Improv Foundations
(6 weeks)
Sundays 4-6PM
Starts: September 22nd
Course Description:
This foundational improv course explores the structure and core of improv. Learn to be conscious, share space, give attention, listen and be in the moment which is essential to creating improvised theater. Communication and trust are a process to build. Improv comes alive from the development of relationship dynamics, character and the environment. The further detailed something imaginative becomes, the more concrete its existence. As an improviser, your will gain tools for how to create a fully developed scene.​ In the course we will also explore a variety of comedy videos, essays and excerpts.
The techniques you learn from this class will allow you to understand the base elements of improv, how to create a character, improvise a monologue, start a scene and work yourself out of awkward moments. The class shows will be a 1 hour solo show and an opening 20 minute set for an improv show in partnership with Alphabet City Laughs Productions. ​
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GOALS
-understand how to start an improv scene
-find purpose and direction onstage
-build confidence
-grow character development skills
-learn how to connect with your team
-receive a live recording of your performances
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RULES
-only one absence will be allowed to participate in shows
-must be available for the 2 class show dates
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SCHEDULE
Week 1: introduction - who, what where?
Week 2: the environment & physicality
Week 3: group communication and trust
Week 4: inspiration and motivation
Week 5: character development
Week 6: improv games & show rehearsal
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SHOW DATES​
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Sunday, October 27th 6-7pm
The Rainbow Den (our Brooklyn studio)
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Thursday, October 31st 7-7:30pm set before 8-9pm sketch show + Halloween afterparty
WOW Cafe Theater, New York NY
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Darren
(he/they/she)
Darren is the founder and director of Alphabet City Laughs Productions, an LGBTQIA company and The Performance School of Comedy. He has 9 years of experience performing improvisational comedy. They are an actor, director, writer and producer. She is a member of the queer improv collective Thank You For Coming Out and a former member of the improv teams Sugardrip Comedy and We Will Slay. They have performed improv at UCB, Broadway Comedy Club, Mood Ring, The Magnet, PIT, Under St Mark's, Young Ethel's, Caveat, Mabou Mines and more. Besides improv, they have studied acting and clown/mime at The New School.
Website: www.darrensaad.com
NOTE
We have a boardgame happy hour on Thursdays before class. Feel free to come in early. Check out or "Events" page for details.