Five Questions With Tim Quabba

This is a post in our "Five Questions" series of interviews with Improv Conspiracy members.  We aim to publish one per week over the next few months!

What was the first improv show you saw that made you think "wow, I'd like to do that!"?

The very first improvisation I saw was on “Whose Line Is It Anyway” in my early teens. I also loved comedians such as Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, especially for their interviews where they took charge with sharp wit and delightful physical expression. Watching these grown people play was such a joy, but it was the smart play that kept me coming back for more. I was in such awe of the things they created in total spontaneity, it never occurred to me that I could somehow do that sort of thing too. I was just happy to watch and laugh until I cried. It was only when I started to pursue actor training that improvisation came up as a useful tool to create and harness characters. So that was when I started looking for some impro groups.

What aspects of the Harold do you find the most rewarding? The most challenging?

The most rewarding thing about working on the Harold format for me is the memory workout it gives. You’re up there in front of everyone, either off stage listening to scenes or on stage creating and finding fun things to do, all the while trying to commit everything to memory so you can call back on aspects later and tie it all together in a nice finished package. I’ve found this very difficult, but with practice I’m getting there. It’s these “call backs” which are the gems of this great format. So getting my memory and concentration to work for me has been quite a challenge.

What would you like your team to be capable of by Comedy Festival? A year from now?

By Comedy Festival it would be great to be able to consistently create nice complete shows with as little loose ends as possible. This format has so much potential and all the Conspiracy teams are starting to get their own individual flavours. I look forward to seeing the diversity of the teams develop in the year to come. I’m not sure which direction our team will go, but discovering it will make our team grow closer together, which will let ideas flow smoother and easier during performances.

Which Conspiracy members do you have improv crushes on, and why? What do they do that inspires you?

Andrew Strano for his courage at diving into scenes when there’s a sudden drop in energy, and lifting and breathing new life into the show.

Charlie Sturgeon for his very specific physical offers.

Kathleen Douglas and her sudden character disposition changes; one moment she’s kind and loving, the next she’s a screaming nut-case. Hilarious!

Damien Vosk’s accents and elderly characters.

How has your improv training helped your non-improv life?

My memory and concentration in general is improving. And whenever I get acting roles that require a bit of the unexpected, I’m not in a huge panic that blocks creativity, but a small, manageable panic that lets me get on with it in minimal time.