Advanced Improvisation: The Game of the Scene
Course Description
Summary
Advanced Improvisation is an in-depth study of improvised comedy scene work. The central theme of this course is finding and playing “Game.” In order to find a Game in a long form improvised scene, you typically need to be able to answer three questions: What is the situation? What is the first unusual thing? If this is true, then what else is true. We’ll be building upon the basics learned in Theater Games and Improvisation (keeping things simple, listening, reacting, agreement, accepting offers, commitment, playing at the top of your intelligence, being specific) to help us find Game in both ‘premise-based’ and ‘organic’ scenes. This course emphasizes character development through exercises and scene work, while introducing advanced improv theory and technique. You will be encouraged to make strong emotional and character choices. This course is fully in-person and has THREE class shows.Prerequisites
Theater Games and Improvisation or equivalent improv experience. Permission of instructor upon receipt of a brief, 2 min. Video Statement of Interest [via YouTube link]. Video Statement of Interest: What is your interest in comedy/improv and what do you hope to gain by taking this course? Who's your favorite comedian and why? What would your first executive action be if you were President of Ź College? Hilarious answers only, please. Send these BRIEF YouTube videos to me at: shawtanebowen@bennington.edu by Nov. 18th at 5 p.m. Late submissions will not be accepted!
Please contact the faculty member : shawtanebowen@bennington.edu