"There isn't just ONE way to learn improv...Improvolution made it incredibly fun, easy and removed the 'scary'. I became so confident as an improviser that
I got back into performing and have used it ever since."
- Megan S., "Urinetown", Broadway cast
HOW OUR SCHOOL IS STRUCTURED
We have 5 Levels - Basic through to Sketch Comedy Writing. We've designed the classes to build on one another so we suggest that students proceed through each class in order. However, some people have had training elsewhere and may want to take a class that best suits their level of experience.
Also, you can never learn too much in improv and many students elect to re-take classes several times (for half-price) so they can stay sharp, go deeper, and experiment.
Performing is an integral part of learning - not a light at the end of a long tunnel - and so at the end of each level we encourage students to perform in their class shows. It's another way to learn, to grow, and to understand what improv is and how it works.
THE LEVELS
We break it down pretty simply...if you've had little or no improv training then you will want to start with our BASIC WEEKEND INTENSIVE or our LEVEL 1 CLASS which will give you the rules, tools, fundamentals, and experience to walk away saying confidently...perhaps even arrogantly..."Yes, world, yes. I can improvise!" You will be able to perform in a class show at the end of the session which is an integral part of learning and understanding improv.
Once your an addict to improv and performing, we have the LEVEL 2 /SCENE & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT CLASS which meets starts where Level 1 stops. You will learn how to keep a scene moving and feel the power and freedom of improvising as characters.
After LEVEL 2, logically you'd go to LEVEL 3 - which develops more in-depth character work through monologue writing. And teaches writing with an improv angle.
And LEVEL 4 teaches Long-Form improv, with an emphasis on the CLAP-IN format. Long-Form basically means there is no director, the cast directs themselves based on what interests them and which direction they want to take the scenes. It's like having learned how to play an instrument, you can them begin to jam together.
LEVEL 5 is our Sketch Writing class...using everything learned up until this point to write scenes, knowing how best to structure and present an idea or character.
"Improv class is the highlight of my week. I know I'm learning and growing - people have even commented on it. I am meeting great people and
the teachers care a lot here. It rocks!"
- Dan S, Marketing Director for MediaCom
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
INTENSIVES
What IS improv?
What does it mean to be a "good improviser"? How do you create a successful scene? How do you apply improv to other creative aspects of life? Why does improv help with auditioning, scene work, and performance? Why should every single person learn about improv???
This is a quick way to find out!
Learn all the basics of improv in just one day or over a weekend with an emphasis on teamwork, characters, positivity, trusting the unknown and yourself.
You will:
•Learn the improv basic ‘language' and discover IMPROVOLUTION's unique approach!
•Experience pushing your own edge in the context of working in and for a group!
•Discover a deep trust in yourself, in your partners, and the confidence that comes from that!
•Experience how fun, freeing, and EASY improvising actually is - especially in a safe, noncompetitive, and positive atmosphere!
LEVEL 1 / IMPROV BASICS
Learn the fundamentals of improvisation - the basic tools, rules and philosophy - through games, drills, and scenes. We emphasize a character-based "Groundlings"-inspired approach to improv, although not exclusively.
It is a fun, noncompetitive, supportive environment where we don't teach you just one format, we teach you how to be a good, competent player with an understanding of WHAT makes improv work and WHY it works.
Whether you're a performer or not, improv is honestly for anyone who wants to do it. We stand behind our motto that ANYONE can improvise!
LEVEL 2 / CHARACTERS & SCENE DEVELOPMENT
Continuing on from Improv Basics, this class is designed to hone your skills, offer more tools, and introduce characters as a way to develop your scenework. Much like Level 1, games, drills, and scenes will be used to give both an intellectual understanding as well as an experiential one. Character work will be introduced through both improvised and in-class writing assignments.
LEVEL 3 / WRITING LAB: CHARACTER MONOLOGUES
Level 3 gives you the chance to begin to explore and understand both deeper dimensions of characters AND the ability to study the structures of scenes from a writing angle. Regardless of your abilities as a writer, this class is NOT a "how to write" class - instead, it uses improv as the means to create more well-defined characters, finding their motives, their quirks, their subtlety in a way that you rarely could in a spontaneous improv game. You will be given several different ways to come up with characters and create them both in and outside of class.
And you'll be amazed how much you like to write. When done with an improv background, it's a lot easier than you would ever think.
Shows will be a mix of improv and your character monologues.
LEVEL 4 / LONG-FORM IMPROV
Long-form is a more advanced style of improv that does not usually require a director. The performers ‘self-direct', working together in higher and more complex ways to create scenes based on their own ideas. Once you have a basic understanding of how long-form works, you can easily adapt to other versions. You will also learn in a hands-on way how scenes are constructed, what makes a scene really work, and how best to set up and execute your scene ideas.
LEVEL 5 / SKETCH WRITING
Taking everything you've learned - long form, character monologues, and improv basics - students are now ready to dive into Sketch Comedy Writing. Having experienced what makes an interesting and successful scene, you will be able to explore scenes from a writing standpoint and learn how to create scenarios and characters to sustain sketches; learn how to write for multiple characters; and how to best express an idea you have.
DROP-IN CLASS
This is a weekly drop-in for current and previous students of Improvolution as well as our other improv friends from other schools and trainings who either want more improv in your week than just once (we understand!) or if you are unable to take a current class. We do not recommend taking this class INSTEAD of a Level class, as Level classes are more focused, build on one another, and have a concrete goal for your improv development.
More details to come.
PAY HERE NOW
Installments are accepted as long as a deposit is received before class begins.
