Theater Games and Improvisation
Course Description
Summary
Whose class is this anyway? Yours! Improv is for everyone—just like life, it’s all about making it up as we go.
In this course, we’ll explore the fundamentals of improvisation through high-energy theater games, pattern and rhythm exercises, and ensemble-building activities. We’ll dive into character, object, and environment work while staying grounded, truthful, and spontaneous.
Inspired by improv greats like Viola Spolin, Paul Sills, Keith Johnstone, Del Close, and Mick Napier—as well as techniques from Second City, iO, National Comedy Theatre, and Upright Citizens Brigade—we’ll sharpen our skills and have a blast. And of course, we’ll cap it all off with a wild, anything-goes performance of improvised madness!
Learning Outcomes
- Honing the ability to listen and react in real time.
- Develop comfort with moment to moment work and unknown consequences.
- Engender a sense of play through performance.
- Learn to collaborate in an ensemble setting or with a partner.
- Begin to develop your comedic point of view a.k.a. "the comedic voice."
Corequisites
Completion of Dance or Drama lab assignment.