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 be introduced to 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. One day a week for six consecutive weeks.

Next Class: Wednesday, March 7, 2012: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Prerequisites: None

Intermediate Shortform Register Now

The Intermediate Short Form class is for those students that have learned the basics of improv and are ready to put them into action. The goal of this course is to introduce the students to the nature of short form improv, learn the structure of a show, why we do the things we do, and most importantly how to turn on the charm when on stage. You will learn improv "games" typically included in a ComedyWorx(TM) show. All this leads to an end-of-course performance in front of family and friends. One day a week for six consecutive weeks.
Instructor: Brian Thacker

Next Class: Monday, March 5, 2012: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Prerequisites: Intro to Improv

Advanced Shortform

This class provides the advanced skills necessary for participating in shortform improv performances. You will learn games and specific elements of the ComedyWorx(TM). This class includes two opportunites to perform in shows at the
Worx. One day a week for six consecutive weeks.
Instructor: To be Determined

Next Class: Determined by recent Intermediate Shortform graduates

Prerequisites: Intermediate Shortform

Intermediate Longform

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). This class will also 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. Each group will get at least one performance together at the
Yes Yard(TM). One day a week for six consecutive weeks.
Instructor: To be Determined

Next Class: Determined by recent Intro-to-Improv graduates

Prerequisites: Intro to Improv

Advanced Longform

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. 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. Each class will rehearse as a performing group for the six week duration of the class. They will learn an established improv form, and present that form in performance at ComedyWorx. Each group will get at least two performances together at the Yes Yard(TM). One day a week for six consecutive weeks.

Next Class: Determined by recent Intermediate Longform graduates

Prerequisites: Intermediate Longform

Electives can be added at anytime. If you want us to notify you when something new is posted just send us an eMail.

Musical Improv - Creating Songs

The art of being able to come up with songs on the spot is something that can be fun to do! This workshop will focus on the following items:

• How to create songs with definition
• How to keep them short and funny
• How to avoid run on sentences and
• Create instant songs that work in a manner similar to real songs.

The focus for this workshop will be on form & comedy. The basic language for teaching is musical theater - any style of music can be used in a show!

Next Class: Not currently scheduled

Prerequisites: None

Our Last
Musical Improv
Class

A lot of fun, sign up now!

Harold - The Harold Class

The Harold is oldest and best known longform performance format. Since it's invention over 25 years ago at The iO Theater in Chicago it has been studied by thousands and thousands of improvisers. Many of today's comedy legends got their start in longform through the Harold. Star such as Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, The Upright Citizen's Brigade, Jack McBrayer, Mike Myers, Adam McKay as well as many writers for Conan, The Daily Show, 30 Rock, Colbert and Community all mastered the Harold. It would not be a stretch to say that these icons would not be where they are today without the lessons they learned from this form.
A Harold is composed of an opening, scenes, monologues, group games, and even songs all spontaneously generated by the actors working together on stage. This form will challenge you to use all of your own skills in support of the group's ideas. Participants in this special eight week workshop will learn the Harold form and have two performances together at The Yes Yard. This class is limited to only 12 participants, max.

Next Class: Not currently scheduled

Prerequisites: Advanced Longform or equivalent (Instructor will determine equivalence)

"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.