ALLIGATOR IMPROV AND SELF EXPRESSION

Class dates: August 5th, 12, 19th, 26th, 6:30pm to 9pm, at the Bronson Center.

Optional pre-class "session zero": July 29th, drop by any time from 6pm to 9:30pm at Britania Beach on the large lawn /outcropping to the left of the beach (or on Zoom if the weather is bad)

In this class we'll be working on advanced longform skills, focusing on the Harold. We'll play with two approaches to the format. Game of the scene/premise based, and a more creative/free Chicago based style. The first two weeks we'll introduce the format and play more loosely with it, focusing on building group cohesion, strong relationships and specifics in scenes to build out our world, playing with some fun organic group games, and having fun with colisions. In the second two weeks we'll learn more about premise-based improv, game of the scene, framing, exploring and justifying unusual behavior, and heightening or repeating these games in our second and third beats. In our last class, we'll also discuss what kind of Harold style the class likes performing the most together, which will help us get ready for the class show. The class show performance will take place as a part of a variety show produced by the school. There will be at least one rehearsal before the show. Show Date is TBD but I'd like to make sure everyone can attend.

Any time we're learning a new skill, we learn best when we're applying those skills in a state of play. I highly encourage students to regularly attend jams in the city over the course of the class to practice applying their new skills in a more relaxed setting and free play format. All Alligator jams over the course of the class will be free for students. We will maintain a focus in class on group mind and group support over individual performance or clever bits. Even though we will also be practicing doing clever bits 😄. "There are no bad moves in improv, only bad support." I believe that this is true even and perhaps especially in advanced formats and shows.

I really believe that any player at any level could take this class, but I'm putting a experience level cap at two completed (at least 4 week) improv classes within the last 4 years (and if it's been longer than that, have at least the equivalent hours in jams/rehearsals/shows in the last 3 years) so that we can move efficiently through the curiculum.

There will be an optional "session zero" meetup at Britania Beach (or on zoom in case of thunder storms) a week before the first class where you can come meet and get to know your classmates in a more laid back environment, discuss what you're hoping to get out of the class, ask any questions you have about what we'll be learning, and play some games.

Alligator Improv class notebooks are on sale with the purchase of this class! The notebook includes improv definitions at the front of the book and a place to sign each other's books at the end of the class at the back!