Check back regularly as more workshops will be added. Workshops are set to be held at the Lyric at the Plaza Theatre, however final times and locations are subject to change.
A Red Pass, which gets you into all workshops, is available for $150.
Use the following link to pay now via Paypal or email us for details on how to pay by check. A $3 service fee is added to all online purchases.
Going a la carte? Classes available and price lists are here.
To enroll in workshops, fill out this form and return to the address listed at the bottom of the form. All workshops will be limited to a certain number of participants. Anyone holding a Red Pass will be eligible to attend ANY workshop in which there is room. Red Pass holders are encouraged to use this form to register in advance, to make sure they get into the workshops in which they are most interested. This list is not final. Other workshops may still be added, and times may be modified. Workshop placement is not guaranteed until money has been received.
Please note that Sweet Ride with Susan Messing and Group Pretty with Susan Messing have SOLD OUT.
Head back to the main workshops page for information on the instructors.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Bat with Joe Bill
10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (There will be a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
The Bat was developed by the iO Chicago House Group Georgia Pacific in the 90's under the direction of Joe Bill. It's a souped up, 'Blind Harold' (Harold done in the dark), and has been performed, in various incarnations, all over the world. It's been 6 years since Joe has workshopped the form, and it emphasizes bold vocal choices, listening, sound scape & sound effects, crisp scenes, jump cuts, concurrent and overlapping scenes, and mildly explores String and Chaos Theory. It is 100% fun.
BANG: GO: Setting Your Hair on Fire with Tyler Bryce
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This class focuses on the beginning of scenes. Learn how to make your scenes begin (and end) with a bang by focusing on the power of the arbitrary emotional choice.
New Games Workshop with Tyler Bryce
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Many troupes have a list of short form games that they play. This class will focus on learning how to develop new games to add to their repertoire. Bring a notebook.
"Off on a Tangent" or "Using your Whiteboard" with Shane McClure & Sue Ellen Reiman
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ways of sending your improv suggestions far away and back home again.
Device Art with Amanda Austin
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
While walk-ons and tap-outs are beautiful devices when used correctly, they often cause problems when used incorrectly. In this workshop we'll discuss the proper techniques to executing these popular devices including mechanics and heightening.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Take the Ending! with James Murray
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever watched an improv scene that should have ended minutes ago? Have you ever been in that scene? This workshop will focus on finding the best times to end a scene/game and leave your audience wanting more. We'll also talk about what to do when you've missed the best moment or ending.
Sweet Ride with Susan Messing - SOLD OUT
10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (There will be a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
If you're not having fun, YOU'RE the #$%hole. This workshop focuses on specific things you can tweak in your own work so that you're always having a wonderful time, no matter whom you're playing with or where you're improvising.
Power Characters with Joe Bill
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The focus of Power Characters will be bringing the power of emotional depth and specific point of view to Characters from the moment the scene starts. In understanding the vital differences of how to play Short Form vs. Long Form Characters, you will walk away with tools you can use to find more confidence in playing characters in any Improv context. Personal feedback rounds out the workshop.
Power Scenes with Joe Bill
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
After quickly applying the lessons of Power Characters, (there will be a cliff's notes review at top of workshop for those that don't take Characters), we'll then launch into the acting part of Power Scenes...extending improvised characters farther into scenes with compelling presence, and using LISTENING tools to dynamically forward scenes, as you unite the character you're playing with your inner director and inner playwright.
SO WHAT? Raise the Stakes and Improve Your Scenes with Tim Marks
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Make the Audience Care. THEN they'll laugh. Tim's class focuses on using emotion, raising the stakes, and creating scenes that an audience can give a crap about.
Improvised Rap with Clint and Buck Vrazel
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This workshop will have you laying down beats, rhymes, and unforgettable hooks before you can say "Baby Got Back." Whether you're new to rap, looking to break old habits, or just wanting an improv challenge, this is the workshop for you. Buck and Clint will demystify rhyme, flow, hooks, imagery, beatboxing and more with fun foundational drills and games that build skills you'll want to use every time you warm-up or improvise any song lyrics, Shakespeare, or poetry. If you ever wanted to make your own rap video, add some lyrical and rhythmic style to your improv scenes, or be able to throw down at a rap battle, this is the place to KICK IT!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Developing Character Voice with Jodi Nestander
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Build your character repertoire by working thru exploring stereotypes, grounding characters in reality, using dialect and inflection to add variety, and committing to character vocal choices throughout scenework. The goal of this class is to help the attendee expand upon, broaden, or otherwise improve his or her character-driven improv scenes.
Group Pretty with Susan Messing -- SOLD OUT
10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (There will be a lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Using elements of story theatre, symmetry, flying safety and dance, your group can look gorgeous. Immediate and guaranteed.
Emotions=Relationship=Game with Will Luera
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
We are constantly bombarded with thoughts on what these mean. Some people feel that Emotions are key...some feel that Relationships are key...and others feel that its all about the game. This workshop will show you how are three are talking about the same thing but just from different perspectives.
Will Luera and the New Improv Show Factory
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We're all looking for "the show". The one that speaks to our comic sensibilities, challenges us to be better performers and always leaves us feeling good when we walk off the stage. The most important step in finding that show is allowing yourself to take that first creative step by yourself or with a scene partner. In this workshop we will focus on brainstorming ideas, committing to a concept and then performance.