Class descriptions
Improv Fundamentals
Starting with "Yes-and," students will then explore object work and environment, basic scene editing, and how to use a suggestion to start a scene. Focus will be placed on playing with emotion, character, and relationship. Students will be introduced to the simple longform structure, The Montage.
Intermediate Improv
In Intermediate Improv, students will be introduced to the concept of Game, learn additional edit techniques (focus edits, tag-outs), discover how to create second beats and connections, plus learn how to pull premises from a monologue opening. Students will put this all together to create the improv format The Armando. If you've already taken a beginner's class at any other theater or have commensurate improv experience, consider jumping in here.
Advanced Improv
In Advanced Improv students will focus on a single longform structure. Prerequisite: At least two levels of improv at any theater or commensurate experience.
Drop-In Workshops
On the last Sunday of every month we hold our Drop-In Workshops lead by one of our veteran teachers. Whether you're just starting out or further honing your craft, this is the perfect place to dive into improv. Students will learn how to focus and heighten their scenes with just a few simple techniques.
Classes
Teachers
Don Romaniello
Don Romaniello (he/him) has been improvising off and on for twenty five years, studying at The Magnet, The Annoyance, Reckless, and UCB Theaters. He’s been on numerous house teams at the Magnet, and his notable past projects include the Baroque musical improv Rococo Puffs and commedia dell'arte-inspired The Mask Show. As an instructor, he has the rare distinction of coaching a house team at the Magnet Theater. His on-stage calm suffuses his approach in the studio, giving every student the room to really relax and grow on stage.
Michael Short
Artistic Director Michael Short (he/they) has been performing improv since 2000 as a founding member of his college's improv group. Over the years he has trained with notable improv theaters like the Second City, the Magnet, the Annoyance, and the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. He's been a part of house ensembles at the Magnet and Annoyance and has performed on improv stages across the country. In 2014 and 2015 Michael worked for the Second City as one of their performers aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines in weekly sketch and improv shows.
Stacey Venzel
Stacey Venzel (she/her) has performed on the stage in Ohio, Florida, Washington, and New York, including improv training in Chicago at Annoyance! and Improv Olympic. She has also acted in numerous film productions, but improv is her first love. Acting is both a hobby and side career alongside a decade of work in wildlife conservation and veterinary medicine and now, a career as an elementary teacher. She finds improv frequently comes in handy for the latter. Her adult life has taken her all over the world seeking adventure and culture. Stacey is also a published author and freelance writer.