Summary — “Michael’s Improv Class with Michael Naughton”

Author/Host: Audacy — Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey
Episode focus: Rewatch of The Office (S2) “Email Surveillance” superfan version (deleted improv scenes), interview with Michael Naughton (plays improv teacher Chris), and a live improv set with UCB performers.

Overview

This Office Ladies episode revisits the extended “Email Surveillance” episode of The Office, concentrating on Michael Scott’s improv-class storyline. Angela and Cassie break down deleted scenes and runners from the superfan cut, then present an interview with Michael Naughton (who played the fed-up improv teacher, Chris). The episode closes with an improvised long-form set performed by UCB alums Marcus Fulmar and Connor McCabe, called from impromptu phone suggestions.

Key points & main takeaways

• Rewatch highlights

  • The superfan edition contains ~13 extra minutes of improv-class footage showing Michael’s recurring “shoot everyone” gag, more of Mary Beth vs. Michael scuffles, and additional talking-heads that explain Michael’s improv mindset.
  • Angela and Jenna point out small background catches (e.g., Meredith’s odd teddy-bear cardigan) and Michael’s new “mangled word” line in a talking head.

• Improv scenes and mechanics

  • The teacher (Chris) repeatedly tries to enforce “yes, and,” while Michael Scott repeatedly ignores it, steamrolling scenes with the same gag (imaginary guns).
  • Deleted scenes show the class dynamics: most students are in their 20s, Michael’s character is older and isolated, and the teacher is quickly exasperated.
  • The writers left a lot of improvised material rolling on set — the cameras simply recorded actors playing longer than the scripted bits.

• Interview with Michael Naughton (Chris)

  • Casting: Came in through casting contacts (Alison Jones); small role but fun and familiar set.
  • On-set anecdotes: lots of improvisers in the room (e.g., Wyatt Cenac, Dee Ryan, Colleen Smith) and they often let takes run so improvisation could play. Steve Carell’s Michael was based on an actual improv class steamroller.
  • Naughton’s Chris is a teacher who’s “done” with Michael — the performance was intentionally exasperated, coming from real improv-class experience.
  • Recognition: Naughton still gets occasional recognition; discussed his recent low-budget film project (a comedic take on 12 Angry Men).

• Live improv set

  • Format: Long-form scenes inspired by audience suggestions (they called friends live for suggestions).
  • Suggestions: Location — kids’ birthday party; relationship — decorator/client (later clarified as “decorator”).
  • Themes surfaced: classism/tiers of service, social status, credit-score jokes, desperate aesthetic fixes (helium lip filler gag), and a final cake/party payoff.
  • Hosts reflected on the joy and challenge of improv and the inevitability of occasionally breaking (laughing on stage).

Notable quotes / insights

• Michael Scott talking head (on boss/employee distance):
  “There’s always a distance between a boss and the employees. It is just nature’s rule… What is he going to think of me? What is it going to affect my salary?”
• Michael’s (deleted) improv-talking-head approach:
  “Five o’clock. Time to go get my improv on… That is a dinosaur getting ready to go to improv class.” (example of Michael’s bizarre mental images)
• On improv technique:
  “You say yes to what your partners have set up and then you add on to it.” — Chris (teacher talking about the rule of “yes, and”)
• Michael (as his improv defense):
  “What I do is, yes, I see what you're doing. And here's something better.” — reveals Michael’s refusal to genuinely collaborate; he always wants to one-up.

Topics discussed

• The Office — “Email Surveillance” (Season 2), superfan deleted scenes
• Improv formats and games (ASCAT/Armando; “yes, and”)
• Characterization and repeat bits (Michael’s recurring “guns” gag)
• On-set improvisation and letting cameras roll past scripted lines
• Interview with Michael Naughton about his role, casting, and on-set memories
• Live long-form improv performance (UCB improvisers)
• Side mentions: Jenna’s Chicago play (Ashland Avenue), cookbook release dates, Angela’s food journal, and sponsor ads (Cozy, Leesa, Disney+/Hulu, Instacart, Squarespace, Amazon Prime deals).

Action items / recommendations

• If you enjoyed this episode:
  • Watch the superfan version of “Email Surveillance” to see the extra improv scenes and Michael Scott material discussed.
  • Listen to Michael Naughton’s interview for behind-the-scenes tales of working with Steve Carell and the improvisers on set.
  • Try a local improv class or watch a live long-form improv show (ASCAT/Armando-style) to experience monologues inspiring scenes.
• For improv learners:
  • Practice the “yes, and” rule faithfully — don’t negate or one-up your partner.
  • Avoid “steamrolling” the scene with the same bit; listen and build on others’ choices.
  • When starting out, focus on playing the reality of the scene and character (don’t over-literalize wild prompts like “penguins delivering a refrigerator”).
• Miscellaneous:
  • Fans who want more content: check Jenna’s play (Ashland Avenue — Chicago run through Oct 19) and the upcoming cookbook release (preorder dates announced).

Episode highlights to rewatch/listen for

• Michael’s deleted pre- and post-class talking heads (superfan footage).
• The teacher’s “give me all the guns” sequence — both a comedic beat and a window into Michael’s improv approach.
• The longer Mary Beth vs. Michael argument that was largely improvised.
• Jenna & Angela’s live improv set (to hear structure and payoff from audience-sourced prompts).

If you want, I can:

• Pull out and timestamp the exact deleted-scene clips to watch in the superfan episode.
• Create a short “improv starter checklist” based on the episode’s tips for someone wanting to take their first class.