Level 1 - Introduction to Longform

Patterns and Agreement -This class explores two of the most fundamental elements of improvisation: Recognizing and creating patterns (an essential part of longform improvisation) as well as agreement and adding information (the most important part of all improvisation).

Next Class: Not Currently Scheduled

Prerequisites: None

Level 2 - Fundamentals of Group Improvisation Register Now

This class will explore how to improvise in a group setting. The exercises in this course will focus on having all of the students improvising together at the same time. You will explore knowing when to lead and when to follow, committing to the group's energy and trusting your fellow players.

Next Class: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Prerequisites: None

Level 3 - Scenework

Scenework is the single most important element in longform improvisation. Successful shows rely on a group’s ability to do scenes consistently well. Virtually every longform piece, regardless of style, consists mainly of scenes. So it’s no stretch to say that scenework is skill every improviser must master to succeed.
This class will give you a variety of tools and approaches that help make great scenes. We’ll explore a range of topics including connecting with your scene partner, scenic initiations, character work and group scenes.

Next Class: Not Currently Scheduled

Prerequisites: Level 1 or Level 2

Level 4 - Elements of Longform Improvisation Register Now

This class will focus on putting elements together into a longform piece. You will study elements of longform such as editing techniques, openings and group games. Students will also learn about different styles of longform such as the Deconstruction and the LaRonde.
Instructor: Dan Sipp

Next Class:Sunday, March 7, 2010, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Prerequisites: Levels 1, 2 and 3

Level 5 - Performance

Each class will rehearse as a performing group for the six week duration of the class. They will learn an established improv form, and presentthat form in performance at ComedyWorx. Eachgroup will get at least two performances together.

Next Class: Not Currently Scheduled

Prerequisites: Level 4

Shortform Improvisation Classes

Intro to Improv Register Now

This class provides the basic skills necessary for improv: you will learn exercises to build energy, establish focus,and get everyone in the group on the same page. You will learn the basic scene work, the concepts of "yes and" and avoiding questions. You will learn to establish the who, what, and where. The class explores choices, reacting in scenes, character work, scene reality and scene mechanics.

Prerequisites: None

Intermediate Games and Skills: Trainee

The goal of this class is to determine if you have the attitude, learning skills and commitment to perform improv. You will learn as a trainee with our associate Troupe. Students will learn advanced skills including scene work, mime, and music, some of the intricacies of the essential games, the roles of various performers, and the format of the ComedyWorx show.

Prerequisites: Intro to Improv and instructor recommendation

Advanced Techiques: Associate Performer

As an associate performer you would participate in ComedyWorx troupe practices. You learn advanced skills and receive instruction in all aspects of the ComedyWorx show. There may be live performance opportunities but that is not guaranteed. Associates receive comprehensive periodic reviews.

Prerequisites: Intermediate Games and Skills

Level 1 - Teen Improv Register Now   

Learn the basics of improvisational theater. In this class you will get the basics of improv under your belt. Focus will be on creating a safe, fun, group environment that fosters communication and teamwork. Through games, drills, and exercises you will learn the importance of complete commitment on stage, saying yes to our scene partners and how to create believable characters in a moment's time through body and voice! Discover how to connect with the magic of "group mind" and what it takes to be an awesome performer on stage! This class meets on seven consecutive Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Start Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Fee: $120

Prerequisites: None

The Extension Program can add classes at anytime. If you want us to notify you when something new is posted just send us an eMail.

Living Well with Improv

Would you like more joy in your life? Have you felt stuck lately? When was the last time you laughed out loud? Maybe you want to learn to "be in the moment" but sitting cross-legged on a mat isn't your thing. Well,this class may be for you!
Using the art of improvisational theater we will explore the joy of living fully in the moment. Through games that get us out of heads and into our hearts and bodies we will remember what it feels like to be a kid again- having good old-fashioned un-self-conscious fun! Focus will be on the spiritual, social elements of improv rather than performance, though we will take baby steps that teach us to be confident (and even relaxed!) in front of the group without a script! In addition to improvisational games and active participation, we will record our noticings in journals as well as having small group discussions that deepen the spirtual principles we are learning through the art of play.
Be prepared to reduce stress, increase confidence, feel more comfortable BEING in the moment and, most importantly, have lots of fun!
Instructor: Anoushka Brod

Next Classes Begin: Not Currently Scheduled

Time Frame: Four consecutive weeks, one night per week

Let me know the next time this class is scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

Improv for Singles

How would you like to meet that perfect someone while they are making you laugh out loud. Whether your objective is to find a soul-mate, or simply to just socialize and network and make new single friends; this is the class for you! We teach you improv games and exercises in a supportive, friendly atmosphere. Anyone can do it and it’s a whole lot of fun. And you really get to see the real person, without the bar scene, the dinner, or the boring small talk. The class is limited to 10 women and 10 men. We always attempt to have a well balanced group of single men and women. If you have ever been to other functions that were uneven, you will be pleasantly surprised with this class. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to meet people when you are focused on "being in the moment" for an improv game.
Instructor: Chris Moore

Next Class Begins: Not Currently Scheduled

Time Frame: Four consecutive Monday nights

Let me know the next time this class is scheduled.

Restrictions: These classes will be limited to specific age groups

Spacework or Where Are You and What the Hell Are You

Doing There?

You have more to offer your partner than words! Stop avoiding space-work and start grounding your improv. Learn to create environments and activities and actually use them to make your scenes richer. You don't need to be a mime to use mime effectively.

Last Class was: Sunday, August 30, 2009. The next is not scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

"More Play Please!"

Are you wanting to recapture the fun of improv? Have you gotten caught in your head trying "to figure it out"? Do you want to make your improv even more playful? Well, this workshop is for you! In this class we will focus on tools that get us out of our heads, and fully into the moment. As we focus completely on what is occurring in the moment, and our scene partner, with the exclusion of everything else, our true playfulness can blossom! We learn to capture the "mistake" and make it the funnest (and funniest) part of the scene! Toss out your fear of getting it right and come spend the afternoon playing. Don't be surprised if your improv skills are deepened and strengthened in the process of this fun-focused workshop!

Last Class was: Sunday, July 19, 2009. The next is not scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

ACTING FOR IMPROV

Acting skills are a much-neglected tool in improvisation, but great improvisers know it’s value. This workshop will use the basic tenets of Stanislavsky's action-based techniques to create an approach to truthful acting. Whether you're doing zany comedic short form or intense dramatic long form you'll walk away with some tactics for keeping it real. Take this workshop and your directors will thank you for it.

Last Class: was Sunday, June 21, 2009. The next is not scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

Improvising Story

It's said that there's a finite number of possible story lines. Is everything "new" is just one of these stories in disguise? Director & actor Jay O'Berski sets out to spelunk this cave of uncertainty and help sharpen your storytelling skill set in the process. No more rambling scenes with no forward momentum. Join the experiment!

Instructor: Jay O'Berski

Last Class: was Sunday, August 24, 2008. The next is not scheduled.

Let me know the next time this class is scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

Scenework as Play: Making scenes fun again

Two person scenes are the bricks and mortar of long form improvisation. So why is it that scenework feels like manual labor sometimes? Maybe it’s because we get stuck in a rut making the same choices again and again. This workshop will focus on techniques to get you unstuck and make scenes fun again.
Instructor: Dan Sipp

Last Class: was Sunday, August 10, 2008. The next is not scheduled.

Let me know the next time this class is scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

Movement Workshop: The Viewpoints

The Viewpoints allows a group of actors, dancers, improvisers to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to generate bold, theatrical work quickly. It develops flexibility, articulation, and strength in movement and helps build group cooperation necessary to be a true ensemble. The Viewpoints are the qualities of movement that we use everyday without thinking about them. In the workshop we will look at these qualities under a magnifying glass and use them to create original, exciting improvisations. ANYONE can benefit!
Instructor: Dana Marks

Last Class: was Sunday, August 3, 2008. The next is not scheduled.

Let me know the next time this class is scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

Improv, Comedy and Combat... Oh, My!!!

Learn to slap like a Stooge, fall like Farley and live to tell the tale. Back by popular demand, this workshop will focus on the physical elements of comedy covering but not limited to: Pushes, pulls, slaps, falls, kicks, chokes, drags and pokes. Students will learn to safely use combat techniques and styles in an improv format. If all comedy is based in pain and suffering, this class is a must. Students are asked to wear tennis shoes, and clothing that allows freedom of movement. Class is limited to 16 students.
Instructor: David McClutchy

Last Class: was Sunday, July 27, 2008. The next is not scheduled.

Let me know the next time this class is scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

Improvisational Music Workshop

Creating improvisational music and musicals is one of the most entertaining and fulfilling things to do in the world of improv. This four-hour workshop will focus on the tools necessary for improvising songs and musicals and give all participants an opportunity to practice the skills they are learning.

The workshop will focus on:
- Singing out with emotion, physicality, and confidence
- Song structures
- Making songs more interesting and effective
- Singing duets and with larger groups
- Incorporating music into improv scenes
- Performing musical scenes and multi-scene musicals

Instructors: Mark Lewis and Greg Hohn

Last Class: was completed JUNE '08. The next is not scheduled.

Let me know the next time this class is scheduled.

Prerequisites: None

Team Problem SolvingMore Information or schedule a class

Corporate teams are faced with diverse challenges in complex environments on a daily bases. One of the remarkable advantages of improvisation is the ability for individuals to unleash their personal creativity to solve group problems. This class teaches participants how to use the same principles to attack corporate problems with a spirit of invention, while working effectively as a team to generate real-world solutions.

Instructor: Bryan Cronk

Next Class: Scheduled on demand

Prerequisites: None

"The class allowed me to use my dry sense of humor, taught me how to be more confident and self-assured in my real life. The class was great fun and I met some great people who really care, not only about their craft, but about each other"- Robin Blake, Teacher, WCPSS, Associate ComedyWorx performer for 1 year.