Talking improv, Dimension 20, and love with Dropout’s Brennan + Izzy

As a longtime fan of their work, it’s fascinating to witness the dynamic between these two talented individuals. Roland’s knack for logic and Mulligan’s love for chaos create a compelling contrast that keeps audiences engaged. Their shared sense of humor, evident in their playful banter, is a testament to their friendship off-screen as well.

Brennan Lee Mulligan and Isabella Roland have upped the ante. The dynamic duo from “The Dropout,” who are also starring in the wildly entertaining “Dimension 20” season “Never Stop Blowing Up,” launched their latest long-form improv comedy special, titled “Bigger,” on their platform last Thursday. Spanning an hour and a half, this new offering showcases The Dropout’s power couple in fits of laughter that leave both them and the audience gasping for breath, as they navigate one absurd scenario after another.

In an episode of Dropout’s Dimension 20 talkback show, Adventuring Party, three years ago, a playful suggestion was made with the title Bigger, as it was humorously referred to as “the note we’ll never get.” Now, fast-forward to today, and this idea has become a reality. The special was filmed at an independent comedy theater in LA called The Elysian. The version on Dropout has combined two 70-minute live performances into a single, condensed 45-minute show.

In simple terms, TopMob had an interview with the stars from the show “Bigger,” discussing their collaboration as a comedic duo, expressing affection towards one another via Dropout skits, techniques to make each other crack up, and a glimpse into “Never Stop Blowing Up.”

This interview is lightly edited for length and clarity.

TopMob: I’m curious — is this your first press tour together?

Isabella Roland: This is our first.

In our case, this is a new venture for us. Previously, we’ve been interviewed as part of other D20 series casts, possibly for Burrow’s End or something produced by The Seven during the pandemic.

Roland: No. I don’t know if I’ve ever done press in my life.

How does it feel?

Roland: I think this is my debut.

Mulligan: You’re doing great.

Roland: This is my… what’s that… ca-…

Mulligan: Ca-….

Roland: What’s that word?

Mulligan: Your debutante?

Roland: Yeah yeah yeah.

Mulligan: Cotillion!

Roland: Cotillion.

Mulligan: There you go. We got it. Got there!

In the process of condensing a pair of 70-minute programs into a single 45-minute special, were there any segments that you held dear and had to be excluded, or scenes that didn’t quite fit but you found appealing?

Roland: I believe Roland, Jonah Ray, and the editors skillfully trimmed out any unnecessary parts. They eliminated awkward pauses or sections that might not have looked great on camera. To me, it seems they’ve developed a unique language for transforming live shows into a polished recording. They manage to make it seamless, tidy, enjoyable, and give the impression of being at the actual event.

Mulligan: We enjoyed performing in both shows immensely, and I believe the parts we included were the perfect introduction for newcomers who haven’t experienced live improvisation before.

Roland: Absolutely. At times, we’ve attempted some quite bold performances on stage. It’s all about going big. However, that’s the one criticism we’ll never receive. And there were instances where we truly nailed it. There was a moment in the play when we felt like Meryl Streep herself, exclaiming, “That was a knockout!” But upon rewatching, you might think, “Perhaps it needed to be experienced live.”

Mulligan: To be clear, you were Meryl Streep. I was a bog witch.

Roland: Oh!

Mulligan: I was! I was a witch!

Roland: That makes sense. [pause] Were you a bog witch and I was Meryl Streep in Into the Woods?

Mulligan: No, you were just the actress Meryl Streep.

Roland: People are going to be like, “We’ve gotta see the Meryl Cut.” And we promise: You don’t.

As a gamer, I found myself diving into “Bigger,” the game with the subtitle “The only note you’ll never get.” Naturally, I was eager to experience the show. But as I navigated through its challenges, I couldn’t help but ponder if there might be a boundary to what this game, Dropout, is capable of pushing.

Roland: Porn.

Mulligan: There’s some legal hurdles there.

Roland: I dare you. Live-streamed porn.

Dropout has shown an increasing level of trust towards its performers, particularly over the past year, as they venture into semi-scripted programming such as Smartypants and Thousandaires. This demonstrates Dropout’s enthusiasm for investing in the creative ideas of their talent. I believe this isn’t exclusive to just me and Izzy; rather, Dropout is eager to support all the imaginative projects that its performers can conceive. Therefore, I consider Dropout as the most thrilling platform for online entertainment, given that it empowers its performers to succeed. In my opinion, the work we’re producing is fascinating because it fosters a company culture that values and supports its talent. This is something I truly appreciate.

Roland: Get ready for scripted porn.

Mulligan: [Laughs.]

As a long-time fan of Dropout content, I must say that the upcoming release of both “Bigger” and “Never Stop Blowing Up” simultaneously feels like a dream come true! From the outside, it seems as though these projects are an outpouring of your love for each other through Dropout.

Mulligan: Dream come true.

Roland: Unparalleled.

Mulligan: Unparalleled.

Roland: A goofy, goofy world.

In simpler terms, when my partner and I started our family, we found that as working individuals, there’s hardly any free time left due to numerous obligations such as household chores, work duties, and childcare. So, having the opportunity to engage in moments of pure fun and play during work hours was like finding a secret code or shortcut in a video game for families. If we hadn’t been able to do something special, there might have been a need to take a break and let loose somewhere. It just so happened that what seemed like playtime turned out to be part of our work responsibilities. That’s truly remarkable and a privilege to experience.

Roland: It’s just bizarre luck, so unfair yet so fortunate. Yesterday, I was reminiscing about that ‘dog fight’ scene from Never Stop Blowing Up, and Brennan had no idea what I was talking about. But guess what? He came up with the concept of a purebred dog fight! It’s the funniest thing ever, and it’s all happening to me for the first time. Brennan was in the same boat, and we get to relive this hilarious experience more than once. It’s like being in a trance.

In addition, performing improv shows together feels like an honor, regardless of whether Izzy and I were together in a different timeline. It’s not merely an extension of our personal relationship, but rather an exciting bonus, a cherry on top. It’s rewarding to witness another side of someone in any partnership or relationship, and when you get to perform with your partner and see that aspect of them, it truly is a gift. So, it’s very special indeed.

As a gamer, let me say it’s wild how our characters are a fictional PR duo in the game world, yet it seems to have been a successful charade in real life too.

As a devoted fan, I can share that Izzy arrived at my apartment five minutes early, not just casually, but as part of a well-orchestrated plan. After all, we’re not just any fans; we’re the ones who support Taylor Swift!

Roland: We’re James Franco and the anime pillow.

Mulligan: And the body pillow from 30 Rock? [laughs]

Roland: Wait, no. That’s the real couple.

Both: We’re Jenna Maroney.

Well, it’s working, so congratulations on that.

Roland: Thank god.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always admired the dynamic energy and shared enthusiasm you two exhibit in these shows. It’s a delightful sweetness that never veers into saccharine or cloying territory. You, Brennan, even hinted at the idea that working together in this unique way would still be fantastic, even when apart.

When performing improv with someone, it’s an exposed experience regardless of the circumstances. However, the bond you develop through shared life experiences can undeniably enhance your performance on stage. During our act, remember, you are my improv partner, and that partnership is paramount. We’re here to have a fantastic time and excel at what we do. On stage, I don’t see you as my wife; instead, I see Izzy Roland, the most hilarious individual on Earth, ready to create magic together. It would be disingenuous not to admit that the skills we’ve honed through our relationship – trust, understanding, and care – significantly contribute to our performance, even if they operate subconsciously.

Roland: Right now, it appears he’s preparing… is it a serve in tennis terms? He seems ready to make one. And he’s letting me know This is the serve I’m going to use next, so you can get ready for… a tennis or basketball analogy.

Yeah, sure, or badminton. We can go all the way.

Roland: Or badminton!

Mulligan: Yeah yeah yeah. Basketball, you serve the ball and then…

Roland: …and then you strike it—

Both: Down.

I’m a former sports journalist, and you’re nailing it, Izzy.

Absolutely. It’s worth mentioning that we indeed possess our own unique language. Interestingly, what might have solidified our connection is that we performed in an improvisation show together prior to starting our relationship.

I’m wondering how this feels different than that, in that context.

Roland: That was sort of… [looks at Brennan]

Mulligan: [looks at Izzy] Hey.

Roland: We could call it foreplay. At that point, we were in our zone, and it felt fantastic! Michael Saltzman was part of the same production, making it even more enjoyable. It was as if we had a strong, magnetic connection, if I may say so myself. And interestingly enough, this show took place at a venue that once had bedbugs. Our first performance as a couple in two-prov format wasn’t great initially, which is quite amusing. But then, after some time had passed and we were well-established, it was like we found our groove again. We were truly in sync.

In a similar vein, let’s consider this: A performance is merely an individual act, yet it demands trust – not just in concept but also physically when you collaborate with another performer, as if to say, “Alright, hop on me, and together we’ll toss each other about.” This physical bond necessitates a high level of trust. The potential risk lies in instances where the connection becomes so strong that we might burst into laughter because we instinctively understand what our partner is going to do next, finding it amusing. Unfortunately, this shared humor sometimes escapes the intended audience engagement.

Roland: That was voyeuristic.

Mulligan: [Laughing] That was voyeuristic. We actually talked afterwards.

Roland: We have to sort of lay it out a little bit more.

Fan Speak: I can tell you’re planning something big, and while I’m confident it’ll be a success, let’s work together to guide them through the process too.

Do you surprise one another unexpectedly on purpose? Is there a method whereby you can determine that she wouldn’t guess this, or he won’t be prepared for it?

In a performance, it’s beneficial to approach with clear intentions. Recognize when something predictable might occur, then take a moment to gauge if the audience is also aware of it. However, there’s a certain scene in this show where Iz catches me off guard in an amusing way, due to our shared understanding – have you noticed that specific instance?

Roland: No.

Mulligan: This is a full spoiler.

Roland: Use one word.

Mulligan: I’ll use one word: monologue.

Roland: Oh yeah.

Mulligan: Quite amusing! When you remark “Everyone’s been soliloquizing at me,” I must admit that it strikes me as incredibly apt in that instant. Frankly, many of these seemingly unconnected mythical figures appear to possess this commonality.

Roland: You gotta fill the space.

Mulligan: You gotta fill the space.

In the movie “Never Stop Blowing Up”, it seems we frequently exchanged situations that made me chuckle due to your use of familiar comedic tropes. Remarkably, I even managed to predict one of your major plot twists, although I can’t recall any specific names, but I did figure out a significant storyline development.

Me as a Gamer: Dude, nailing the reference to Laguna 5000 instead of Long Beach 5000 is the funniest thing ever! I can’t stop laughing.

I lost it.

Roland: I’m being overly meticulous, and if someone attributes it to pregnancy hormones, take a look at Ify in the latest episode, alright? Alright?!

In my opinion, a solid connection establishes the essential elements for outstanding performance. For us, this bond is a marital and romantic one, but I believe that for anyone aiming to excel, finding individuals who instill a sense of safety and trust within you is paramount. When you’re with these people, it feels like there’s an unspoken understanding and the ability to pick up on subtle cues. There’s just something magical about truly connecting… If your partner shares a laugh, it’s an indescribable sensation, almost as if it’s the best feeling in the world. It’s quite special to be able to collaborate on art and entertainment with someone you deeply connect with.

What is the thing your partner does that most frequently makes you break?

Mulligan: There’s actually several consistent things. Any expression of dismay or horror Izzy does is hysterical. If I share a story, Oh, someone did something that was untoward, Izzy has the most expressive comedic face on the planet and will be like, [wide-eyed] “WHAT!” That always makes me laugh. Or hyperbole, any hyperbolic statement of either enthusiasm or lack of support breaks me every time. Like our friends are going ax-throwing at an outdoor ax-throwing range and Izzy will be like “I’ll be dead in the cold earth.” That gets me every time. I’m sorry to tell this story. We went to the Ren Faire one time, in Pasadena.

Roland: [shaking her head] Shut it down.

Mulligan: Everyone who loves the Ren Faire, if you work at the Ren Faire…

Roland: You’re stupid!

Mulligan: No, you have my support.

Roland: You’re stupid.

Mulligan: [Blocking off Izzy] No, this is my core demographic. You’re wonderful.

Roland: Cancel your subscription! And make it less dusty. And no lines!!!

Mulligan: We got to the Ren Faire, and got out of Aabria Iyengar’s car…

Roland: Which made me want to vomit. Aabria’s car. Tesla: Bad!

Mulligan: We got out, and we looked at the Ren Faire…

Roland: In what, Pomona? Give me a break.

Mulligan: Pasadena.

Roland: Pacoima? Rosemead? I don’t know where it is. Somewhere over there you don’t want to be.

Mulligan: And Iz went “Oh, they put the mall outside.” Which made me laugh so hard.

Roland: But it’s not The Grove, where you want to be.

Mulligan: We shared a hilarious instance where our personalities seemed to interlock, much like the horseshoe theory. This happened when we encountered a blacksmith selling swords. Erika Ishii approached us and asked if we were going to buy one, to which we both replied “No!” simultaneously. Looking at each other, we silently acknowledged our shared response, saying in essence, “Yes, we’re in agreement.”

Roland: Not for the same reason.

Mulligan: Because Iz replied, “I’m not going to purchase a massive sword.” And I countered, “I’m not going to acquire a sword from a store shelf. Instead, I’ll collaborate with a blacksmith to create my own blade.”

Roland: I’m going to inherit it from the warrior who I didn’t know was my dad.

What about for you, Izzy? How does Brennan consistently make you break?

Roland finds great joy in media that allows him to let go of logical questioning and simply enjoy himself. When a show or movie encourages viewers to relax and have fun, it resonates with him deeply. This is particularly true for characters like Brennan, who often have an overactive mind and a tendency to make connections between seemingly unrelated things.

It’s been delightful watching you throw caution to the wind with this situation, Brennan. You’ve truly relished the absurdity life offers.

To put it simply, for those who enjoy logical thinking and making things coherent, particularly those with an improvisation background, creating order often means first causing a bit of chaos.

Roland: What if you love to make a mess and hate cleaning up?

Then you’d be a good partnership, it sounds like.

Mulligan: There you go.

Both: Whoa.

As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate Mulligan’s unique take on logic and chaos. It’s amusing to observe how, similar to Ally Beardsley, he often finds himself in situations where he creates a bit of a mess, only for others to exclaim, “Whoa, hold up! Let’s tidy this up a bit.” But the fun lies in those moments when he encourages us to go off the rails, saying, “Let’s take a wild dive!” The thrill is in the freefall, spewing out random ideas with reckless abandon. Then, 20 minutes later, we find ourselves knee-deep in confusion, and the joy comes from sorting through that mess and making sense of it all.

When Bigger’s story began with a hamster accidentally in the microwave, did you realize that the foundation for success was already laid at that moment?

Mulligan: Yeah.

Roland: Mmmhmm.

Hey Brennan, could you clarify if we might see The All-Hamster joining any upcoming Dimension 20 campaigns in the future?

In simpler terms, my goal is to bring together every universe from the Dimension 20 series and every detail from every Dropout show. This means that the All-Hamster will become a part of the multiverse, and will be included in the grand finale season of Dimension 20, which is expected to span an incredible 400 episodes. By the end of this project, I will be around 70 or 80 years old.

Roland: I’ll be long dead.

Mulligan: Oh my god.

Will that include the Meryl cut?

Both: [Laughing]

Do you guys have any future projects together that you’re hoping to work on?

As a seasoned theatre enthusiast who has spent countless hours watching live performances and supporting independent film projects, I am genuinely excited to announce that this August, I will be participating in a unique live-streamed event at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles. This special occasion is not only an opportunity to entertain audiences but also to contribute to a worthy cause – the production of a movie titled “D(e)ad,” which stars and was written by Isabella Roland.

Roland:Brennan, Vic Michaelis, Zac Oyama, Claudia Lonow (who’s my mom), my stepdad, my grandparents, Nick Marini, and Craig Bierko are all part of it. Boom, bang, bing!

We’re gathering funds for its production, which is incredibly thrilling! If everything goes as planned and we receive the necessary support, the movie could embark on a fascinating journey. This involves editing, compilation, festival screenings, watch parties, and more exciting events!

Roland: Oscars.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled about the Oscars! Fingers crossed that with events like these, there’ll be a platform available online for everyone to enjoy it someday in the future.

Bigger is now streaming on Dropout.

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2024-07-30 22:20