Improv 1 is where you will learn the nuts and bolts.  Students are introduced to the core concepts of performance improv.  These include but are not limited to

• Listening

• Agreement

• What we mean when we say “yes, and,” 

• Working in an ensemble

• Stage craft

• Basic mime

• Physical theatre

• Vocal expression

The focus of this class is to prepare you for creating scenes onstage and, eventually, working in front of an audience.

Prerequisite: A willingness to be adventurous and learn something new.

Just because you’re making it up, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have structure. In Improv 2, students will take all of the concepts they learned from Improv 1 and use them to create scenes with their ensemble. Focus in this class will be discovering the “who, what and where” of scene work, and the simple methods improvisers use to establish these essential scenic components quickly and easily. The instructor will also focus on techniques to create environments onstage, how to use emotion to communicate wants or needs, and the various ways that relationships affect and enhance the scene.  

Prerequisite: Completion of Improv 1 or comparable performance experience (to be determined by the instructor)

Let’s play! In this level, students will use what they have learned to create relatable characters and will be introduced to the popular improv format of performance-style games. Improvisers often use improv games as a way explore scenes and discover characters. For audiences, improv games are a fantastic way to be immersed in an art form that they may not be familiar with. It is important to remember that, at their heart, improv games are simply scenes with parameters. They are a fun and useful method to develop stage presence and to practice show preparation, presentation, and onstage editing skills. 

Students will also have the opportunity to take part in an end-of-term showcase before an audience.

Prerequisite: Completion of Improv 2