The Art of the Noise-Making Improv Podium
Dropout’s Make Some Noise—born out of the runaway success of Game Changer’s iconic noise-boys episodes featuring Josh Ruben, Zac Oyama, and Brennan Lee Mulligan—revolutionized comedy panel shows by stripping away traditional trivia in favor of raw acoustic Foley artistry, razor-sharp character impressions, and breakneck mini-scenes. In Polygon’s in-depth interview with creator Sam Reich regarding Season 5, Reich revealed why the show has begun introducing substitute guest hosts behind the podium: expanding the creative universe while letting Reich explore new formats without turning the host chair into an untouchable bottleneck.
When a single creator anchors every episode of an improv franchise, contestant rhythms can stabilize into familiar grooves. Guest hosts (like Paul F. Tompkins, Wayne Brady, or Dropout regulars) disrupt that familiarity. Contestants have to read a new judge's comedic threshold, timing, and point-awarding quirks, raising the improvisational stakes and inviting fresh comedic chemistry.
A weak prompt simply asks for an object (e.g., "A vacuum cleaner"). A legendary Make Some Noise prompt introduces incongruity and emotional conflict: "A vacuum cleaner trying to convince you it didn’t eat your favorite sock," or "The voice actor who records microwave beeps having an existential crisis." Contrast triggers comedic Foley genius.
Like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, points in noise-making improv don't actually matter—until they suddenly do. Awarding spontaneous "+1 Reich Stars" for subtle vocal sound design (throat clicks, pitch bends, ambient room reverb) gives players permission to commit fully to hyper-specific physical comedy.
Using this interactive studio, you can direct your own rehearsal or live stream. Keep the timer tight (15 to 30 seconds per take). Encourage performers to buzz before they even know what sound they're going to make. Panic is the mother of comedic invention.