The Backline

Canadian Comedy Award winners Rob Norman and Adam Cawley discuss weekly improv-based topics based on a theme.
Aug 13 2026

Jokes VS. Jiu-jitsu

The Backline

Jokes VS. Jiu-jitsu

01:05:06 Download (60MB)

This week, Rob and Adam tackle one of the most dreaded words in improv: jokes.

What actually makes something a joke? Are jokes bad for improv? And if we’re not trying to make jokes, how are we supposed to get laughs? Rob and Adam dig into the difference between earning laughs and trying to be funny—and what improvisers can focus on instead.

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