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TIM MOLLEN'S
IMPROV COMEDY WORKSHOPS
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
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An easygoing introduction to
improv in performance. |
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Simple, fun games to build
your confidence. |
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Sample games - FREEZE TAG,
ONE WORD STORY, BUS STOP. |
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Stress on stage basics
(volume, facing the audience, etc.). |
WEEK 2 - Physicality
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How to use body language,
posture, and movement to enliven a scene. |
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Sample games - FOREIGN FILM,
ANIMAL POSSESSION, PARTY QUIRKS. |
WEEK 3 - Emotions
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How to use active emotions to
form the foundation of a scene, or send it in a new direction. |
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Sample games - PASS THE
EMOTION, SUPERHERO EULOGY, EMOTIONAL SYMPHONY. |
WEEK 4 - Status
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Playing low or high status to
contrast with your fellow performer(s) and create dramatic tension. |
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Sample games - MIDDLE
MANAGEMENT, TIMELINE,
SPLIT SCREEN. |
WEEK 5 - Character
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Using accents, voices,
eccentricities and personality types to define and propel a scene. |
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Sample games - HITCHHIKER,
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, THE DATING GAME. |
WEEK 6 - Genres
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Exploration of presentational
styles from literature, film, TV and theatre. |
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Sample games - CHANGING
STYLES, FAIRY TALE REPLAY. |
WEEK 7 - Opposite Direction
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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. |
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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
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The group prepares to perform a complete
improv comedy show. |
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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.
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