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In part one of this two-part episode, I sit down with Abel Arias, an experienced veteran improviser in Atlanta, teacher at Dad's Garage Theatre. Abel takes us through his journey from watching Whose Line Is It Anyway as a kid, to children's theater, to training at UCB, Groundlings, and Comedy Sports in LA, to eventually finding his home in Atlanta's improv community.

We get into the differences between character-based and game-based improv, and why acting and improv are really the same thing. Abel shares what it's been like to navigate life as a working artist in a capitalistic world, from holding down multiple jobs to performing at Universal Studios Hollywood, where he met his wife and landed his first agent.

We also have an honest conversation about what success really looks like in improv and in art. Abel breaks down why success is subjective, why comfort matters more than being "better," and why the tools we teach in class are just that — tools, not rules. We talk about the importance of being present, the Michael Jordan quote that changed how Abel thinks about performing, and why the only real rule on stage is keeping each other safe.

Stay tuned for part two.

Abel's Plugs:

Abel Brainz Digest (Newsletter/Blog) -
You can email Abel at abelarias81@gmail.com or subscribe via Substack

Your Favorite Improv Gym -
Come and get your reps while finding your process. The gym offers different membership for all levels. Whether you want notes or just out to get some reps, Your Favorite Improv Gym is the spot! Email Abel with any questions.

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Host: Joel Camargo - Insta - @joelc1225
Audio Editor: Matt Issacs - Insta - @mattisaacs20