American Stage Announces 2014 Improvisation Training Program

For the first time in the Tampa Bay Area, American Stage is pleased to offer this unique program specializing in the art of long form improvisation training and performance. This program, divided into four sections, will guide participants through the foundations of improvisation as a performance medium and eventually place them in teams that will have the opportunity to perform in our Sunday Comedy Series**. All classes are taught by improvisation professionals. Our instructors have trained and worked with such groups as Second City and The Groundlings.

Improvisation Training Program

Section 1 - Organic Improv
Have you ever wondered how talented improvisers are able to create hilarious scenes seemingly out of nowhere? Then come learn the art of organic, long-form improvisation at American Stage! Following a sequential, step-by-step method developed by critically acclaimed improvisers Gavin Hawk and Ricky Wayne. Our instructors will teach you how to build funny scenes from the ground up, based on simple audience suggestions. Students will learn and put into practice core improv concepts like Acceptance, Give and Take, Status, and Space/Object Work. No matter what your improv experience level is, this ten-week course will show you how to create consistently interesting improvisation, culminating in a showcase that will delight and impress your friends and family.

Minimum: 10 students
Maximum: 20 students

Schedule: 10 Weeks
Winter: Saturdays, January 11 - March 15 (12:00pm - 2:00pm)
Final Performance: Sunday, March 16
Instructor: Gavin Hawk
Tuition: $240
Lab Fee: $30*

Section 2 - Premise Improv
Drawing on the principles of sketch comedy, premise improv picks up where organic improv left off. Our instructors will teach you how to create scenes from truthful sources such as stories, dreams, and interviews, and apply a comic premise to them. Students will learn and put into practice improv concepts such as finding the Game of the Scene, Heightening, and Walk-Ons, while learning about sketch comedy scene forms like Clash of Context, Inappropriate Response, and the Simple But Impossible Task. This ten-week class will take your improv to the next level, culminating in a showcase for your friends and family.

PREREQUISITE: Organic Improv and instructor approval.
Students must call 727-823-1600 x 201 to enroll over the phone.

Minimum: 10 students
Maximum: 16 students

Schedule: 10 Weeks
Winter: Saturdays, January 11 - March 15 (2:15pm - 4:15pm)
Final Performance: Sunday, March 16
Instructor: Gavin Hawk
Tuition: $250

Section 3 - Character Improv
The final piece in the improv trifecta, character work teaches the improviser to skillfully change their bodies, voices, and emotions in order to best fulfill their function in the scene. Students will learn how to quickly create an infinite number of characters by putting into practice improv concepts like Center/Eccentric, Point of View, and Character Mirroring. This ten-week class will stretch and define your comedic voice, culminating in a showcase for your friends and family.

PREREQUISITE: Premise Improv and instructor approval.
Students must call 727-823-1600 x 201 to enroll over the phone.

Minimum: 10 students
Maximum: 16 students

Schedule: 10 Weeks
Spring 2014: Dates TBA
Tuition: $250

Section 4 - Improv Forms
Building a structure on the foundations of scene and character work, improv forms gives improvisers the ability to create their own original and unique shows. Students will learn and put into practice improv techniques like Edits, Tag-Outs, and Group Scenes, as well as discover tried and true forms such as The Montage, The Harold, and The Living Room. This ten-week course will culminate in students creating their own original form and performing in a showcase for their friends and family.

PREREQUISITE: Character Improv and instructor approval.
Students must call 727-823-1600 x 201 to enroll over the phone.

Minimum: 10 students
Maximum: 16 students

Schedule: 10 Weeks
Fall 2014: Dates TBA
Tuition: $260

Classes subject to change and/or cancellation if enrollment is below the minimum number needed. Should this occur, your tuition will be fully refunded.

For more information or if you are having problems trying to enroll on-line, please call Meg Heimstead, the Director of Education, at 727-823-1600 x 201 or email her at mheimstead@americanstage.org.

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