
Yes. I'm very good in it.
Which cast member was the 2nd funniest?
All of them
Any chance for a Whose Line reunion?
You never know
No question, but I wanted to take this time to say pretty much what others have said: You are a great performer, and have brought so many smiles to my family and I. Thank you for doing what you do!
Thank you for giving me a career.
I love you. I've been watching you since Comedy Network (in Toronto) started airing reruns of the UK whose line, and you always made me laugh, always. My question is two fold:
1. How do you manage to carry your own in the sing and dance improv when you pretty clearly can't sing or dance? (no offence, if funny could get someone anywhere, you'd be president of the world).
2. When we make love, would you be top or bottom?
It's all about confidence. 2) I usually do both.
I semi-recently saw your appearance in Death Comes To Town. How did you get involved with the Kids in the Hall cast? Any plans on doing work with any of them in the future?
I've known the Kids for years. My wife directed them in the Second City touring company before they were TKITH. All of them lovely and very funny.
I'm a fan of Whose Line, but my favorite thing you've done is Wild Survival Guide and I miss it dearly. With that in mind, how would you survive a honey badger attack?
With honey badger repellant.
Do you have any words of advice for people wanting to get into the comdey industry?
Don't. Do it where ever and whenever you can and hope for the best
Just wanted to say thanks for the years of entertainment. My sides still hurt.
What were some of the biggest differences between Whose Line America vs Whose Line UK? Did they let you get away with more in UK? Why the permenant cast members in America when UK was like a revolving door? Who was your favorite American guest while in the UK?
Thanks again! Love your work!
the only difference was the censorship. There was none in the UK.
1.What is the one thing that never fails to crack you up? 2. What is your "Porn Star Name" (first pet name+ street you grew up on)
1) Someone hurting themselves. 2)Joey St. George
Is it true that bald men are the best lovers?
Yes
Question: What projects do you have currently in the works? Now the gushing: Stand up comedians are really funny in that they have to be creative and innovative to be good and stay good. However, they get to write material and have months or weeks to rehearse it. You sir, have produced some of the funniest things (if not the funniest thing) I've ever seen in my entire life off the top of your head. I can seriously attribute about 75% of my life's entire laughter to you on Whose Line. You have a talent that is incredibly rare and you've brought me a ton of enjoyment over the years. Thanks man.
Working on a sitcom with my wife, writing a book, touring with Brad, fixing the world's economy.
Can you just acknowledge my existence real quick, thanks.
You exist
Howdy Colin! I've been a big fan of yours for years, and if this is the closest I ever come to meeting you, I'm more than okay with that! I've enjoyed Whose Line? for almost 10 years now, and every time I watched it, I was left with a strong desire to try my hand at comedy. I finally got my chance this past August, when I joined my university's improv group, and I've loved every minute so far.
My only questions are these (forgive me if they've already been asked): What advice do you have for aspiring improvisers? And what are some of the greatest/most important things you've learned about improv since you started doing it?
The important thing about improv is that it is a team sport. Working together on a scene and having it work is the best feeling in the world. If you make sure your partner is having fun, you'll have fun and the scene works.
[deleted]
Already got them.
Is there anything you're NOT comfortable doing on camera? With or without Ryan Stiles.
Afraid not
Bring back John Sessions!
I don't think he's dead
Hey Max Pointy, did you have a good time with the 22 minutes crew? I know I did!
A great time. I learned a lot in those 2 years.
Are you really sorry?
Kinda
A few questions, sorry if I'm a bit overexcited..
-How much of the spontaneous comedy we saw in Whose Line do you carry over to your everyday life?
-Again, Whose Line, how many failed attempts at games did it take to get one episode done?
-As unlikely as it may be for me at this point, doing stand-up and improv was always something I'd have loved the chance to pursue. What advice would you give aspiring comedians?
-What did/do you do to stay sharp and always have a fresh arsenal of jokes?
Big fan, thanks for the laughs!
I'm fairly quiet off-camera. I think the wife would be irritated if I was on all the time. We never had re-takes. if it didn't work, It didn't work.
Are you best friends with Ryan outside of the show? You guys really seem to have the best chemistry of anyone on Whose Line.
Also, I just want to say the Arctic Tern which has the bird call "BACKSTREETBOYS" is the funniest clip of Whose Line I've ever seen and I watch it all the time when I need a good laugh.
We are great friends
I was dissappointed by the episode with Steven Colbert- was he just not used to improv?
He is a great improviser. Whose Line is not as easy as it looks. Improv on stage is totally different. It is rare when someone hits it out of the park on their first show.
Hi Colin! Who was the best kisser on the show?
Me
How did your time doing This Hour has 22 Minutes inform you about the challenges of political humour, especially Canadian political humour?
It was tough and I started a week after 9/11 which was extremely difficult. Luckily I had great people helping me out.
how did you come up with such extreme "anything for laughs" ideas on whose line?! i'm referring to that one scene of Party Quirks where you are doubtful of people's gender, and try to...ahem..confirm their claims...!
I have no shame when it comes to getting laughs.
As a Canadian, are you aware that Quebec has turned improv into a sport with it's very own leagues/competitions? Source: I was a High School team Captain.
Yes, I was involved with the French league one year at Just For Laughs.
Hey Colin, I'm from your hometown, I love seeing you in smaller venues. I was wondering if you remember the show you did with "the Classic Supremes" and if you would do another one. It was fantastic.
Sure. Ely Henry is one of my son's best friends.
Hello Colin, first of all, I'm French, so I didn't know about you until some random Redditor posted a link to a "Whose line" about a month ago (thank you so much random stranger), and after watching about a hundred episodes, I wondered if this type of show could work on french TV, because we dont have anything like this. Do you think it has a chance or is it particular to American/English sense of humor and couldn't have the same influence in other laguages/cultures ?
It has been adapted to other countries so i see no reason why it wouldn't work in French. It all comes down to the cast.
Can I have a hug?
Doing it now.
Do you feel that Drew Carey's weight loss was in part due to constant teasing on Whose Line?
Nope, it was constant teasing from his heart.
Has there ever been talks of a reunion of the UK version of the show; i.e. Clive Anderson as host, Richard Vranch on the piano and guests being Steve Frost, Mike McShane, Paul Merton, Stephen Fry etc...
There isn't enough babies in this world I would punch to ensure this happens.
P.S. I Love You and no not the crap Hilary Swank film.
No, though we have worked together at the Edinburgh Festiva.
I keep reading that you weren't a huge fan of "Hoedown". I didn't see you explain why anywhere? Care to elaborate?
First I'm not a singer. Secondly someone would always take my rhyme just before it got to me and thirdly I don't think it's even a song style.
I'm a huge fan of you and the other members, all of you are frankly just amazingly witty, my question is have you ever considered doing a TV show or a movie with Ryan Stiles? There has to plenty of people willing to give you the chance. Follow up- Are you currently working on any projects of your own?
No one has ever approached us to do a show together. I'd do it in a sec. I got stuff going on, nothing in pen.
What size shirt do you where?
16 1/2
Colin, you worked in improv in Vancouver and Chicago for a long time. Between TheatreSports and Second City, you amassed a ton of stage time and valuable experience before "Whose Line...".
Which experiences in your early career were most valuable? What piece of advice would you give (other than "dear god do anything else if you can") to someone looking to start a career doing improv? What is your favorite "flavor" of improv (shortform, longform, theatresports, etc.)?
We have some folks at /r/improv who would love to know!
Failure was the most valuable. You learn your weaknesses fairly quickly. Join local improv troups, start one of your own, find some space you can do it and do it.. I enjoy short form
Huge fan, Whose Line and This Hour Has 22 Minutes are two of my favorite comedy shows.
Two questions:
Did you enjoy being on 22 Minutes? What is Rick Mercer like off-camera? Did you get to meet him at all? Did it feel strange filling those boots?
Rick is just as funny off camera. He rarely rants. And yes I enjoyed 22 minutes
How many times do you think you snogged Ryan over the years?
on screen or off.
From an "outsider viewing it" perspective, does improv still surprise you, impress you, or make you laugh?
Depends on whose doing it. There is nothing worse than bad improv. Here in Toronto we have great troupes thinking outside of the box and experimenting with different formats. So yes I get surprised and impressed and I laugh.
Though I'm sure you'll never see this, I'm going to type it anyway. I saw, through netflix, you and Brad (I think) doing a live improv show. The final skit was done laying on the floor and filmed looking down on you two. That was one of the most brilliant ideas ever. I've done improv and do mostly scripted theater now, but I thought that was awesome! So, my question, if you get to it, is this, who came up with that? Has it been done by someone else before? I love seeing you on stage/tv; Who's Line has made me laugh more than any other show, ever. Thank you!
It was an old Theatersports game called Sideways Scene. We had to host a televised Just for Laughs Gala and we came up with the camera so the audience could see it clearly.
Wait, why don't you get residuals?
I think it has to do with how the show was classified, reality or game show or something...I know...
I'm a big fan, thanks for all that you do. :)
Are there any improv acts other than the amazing work you do that you'd recommend we check out?
The National Theater of the World in Toronto, Second City, The Crumbs in Winnipeg, Theatersports.
What do you consider to be the least-creative, most-overused audience suggestion?
proctologist
Do you still get Ritz crackers for free after those commercials?
no
What's your favorite memory with Second City?
Meeting my wife.
What's your favorite hockey team?
Toronto and Boston
How often when you do improv do you completely lose focus of the skit and start to have absolutely no idea what you're doing? Or is staying focused something that improves as you gain experience?
You have to stay focused so that if things do stray, you could go back to something earlier in the scene that could bring it back.
Also, any advice on becoming bald? My time is drawing near
It's really easy. Don't go for a toupee.
Big time fan here, I've seen basically every single whose line out!
Anyways, did you ever get tired of doing the same thing over and over again?
Also, if you didn't go into improv, what would you have done instead?
Although the games were the same the suggestions and the scene changed.
Will you ever plan on doing a movie with Ryan Styles at any point in the future? You and Ryan work so well together, I would pay large amounts of money to see you guys on the big screen!
We need someone to pay for the production of a movie.
Colin, I enjoyed your work on who's line is it. Being in comedy for a long time do you have any horror stories about the industry to share with us?
Too many. You have to have a thick skin and determination. The industry can be very cruel.
Do you feel completely over whelmed right now?
No I'm pretty much whelmed.
I saw you and Brad perform onstage a few years ago. Memorably, there was an improv game where one of you (forget who, sorry) was walking around the stage blindfolded with a bunch of mousetraps on the floor. How often did you play this "game," how badly did it hurt, and did you ever dread doing it? It was funny as hell but I can't say it'd be something I'd voluntarily do.
We both do it, every show. Yeah it hurts but the crowds love it.
Did you know about reddit before there was a request for you to do an AMA? If so, what are your preferred subreddits?
I know nothing if it has to do with what is current.
What is the fundamental key to good improv in your opinion? (like "always say yes" and such)
Listening is the most important thing. And accepting and supporting your partner's ideas. All the things we don't do in life.
When was the last time you were at a loss for words on stage? In real life?
Thanks for the AMA!
Never on stage, always in real life
Would you ever consider joining This Hour Has 22 Min?
Did it for two years.Loved it.
Colin, you interested in joining us at Improvaganza improv festival in Edmonton with Rapid Fire Theatre? We'd love to have you up for one of the biggest improv festivals in the world! It's June 15-25th.
It is always a possibility. I have thing tentatively scheduled for the summer but once I know for sure...
Thanks so much for doing this, Colin!
My questions is: Is there something you wish you could do in your field, but have never had the chance to?
Star in an action movie.
Were there ever instances when the audience was told to laugh by the producer during the breaks? Or was it all purely from humor? Also, thank you for filling my childhood with countless hours of laughter and fun, even though the points didn't matter. You are a gentleman and a scholar, my bald Canadian friend...Tapiooooca!
No it was all us...well mostly me.
This will probably get buried..
This might come across as a bit strange, but I made a Minecraft picture of you, Colin. http://imgur.com/QAVRq
It's lovely, thanks.
big fan just wanted to ask, which do you like better bacon or Canadian bacon?
Always Canadian
What prop did you have the most fun with?
What was meating Richard Simmons like?
I don't think I did "meat" him.
Where did you learn to do your fantastic Velociraptor impression?
Old sci fi movies.
Favorite actor on Whose Line & Drew Carey's Improv-A-Ganza!
My favorite thing you've ever done is the going bald hoedown! How were you able to come up with lyrics that funny off the top of your beautiful bald head? :D
EDIT: Anyone who wants to see the "Going Bald Hoedown," here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGl0u4cmh1A
It was my finest Hoedown moment. When you seek revenge against the other players, the lyrics come easily
Hey Colin,
I apologize if this question has been asked/answered already (I'm Canadian I feel the need to apologize preemptively) but I was wondering if you are planning to come to the Greater Toronto Area and do any speaking engagements or shows?
We were just in Huntsville, we did Roy Thompson last year, so you never know. Nothing planned as yet.
You are one of my idols. In Improv, there seems to be this debate on whether or not one is performing for the audience or themselves. Often, I'll hear people say "Screw, the audience. I'm doing this for me and my group. I don't care if they laugh." I was wondering what your take on this is.
It can get indulgent if you're just doing it for yourself. If you don't care about the laughs that's fine. I, however...
Colin, only 5 minutes left - what do you think of my fart poem?
It hurts like a bitch every time I pass gas
The trouble with having a hemorrhoidal ass
It's itchy and burns and it's sore to the touch
Some say it happened from farting too much
Now when I feel one, I quiver with fear
What I wouldn't give for a healthier rear
This is the worst, it's like a bad dream
But I'm not gonna stop, so where's the ass cream
Hope you have a day job
How did you feel about having to mimic all of Wayne's crazy antics in action replays?
He loves to see me suffer
Does Ryan Stiles have any face/joke/line that he knows will get you laughing and works everytime?
No
how was the music arranged on Whose Line? I understand that Wayne, Chip and others were able to come up with lyrics off the top of their heads but how much forethought was put into the composing.
example: when someone would suggest sing something in a 50's swing/jazz tune were Laura Hall and Linda Taylor able to whip something up right there on the spot or was there a cut where they would talk for a few moments before they actually started playing
They are amazing musicians and often got together to work on every still they could think of. They are incredibly gifted
How do you like your steaks?
medium
I saw you and Brad perform at UC Davis a couple years ago. Were the mousetraps as painful as they seemed? Whose idea was that anyway?
Brad's and yes they hurt
In the event of a zombie apocalypse, can I come to your house?
no
Have you ever tried to grow more hair, or do you enjoy being bald?
Personally I think it adds to your character!
I never think about being bald. It seems to concern others more than me.
I really must know! Growing up, I loooved watching Whose Line and I'm super curious whether or not you all thought Drew was as unfunny as my family did. I literally dreaded every return from commercial break because I had to listen to Drew make a horrific joke about the points. But, oh my Lord, the Hoedowns that he took part in were the most painful. So, did you guys feel the same? ...sometimes I swear the looks on your faces...
Also, how did you decide who won? And was the real prize not having to do the final bit with Drew Carey?
I loved the on stage chemistry between you an Ryan (comedic and romantic haha!). And there are few things in this world funnier than audience members trying to do sound effects for you and Ryan.
Drew never wanted to do the improv, it was a network decision. Bless him he took lessons and we had gigs every week. So it was a crash course for him and he is so much better now. It is a skill that you can't learn overnight. I have no idea how they picked the winners.