TIM MOLLEN’S
IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOPS

In the Greater Binghamton, NY area, including Johnson City, Endicott, Vestal, Owego, and the rest of Broome and Tioga counties.

You’ve probably watched Whose Line Is It Anyway and thought to yourself, “Drew Carey looks horrible in a suit.” Well, I have nothing to add there. But you’ve probably also thought to yourself, “I’m funnier than Drew Carey. I could do this improv stuff!” Well, the time has come to prove it, Mr./Ms. Funnypants. These people did:

 

Under Tim’s tutelage, they became much funnier.

My eight-week workshop draws on the skills I’ve learned during years of creating, directing, and performing in improvisational comedy troupes. The goal of the class is to give you a comedic “toolbox” to use in creating improvisational scenes. Each week we’ll focus on a different tool to give scenes direction, energy, and flavor. After the final week of the workshop, we stage a special performance for the public and your invited friends and family, so you can show off what you’ve learned.  Each class begins with warm-up exercises, followed by three or more improv games. Time is also set aside for discussion of scenes, with an emphasis on positive reinforcement.

So did these guys. Now they’re flame-retardant and more fun at parties.

WEEK 1 - Introduction

• An easygoing introduction to improv in performance.

• Simple, fun games to build your confidence.

• Sample games - FREEZE TAG, ONE WORD STORY, BUS STOP.

• Stress on stage basics (volume, facing the audience, etc.).

WEEK 2 - Physicality

• How to use body language, posture, and movement to enliven a scene.

• Sample games - FOREIGN FILM, ANIMAL POSSESSION, PARTY QUIRKS.

WEEK 3 - Emotions

• How to use active emotions to form the foundation of a scene, or send it in a new direction.
  

• Sample games - PASS THE EMOTION, SUPERHERO EULOGY, EMOTIONAL SYMPHONY.

WEEK 4 - Status

• Playing low or high status to contrast with your fellow performer(s) and create dramatic tension.
  

• Sample games - MIDDLE MANAGEMENT, TIMELINE, SPLIT SCREEN.

WEEK 5 - Character

• Using accents, voices, eccentricities and personality types to define and propel a scene.
  

• Sample games - HITCHHIKER, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, THE DATING GAME.

WEEK 6 - Genres

• Exploration of presentational styles from literature, film, TV and theatre.
  

• Sample games - CHANGING STYLES, FAIRY TALE REPLAY.

WEEK 7 - Opposite Direction

• Individualized direction is given to each student in private at the beginning of class. The purpose is to challenge you to break your performing mold and use tools you wouldn’t ordinarily turn to in performance.

• Each student focuses on his or her direction for the entire class, expressing it onstage and off. The directions are revealed to and discussed by the group near the end of class.

WEEK 8 - Performance Rehearsal

• The group prepares to perform a complete improv comedy show.
  

• There is much rejoicing.

and then...

A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE TO STRUT YOUR COMIC STUFF!!!

Click here for details on the instructor’s improv and acting experience.