Wednesday, November 28, 7-9pm
Playing Big Characters with Aden Kirschner
Whether you are using costumes, makeup and wigs or basing your characters off of nuanced body language, posture and vocal choices – big characters make big choices adding a layer of awesome to your improv scene work. This workshop with Aden Kirschner (Merlin-Works instructor) will help you distinguish your choices from the choices that your character makes, learn to build a character quickly and then set them loose on the stage, and take the burden off of your decision making inside of scene and let your character do the talking. You will leave this elective with techniques for building characters quickly and you may even walk away with a character you like so much you want to build a show around him or her.
Wednesday, December 5, 7-9pm
Organic Improv with Clifton Highfield
This improv workshop will explore group work and character mimicry. Clifton Highfield (Institution instructor) will show you how to manipulate stage picture and shared focus while improvising with large groups. Learn how the improviser provides information without inventing it. Learn to use your body to free up new characters and vocal expression. Learn to listen with your eyes, mimic other improvisers, self audit, and play with ideas discovered within the moment.
Wednesday, December 12, 7-9pm
Bat Workshop with Justin Strackany
More than an improvised radio play or “Harold in the dark”, The Bat is a surrealist performance art piece performed completely in the dark. It relies on spoken word, rhythms and soundscapes to create atmosphere and emotion that transcends traditional concepts of character and narrative. In this workshop by Justin Strackany (New Movement coach and performer), you’ll learn how to “get out of your head” and exist completely in the moment of this transformative and exciting form.
Wednesday, December 19, 7-9pm
Directing Improv with Troy Miller
Whether acting as the “director” of live-on-stage improv show (like Keith Johnstone’s “Gorilla Theatre”, “Maestro”, etc.), directing your fellow improvisers in rehearsal, or directing your own actions as a performer, this workshop with Troy Miller (Hideout instructor and director) can guide you through how to analyze a scene in the blink of an eye, make strong choices, create energy and narrative arc, and find the right moment of conclusion. With stronger analytical skills, you will take your improv and storytelling to a whole new level.
