'Make A Scene Improv' Launches Training Program for Long Form Improv Theater

Improvisational comedy, with its roots in Chicago, is growing in popularity in Central Ohio. There are now over 15 improv groups performing around town, with shows happening almost daily in such venues as Shadow Box Theater, Studio 35, the Garden Theater, MadLab, Wild Goose Creative, Shanes Dinner Theater and many other small clubs and bars. More and more people are interested in this form of theater as spectators and from the desire to perform. Many want to try it. They want to get on stage and see if they can make a scene without a script, without a safety net and only a suggestion from the audience.

Improv is generally broken down into short form, like "Whose Line is it Anyway", and long form which is akin to a play or sit-com that involves numerous interconnected characters and story-lines. Long form is like a play performed without a script. It's highly entertaining, engaging for audiences, and very fun. There are classes for learning the basics of improv and short form from such instructors as Jeff Gage at Improv- Columbus.com and a few others. But training opportunities for long form have been few and far between. "Make A Scene Improv", a partnership between Mike Weaver and Brad Shimp, is a new training organization developed to fill that void.

Weaver and Shimp have created an organization and curriculum that will teach the basics of long form improv.The beginning course will be divided into three units. Each unit will be three weeks long. Those new to long form would be encouraged to take all three units.The course is designed this way to offer a flexible, cost effective way for students to take as many classes as they can afford and as time will allow.All three units will be offered at various times during the year. Experienced improvisors may wish to take a specific unit(s) to brush up on their skills.

In the near future, the curriculum will be expanded to offer advanced long form classes and classes in other forms of long form improvisation.Workshops on specific topics and special skills are planned for teachers, students, businesses, and improv groups.Weaver and Shimp will develop and guide the training program and curriculum as the company grows.

Weaver is an improv veteran who has trained at The Upright Citizens Brigade in New York, Bay Area Theater Sports in San Francisco, Cinublue Productions in Columbus and with Armando Diaz, Keith Johnstone and many others. Mike performs regularly with Easily Amused Improv in Columbus and as a guest performer at The Black Box Improv Theater in Dayton. He is also a contributing consultant of the Applied Improvisation Network, a world wide network of improvisers and instructors. Weaver will be the instructor for the beginning classes and will coordinate additional instructors for advanced classes.

Shimp is an improvisor who has trained with Cinublue Productions in Columbus, with various local instructors such as Chris Lane and nationally known improvisers such as Susan Messing, Michael Gellman, Tara DeFransico and many others. Brad performs regularly with Not From Concentrate Improv in Columbus and with the Revelators, a "Harold" house team of First Beat Theater. Shimp is a co-producer of Improv Wars, Columbus' longest running improv show featuring the best of Columbus' growing improv community. In his previous life, Shimp was President/CEO of Community Capital Development Corporation where he helped to grow small businesses. Shimp will be the business manager for the venture handling business operations and logistics.

For more information, visit MakeASceneImprov.com.