Education

Class Title: Improvisation Essentials

Performance Description:

Welcome to Improvisation Essentials, where spontaneity, collaboration, and creativity collide to create unforgettable moments on stage! This class is designed to introduce students to the exhilarating art of improvisational theater, commonly known as improv. Through a series of fun and dynamic exercises and games, students will learn to think on their feet, trust their instincts, and work collaboratively with others to create original scenes and characters in the moment.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Core Principles of Improv: Understanding the basic principles of improvisation, including "Yes, And...", agreement, spontaneity, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity.

• Scene Work: Learning how to create engaging scenes on the spot, including establishing relationships, environments, and objectives, and building a strong narrative arc.

• Character Development: Developing dynamic and believable characters quickly, using physicality, voice, emotions, and character quirks to bring them to life.

• Game Play: Exploring a variety of improv games and exercises designed to sharpen improvisational skills, stimulate creativity, and foster quick thinking and adaptability.

• Listening and Reacting: Practicing active listening and observation skills, responding authentically to offers and cues from scene partners, and building upon each other's ideas.

• Group Dynamics: Understanding the importance of teamwork, support, and ensemble building in improv, and learning how to play off each other's strengths to create cohesive scenes.

• Status and Power Dynamics: Exploring the concepts of status and power dynamics in scene work, understanding how they affect character interactions and relationships.

• Scene Structure and Edit Techniques: Learning different scene structures and edit techniques used to initiate, develop, and conclude scenes effectively, including scene painting, tag-outs, and callbacks.

Class Structure:

• Each session will include a mix of warm-up exercises, group games, scene work, and debriefing sessions.

• Students will have the opportunity to rotate through different scene partners and group configurations to practice versatility and adaptability.

• Instruction will be hands-on and experiential, with plenty of opportunities for active participation and feedback.

• The course may culminate in a showcase or performance where students can demonstrate their improv skills to friends, family, and the community.

Requirements:

• No prior experience in improv or theater is necessary. This class is open to students of all levels, from beginners to experienced performers.

• Participants should come prepared to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace the spontaneity of improv.

• Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for movement are recommended.

Instructor:

Our experienced improv instructors are passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students can unleash their creativity and have fun exploring the world of improvisation.

Join us for a laughter-filled and spontaneous journey in our Improvisation Essentials class!